The Office of Sustainability and Resiliency Newsletter
Brown and Green
The Office of Sustainability and Resiliency Newsletter
AVP's Message
As spring unfolds into summer, nature's renewal offers wisdom and promise. Spring teaches us that renewal isn't always dramatic or instantaneous. It unfolds gradually, day by day, through consistent small efforts. Many of us feel the weight of environmental concerns, social divisions, and global challenges, but I find hope in our collective actions.
When we choose sustainable practices, advocate for environmental protections, or simply take time to reconnect with the natural world around us, we participate in a collective renewal. Each mindful decision— combating climate change, reducing waste, conserving resources, supporting environmental justice —represents a commitment to hope and possibility. I encourage our readers to learn more about the great collective work happening across the University and consider what ways we can each promote a more sustainable world in our classes, offices, homes, and daily lives.
As we welcome the summer season, let's embrace both hope and action, drawing inspiration from nature's persistent optimism.
-Jessica Berry, Assistant Vice President
NEWS@BROWN
Dining's Reusable Container Initiative
Brown University’s ReusePass program kicked off the spring semester with exciting news—receiving the Excellence Award in Environmental Stewardship in recognition of its campus-wide impact. Since launching, the program has had 5,603 students sign up for the program and facilitated over 70,000 reusable container rentals. If you regularly eat at Sharpe Refectory or Verney Woolley, please consider singing up for the program via the informational link below.
Equitable Climate Futures Initiative
The Equitable Climate Futures (ECF) initiative at Brown University launched on November 22, 2024, with a faculty town hall aimed at fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to address environmental challenges. The goal is to form working groups comprised of researchers and community members to conduct community-oriented climate research. Faculty directors Baylor Fox-Kemper and Elizabeth Fussell emphasized integrating science with social sciences and incorporating community input, especially from historically marginalized communities. The initiative has secured funding from the Office of the Provost through December 2026, with each working group receiving $20,000 to $60,000 annually. The first four working groups were recently selected. Please see the link below to learn more about the newly awarded projects and the ECF program.
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Clean Break 2025
Clean Break is a program planned and coordinated by the Office of Sustainability & Resiliency during student move-out at the end of each academic year. Volunteers play a critical role in the success of this program by helping divert useful items (which are often thrown away during move-out) from the landfill and into the Providence community. This year, Clean Break Donation Days will begin May 12th and continue through May 22nd.
Earth Week 2025
Over Earth Week 2025, the Office of Sustainability and Resiliency was pleased to host a career panel focused on local and state government career paths. A huge thanks to this year's panelists:
Karen Bradbury, Administrator, Energy Legislation & Programs, Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources
Ryan Mulcahey, Director of Legislative Affairs, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Nicholas Wyllie, Conservation Agent/Environmental Planner, Dept. of Planning & Development City of Attleboro
Sheila Dormody, Chief of Policy and Resiliency, City of Providence
Stephanie Moniz, Training and Education Coordinator, Groundworks RI
Seed Grant 2025
These grants seek to provide faculty, students, and staff with opportunities to advance sustainability research, teaching and community engagement while contributing to Brown's sustainability goals as articulated in the University Sustainability Strategic Plan. Please refer to the Call for Proposals for further details and instructions for proposal submission. Applications for Seed Grants will open in early Fall 2025.
R.I. News:
R.I.'s Largest Solar Energy Project: Dry Bridge Project
On November 19, 2024, Brown University announced the activation of the Dry Bridge solar project in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. This large-scale renewable energy development generates approximately 66.8 million kilowatt-hours annually, offsetting about two-thirds of the University's on-campus electricity consumption. Located on a 240-acre former gravel pit, Dry Bridge stands as one of the state's highest-capacity contiguous solar generation projects. This initiative aligns with Brown's commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, positioning the University as a leader in climate solutions and decarbonization.
U.S. News:
Climate Change Helped Fuel the Southern California Fires
Climate change made the recent Los Angeles wildfires 35% more likely, according to World Weather Attribution. The Palisades and Eaton fires, which burned 37,000 acres, were intensified by extreme weather patterns—heavy rains last winter spurred vegetation growth, followed by an extended drought that dried it into fire fuel. Strong Santa Ana winds, with gusts over 150 mph, further spread the flames. Scientists warn that wildfire seasons are becoming longer and more intense across the Western U.S. due to rising global temperatures. They stress the need for better fire prevention, ignition control, and responsible land development to protect communities from worsening wildfire risks.
World News:
Total collapse of Vital Atlantic Currents is Unlikely This Century
A new study finds that while a total collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is unlikely this century, a severe weakening is probable and would still have devastating global consequences. AMOC, a crucial ocean current system, is destabilizing due to global warming and Greenland’s melting ice, though predicting its collapse is challenging due to limited direct measurements and uncertainties in historical data. Using 34 advanced climate models, researchers found that while AMOC could weaken by 20-80%, it is unlikely to completely shut down before 2100, largely due to winds in the Southern Ocean sustaining circulation. However, even a significant weakening would disrupt global rainfall patterns, intensify extreme weather, raise sea levels, and threaten food security for billions. Scientists stress that while a total collapse may be delayed, urgent climate action is needed to mitigate further destabilization and improve model accuracy for future projections.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
In Providence, the disparity in the tree canopy coverage across neighborhoods have significant implications for health and environmental equity, leaving some areas more vulnerable to extreme heat and its effects. Brown University students and faculty are collaborating with the Providence Neighborhood Planting Program (PNPP) to address these issues. Tabatha Hirsch ’25 is working on a thesis that examines how trees can mitigate urban heat through shade and evapotranspiration, focusing on heat vulnerability in schoolyards.
Another student, Kevin Carter ’25 combined his studies in data and environmental studies by cleaning and organizing tree data sets for PNPP, facilitating the creation of GIS-based visualizations to assess tree planting equity over time. Additionally, Noreen Chen ’27 utilized GIS tools to align Tree Equity Score maps with local neighborhood boundaries, making the data more accessible for community planning.
All of these initiatives are part of a broader effort to use spatial analysis and community engagement to promote environmental justice and improve public health outcomes in Providence. Please read more about this great campus and community collaboration effort at the link below.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Julia Vaz '25, a Political Science and Modern Culture & Media concentrator, took EEPS 1400: Climate Modeling (Qualitative Track) in Fall 2024, which deepened her understanding of climate science and communication. The course, taught by Professors Mara Freilich and Emanuele Di Lorenzo, explores climate modeling principles and their relevance to pressing environmental challenges. In her article, Vaz examines the Amazon’s "flying rivers"—the vast evapotranspiration system that recycles rainfall and sustains the ecosystem. Scientists warn that deforestation and climate change are disrupting this cycle, potentially pushing the Amazon past a tipping point that could accelerate global warming. Research suggests that even under optimistic emissions scenarios, the loss of the Amazon could raise global temperatures beyond expected levels. Though the exact point of no return remains uncertain due to climate system complexity, experts emphasize the urgency of action, advocating for sustainable economic models that protect the forest and its people.
LOCAL VENDOR SPOTLIGHT
New Harvest Coffee
New Harvest Coffee Roasters, a specialty coffee company based in Providence, Rhode Island, has been a proud supplier to Brown University's dining services, delivering approximately 70,000 pounds of coffee annually to cafes across the College Hill campus. Established in 2000, New Harvest is committed to sourcing high-quality beans through direct relationships with family-owned farms, ensuring both quality and sustainability. Beyond their wholesale operations, they operate a café and roastery at 10 Sims Ave., Unit 101, in Providence, where visitors can enjoy a variety of coffee blends and participate in educational classes about coffee brewing and appreciation.
SUSTAINABILITY TIPS
Green packing:
Reusing packing materials and choosing eco-friendly alternatives help reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of shipping and storage. By repurposing boxes, bubble wrap, and paper from previous packages, or using sustainable options like biodegradable packing peanuts and recycled materials, you can cut down on excess waste and resource consumption. Being mindful of unnecessary packaging and opting for reusable or recyclable materials ensures a more sustainable approach to packing while reducing landfill waste and conserving natural resources.
Carry reusable water bottles:
Carry reusable water bottles to reduce single-use plastic waste and minimize environmental impact. By choosing a durable, refillable bottle, you help decrease plastic pollution, conserve resources, and save money while staying hydrated throughout the day.
Make conscious summer choices:
Make conscious summer choices by opting for eco-friendly travel, reducing energy use, and practicing water conservation. Whether it's choosing public transportation, using reef-safe sunscreen, or minimizing waste during outdoor activities, small, mindful actions help protect the environment and promote a more sustainable lifestyle.
Recycle:
Proper recycling ensures that materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal can be transformed into new products, conserving valuable resources and reducing the need for raw materials extraction. By familiarizing yourself with local recycling guidelines and making a conscious effort to separate recyclables from trash, you can play a significant role in preserving the planet for future generations. If you live or work in Rhode Island, please consult the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation's A-Z guide for more information on how to dispose of specific items in the state.
Reduce air conditioning:
Reduce air conditioning use by setting the thermostat a few degrees higher, using fans, and keeping blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day. Energy-efficient cooling habits lower electricity consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help combat climate change while keeping your space comfortable.
Eat locally:
Eat locally to support sustainable food systems, reduce carbon emissions from transportation, and enjoy fresher, seasonal produce. Shopping at farmers' markets or choosing locally sourced ingredients minimizes the environmental impact of your meals while benefiting local economies and small-scale farmers.
Explore More!
“The environmental crisis under way is unique in human history. It is a true existential crisis. Those alive today will decide the fate of humanity. Meanwhile, the leaders of the most powerful state in human history are dedicating themselves with passion to destroying the prospects for organized human life. At the same time, there is a solution at hand, which is the Green New Deal. Putting meat on the bones of the Green New Deal starts with a single simple idea: we have to absolutely stop burning fossil fuels to produce energy within the next 30 years at most; and we have to do this in a way that also supports rising living standards and expanding opportunities for working people and the poor throughout the world. This version of a Green New Deal program is, in fact, entirely realistic in terms of its purely economic and technical features. The real question is whether it is politically feasible. Chomsky and Pollin examine how we can build the political force to make a global Green New Deal a reality.” -Verso Books