December 20, 2021

Dear SENR Community,  

At 11 a.m. tomorrow (December 21) our Earth spins into its maximum 23.5-degree tilt.  

For us in Ohio and across the Northern Hemisphere our darkest date will soon pass, and days will get brighter and lighter ahead.  

It was a challenging year that presented moments of opportunity and growth. In our many varied roles here in SENR, we commit time to study, share and further understanding of Earth’s interacting human and ecological systems. We have watched the topic of “climate change” take center stage in global discourse for years while the pathways for current and future generations to grapple with this change and its impacts feel, at least to me, increasingly unclear.  

The 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 26) and other recent global and national frameworks offer some signals for coordinated mitigation and adaptation priorities.  

I invite you to consider learning from our colleague Dr. Michael Charles (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineer, Sustainability Expert, and Advocate for Indigenous Peoples at Ohio State) who sat down with Callia Téllez (Ohio Environmental Council) to share about his experiences at COP 26 and how the Indigenous Caucus participated in, and affected, climate change policy and negotiation at COP 26.

Building hope in a space and movement where change feels unlikely

We felt it appropriate to highlight in this interview where Dr. Charles finds hope going forward. Téllez holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy and Decision Making with Research Distinction from our School.  

To expand our network of professionals and our broad understanding of the myriad of strategies to address climate change, the EPN is trying out a new pairing – finance and sustainability – to kick off our 2022 programming.  

Drawing in part upon reflections and conversations with a recent SENR Alum – Andrew Shea ’18 MAE, ’18 EEDS (Global Sustainable Finance, Morgan Stanley) and two distinguished colleagues, Dr. Satyajit Bose (Sustainability Management, Columbia University) and Sandy Nessing (Director of Corporate Sustainability, American Electric Power) will share their experiences in decarbonization of organizational assets using various managerial and financial instruments. This will include a perspective from AEP regarding what removing coal from their energy portfolio looks like. Sign up for EPN's January 18 virtual or in-person options here.  

A joy of my work is meeting diverse environmental professionals and natural resource enthusiasts from the many fields our school impacts and advances. Being in conversation and in the same room together adds much excitement and inspiration to my work. Look at the photos from our December 7 EPN to recognize some familiar faces (or at least eyes and hair!) as well as the faces of our future. Let’s continue the work in the coming year. 

Wishing you all the best on behalf of Cecil, myself and the many who value and feel our school’s impact, happy holidays and excited to work with you in the new year.  

Joe Campbell  
campbell.844@osu.edu