Image courtesy of Sustainability Partnership International
I was fortunate to attend an event last night at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where Debra Rowe, Ph.D. spoke on sustainability for the future. Dr. Rowe is a sustainability expert who works with businesses, educators and government agencies like the Pentagon on issues of sustainability. Dr. Rowe is the president of the U.S. Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development. She is also a professor of energy management, renewable energy technology and psychology. This is one impressive woman.
She spoke of the importance of sustainability in education. The line of thought out there is that all students should be fluent in sustainable practices by the time they leave school. Employers and businesses now look for people who understand the triple bottom line; Profit, People and Planet. Countries like Sweden have sustainable curriculum from K through 12 and beyond.
Do you know the definition of sustainability? The official definition is “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” as defined by the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development.
Dr. Rowe’s message was that we all have to be involved in moving to a sustainable way of life. It is not about the planet; it is about humans living, and living in a healthier, happier way. If you ever have a chance to hear Dr. Debra Rowe speak, go. She is inspiring and passionate. I even had the opportunity to talk with her after she spoke. That was quite an honor.
I’m posting links for you to learn more about Dr. Rowe, as well as links that she recommended with information on sustainability.
U.S. Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development
Earth Policy is where you can download for free Plan B: Mobilizing to Save Civilization by Lester Brown.
My Footprint is where you can go to see how big your carbon footprint is.
