Capturing Carbon Webinar Discusses Sustainability Goals

By CAMI ARMENDARIZ Sun Staff Writer

Amid a constantly evolving climate, carbon sequestration is regarded as one of the most critical ecosystem services, involving the capture, preservation and longterm storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Student and Public Engagement Coordinator of the Cornell Botanic Gardens Kevin Moss hosts “Verdant Views” every month — a webinar series focused on topics related to plants, gardens, conservation and sustainability.

The latest installment, “Capturing Carbon: Nature-based Solutions to the Climate Crisis,” was held on Thursday, Feb. 23.

Attendees of the webinar learned how the 3,725 acres of biologically diverse landscapes on and around the Cornell campus capture carbon, as well what actions must be taken to ensure the continued success in mitigating the effects of climate change.

Moss invited local scientists to discuss what it will take for the campus to decarbonize equitably. Panelists shared their insights into how much carbon the botanical gardens’ natural areas and other Cornell forests are capturing, how the data was obtained and what the numbers mean to Cornell’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2035. issues students face on campus, yet they continue to fail to address student concerns.”

As Ithaca’s average temperatures have increased by approximately 2 F since 1970, Cornell’s Botanic Gardens utilize some of the world’s most efficient carbon capture technology — plants. The Cornell Botanic Gardens serve as a critical carbon sink that absorbs atmospheric carbon dioxide through the process of photosynthesis, converting it into organic matter that is stored in the soil and plant tissues.

Each year, the forests, shrublands and meadows capture enough carbon to make a substantial contribution toward achieving a carbon-neutral campus.

The Natural Areas sequester 10,685 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.

“[This accounts for] 5.2 percent of the University’s total carbon emissions, or 40 percent of faculty and staff vehicle commuting, or 43 percent of air travel carbon emissions”, said Todd Bitner, director of natural areas at the Cornell Botanic Gardens.

When the Basic Needs Coalition advocated for a basic needs center at Cornell at an Oct. 6 S.A. meeting, Pollack said that Cornell currently provides adequate resources for low-income and minority students.

Although Valencia expressed disappointment that Resolution 15 did not receive the support the S.A. expected it would, she also recognized that the University may possibly lack adequate funding to support a permanent M.D. gynecologist.

“I believe that President Pollack’s lack of support for this resolution, despite it being passed by both the S.A. and the U.A., comes from the fact that Cornell Health might not have the resources to hire an M.D. gynecologist,” Valencia wrote in a statement to The Sun.

Still, Valencia stated that the S.A. remains hopeful that an M.D. gynecologist will be implemented in the near future.

On the other hand, Chowdhury said she believes that political will, rather than funding issues, drove Pollack’s