Sustainable Development Role and Responsibility of the University

Transcription

1 Sustainable Development Role and Responsibility of the University Jean-Louis Armand Laurent Grélot University of Aix-Marseille

2 Mission of the university: To contribute to society through the pursuit, dissemination and application of knowledge As such, the university now has a duty and responsibility to promote sustainable development in all aspects of its activities in teaching, research and technology transfer It applies to its operation and planning as well

3 University Charter for Sustainable Development : Set a model in implementing and promoting an ecofriendly attitude and awareness through systematic actions such as recycling, energy efficiency and use of alternative energy sources Establish a process of continuous improvement starting from an initial and thorough assessment of the situation, with regular monitoring and reporting

4 University Charter for Sustainable Development : Creation of an institute-wide committee comprised of representatives from administration, faculty, staff, students in charge of defining an implementing the sustainable development policy Committee meets on a regular basis to define and implement a phased plan of action complete with indicators Institute incorporates sustainability into long-term planning

5 University Charter for Sustainable Development : Include in the specifications for purchases environmental and societal performance indicators to encourage responsible purchasing Promote collective transportation on campus Use opportunities offered by ICT to reduce environmental impact and promote universal access to knowledge Organize collective events centering upon sustainability, communicate at all levels

6 Marseille generates 10% of CO 2 emitted by all of France The Marseille area is among the 4 most polluted by ozone in Europe (together with Athens, Madrid, Genoa) The university spends 4 million $ annually on fluids, half of it on electricity 100 tons of paper are consumed annually

7 University Charter for Sustainable Development : Encourage the consideration of sustainable development in research and development activities not falling directly under the realm of sustainability science Within each program, introduce a trans-disciplinary module tailored to the implementation of sustainable development in the domain considered and the occupations it prepares to, offer training assignments and/or projects related to the implementation of the policy of sustainable development of the institution

8 Introduction of courses in ethics in engineering curricula Engineers have a complex relationship to the environment - they have helped to produce some of the environmental problems that plague human society - they also can design projects, products and processes that reduce or eliminate these same threats to environmental integrity

9 Introduction of courses in ethics in engineering curricula What obligations should engineers assume with regard to the environment? Need for opening up the consciousness of future engineers to the concept of sustainability

10 Climate change is an ethical problem Problem caused by some people in one part of the world that puts others and the natural resources on which they depend at great risk The harms to these other people are not mere inconveniences but in some cases catastrophic losses of life or the ability to sustain life Those who are vulnerable to climate change can t petition their governments to act to protect them but must rely upon a hope that a sense of justice and responsibility of those causing the problem will motivate them to change their behavior

11 Climate change is a reality and action is justified A series of controversies fueled by skeptics has provided ammunition to those who doubt the seriousness of the problem The Northern hemisphere past cold winters have hurt and perceptions have changed The problem lies not with the science itself, but with the way the science has been used by politicians to imply certainty

12 Climate change is a reality and action is justified Most research supports the idea that warming is man-made Sources of doubt that have seemed plausible in the past have been in large part resolved, though more work is needed Uncertainty nevertheless argues for, not against, action There is an urgent need for change in the way in which governments use science to make their case.

13 Sustainable design Challenges and opportunities of designing products, processes and systems with a sustainability perspective Technical complexities of approaches incorporating sustainability factors as explicit performance criteria Interfaces with the socio-economic, cultural and political context Ensuring transfer of knowledge across engineering disciplines

14 Sport and sustainable development Sport means all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organized participation, aim at expressing or improving physical fitness and mental well-being, forming social relationships or obtaining results in competition at all levels European sports charter (Council of Europe) : To protect and develop the moral and ethical bases of sport, and the human dignity and safety of those involved in sport, by safeguarding from exploitation from political, commercial and financial gain and from practices that are abusive or debasing

15 Sport and sustainable development The practice of sport and physical activities has a definite impact on the environment and ecosystems - equipment - infrastructure - sporting events : * noise, pollution, waste production * organization, transportation

16 2007 Rugby World Cup Carbon footprint : metric tons of CO 2 equivalent of which tons for the organization tons for the transportation of spectators Equivalent to the yearly emissions of Samoa ASEAN candidate to host the Soccer World Cup in 2030?

17 Advancing global sustainability Currently unilateral knowledge transfer from the industrialized world (North) to the developing world (South) Need for knowledge exchange learning about indigenous knowledge and traditional designs developed and adapted for local people and places

18 Advancing global sustainability Innovations in science and technology can lead the way to fundamental changes in the quantity and type of energy and materials used to improve quality of life and advance prosperity while protecting and restoring natural systems Incorporation of cutting edge thinking and elegant solutions based on experience and tradition

19 Challenges Most pressing needs in institutions forming future leaders of the developing and emerging world Need for quality education involving exchanges and appropriate networks promoting North-South and South-South cooperation Programs suited to local conditions, needs and perceptions

20 THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE Change our behaviour at personal, social, economic and cultural levels through education, public awareness and training

21 cảm ơn sự chú ý của bạn どうも有り難うございました Thank you! Please come visit us in Marseille

22