Suffolk Reporter

In response to a severe storm in Suffolk County, New York, Stony Brook University demonstrated its commitment to climate resilience. The storm, occurring last August, resulted in over nine inches of rainfall within 24 hours, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and prompting significant response efforts from the university community.

Interim President Richard L. McCormick, who had just assumed office, emphasized the importance of climate change conversations. “Stony Brook University seeks to advance conversations on climate change and its implications for our state, nation and the world,” he stated.

McCormick represented Stony Brook University at Climate Week NYC, sharing insights from the university’s response to the storm. The event, held in collaboration with the United Nations and the City of New York, underscored the university’s role in addressing climate challenges. “Nowhere is the connection between knowledge, education, and addressing critical societal issues more clear than through our work in climate,” McCormick said.

In 2023, Stony Brook was named the anchor institution of The New York Climate Exchange, a non-profit center for climate solutions. McCormick, co-chair of the Exchange’s Board, expressed the university’s dedication to fostering partnerships and research. "We are honored to be able to serve in this leadership capacity,” he remarked.

The Collaborative for the Earth (C4E), established two years ago by Carl Lejuez, aims to amplify climate-focused work within the university and engage external stakeholders. Heather Lynch, director of C4E, highlighted the climate urgency: “The urgency of climate change has become all too clear.”

Stony Brook has organized various initiatives to address climate issues, including field trips to offshore wind farms, led by Lynch. “Our students deserve every opportunity to take advantage of those career opportunities,” she commented.

Kevin Reed, Stony Brook’s associate provost for climate and sustainability, stressed the importance of partnerships. “Building partnerships across disciplines, sectors and communities is paramount to developing climate solutions that will be usable by the groups who need them the most,” said Reed.

Stony Brook is also expanding its educational programs with a new university-wide strategic effort to enhance its climate, environment, and energy initiatives. A new one-credit "pop-up" class on climate change exemplifies the university’s focus on collaboration and interdisciplinarity.

Carl Lejuez emphasized the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to climate solutions. “Our best chance, at Stony Brook and around the world, must include ideas, perspectives and expertise from all disciplines," he stated.

Stony Brook University continues to position itself as a leader in climate research and education, fostering dialogue and innovation around environmental challenges.