Environmental degradation looms as the 21st century's biggest challenge. But is USC doing enough?
The winning green team
With the program in its fourth season, vendors know the drill. They know to use compostable materials — and they are happy to participate in conservation efforts.
USC Teaching Garden
The USC Teaching Garden has planted over 80,000 crops of different varieties over the last two years.
A toxic breeze
As an oil drilling operator attempts to restart operations following a 2013 shutdown, local activists are stepping up.
A BETTER PLAN
As one sustainability plan nears its end, students push for the next one to be stronger.
GREEN HOUSE
At this 28th Street house, students have built an eco-friendly community.
Editor's Note
At this very moment, we are on the precipice of change. In a year characterized by extreme hurricanes and catastrophic wildfires, the country is still grappling with its place in the global fight against climate change. But while USC searches for a new president and plans to improve the ailing football program, students and members of the University community also face the threat of environmental degradation — with detrimental effects looming beyond the horizon of USC’s tree-lined campus.
Since 2015, the University has been making an effort to tackle various environmental issues with its first-ever sustainability plan. But is it doing enough to overcome these unrelenting challenges?
In “Speck of Green,” the Daily Trojan highlights various facets of life at USC — from a student housing operation on 28th Street to an academic research program on Catalina Island — to answer this very question. And in doing so, we hope to start a campus-wide conversation about how the University can foster a new culture of sustainability and environmental consciousness.
Allen Pham
Editor-in-Chief
Letters to the Editor
Outside perspectives on the environment
From the faculty: USC must fully commit to sustainability
From the students: USC must place more emphasis on sustainability