Salem State began celebrating Earth Days in 2000. The April event has grown to encompass a judged research poster competition, an art exhibition and competition, and a series of lectures, panels, films and activities. These events bring renowned researchers, activists and officials to campus to engage students, faculty, staff, alumni and the larger community. View a summary of the 2021 celebration.
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Earth Days 2022 | April 5 - 15
The theme is “Climate Crises: Actions for a Just and Livable World.” The celebration will feature a poster competition, art competition and – new this year – a writing competition. Details are available on Canvas for the entire Salem State community.
Tuesday, March 22
Lecture by Professor John Hayes
Climate action and climate resiliency planning by cities, county, and regional governments to confront and mitigate climate change. View the recording.
Professor John Hayes, Salem State Geography Department.
Sponsored by the Center for Research and Creative Activities and the Frederick E. Berry Library, Salem State University.
Tuesday, April 5
Lecture by Professor Noel Healy | 7 - 8 pm
Lecture: Tackling climate change and inequality together: The case for a Green New Deal
Professor Noel Healy, Salem State Geography and Sustainability Department.
Sponsored by the Center for Research and Creative Activities and the Frederick E. Berry Library, Salem State University.
Thursday, April 7
Film: "2040" | 5:20 - 7 pm
Meier Hall 444
Join campuses nationwide for simultaneous viewing of this inspiring film about the future we could create if we embraced the best climate solutions available today. Popcorn will be provided.
Sponsored by the Geological Sciences Department and the Earth Science Association.
Environmental Justice Book Display, April 7 – 30
Frederick E. Berry Library
Environmental Justice is the focus of the rotating collection in the Library’s IDEA (Inclusiveness, Diversity, Equity, and Awareness) Den in April. Sit in one of the comfy chairs just inside the library entryway and browse some good books on this important topic.
Monday, April 11
Research Poster Competition | 11 am - 12:30 pm
Veterans Hall, Ellison Campus Center
The Earth Days research poster competition is the only judged undergraduate research competition at Salem State. Outstanding student work is eligible to receive cash prizes through the generosity of the Tefferteller Peace Fellowship. Details concerning submissions and judging can be found on Canvas.
Campus Cleanup and Pizza Party | 11 am - 1:30 pm
This event is open exclusively to Salem State University students.
Alumni Plaza, Ellison Campus Center
All supplies will be provided.
Sponsored by the Student Government Association
Art Exhibition and Competition | April 11 - April 22
Library Quad
“What Matters Most?” Play through a mini-golf course designed by SSU art students. Obtain a putter from the Library Help Desk, play the course and vote for your favorite hole. This course will be moving to the Old Town Hall area in Salem on April 26. It will be open to the public as part of Culture House’s events until May 15.
Tuesday, April 12
Student Climate Change Writings | Published Tuesday, April 12 online in Red Skies
Join the English Department's student-run e-zine, Red Skies, in celebrating our first year of releasing short memoir essays to boost climate change awareness! From personal experiences to the what-ifs, SSU students share their thoughts on the impact of this global crisis.
“Climate, Tectonics and Extinction Events” Lecture | 12:15 - 1:40 pm
Martin Luther King, Jr. Room, Ellison Campus Center
Hear from fossil expert Tom Rich as he lectures on “Climate, Tectonics and Extinction Events: The case study of a unique fossil environment captured by 443 million years old New York Earthquakes.”
Lecture: “Climate Justice and Social Work: Connecting the Dots and Taking Action for Change” | 4:30 - 5:45 pm
Professor Lisa Reyes Mason, University of Denver, will address climate change as a social justice issue of our times that social work must confront. The talk will overview the climate crisis, give examples of how social workers are already engaged with this pressing issue, and provide practical steps that any social worker can take. Q&A and discussion with the audience will follow the talk.
Sponsored by the School of Social Work.
Lecture: “The Promise of Offshore Wind” | 7 - 8 pm
“The Promise of Offshore Wind: Salem’s Role” Seth Lattrell, Port Authority Deputy, City of Salem
Learn about Offshore Wind developments in Salem. Seth Latrell, the city’s Deputy Port Authority, will discuss Salem’s plans to participate in the clean energy future by redeveloping its historic port as an offshore wind construction staging facility.
Sponsored by the Salem Alliance for the Environment.
Wednesday, April 13
Lecture: “Always Unprepared: Climate Risk and the Politics of Adaptation in Massachusetts” | 10:50 am - 12:05 pm
Martin Luther King, Jr. Room, Ellison Campus Center
Hear from Rob DeLeo, of the Bentley University Global Studies Department, as he speaks about climate risk and the politics of adaptation in Massachusetts.
Lecture: “Right Attributions to Rivers: A Latin American Response to the Violence and Injustice Against Ethnic Communities and Future Generations.” | 12:15 - 1:30 pm
Martin Luther King, Jr. Room, Ellison Campus Center
Presented by Professor Danny Marrero, Salem State Philosophy Department
Environmental jurisprudence is going through a fascinating time; rivers are being conceived as right-holders in New Zealand, India, Colombia, Bangladesh. This presentation explores the philosophical merits and contributions of Latin American environmental jurisprudence to this strategy of environmental protection attributing rights to rivers as a response to the violence and injustice against ethnic communities and future generations.
Lecture: “City of Salem Sustainability and Resiliency Initiatives” | 1:40 - 2:55 pm
Martin Luther King, Jr. Room, Ellison Campus Center
Stacy Kilb, Sustainability and Engagement Coordinator for the City of Salem will discuss municipal projects, programs and ordinances that enhance city sustainability and resiliency. Learn how you can participate in these efforts.
Lecture: “Reporting on the Climate Emergency: A Conversation with Dharna Noor” | 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Featuring Boston Globe columnist Dharna Noor.
Salem State’s Geography and Sustainability Professor Noel Healy will interview Boston Globe’s Climate Producer Dharna Noor. The discussion will cover Dharna’s vast reporting on critical issues connected to environmental justice and the climate crisis. Dharna has positioned herself has one of the most critical voices on the climate in the US, reporting on topics from fossil fuel industry obstructionism, climate and energy policy, to the socio-environmental harms of fossil fuels. Geography & Sustainability Senior and Sunrise Salem Founder Joey Wolongevicz will moderate.
Thursday, April 14
Sustainability Tabling and Office Supply Swap | 10:30 am - 1 pm on Alumni Plaza, Ellison Campus Center
The SSU and City of Salem Sustainability Programs will provide information on their sustainability initiatives and give out free Bike Share ride codes. Office Supply Swap materials will be available to take.
Earth Days Award Ceremony | 6 - 7:30 pm
Marsh Hall 210, Petrowski Room
In honor of student winners, and Friend of the Earth Awardees HEET, and Boston University Professor Nathan Phillips. Snacks will be available, and winners are encouraged to stay for photographs and conversation at the end of the event.
Friday, April 15
Lecture: “Curating Climate Action: The Role of Museums in the Climate Crisis” | 9:25 - 10:40 am
Martin Luther King, Jr. Room, Ellison Campus Center
A conversation with Peabody Essex Museum curator Jane Winchell on the PEM's new exhibit "Climate Action: Inspiring Change" and how museums can influence activism in local communities.
Panel: “Nurses Making a Contribution to Global Climate Action” | 10:50 am - 12:05 pm
Meier Hall 444
Hosted by future nurses and healthcare professionals. MOVED: This event is now virtual. Join on Zoom.
Beach Cleanup | 1:45 - 4 pm
This event is open exclusively to Salem State University students.
Meeting location moved to the main doors of the theater.
Sponsored by the biology department
Saturday, April 16, 2022 - June 25, 2023
Exhibit: Climate Action: Inspiring Action
Peabody Essex Museum, Salem. Learn more about the exhibit.
Tuesday, April 19
Environmental Justice Civic Dinner | 5:30 - 7:30 pm
This event is open exclusively to Salem State University students.
Viking 123
Please join us for an evening of food, networking, and learning from local environmental justice advocates. Leaders will share with us information about their organization, the important role they play in the agency, and their trajectory to a career focused on environmental justice. They will also provide insight on some of the current issues impacting our community, share advocacy efforts their team is engaged in, and how students can be effective advocates.
This event is only accepting 20 students.
Hosted by the Center for Civic Engagement.
Lecture: Addressing Climate Change on Salem State’s Campus and Why It Matters | 7 - 8 pm
Tara Gallagher, SSU Sustainability and EH&S Coordinator. Sponsored by the Center for Research and Creative Activities and the Frederick E. Berry Library, Salem State University. View the recording.
Friday, April 22
Cycling Your Way to a Healthy Earthy Day |
11 am - 2 pm, Marsh Hall Front Doors
Make your own protein smoothie on the Rock a Bike!
Sponsored by Sodexo.
Contact Us
Sustainability at Salem State
352 Lafayette St.
Salem, MA 01970