Letter from the Dean: This Is Why We Have an Earth Day
April 22, 2025
Happy Earth Day.
Today, I reflect—and double down—on my commitment to the Earth.
Earth Day was created to celebrate nature, the planet, and the possibility of living in harmony with both. It’s also a reminder that this relationship can’t be taken for granted. The first Earth Day came on the heels of environmental disasters—like the widespread use of DDT, which nearly caused the extinction of the Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon. But from that crisis, change was born: the Environmental Protection Agency, the Endangered Species Act, and a wave of environmental legislation that reshaped our future.
Now, we find ourselves in another crisis. Today, the safeguards, institutions, and people that protect our land, air, water, wildlife, and communities—from the EPA to the United States Geological Survey to the National Park Service—are all under attack. Institutions—and values—that protect nature and public health are being dismantled, defunded, and demoralized. This is exactly why hope is essential. Hope fuels action. Hope reminds us that people can and have made a difference, and that we still can.
If we let despair take over, we cede the future. But if we choose to act, to speak out, to defend the people and institutions fighting on the front lines—we choose to be part of the solution.
Dean Pete Marra
If we let despair take over, we cede the future. But if we choose to act, to speak out, to defend the people and institutions fighting on the front lines—we choose to be part of the solution. It’s not just about resisting environmental destruction. It’s about building something better. And that starts with believing that change is possible.
It’s been an honor of my career to come to Georgetown University and to build the Earth Commons Institute. Especially rewarding has been the chance to work with young people in this fight. Their sensitivity and energy gives me hope, and hope is everything in this fight to save the gift that is our planet.
Let us carry that energy forward! Happy Earth Day! Thank you for being part of this community and for your continued support in advancing our shared commitment to care for our common home.
—Dean Pete Marra The Earth Commons | Georgetown’s Institute for Environment & Sustainability Laudato Si’ Professor | Biology and the Environment Professor | McCourt School of Public Policy
Lated on the Georgetown Waterfront, “The River and the Town” is the work of Earth Commons 2025 Artist in Residence Andrea Limauro.
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The Georgetown Dialogues Initiative event “Powering the Future” brought together diverse viewpoints to discuss contending visions for the future of energy.
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BS in Environment & Sustainability student Diane Li (C’26) travels to Crete as a part of an internship.
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Participants in the Q&A portion of “UNEARTH”, a film—presented together with the DC Environmental Film Festival—that follows two sets of Alaskan siblings—brothers Aube and Dune Strickland, and sisters Christina and AlexAnna Salmon—as they confront the politics and power behind the proposed Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay.
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The audience settles down to a screening of “Underwater Projects”, presented together with the Hip Hop Caucus. The film explores the sinking of Norfolk, Virginia—home to the world’s largest naval base—and the climate justice challenges faced by the city’s historic African American community.
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Dr. Raha Hakimdavar participates in the discussion, “COP28 and the Water Agenda: From a Regional to Global Perspective,” a high-level panel tackling the intersection of local and global concerns about water, and the top priorities for the COP28 water agenda.
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The course “Adaptation in a Climate Hotspot” offered an immersive exploration of climate change impacts in Athens, Andros, Paros, and Syros.
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The REUSE student group tables at the Earth Commons’ spring festival to promote the reuse and recycling of clothing on campus.
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MS in Environment & Sustainability students explore Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, a research and education partner of the Earth Commons.
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Student volunteers prepare seedlings for transplant into the Hoya Harvest Garden at a planting party organized by the Earth Commons.
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The Earth Commons Greece and the Columbia Athens Global Centre co-hosted a panel discussion titled “Rising Temperatures, Rising Tensions: Climate Change and Security Implications for Greece and its Neighbors” at the University of Athens’ Argyriadis Auditorium.
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“Each of us making our own unique contribution gives me confidence that, together, we will create a meaningful impact on the world.” Michelle Kolacz (MS-ESM ‘25)
“And when I rest, let me become a tree” – Sophia Rose Monsalvo
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“Adornment” – Samraa Smadi
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“Beyond Us” – John Katial
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“Dreaming House 2” – Alexi Scheiber
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“In Memoriam” – Eileen Wold
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[In my research], I saw how people worked to heal themselves, their communities, and the ecosystems around them by choosing to plant life, mending the scars of loss and destruction. BS-ES Student Sophia Rose Monsalvo
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Water is so fundamental to everything on Earth that I think understanding and addressing the challenges around water help us to understand and address the challenges around so many other things: food, energy, politics, societal value systems as they change. – ECo Faculty Dr. Raha Hakimdavar
I am excited to be able to have the opportunity to apply everything we’ve been learning to tackle real-world environmental issues in a hands-on, meaningful way.
You need to be able to take in information from all these different fields if your goal in the end is not only environmental sustainability—but also improving the human condition.
