Although the event was advertised as “Salon at the Benton Art and Conversation,” the panel discussion had little to do with art.
The panelists included Professor Penny Vlahos, an associate professor in the Chemistry Department, Professor Veronica Herrera, an assistant professor of political science and Chester Arnold, a water quality educator and director of the Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR).
“Water is the new oil,” Volin said to start the discussion.
“Political terms are four or five years and for politicians there’s no benefit to care about what’s going to happen in 20 years,” Professor Vlahos said.
Water problems are so persistent, Professor Herrera suggests, because politicians will only do what gets them re-elected.
The University of Connecticut is “becoming a leader in this area,” Volin said.
UConn has been hiring experts in sustainability across various disciplines including natural resources and the environment, civil and environmental engineering and intercultural resource economics.
Green infrastructure has been another key aspect in UConn’s steps towards becoming an environmentally conscious university.
In a broader sense, Professor Herrera stressed the importance of organizing and defending your right to a clean environment.
“The important thing to remember about political leaders’ decisions is that they are impacted by social and civic organizing and demands… governments do respond to citizens,” Professor Herrera said.