Earth Day and Earthstock 2025
April 17, 2025
Dear Stony Brook Campus Community,
As many of you know, April 22 marks Earth Day 2025. But here, at Stony Brook University, honoring our environment is a year-round practice. Every day we are investigating new ways to make a positive difference for the planet, both on and off campus.
Earthstock — our annual celebration of Earth Day and all the sustainable initiatives and projects on campus — is not just an opportunity to appreciate the environment. Rather, it is imperative to do so. Because leading up to and especially in the wake of our winning the bid to lead the New York Climate Exchange, this institution has defined itself as a leader in the fight against the climate crisis. We have leveraged our myriad resources to create exciting, new research initiatives in clean energy. We have led workshops in vegan nutrition. We have published astounding research in conservation across the world and protected our estuaries right here on Long Island. We have brought together partners across academia, industry and government to build out a world-class climate solutions hub on Governors Island. And what’s more, we have cultivated a sense of excitement, inclusion and creativity while doing it, as mentioned in my recent report to the campus community about The Exchange’s progress.
On April 21, Dino Martins, executive director of the Turkana Basin Institute, will give Earthstock’s keynote address, “Hope Comes From Little Things,” which will take our community on a journey to the frontlines of biodiversity and conservation. Covering the rich tapestry of biodiversity across deserts, mountains, grasslands, forests and farmlands, from East Africa to the Amazon, from insects to elephants, this visionary scientist and conservationist will outline the interconnectedness of life on this planet. And at the end of a full week of events, the center of West campus will be alive with vendors, student groups, music and activities for our Earthstock Street Fair, all focused on how we can create a sustainable, environmentally conscious life together across all our campuses, disciplines and departments. I am excited to participate and hope you will do so as well.
On a university campus like Stony Brook, so much of what makes the environment special is cerebral. There is a vibrant energy that comes from new knowledge, debate, innovation and the personal pursuit of excellence. We are fortunate to have our annual tradition of Earthstock. Together, we have the opportunity to turn our attention back on the earth, appreciate the planet and remember the values that drive us forward. Thank you for all you do for Stony Brook. And happy Earth Day, Seawolves!
Sincerely,
Richard L. McCormick
Interim President