September 24th, 2019
The Department of Statistics applauds the student-led movement that is bringing increased attention to the dangers of unmitigated global warming. All evidence points to an urgent need for far stronger responses to the threat. Looking outward, as statistical scientists we are particular proponents of building and respecting principled paths from data to evidence to public policy. Looking inward, we recognize our own obligations to reduce and mitigate climate impacts.
There are UBC and Vancouver events planned for this Friday, September 27th, as part of the Global Climate Strike. The Department stands together with students, staff, and faculty who wish to participate in these events. UBC will be officially open on Friday, hence it is up to each person to make the decision of whether and how to participate, and we are equally supportive of those who choose not to participate. For instructors, we encourage that accommodations be offered whenever possible for those students who do participate in the strike. Regardless of the decision to participate or not, we urge instructors and students to view this event as a possible learning opportunity, as climate change is increasingly affecting all areas of human endeavour.
Paul Gustafson
Head of Statistics