Carbon dioxide emissions are altering many aspects of the global climate system, posing a variety of risks to society, according to Kim Cobb, a professor in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS). Therefore, in the undergraduate course EAS 3110, entitled “Energy, the Environment, and Society,” she challenges students to develop projects during the semester that will reduce real-world carbon footprints for the "Carbon Reduction Challenge." 

Each year the winning team receives funding for their project and the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to discuss their project with staffers for Georgia’s congressional representatives.  This year the winning team consisted of Ruchi Aggarwal, Kyle J. Hamilton, Max B. Rosenbaum, Marissa N. Snyder and Public Policy's own Janet L. Ploussard.  Their “Rays the Roof" project  retrofitted the roof of the O. Lamar Sustainable Education Building (SEB) with a white, reflective material, which reduces the amount of heat the building absorbs.

Visit the College of Sciences site to learn more.