Building Sustainable Cities,
One Borough at a Time
The heart of Queens College campus.
Located in the heart of Queens, Queens College, CUNY stands as a hub of sustainability and social change within the City University of New York system. Committed to reducing its environmental impact, Queens College has integrated urban sustainability initiatives into its curriculum, advancing research on environmental justice and urban planning. The college is home to green infrastructure projects, sustainable food systems research, and strong student-led advocacy for climate action. With a focus on equity and environmental stewardship, Queens College continues to shape the next generation of climate leaders in one of the world’s most dynamic urban landscapes.
Dr. Eric Goldfischer.
Diego Tovar, Associate Director of Campus and Civic Engagement for the Rachel Carson Council (RCC), visited Queens College and was hosted by Dr. Eric Goldfischer, the Service-Learning Coordinator in the Urban Studies Department. Tovar began his day engaging with students in Urban Poverty and Affluence (URBST 1010) and The Changing Urban Environment (URBST 252) classes, introducing the RCC National Environment Leadership Fellowship (NELF) as an opportunity to further their advocacy and research. He had discussions with students on potential project proposals.
Manhattan skyline poking through the edges of campus.
Excitement quickly grew for students to get involved with the RCC. Throughout the visit, Tovar also connected with Dr. Do Lee, Assistant Professor and Graduate Advisor in the Department of Urban Studies, and Dr. Natalie Bump Vena, Assistant Professor in the Department of Urban Studies, to discuss potential partnerships and ways to strengthen environmental engagement on campus.
After taking in the breathtaking view of Manhattan’s skyline from campus, Tovar and Dr. Goldfischer explored ideas for collaboration and expanding an interactive network of climate advocates across the larger Manhattan/Long Island region. Later in the day, Tovar delivered a guest lecture to students across multiple disciplines and members of the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), focusing on environmental justice frameworks in urban settings, Rachel Carson’s powerful legacy of storytelling, and the importance of understanding power dynamics to drive meaningful, local environmental action.
We are proud to welcome Queens College, CUNY, as our 78th Rachel Carson Campus Network member.
