Sustainability Leader American University Joins RCC
Rachel Carson’s impact on environmental awareness continues to resonate in our nation’s capital. In 1963, Carson addressed Congress, warning of the dangers of environmental contamination. Her testimony before the Senate Government Operations Subcommittee sparked a movement that transcended mountains, rivers, and borders. Carson emphasized the growing threat of pesticides and chemical poisons, urging lawmakers to confront environmental hazards that, as she cautioned, infiltrate every aspect of life—air, water, soil, and even our bodies. Her message remains relevant today, reminding us that the fight for a sustainable world is far from over. Not far from the halls of Congress, the Rachel Carson Council continues her legacy, visiting American University in northwest Washington, D.C.
Assistant Director of Campus and Civic Engagement Diego Tovar made the trip to American University (AU), his alma mater, on behalf of the Rachel Carson Council (RCC). AU is the first urban campus, the first research university, and the largest higher education institution in the United States to achieve carbon neutrality. The RCC’s roots at AU are deep since Assistant Director of Communications, Claudia Steiner, is also an American alum who led the final, successful fossil fuel divestment campaign there. That campaign was the culmination of over a dozen years of work beginning with a student effort assisted by RCC President Bob Musil who was teaching “Global Climate Change and American Politics” in the School of International Service (SIS) at the time.
Since that time American has emerged as a national leader in sustainability and its School of International Service is now housed in a LEEDS Gold-certified building designed by noted architect Bill McDonough and completed in 2011.
American University School of International Service
Diego Tovar was hosted by Professor Victoria Kiechel, herself a practicing architect, a Rhodes Scholar, and leader in campus sustainability building certification who invited him to speak to American University’s Department of Environment, Development & Health in the SIS building at their Lunch and Learn series. Tovar discussed the importance of climate communication, drawing inspiration from Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. Additionally, he shared fellowship opportunities, provided guidance on navigating environmental policy with a justice-oriented lens, and emphasized the importance of keeping a sense of wonder in environmental advocacy work.
After his presentation, Diego led an informal workshop for students interested in the fellowship. The session sparked lively discussions, fostered new connections, and laid the groundwork for meaningful partnerships. The focus was on fostering collaboration between AU and the Rachel Carson Council to turn environmental justice initiatives into tangible action in Washington, D.C. communities.
The Rachel Carson Council is proud to announce American University as the 70th member of our growing Rachel Carson Campus Network (RCCN).
