Sam Pollan
Sam Pollan
Sam Pollan is a graduate of Dickinson College. Majoring in Environmental Studies with a concentration in climate change and sustainability, Sam works to promote sustainability in both his professional and personal life. Sam first immersed himself in the study of climate change and sustainability while participating in the Dickinson College South Africa Climate Change Mosaic in the Fall of 2011. The following years have seen Sam become a leader of sustainability efforts both on and beyond the college campus setting. Recognized as a Baird Sustainability Fellow, as well as attending the competitive Climate-KIC: The Journey program attest to his dedication to improve current conditions without sacrificing the opportunities of the future. Sam currently serves as the Energy and Waste Fellow at Luther College. In this position, he works closely with students, faculty, and administrators to implement zero-waste programming, carbon emissions reductions strategies, and student projects.
Sam has extensive experience with sustainability from a diverse and unique background. Researching climate negotiations in Durban, South Africa at UNFCCC COP17 and studying rural climate adaptive capacity in lowland Bolivia are just a few of the that have helped shape his global perspective. China, Mongolia, Ecuador, and a number of European countries exemplify a number of different approaches to sustainability through policy, culture, and personal commitment. Currently focusing on sustainability in higher education, this global perspective has enabled Sam to develop innovative new approaches to sustainability at Luther College to encourage student engagement and achieve carbon emission reductions. Higher education is a starting point for widespread change and Sam hopes to serve as a catalyst in the coming years for the blossoming of sustainability into the mainstay of modern culture.