Boston College
PRE-2: Points of Distinction

In 2020 Boston College began the process of applying for accreditation for observer status as a RINGO (Research and Independent Non-Governmental Organization) to the 2021 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland. Boston College received accreditation in the spring of 2021 and conducted an application process over the summer to send a multidisciplinary delegation to COP26. Nine faculty and six students attended the two-week conference that was aimed at putting into action the Paris Accord of 2015. The selection reflects BC’s academic and research strengths on the issue of climate science and policy. It offered a unique opportunity to the delegation to attend events organized around the negotiations among parties to the United Nations climate pact. Since their return, members of the BC delegation have given talks about their experiences and observations of COP26 in BC classrooms, in the Schiller Institute's climate change lecture series, and to other school groups.

In 2018, Boston College established the Global Observatory on Pollution and Health to track efforts to control pollution and prevent pollution-related diseases that account for an estimated 9 million deaths worldwide each year.
Research through the Observatory takes on major issues at the intersection of pollution, human health, and public policy. Particular segments of the problem are studied in-depth – how it affects particular countries, different populations, like children, or particular diseases, like cancer. The reports are disseminated broadly and aimed at the general public as well as policy makers. The objective of the Observatory is to mobilize society to see pollution as a serious threat, change public policy, prevent pollution, and, ultimately, save lives.” The Observatory provides oversight in order to effectively track the global deployment of pollution-control tools and monitor progress on pollution control.
Each year the Observatory issues the Global Observatory on Pollution and Health Report. What makes the Observatory different is the comprehensive nature of the analysis. The Observatory uses data analyses to study trends and patterns of pollution and provide early warnings of emerging problems. It generates maps and visual displays to illustrate its findings. The most recent report (2020) focuses on ocean pollution.

Boston College created the Forum on Racial Justice in America in response to the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The Boston College Forum on Racial Justice in America provides a meeting place for listening, dialogue, and greater understanding about race and racism in our country, while serving as a catalyst for bridging differences, promoting reconciliation, and encouraging new perspectives.
The Forum invites individuals to speak about their experiences of racism—to honor the dignity of those who have suffered, and help increase empathy and understanding. The Forum sponsors speakers, panels, and seminars to address key issues regarding race, and encourages scholarly exploration of conditions that result in racism and racist behavior, while suggesting appropriate responses and solutions.
During the 2020-2021 academic year, the Boston College Schiller Institute for Integrated Science & Society partnered with the Forum on Racial Justice in America to offer panel presentations and discussions focused on Environmental Racism as a challenge of our time and our campus. Throughout the academic year, panel discussions were held with experts in the field to raise awareness and challenge participants throughout the campus.

BC website and Dr. Phil Landrigan for details on the Global Observatory
Dr. Tara Pisani-Gareau was a delegate and wrote the section on COP-26
BC website and personal attendance at many of the Forum on Racial Justice in America events.