Michal Altschuler will go to great lengths for nature and the environment.
As a high school student, she participated in a nationwide geology matriculation program, learning mostly online and meeting the other students for educational hikes only a few times a year. It was thus not surprising that as a Hebrew University student, she became involved in the National Union of Israeli Students’ subcommittee on the climate crisis, and was appointed to head the Campus Yarok (Green Campus) team. (Not to be confused with Hebrew University’s initiative of the same name).
Michal’s team comprises ten students, scattered across Israel. They are working to change how Israel’s Ministry of Environmental Protection certifies campuses as “green.” Currently, campuses qualify if they meet four criteria: appointing a green council; introducing environmental courses across disciplines; using resources wisely and increasing visibility on campus; and promoting environmental projects among faculty and students.
“Geology taught me that humans are just a speck in our planet’s history, yet we are causing disproportionate damage to the environment. As an activist, I get immense satisfaction working on the policy level. I feel that I’m at my best when I’m helping others.”
But Michal and her team want more. They have been working closely with professionals to develop more exacting criteria, which they will present to the Ministry of Environmental Protection in coming months. To this end, Michal has met with its Chief Scientist and presented twice in the Knesset. First, she spoke in the Finance Committee on investing in clean energy and expressed the younger generation’s disappointment and frustration that their pension funds are being invested in polluting industries. Next, Michal presented to the Internal Affairs and Environment Committee, speaking about the connection between social justice and environmental justice. In addition, Michal is working with Fossil Free Israel to shift Hebrew University’s investments away from fossil fuels and other polluting industries.