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Climate Policy and Advocacy

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About Policy and Advocacy

Higher education institutions are powerful catalysts for equitable climate action. Second Nature helps campuses shape, respond to, and implement climate policy at the federal and state levels, especially during pivotal moments for clean energy and public investments.

Our Climate Policy and Advocacy Work is Focused On:
  • Providing higher education institutions with current and updated information on climate-related policy initiatives, legislation, and more in their states, at the federal level, and at the global level.
  • Presenting cross-sector climate advocacy opportunities to the higher education sector through Second Nature partners.
  • Amplify the voice and work of higher education institutions within the proper advocacy channels and coalition efforts as a means to advance climate action.
  • Join the new Policy, Action, and Climate Engagement (PACE) Working Group
  • Join Second Nature and the American Council on Education (ACE) in a new series of webinars—Charting Opportunities and Challenges in Higher Education’s Climate Action Journey.

NEW WEBINAR SERIES:

Charting Opportunities and Challenges in Higher Education’s Climate Action Journey

As a result of new technologies, financial pressures, growing student activism, and shifts in federal and state climate policies, campus climate and sustainability efforts continue to evolve.

Join Second Nature and the American Council on Education (ACE) in a new series of webinars—Charting Opportunities and Challenges in Higher Education’s Climate Action Journey—tailored to help campus leaders, sustainability staff, and climate advocates anticipate challenges and identify opportunities to lead in this rapidly shifting policy landscape.

Learn More

Policy, Action, and Climate Engagement (PACE) Working Group

The PACE working group focuses on four core functions: sharpening policy intelligence, coordinating around federal action, elevating campus-grounded case studies and implementation examples, and strengthening the narrative strategy around higher education climate leadership. The working group held its kickoff call in July 2026, with quarterly convenings and engagement opportunities to follow.

Join the PACE Working Group

Our Policy and Advocacy Strategy

  • Federal Policy Engagement: We advocate for ambitious, practical climate legislation and federal funding that empowers campuses to lead. 
  • Campus Mobilization: We help institutions understand the impacts of policy, speak out effectively, and collaborate across regions and sectors.
  • Implementation Support: We provide guidance on leveraging federal programs, such as the IRA, to turn policy into real-world progress.
  • Coalition Building: Through partnerships with networks and advocates, we ensure higher education has a seat at every climate table.

Our synthesis of these efforts led to the creation of the Policy, Action, and Climate Engagement Working Group. Click here to learn more about our past work directly on policy efforts.

Ways to Get Involved

Sign up for Monthly Policy Updates

Advocacy Efforts With Our Partners

Academics for Climate Action

Join the COP31 Working Group

Stay Connected to Climate Action

Sign up for the Implementer, Second Nature’s monthly newsletter, for updates, network news, resources, and opportunities to engage in climate action across higher education.

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