CSU, Chico President Gayle E. Hutchinson Signs Open Letter on Climate Action, Joining Other Higher Education Leaders

Ashley Gebb
Public Affairs
530-898-4435

California State University, Chico President Gayle E. Hutchinson, CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White and five other CSU presidents have signed an open letter urging President-elect Donald Trump and the incoming Congress to support U.S. participation in climate research, investment in the low carbon economy and the science-based targets outlined in the Paris climate agreement.

“Chico State takes seriously its role as a leader in sustainable practices,” Hutchinson said. “Sustainable development and practice are infused throughout our curriculum, our campus programs and policies.”

The open letter was organized by the nonprofit Second Nature and a number of higher education institutions. In part, their letter says: “The upcoming transition of federal leadership presents a unique opportunity to address head-on the challenges of climate change by accelerating the new energy economy and creating strong, resilient communities. We are committed to developing and deploying innovative climate solutions that provide a prosperous future for all Americans.”

CSU, Chico has long been a sustainability trailblazer and remains a recognized leader in cultivating environmental stewardship. President Emeritus Paul J. Zingg was a founding signatory of the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment.

The University plans to be climate neutral by 2030.

“As a campus, Chico State encourages the new federal administration to take a responsible and ethical approach to climate change,” said President Hutchinson. “We stand ready to support and assist in any way to meet global challenges.”

Other CSU presidents that signed the open letter on climate change include Horace Mitchell, CSU, Bakersfield; Jane Conoley, Cal State Long Beach; Eduardo Ochoa, Cal State Monterey Bay; Dianne Harrison, CSU, Northridge; and Robert S. Nelsen, Sacramento State.

Second Nature and Climate Leadership Network institutions plan to continue conversations around ways to positively influence and drive national climate action at the 2017 Presidential Climate Leadership Summit being held in Tempe, Arizona, from Feb. 13–15.

Source: CSU Chico News