Guide for Hosting Cross-Sector Climate Forums

The Guide for Hosting Cross-Sector Climate Forums was developed in collaboration with members from Second Nature’s University Climate Change Coalition (UC3) to provide guidance to campus climate leaders on how to plan for and host a cross-sector climate forum. 

COVID-19 & Climate Resources Page

UC3 universities pull together and share research, tools, and resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic and climate action to share with other higher education institutions.

Preliminary Briefing on Carbon Pricing for University Leaders

UC3 convened subject matter experts from across North America to discuss higher education’s role in advancing carbon pricing. This preliminary briefing includes a menu of options for college and university leaders who want to engage on this issue internally on their campuses or externally with cross-sector partners.

Webinars & Panel Discussions with UC3 Members

The Path to Carbon Neutrality: Thoughts and Reflections from North American Research Universities

February 26, 2021

Arizona State University, University of British Columbia, and University of California – Merced each set operational goals for and achieved climate neutrality for scopes 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions. Each university’s path to neutrality reflects its unique context in terms of climate, size, age of buildings and infrastructure, organizational culture, and regulatory environment. Together, their journeys reflect a tapestry of approaches and experiences that can help other institutions in their own race to address the climate crisis. Representatives from each university shared their journey and then engaged in a discussion about how they can improve upon their institution’s solutions and/or expand their operational response to climate change.

 

Pursuing Climate Justice Through Climate Action: Perspectives across North American Universities

February 25, 2021

This Climate Action Pursuit session was an opportunity for board members, executives, faculty, staff and students to learn how climate justice is being incorporated into teaching, research and strategic planning at three North American universities. This was an introductory session for participants working to transform a commitment to climate justice into action and will set the stage for a series where participant will develop a community of learning and be supported in implementing initiatives at their institution.

Leading the Way: Global Universities as Living Labs and Agents of Change for Climate Action & Sustainability

November 19, 2020

Climate action and sustainability are growing priorities for universities around the world. Many are responding by developing strong operational sustainability goals and targets, and placing an increased emphasis on teaching and research related to climate change and sustainability. This webinar explores the approaches that several global universities are taking to transform their campuses and position themselves as change agents in society with respect to climate action and sustainability.

 

Climate Change Research at COP26 and Beyond

November 16, 2020

In November 2021, heads of state, climate experts, and campaigners will convene in Glasgow, Scotland at COP26 to reflect on their countries’ progress towards their Paris Agreement goals, and work towards a better future for our planet.  

International collaboration on climate issues is more important than ever.  The UK government, co-hosting COP26 with Italy, is committed to joining forces with civil society, companies and people on the frontline of climate change to inspire action ahead of COP26.  This webinar was designed to help researchers understand where their research can be most impactful throughout the COP process, as well as understand how the US and UK academic communities can work together on these important issues.

The Collaborative: A One-Stop Shop for Electrifying Your Fleet

July 22, 2020

This webinar engaged participants in a conversation about how colleges and universities can become involved in the Climate Mayors EV Purchasing Collaborative – an unprecedented collaborative and partnership between Climate Mayors, the Electrification Coalition, and Sourcewell aimed at accelerating the transition to electric vehicle fleets by removing barriers to purchase.

Universities Making a Difference by Integrating Climate Action and Sustainability Across the Curriculum

July 20, 2020

The social contract between universities and the societies they serve is changing. It used to be enough for universities to do research and educate students. Increasingly, however, we are being asked to engage tangibly and actively with the problems faced by the societies which fund us. This webinar: (1) explored those challenges and opportunities facing universities, (2) outlined an agenda for transforming the campus into a living laboratory/agent of change in the community, and (3) involved participants in a conversation about how universities can integrate climate action across the college or university curriculum

 

Engaging in Cross-Sector Climate Action With Local And State/Provincial Government Officials

July 15, 2020

This webinar involved participants in a conversation about how universities can engage local and state/provincial government officials in cross-sector climate action, drawing on the experiences of several of Second Nature’s University Climate Change Coalition (UC3) members.

 

The role of research universities in taking climate action plans and fostering a more sustainable energy system

June 18, 2018

The CSIS Energy & National Security Program hosted The Hon. Janet Napolitano (President, University of California), The Hon. Dr. Kristina M. Johnson (Chancellor, The State University of New York), and Dr. Timothy Carter (President, Second Nature) for a discussion on the recent launch of the University Climate Change Coalition (UC3), the role of research universities in the development of climate action plans, and their own imperatives for a more sustainable energy system.

 

Photo by Tyler Franta on Unsplash