Climate Leadership Statement
We, the undersigned presidents and chancellors of colleges and universities, believe firmly in the power, potential, and imperative of higher education’s key role in shaping a sustainable society. Not only are we deeply concerned about the increasing pace and intensity of global climate change and the potential for unprecedented detrimental impacts, but we also understand that technology, infrastructure, global interconnectedness, and our greatest asset – engaged, committed, smart students – allow us to explore bold and innovative solutions and to lead in climate action and sustainable solutions.
We have begun to experience the effects of climate change in our communities and we understand that these effects are projected to become more severe and damaging. We recognize that mitigation and adaptation are complementary strategies for reducing the likelihood of unmanageable change, managing the risks, and taking advantage of new opportunities created by our changing climate.
We believe colleges and universities must exercise leadership in their communities and throughout society by providing the knowledge, research, practice, and informed graduates to create a positive and sustainable future. Along with other aspects of sustainability, campuses that address the climate challenge by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and by integrating resilience into their curriculum, research, and campus operations will better serve their students and meet their social mandate to help create a vital, ethical, and prosperous civil society.
We further believe that exerting leadership in addressing climate change will reduce our long-term energy costs and the costs of climate disturbance, increase our quality of life, attract excellent students and faculty, and build the support of alumni and local communities.
We have resolved to take action in one of the following Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitments. We believe carbon neutrality and resilience are extremely high priority areas of action for all institutions and we aim to lead our nation in these efforts. We urge others to join us in transforming society towards a sustainable, healthy, and more prosperous future.
Climate Commitment
The Climate Commitment integrates carbon neutrality with climate resilience and provides a systems approach to mitigating and adapting to a changing climate.
Carbon Commitment
The Carbon Commitment is focused on reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions and achieving carbon neutrality as soon as possible.
Resilience Commitment
The Resilience Commitment is focused on climate adaptation and community capacity-building to deal with a changing climate and resulting extremes.
How to Sign
To become a part of the Climate Leadership Network, your institution’s president or chancellor must sign one of the three Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitments: Climate, Carbon, or Resilience. For help navigating the process, see How to Join.
When your president or chancellor is ready to join, download one of the commitments below, sign, and send to Second Nature using one of the two options:
Mail to:
Second Nature
160 Alewife Brook Pkwy #1182
Cambridge, MA 02138
Or scan & email to:
If you have any questions, or require assistance, please email [email protected].