Climate change commitment Hugh Muschamp 12 February 2008
Outline of this session Climate change commitments Who is doing it? What are the benefits? What is the format?
Who is doing it? American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment Nottingham Climate Change Declaration Welsh Climate Change Declaration Scottish Climate Change Declaration US mayors agreement
US Presidents Commitment
Format of commitments Acknowledge that climate change exists and is caused in part by human activities Recognise that there are benefits for taking action Detail actions and targets
American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment Presidents and chancellors: Acknowledge unprecedented scale and speed of global warming adverse health, social, economic and ecological effects need to reduce the global emission of greenhouse gases by 80%
American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment Benefits exercise leadership in their communities and throughout society modelling ways to minimize global warming emissions integrating sustainability into their curriculum educating graduates to achieve climate neutrality campuses that address the climate challenge by reducing global warming emissions
College recognition
Student action and recognition
Wider recognition Nov / Dec 07
Wider recognition
American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment Action agree a comprehensive plan to achieve climate neutrality that within: two months creates institutional structures to guide the development and implementation of the plan one year creates a comprehensive inventory of emissions two years develops an institutional action plan for becoming climate neutral
1. plan for climate neutrality target date (as soon a possible) interim targets for goals and actions actions to make climate neutrality and sustainability part of the curriculum and other educational experience for all students expand research or other efforts necessary have mechanisms for tracking progress on goals and action
2. Tangible actions (2 or more) new campus construction standards energy-efficient appliance purchasing policy air travel offsetting policy use of public transport by staff and students purchase at least 15% electricity from renewable sources invest institution's endowments to support climate and sustainability participate in waste minimization
College recognition
3. Progress reports make publicly available action plan, inventory, and periodic progress reports encourage other college and university administrations to join this effort
Professional support
What could you do?