As part of the pledge, campus has confirmed its dedication to establishing a climate action plan to bring campus Greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels by 2020 and expand the connection between sustainability, social justice, and diversity in the curriculum. Read the full text of HSU’s pledge letter online (PDF).
The White House Council on Environmental Quality sponsors the American Campuses Act on Climate Change, which unites colleges and universities dedicated to taking significant action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase campus sustainability and resilience, and incorporate environmental action into the academic curriculum. More than 200 institutions have responded with their pledge letters.
The American Campuses on Climate Pledge reads:
“As institutions of higher education, we applaud the progress already made to promote clean energy and climate action as we seek a comprehensive, ambitious agreement at the upcoming United Nations Climate Negotiations in Paris. We recognize the urgent need to act now to avoid irreversible costs to our global community’s economic prosperity and public health and are optimistic that world leaders will reach an agreement to secure a transition to a low carbon future. Today our school pledges to accelerate the transition to low-carbon energy while enhancing sustainable and resilient practices across our campus.”
The Office of the Chancellor has also responded with a pledge that will cover the entire system based on the Board of Trustees policy and goals.
On November 19, the White House launched the American Campuses Act on Climate day-of-action. The multi-layered day-of-action included a roundtable with campus and business leaders, White House officials, and celebrities to highlight best practices to promote sustainability and address climate change on college campuses. This day-of-action also launched the Defend Our Future climate pledge students can sign to demonstrate their support.