President Skorton Signs the Letter of Intent
On February 22, 2007, President David Skorton signed a letter of intent pledging his support for the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment. Cornell University will now begin developing a plan to achieve climate neutrality, a state in which the University leaves a net-zero impact, and particularly in terms of its campus CO2 emissions. An official signing of the commitment will take place at a meeting of all the participating college and university leaders in June 2007.
American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), in partnership with ecoAmerica and Second Nature, is promoting a national effort to address climate change known as the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment. It is a statement to be signed by university presidents that commits their campus to taking steps to move towards climate neutrality. It seeks to address the university's impact on the climate by reducing and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions in campus operations, and working with the faculty to integrate sustainability into the curriculum and research. Cornell's President David Skorton was asked to sign onto this commitment by several thousand students, as well as faculty, staff, and alumni.
In response the Cornell community's requests, President Skorton created an Ad Hoc Committee, co-chaired by Steve Golding, Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration, and Carolyn Ainslie, Vice President for Planning and Budget. The committee reviewed the ACUPCC documents, and submitted the following letter of support (PDF)
Climate Neutrality
It has long been known that our climate is changing. Data is pouring in from around the globe showing warming trends and subsequent adverse affects on ecosystems. Recently, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released its 4th Assessment Report containing strong findings that humans are a primary cause of these changes. The conclusion is clear: global warming is very real, and we must change our ways soon if we are to have any chance at stopping it.
It has been noted that universities - with their vast resources and intellectual might - are particularly well situated to take a leadership role in addressing global climate change. As the New York State land grant college, and a highly respected research institution, Cornell's actions make a significant impact well beyond our campus borders.
Due to the urgency of the situation, and our ability to make a difference, our campus community has called upon our President to make the commitment that our University effectively becomes climate neutral. This would involve aggressively reducing greenhouse gas emissions and offsetting what is left, with the long term goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Working towards The Neutral Goal
Developing a plan and timetable for our University to reach climate neutrality will involve significant challenges and will touch every corner of the campus. For example, all areas of our operations can be tied to their contribution to carbon dioxide emissions, and there are a wide range of options we can focus on to achieve the goal of climate neutrality. While some of the strategies are widely accepted - reducing conventional automobile use, purchasing or producing renewable energy, behavioral changes for energy conservation, and improving building energy efficiencies - the University will be open to other new and innovative ideas to reduce our impact. The results of this commitment will have a vast positive impact on our campus, our community, and the world.
Of Related Interest
Did You Know?
Our neighbors at Ithaca College have also joined the ACUPCC leadership circle, and Ithaca's Mayor Peterson signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.
