Colgate has pledged to become carbon neutral in 2019, the university’s bicentennial. (Photo by Andrew Daddio)
An open letter on climate action from more than 170 higher education leaders this week includes the signature of Colgate President Brian W. Casey.
Presidents and chancellors from universities in 35 states signed the letter, organized by Boston-based nonprofit Second Nature, urging President-elect Donald J. Trump and the incoming congress to accelerate progress toward a clean energy future.
Casey’s support of the letter, which urges elected officials to support participation in the Paris Agreement, climate research, and investment in the low-carbon economy, is in alignment with the university’s pledge of carbon neutrality by 2019.
The letter encourages officials to stick to carbon reduction and clean energy targets pledged in the Paris Agreement; to encourage academic research to ensure that our national climate, energy, and security policies are based on scientific and technical knowledge; and to invest in clean-energy infrastructure to help the country adapt to changing climate hazards and to grow American jobs.
“We, the undersigned leaders of higher education institutions throughout the United States, recognize our academic and ethical responsibilities to current and future generations to take aggressive climate action; to reduce our sector’s carbon pollution, to support interdisciplinary climate education, and to continue research that expands our understanding of rapidly changing earth systems,” the letter reads. “We are committed to developing and deploying innovative climate solutions that provide a prosperous future for all Americans.”
Additional schools signing the pledge in the region include Union College and Hobart and William Smith Colleges. A full list of schools supporting the open letter can be found here.