As a signatory of the Second Nature Climate Commitment, Colgate has pledged ongoing determination in its work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on campus and to bolster community capacity in preparation for a changing climate.
President Brian W. Casey signed the new commitment on April 22, Earth Day, continuing the University’s drive toward increased energy, water, and natural resource conservation. The new commitment comes just two years after Colgate was the first college or university in New York State to achieve carbon neutrality on campus.
“Colgate’s leadership in sustainability and conservation is an important part of who we are as a university,” said Casey. “Our beautiful campus is a constant reminder of the responsibility we all have as stewards of the land, water, and air. I was pleased to sign the commitment to further solidify our dedication to this important work.”
Signatories of the Second Nature commitment are colleges and universities, in nearly all 50 states, taking action on climate change and preparing students through research and education.
“The effort to build community resilience in the face of a changing climate necessitates close collaboration with the Town and Village of Hamilton,” said Colgate Director of Sustainability John Pumilio. “This partnership is something University leaders have been doing for several years already, and we are in an excellent position to build on this foundation in the years ahead.”
Higher education institutions whose president or chancellor have made a formal commitment with respect to climate leadership on their campus by signing onto at least one of the Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitments become Climate Leadership Network Signatories.
“This climate commitment demonstrates our dedication to thinking critically about the ways in which climate change impacts our community and to acting intentionally to build resilience so that Colgate University and Hamilton, N.Y., can adapt and thrive for centuries to come,” said Pamela Gramlich, assistant director and sustainability program coordinator for environmental studies.
Second Nature is committed to accelerating climate action in and through higher education. This is accomplished by mobilizing a diverse array of higher education institutions to act on bold climate commitments, to scale campus climate initiatives, and to create innovative climate solutions. Second Nature aims to align, amplify, and bridge the sector’s efforts with other global leaders to advance urgent climate priorities.
