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Speece Signs Presidents Climate Commitment

Dr. Susan Phillips Speece, chancellor of Penn State Berks, became the first Penn State signatory of the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, an effort to address global warming by garnering institutional commitments to neutralize greenhouse gas emissions, and to accelerate the research and educational efforts of higher education to equip society to re-stabilize the earth's climate.

Building on the growing momentum for leadership and action on climate change, the Presidents Climate Commitment provides a framework and support for America's colleges and universities to go climate neutral. The Commitment recognizes the unique responsibility that institutions of higher education have as role models for their communities and in training the people who will develop the social, economic, and technological solutions to reverse global warming.

Presidents and chancellors signing the Commitment are pledging to eliminate their campuses' greenhouse gas emissions over time. This involves:

•     completing an emissions inventory
•     within two years, setting a target date and interim milestones for becoming climate neutral
•     taking immediate steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by choosing from a list of short-term
       actions
•     integrating sustainability into the curriculum and making it part of the educational experience
•     making the action plan, inventory and progress reports publicly available

For more than three decades I have been teaching, speaking and working to promote a sustainable culture," comments Speece. "Research conducted at colleges and universities across the nation and around the globe have irrefutably identified the negative impact humans have had on our planet. It makes sense that we in higher education should take the lead to make this country a leader in eliminating greenhouse gasses.

"When I received the invitation to become a charter signatory. I knew it was the right thing to do. Penn State Berks has always been a leader in the Penn State University system in respect to being environmentally astute. The commitment was easy; we are already 90 percent of the way towards meeting the commitment.  By modeling good environmental stewardship perhaps we can make a difference in our larger community, one day at a time, one decision at a time."

The college and university presidents and chancellors who are joining and leading the Commitment believe that exerting leadership in addressing climate change will stabilize and reduce their long-term energy costs, attract excellent students and faculty, attract new sources of funding, and increase the support of alumni and local communities.

Under the guidance and direction of the Leadership Circle, The American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment is being supported and implemented by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), Second Nature, and ecoAmerica.

For more information, please contact Lisa Weidman director of University Relations, at (610) 396-6054.