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The stakes are high, the challenge is critical, and the need for climate leadership has never been greater. The good news is that campuses are responding to global warming, with more than 500 colleges and universities committed to achieving climate neutrality. Despite these commitments, actual greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise on most campuses. Gains from energy efficiency and conservation have been outpaced by growth in student populations and new construction. While promoting sustainable practices and long-term commitments are good first steps, they do not ensure an immediate reduction of total emissions. Scientists warn that a delay of global action by just 10 years would double or triple the rate of reductions necessary to stabilize temperatures 2-3ºC above pre-industrial levels. As influential institutions who will educate tomorrow’s leaders, it is critical that campuses begin to cut their emissions as soon as possible.
The greatest potential for colleges and universities to help address the climate challenge lies just beyond reducing the climate footprints of their individual campuses. As some campuses model the solutions to global warming, they have an opportunity to influence peer institutions as well as businesses, non-profits, and multiple levels of government. On October 7, 2008, Warren Wilson College, in partnership with the National Wildlife's Campus Ecology Program, will host a Campus Climate Summit, giving colleges and universities in the Southeast region of the U.S. an opportunity to share successes, challenges, and effective strategies for emissions reductions. The Summit will explore an array of topics pertinent to campus emissions reduction including: Measuring and managing GHG emissions- the challenges of conducting a GHG inventory; carbon offsets; campus-wide behavior modifications; and more. The Campus Climate Summit has invited some of the most experienced and knowledgeable individuals in the environmental and higher education fields as speakers and presenters. Participants will certainly leave with a greater understanding of next steps to take to reduce the carbon footprint of their campus, and become leaders in the fight against climate change.
The Campus Climate Summit at Warren Wilson College is a green event hosted by Warren Wilson College and the National Wildlife Federation’s Campus Ecology program, and we are taking every measure to keep it true to this principle.
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