A Clean Energy Future is Needed for the Success of Our Nation’s Students

Cleveland State University President Ronald M. Berkman and presidents and chancellors from over 170 colleges and universities from 35 states are calling on the incoming U.S. government to accelerate progress towards a clean energy future. Through an open letter, organized by a diverse group of higher education institutions and the Boston-based nonprofit Second Nature, President Berkman and his fellow higher education leaders are urging elected officials to support participation in the Paris Agreement, climate research, and investment in the low carbon economy.

“The upcoming transition of federal leadership presents a unique opportunity to address head-on the challenges of climate change by accelerating the new energy economy and creating strong, resilient communities,” wrote the group. “We are committed to developing and deploying innovative climate solutions that provide a prosperous future for all Americans.”

The group of schools expressed their alignment with the business and investment communities in supporting the science-based targets outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement. CSU has taken multiple steps to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability goals. These include voluntarily setting carbon-neutrality goals and publicly reporting progress through the Climate Leadership Commitments, and participating in the EPA’s Green Power Partner program, which recognizes institutions that purchase at least 30 percent of their electricity from green energy sources.

A full list of the schools supporting the open letter can be found at www.secondnature.org/higher-education-climate-action-letter.

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