Ryan ChartrandPresident Baker,
We are writing to thank you for taking the time to meet with Dr. Anthony Cortese, the author of the Presidential Climate Commitment on Friday, Nov. 9. Dr. Cortese is an internationally recognized visionary and leader on climate change and sustainability.
The consensus among climate scientists is that immediate aggressive action is needed to avoid the worst effects of climate change. Scientists tell us that all major ecosystems are in decline, sea levels are rising and one half of the world’s species are at risk of extinction due to global warming. America is looking to higher education for leadership in sustainability and clean energy research, investments and education.
On Thursday, Nov. 8, students, faculty and staff packed in the Business Rotunda to hear Dr. Cortese’s talk “Sustainability: Can Technology Save Us?” During the hour-long address, he explained the important role universities play in a clean and sustainable future. He spoke about the need for sustainability to be integrated into all disciplines and levels of the higher education system. In addition, Dr. Cortese stressed the critical role that the $317 billion higher education industry plays in creating positive change for our country.
To date, 434 colleges and universities across the country have signed the Presidents Climate Commitment, including all 10 UCs and Chico State. The commitment is divided into three parts. First: Within two years of signing, universities will commit to developing a plan to become climate-neutral. Second: The university must initiate two of seven tangible actions to reduce greenhouse gases while the more comprehensive plan is being developed. Lastly: The university must make their action plan, greenhouse gas inventory and periodic progress reports publicly available.
Thanks to your administration and forward-thinking CSU policies like Executive Order 987, Cal Poly has already taken many steps to tackle global warming. In fact, Cal Poly already meets the requirements of the second part of the Presidents Climate Commitment.
Cal Poly is uniquely positioned to prepare the next generation of graduates with the knowledge and skills to address climate change using our own campus as a living laboratory for carbon-neutral technologies. As a leading polytechnic university, it is our responsibility to pioneer the next industrial revolution, the green revolution, through faculty, staff and student collaboration.
We are supportive of your past leadership on sustainability and climate change and we appreciate your consideration of the Presidents Climate Commitment. We are eager to work with you in a continuing pursuit toward a climate-neutral Cal Poly.
Sincerely,
Board of Directors
Empower Poly Coalition