University of Arkansas recommits to support of climate change agreement

The University of Arkansas has recommitted to the American Campuses Act on Climate as part of the Paris Climate Conference agreement approved this weekend.

UA interim Chancellor Dan Ferritor and incoming Chancellor Joseph Steinmetz joined 318 other U.S. higher education institutions in renewing their pledge to be climate neutral by 2040. These institutions represent more than 4 million students.

The UA signed the original American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment in 2007, and developed its own long range Climate Action plan. The UA is on schedule to meet its intermediate climate goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels next year, four years ahead of schedule, according to a university statement. This is in spite of increasing enrollment by more than 10,000 students and adding new buildings over the past 15 years.

“The University of Arkansas through our ongoing commitment to reducing climate impact has made dramatic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions over the past eight years, even while increasing the number of students, staff, faculty and buildings on our campus. We are continuing our journey to identify and implement scientifically sound, cost-effective strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We recognize that everything is connected so we are addressing social and community sustainability issues in concert with greenhouse gas reduction strategies.”

The commitment has three pledges:
• Provide a model for other institutions and businesses to follow through demonstrated positive financial value for the university;

• Engage in robust social discourse with our campus, city, and state community to expand understanding of our common values and opportunities to reduce climate impacts; and

• Continue to explore the science and technologies that will protect and restore the resilience of Earth’s biosphere.