STONY BROOK, NY – Stony Brook University President Shirley Strum Kenny signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) in September, formalizing SBU’s pledge to fight global warming through enhanced campus environmental sustainability.

As part of the Climate Commitment, Stony Brook University has joined with leaders of 448 colleges and universities nationwide and seven SUNY campuses dedicated to climate neutrality, significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and education and research on climate change.

“Global warming is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st Century,” said Kenny. “Stony Brook University is honored to have the opportunity to join with other colleges and universities across the country in working to overcome this challenge by implementing and promoting innovative strategies and solutions throughout our campuses. At the same time, we are dedicated to marshalling our resources in research and in the classroom to finding solutions to the problem.”

Kenny noted that Stony Brook’s newest campus in Southampton is focused specifically on environmental and sustainability issues. The campus offers primarily undergraduate courses that are being shaped and taught in an interdisciplinary fashion, addressing issues regarding the environment and ecological sustainability. For instance, students will not only study environmental and ecological topics, but also will focus on political, economic and social issues related to the environment.

In addition, Stony Brook and a number of other SUNY colleges and universities are committed to reducing the greenhouse gases emitted from their operations by 80 percent by the year 2050, with an eventual goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Building on the growing momentum for leadership and action on climate change, the ACUPCC provides a framework and support for America’s colleges and universities to go climate neutral. The Climate 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.

President Kenny is among university and college presidents and chancellors who are joining and leading the Commitment and who 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.

For more information about the pledge, go to the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment Web site.

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