New Paltz President is signatory on climate change letter from higher ed leaders

SUNY New Paltz President Donald P. Christian has signed onto a “Letter from Higher Education Leaders on Climate Action,” organized by a diverse group of higher education institutions and the Boston-based nonprofit Second Nature.

The letter, endorsed by more than 180 higher education leaders and institutions, calls on the incoming U.S. presidential administration and congressional class to accelerate progress towards a clean energy future.

Specifically, it advocates continued participation in the Paris Agreement, investment in low carbon infrastructure projects, and use of peer-reviewed climate research in the creation of national climate, energy and security policy.

“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,” the letter reads. “We are committed to developing and deploying innovative climate solutions that provide a prosperous future for all Americans.”

The letter is in alignment with the goals and practices outlined in SUNY New Paltz’s Campus Sustainability Plan.

The full text of the “Letter from Higher Education Leaders on Climate Action,” and the list of signatories, is available on Second Nature’s website.