[Oct. 28, 2009] Columbia College Chicago President Warrick L. Carter has signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), thereby adding Columbia to a list of more than 650 higher education institutions to make this pledge. By signing the ACUPCC, Columbia commits to strive for climate neutrality by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and staying current with new technologies to help us achieve this goal.
Among the benefits of institutions joining forces under this commitment are increased government lobbying power, information sharing about successful initiatives, and creating a general feeling of community around sustainability in higher education. Colleges and universities are well positioned to leverage their educational influence to help establish a culture of sustainability for future generations.
On October 24, Columbia participated in 350: the International Day of Climate Action. According to leading scientists, 350 is the safe number of parts per million of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere to sustain life on earth for future generations. Currently we are at around 390 and rising. The college joined thousands of others around the world to participate in the event.