The Climate Commitment defines steps the university will take to reduce greenhouse gases and ultimately achieve climate neutrality.  The first steps are to define institutional structures to guide the process, inventory all greenhouse gas emissions,and develop a plan with target dates for achieving interim and ultimate goals. 

   The second piece involves identifying tangible actions the university can begin taking while the comprehensive plan is being developed.  These actions include energy-efficient purchasing policies, offsetting greenhouse gas emissions generated by air travel, and encouraging the use of public transportation.  UAA has already completed several of those steps, including establishment of the Chancellor's Council and the SeaWolf shuttle and People Mover bus system agreements.

   The Chancellor's Council on Sustainabilty has adopted Global Climate Change as a major focus area for the coming years.  The UAA Climate Change Initiative addresses global climate change as part of our educational mission and our leadership and stewardship responsibilities.

Purposes:

1. Significantly reduce the carbon emissions of the UAA campus community.
2. Provide education and develop awareness.
3. Help people make informed decisions that lead to concrete changes in their lives.
4. Explore institutional responsibilities to address climate change;
5. Further evolve notions of social justice and equity in dealing with climate change. 
6. Advance the overall purposes of the Council: institutionalization of sustainability at UAA.