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   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.

   The Climate Commitment is modeled after the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, of which Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich is a signatory. 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.

See also:
Invitation to become charter signatory
Chancellor Maimon's Letter of Support

   The Strategic Opportunity Fund was established by Chancellor Maimon and the Planning and Budget Advisory Council in 2006 to encourage the innovation of new ideas to enhance student success, advance UAA as a Public Square and to promote excellence in service and in programs.   

   The Strategic Opportunity Fund has approved two sustainability proposals for  2007-08.  Together, they will help UAA take significant steps toward meeting our Climate Commitment and becoming climate neutral over the next few years.

1. Developing UAA's Climate Commitment Plan: 

This 3-part project includes development of a carbon footprint model to:

• Measure greenhouse gas emissions,
• Develop a formal plan to achieve climate neutrality (in keeping with the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment), 
• Develop a communications strategy to encourage individual action.

2. Integrating Issues of Climate Change into UAA's Curriculum: 

This faculty development project includes a 3-day intensive workshop for up to 20 faculty that will address: 

• Current scientific information on climate change and its anticipated social, economic, and ecological impacts.
• Strategies for successfully integrating climate change concepts into academic disciplines.
• Ways to empower students to actively address critical issues of climate change.
• Ways to promote and facilitate student involvement in the community and in development of public policy.

Climate Commission Hearings 
April 12-13, 2007

The Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission, chaired by House Majority Leader Rp. Ralph Samuels, met in Anchorage for two days of expert testimony and public hearings, April 12-13, 2007.  The Commission was created in 2006 to assess the effects of climate change on Alaska and to recommend possible solutions and preventative measures.  UAA Professor Dr. Orson Smith (Engineering) was among the scientists testifying.