University News

March 27, 2012 | Sheila Foran - UConn Communications

President Herbst Reaffirms UConn’s Commitment to Climate Action Plan

On Monday, President Susan Herbst, DEEP Commissioner Daniel Esty, and distinguished research professor Gene Likens participated in the signing of an expanded commitment to environmental action.

President Susan Herbst signs an expanded climate action plan during the opening ceremony of 'Climate Impact, Mitigation and Adaptation: A Reflection on Our Future,'  at the Wilbur Cross North Reading Room on March 26. Looking on are members of the CIMA organizing committee and guest speakers Gene Likens and Daniel Esty. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

President Susan Herbst signs an expanded climate action plan during the opening ceremony of 'Climate Impact, Mitigation and Adaptation: A Reflection on Our Future,'  at the Wilbur Cross North Reading Room on March 26. Looking on are members of the CIMA organizing committee and guest speakers Gene Likens and Daniel Esty. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

 

President Susan Herbst signs an expanded climate action plan during the opening ceremony of 'Climate Impact, Mitigation and Adaptation: A Reflection on Our Future,'  at the Wilbur Cross North Reading Room on March 26. Looking on are members of the CIMA organizing committee and guest speakers Gene Likens and Daniel Esty. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
President Susan Herbst signs an expanded climate action plan during the opening ceremony of ‘Climate Impact, Mitigation and Adaptation: A Reflection on Our Future,’  at the Wilbur Cross North Reading Room on March 26. Looking on are members of the CIMA organizing committee and guest speakers Gene Likens and Daniel Esty. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

Climate Impact, Mitigation and Adaptation: A Reflection on Our Future is a four-day observance of issues related to climate change that is currently taking place on campus. Beginning with a ceremony on Monday, March 26, at which President Susan Herbst signed an updated adaptability commitment expanding the University’s existing Climate Action Plan (CAP), through to the Edwin Way Teale lecture on Thursday with noted environmental scientist Michael Mann, the week features activities involving a cross-section of the UConn community.

Reiterating the University’s commitment to CAP, Herbst said, “UConn walks the walk when it comes to environmentalism.” And while she said that she appreciates that the University has gone from 49th place to 16th place in the Sierra Club’s annual ranking of eco-friendly campuses, she challenged those present to work toward making UConn the nation’s number one ‘green school’  in the future.

Gene Likens, Board of Trustees Distinguished Research Professor, said ethical behavior and social responsibility are important components of a sustainable environment. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
Gene Likens, Board of Trustees Distinguished Research Professor, said ethical behavior and social responsibility are important components of a sustainable environment. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
Daniel Esty, commissioner, state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, called for attention to both mitigation and adaptation when dealing with climate change. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
Daniel Esty, commissioner, state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, called for attention to both mitigation and adaptation when dealing with climate change. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
Rich Miller, UConn's director of environmental policy and a member of the CIMA organizing committee, speaks during the opening ceremony. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
Rich Miller, UConn’s director of environmental policy and a member of the CIMA organizing committee, speaks during the opening ceremony. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)