The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, representing a consensus of climate scientists, recognized in their most recent report that global greenhouse gas emissions must decrease by 80 percent by 2050 in order to avoid the more devastating impacts of climate change and delaying action will “substantially increase the challenges associated with limiting warming…”

Indiana University has recognized the importance of adhering to these goals since at least 2010 when the Trustees approved the IU Campus Master Plan, where they recommended reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050. Most recently, in 2015, the trustees approved the Bicentennial Strategic Plan, which affirmed “Achieving the goals for energy efficiency and emissions reductions called for in the Campus Master Plan…” as well as adding sustainability to the list of IU’s core values.

In order to realistically achieve these goals, Indiana University Bloomington needs both a climate action plan and an accountability framework to ensure that it is implemented.

Almost 700 university and college presidents have signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC)

The text of this commitment requires institutions to set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality, create a climate action plan, and publicly report progress  through the ACUPCC reporting system.

Several key student organizations, including the Graduate and Professional Student Organization (GPSO), the Residence Halls Association (RHA), and the Student Sustainability Council (SSC) have already called on President McRobbie on signing this commitment so that IU can do their part and become a leader in preventing climate change. Join them today by signing this petition!