President's message

Scientists have deemed climate change one of the largest threats to humanity. In October 2018, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change stated that humans need to limit global warming to 1.5°C to ensure a more sustainable and equitable society. To reach this goal, global net greenhouse gas emissions would need to be reduced by 45% from 2010 levels by 2030, with net zero emissions by 2050. Within this plan, we have set some ambitious goals of our own to help take a leadership role in the region and across the country. These ambitious reduction targets show our commitment to creating a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable university and to inspire students to make a commitment to climate action in their lives and careers.

The institutional Climate Change Action Plan was developed through a three year, inclusive and collaborative approach that took input from all corners of our campuses and communities. Climate change is a problem that is going to take each one of us contributing to solve, thus having many people involved in the plan’s development was very important.

Both UNB campuses have already made notable progress in the area of climate change. Our campuses have established Energy Management Programs, which have reduced the energy consumption for our university while also saving millions of dollars. UNB is a leader in Smart Grid technology and our faculty have conducted climate change related research in a number of departments on both campuses. There is still a great deal of work to be done and we as an institution are prepared to take on the challenge.

The university is an ideal setting to implement climate change solutions and take a leadership role. Together, we can take strides to make a lasting impact at home and around the world.

With kind regards,

Paul