Understanding the urgent and time-sensitive nature of the climate crisis, UCSC’s Climate Faculty and Staff Network seeks to promote climate-related campus education; to publicize UCSC’s climate-related teaching, research, and events; and to advocate for bolder, more rapid action to mitigate climate change on our campus and in the UC more broadly.
Participate in and demand immediate action from UCSC Climate & Sustainability Task Force, as well as advocate for climate actions through existing Academic Senate committees. - e.g. Climate GE requirement, recognition for climate research, teaching, and service through the personnel review process
Introduce a new general education requirement on climate ASAP with clear guidance on key topics that need to be covered. Advocate for annual climate lecture for first year students.
Increase support for climate-aligned teaching, research, & service across and among disciplines.
Advocate for immediate implementation of the stages of decarbonization of campus as articulated in the D&E Report with the goal of complete decarbonization by 2030.
Rapidly expand zero and low-emission transportation options and the infrastructure to facilitate these including at/to UCSC satellite locations; expand/protect cycling/pedestrian lanes and bike infrastructure, in partnership with the city of Santa Cruz.
Recognizing the responsibility and influence of UCSC in our region and state, advocate for policy change across the UC system and the wider world.
Organize faculty salons to promote discussion of climate-related topics.
Coordinate and/or create an interdisciplinary center on campus resilience and sustainability that brings together existing climate-related efforts on campus and defines signature programs to leverage and build awareness of UCSC’s climate leadership.