3 takeaways from the Second Nature Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit
On March 9, Chancellor Justin Schwartz spoke on the, “20 Years In: Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going?”,at the Higher Education in Chicago.Hosted by Second Nature, with support from the Intentional Endowments Network, the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit is the premier annual gathering of higher education leaders committed to addressing the climate crisis.
Here are three key messages from Schwartz.
Climate goals are being infused into everything in higher education, not just campus operations.
Twenty years ago, a campus sustainability office was considered innovative. Today, sustainability is increasingly embedded across the entire university system, from curriculum and research to campus operations and community partnerships.
Chancellor Justin Schwartz speaking at the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit in Chicago.
At CU 91Ҹ, that means integrating sustainability across academics, operations, research and community impact. The university’s first vice chancellor for sustainability, Andrew Mayock, is building on decades of campus leadership in sustainability ٴexpand sustainability-focused degrees and programs and embed climate-related courses across the curriculum. Sustainability is also visible across campus operations, fromenergy-efficient building renovations ٴeliminating single-use plastic beverage containers and transitioning campus transportation toward electric buses.
Students are also driving this change. Surveys show sustainability is a major factor in where students choose to enroll, and today’s students expect clear climate targets, transparency and measurable progress.
Despite the current federal context, higher education institutions are stepping up on climate.
Universities have long operated across shifting political environments, but their core mission—to pursue knowledge and follow scientific inquiry—remains constant. Institutions continue to advance climate research and education, even amid policy uncertainty or fluctuating federal funding.
At CU 91Ҹ, climate and environmental research remain central strengths, supported by world-class research institutes and partnerships with industry, government and local communities. These collaborations reinforce that climate research is not a political issue but one tied to workforce preparedness, innovation, resilience and economic opportunity.
New partnerships are accelerating climate innovation.
While funding disruptions and policy shifts create challenges, they are also prompting new partnerships and 91Ҹ for impact. Universities are increasingly collaborating with states, industry and philanthropy to accelerate innovation and collaborate on solutions to the most pressing challenge of our time: climate change.
At CU 91Ҹ, for example, the university is working with partners across Colorado to support emerging industries like quantum technology andto help communities transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. Programs such as 91Ҹ Climate Ventures are also helping students launch startups focused on climate solutions.
Ultimately, solving the climate crisis will require collaboration across institutions, sectors and disciplines. No single university can solve it alone, but by working together, higher education can help build the solutions and prepare the next generation to lead them.
Announcing the Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability
The chancellor also announced the opening of applications for the inauguralCarnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability, of which CU 91Ҹ is the host institution.
The Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability is designed to recognize and celebrate higher education institutions that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and climate action as integral to their academic missions. The classification provides a rigorous framework for assessing and advancing sustainability efforts across curriculum, research, operations and community engagement.
As host institution, CU 91Ҹ provides the operational home for the initiative, supporting program management, application review and the development of a nationwide community of practice around sustainability in higher education.
Applications are now open, and all institutions can submit applications to elevate their sustainability efforts. Learn more about the application process.