Researchers now recognize that individual action alone will not suffice to tackle the most significant environmental problems of today and that collaborative action will be required to successfully address deeply rooted unsustainable patterns. As climate change continues to threaten our way of life, particularly the lives of those who are already burdened by other social inequities, the Mount Holyoke Community is dedicated to do our part to address the crisis at hand. While the college has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2037 and has implemented a number of sustainability initiatives at the structural level, the Community Commitment to Climate Justice (CC2CJ) offers a way for everyone on campus, from students and administrators, to staff and faculty to get involved in the fight against climate disruption in ways that are ongoing and transformative for both our community and beyond.

In a nod to the Paris Climate Agreement, the MHC Community Commitment to Climate Justice seeks to enhance communication and coordination on sustainability efforts and identify commitments from the college’s primary stakeholders to address both carbon neutrality goals and sustainable actions. Where other Climate Action Plans often have one committee responsible for setting goals across campus, MHC’s CC2CJ requires actions to be defined by the actors in order to incentivize long-term commitment and ultimately empower the community as a whole. We recognize that the commitments from each stakeholder will look different based on their abilities and level of responsibility. For this reason, we rely on a transparent and sustained dialogue to develop goals that are agreeable to each stakeholder group and that can be revisited regularly.

Join us! Breakfast will be provided.