Climate Action Plan

The current Climate Crisis is a global emergency and it is important to respond as such. Located in Arizona, we face increased climate vulnerabilities such as water scarcity, extreme heat waves, wildfires, and public health issues. As an institutional leader, NAU is responding to this global issue with a focus on adaptability, innovation, and stewardship.

We are in the initial stages of our climate action planning process and we want to make sure we are reflecting the needs of our campus. We are focusing on community engagement in the Fall 2019 to ensure that we create a plan that reflects our current needs from our greater campus community. So please do get involved! You are helping to shape the future of NAU’s sustainability legacy!

Take the Survey!

If you haven’t yet already, please take the Climate Action Plan Survey

What is a Climate Action Plan (CAP)?

A Climate Action Plan serves as a strategic document that helps guide a community towards a common stewardship goal. A majority of university Climate Action Plans focus on lessening consumption, carbon footprint, and creating a more sustainable institution. NAU is a leader in higher education for sustainability and a founding signee of the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) and the Second Nature Carbon Pledge in 2007.

Why do we need a CAP?

Similar to a campus Master Plan, a Climate Action Plan can inform discretionary decision-making regarding the strategic direction of the university. As sustainability-related and environmental science degree programs continue to grow in relevance and demand across the nation, and at NAU in particular, it is a strategic development to institute a Climate Action Plan to reach university and community goals (i.e. carbon neutrality, stewardship, student job skills, etc.) It is essential for the campus community to have a guiding road-map for a sustainable future to help further the Living Laboratory ideal, which is a concept to define how research, campus needs and student learning can come together to foster an active learning community.

It is a campus wide effort that extends into the greater Flagstaff and Northern Arizona community. Join us!

Figure 1: NAU Carbon Emissions by type 2010-2017

Progress Updates:

Adaptation Nov 21st

Posted by Admin on November 07, 2019

Please join the ENV 675 grad students, the City Sustainability, and NAU community to plan our climate adaptation strategies. Mark your calendars for the next CAP event, Nov 21 from 4-6pm in Ashurst Hall!

Work Session #4

Posted by Admin on October 23, 2019

With the completion of our 4th Work Session last week, we are now working to compile everything we have heard from the campus community to direct the focus of our plan. There will be many more opportunities to provide feedback or input for the Climate Action Plan - So stay tuned!

Work Session #3

Posted by Admin on October 08, 2019

Our next work session is tomorrow Oct 9th 5-7pm, at Mother Road Brewery Downtown. These work sessions are designed to capture high level feedback and help provide direction from our community. They are similar events. So if you've missed previous events, no problem. Come by and join us!

Survey Results!

Posted by Admin on October 08, 2019

Thanks to all N=240 of the respondents who participates in our Climate Action survey last week. The Survey Results are posted at the bottom of this page under "Additional Resources." It was a random sample, so don't feel bad if you missed it because you can still take the survey! It is posted towards the top of this page. Please share with classes, colleagues, and friends!

Work Session #2

Posted by Admin on September 30, 2019

Thursday Oct 3, 12-2pm come by the HLC Lobby to give us input on the Climate Action Plan! The feedback we receive will help direct our planning process and where we prioritize our efforts!

We need your feedback throughout the planning process!

Please leave your comments below. (Your name and email are optional)

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What does NAU Climate Action mean to you? Please give us your feedback.
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Additional Resources:

2010: Carbon Neutrality; Climate Action Plan

NAU’s first Climate Action Plan
Goal: “Carbon Neutrality by 2020”
Short-term campus changes; creation of campus action teams (i.e. Waste Minimization, etc.)
Completed externally by NORESCO with Phase 1 efficiencies implemented
Maintained energy and water consumption levels alongside an increase of campus growth
Created foundation for Office of Sustainability (Environmental Caucus, Green Fund, etc)

2015: Sustainability Action Plan

Goal: Revise and Update the 2010 Plan
Completed internally by NAU committees and service groups
Focused on Actionable Items in 7 specific areas:

Water
Recycling and Waste Minimization
Transportation
Operations
Procurement
Energy and Climate
Academics and Research

We sent out our survey to a random sample of 2,000 NAU community members – 1,800 Student, 100 Staff, and 100 Faculty. We received N=240 responses and have linked to the results below.

CAP Survey Results (PDF)

Nov 15-16, 2019 at NAU Mountain Campus

Northern Arizona University (NAU), alongside partners from around the state, will host this two-day summit. Located in the City of Flagstaff and near the neighboring Navajo and Hopi Nations on the Colorado Plateau, NAU is recognized nationally and internationally for its research on ecosystem responses to climate change, from drylands to the Arctic, and on health equity, including the impacts of climate change on the health of vulnerable communities.

The Navajo Nation has demonstrated state and regional leadership in renewable energy. And in 2018, the City of Flagstaff passed and is implementing an ambitious and forward-looking Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, establishing a model for proactive and community-informed urban decision-making around climate change.

This nexus of leadership and commitment to addressing the climate change challenge make NAU and Flagstaff a vibrant host location—a model of both regional partnerships and cutting-edge research.

More info on AZ Climate 2020 Conference website

NAU GHG Reporting- Second Nature
AASHE Stars 2017 Sustainability Report
City of Flagstaff Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
IPCC 2018 Report
4th National Climate Assessment Report