To: President Clements and Clemson University Administration

From: Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Members of the Clemson Community

According to a recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, we must limit the warming of the earth to no more than 1.5 °C in order to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of the climate crisis. Clemson University has not taken a strong stance on this issue, despite being a renowned institution of higher learning. We want to express our strong support for the university to uphold the following:

Clearly and publicly recommit to and uphold the goal to be carbon neutral by 2030.

In 2011, the Sustainability Action Plan was created to carry out the goals of the University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. The plan highlighted the necessary steps the university should take to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The administration has made steps in the right direction by committing to build a solar canopy over parking lot R6 and creating the Sustainability Commission, among other actions. We commend the university on taking these first steps, but even more action is required.

By officially recommitting to the carbon neutrality goal, Clemson University will pave the way for the 750 other signatories of the Presidents’ Climate Commitment of 2007. As an influential institution, our actions set an example for other colleges and universities worldwide.

We thank you for your support and leadership and stand ready to work with you to achieve this goal. The student body is prepared to do its part — stand with us to help protect our future.