Climate change poses one of the most urgent issues facing humanity, and The College of Wooster is committed to responding to this crisis with bold ambition.  The science is clear–The earth is warming at an ever-accelerating rate; humans are the cause (principally because of greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels); and the results are already catastrophic for millions around the world.  Larger wildfires in the American West, extreme heat in Central Asia, sea level rise in the South Pacific, stronger hurricanes in the Atlantic, longer droughts in Sub-Saharan Africa, worsening air pollution in urban cities everywhere, and increased flooding right here in Ohio all point to the dramatic changes brought on by the climate crisis.  Fortunately, there are many excellent solutions that not only help counteract these changes, but will also create a healthier, more just, and more sustainable world.

We are currently in the process of developing a long-term Climate Action Plan for the college that will chart a path forward in addressing the climate crisis.  This plan will take into account our full carbon footprint and will prioritize solutions that demonstrate meaningful emissions reductions, are financially sustainable, promote student and community education, and that are consistent with principles of environmental justice.  Click on the link below to download our first full carbon footprint analysis for the 2022-2023 academic year.

2023 GHG Report (pdf)