On June 5 TCNJ President R. Barbara Gitenstein signed the “We Are Still In” pledge, joining a cross section of over one thousand United States cities, states, universities, and business leaders in support of the Paris Agreement and its continued implementation.
“TCNJ remains committed to driving down carbon pollution and fighting climate change,” Gitenstein said. “We made a major commitment a decade ago and have been working steadily since then to reduce our carbon footprint.”
In 2007 Gitenstein signed the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. That action aligned the college with a network of institutions committed to neutralize greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate research and educational efforts of higher education to re-stabilize the earth’s climate.
That same year, TCNJ formed the Presidents’ Climate Commitment Committee, consisting of faculty, staff, and students. The group has been engaged with a variety of projects and initiatives working towards climate neutrality for the campus.
Current efforts include promoting alternative means of getting to and from campus, developing the TCNJ Rideshare phone app, installing electric car charging stations, providing bicycle facilities, implementing distance learning options and converting all parking garages to LED technology.
“We will continue to pursue ambitious climate goals to ensure our nation remains a global leader in reducing emissions.” Gitenstein stated. “We believe that the Paris Agreement, which challenges countries to embrace voluntary goals, is a blueprint for job creation, stability, global economic prosperity, and the promise of a cleaner energy future.”