Leading on Climate

UC is committed to understanding the climate crisis and implementing practical solutions to build a more equitable, resilient and healthy world.

Global climate disruption is impacting the planet in ways never experienced in human history. Warmer temperatures are contributing to changing weather patterns that cause more intense storms and heavier rainfall in some places, while elsewhere drought is parching the land. Glaciers are melting at an accelerated rate and oceans are rising.

The overwhelming scientific consensus is that climate change is being driven by the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels.

The University of California has responded to this growing environmental crisis with direct action aimed at ending its reliance on fossil fuels.

UC is pursuing fossil-free operations by building upon UC’s pioneering work on climate and sustainability across its operations, research, education, investments and public service.

Harnessing UC’s leadership in sustainability

UC has long been a leader in sustainability. In 2004, UC enacted a systemwide Sustainable Practices Policy, which positioned the University as a leader in environmentally sound operations. Originally covering just two policy areas — Green Building and Clean Energy — the Sustainable Practices Policy now spans 13 topics. 

UC is taking bold steps to accelerate the path to decarbonization. The University continues to expand its energy efficiency efforts and increase its use of energy from renewable sources as the foundation for decarbonizing campus energy systems.

The Global Climate Leadership Council advises the UC President and Chief Financial Officer on pursuing fossil free operations and furthering the University’s long standing sustainability goals. The council also provides guidance on advancing teaching, research and public service on climate change and sustainability.

The UC Bonnie Reiss Climate Action Fellowship Program funds student-generated projects that support UC’s climate action efforts. All 10 UC campuses, five academic health centers, plus the UC Office of the President, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory participate in the program.