Randolph signs letter to the White House urging a strong 2030 climate target

Earlier this month, Randolph joined 75 colleges and universities in urging the Biden-Harris administration to adopt a carbon emission reduction target.

President Bradley W. Bateman signed the letter from the Boston-based organization, Second Nature. It calls on the administration to adopt a target of at least 50 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, which will put the country on a viable path to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

“Randolph College has a long-standing track record of taking action on climate change and working with our community to assess and address community climate resilience,” said Karin Warren, the Herzog Family Professor of Environmental Studies.

“President Bateman signing this letter is an important show of support for the efforts the new administration has already made, including rejoining the Paris Accord and appointing qualified experts in key administrative climate positions. The letter also urges the administration to push for effective policy at the national level to address the causes and impacts of climate change, which is imperative for a just and sustainable future for all.”

Second Nature is dedicated to accelerating climate action in, and through, higher education by mobilizing institutions to act on bold climate commitments, to scale campus climate initiatives, and to create innovative climate solutions.

Signing the letter is one of many ways Randolph shows its commitment to the environment and sustainability.

The College is consistently recognized as one of the top “Green Schools” in the country and is an affiliate of the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus USA, which recognizes colleges and universities for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.

Randolph was also the first school in Virginia and the ninth in the nation to receive Bee Campus USA certification, committing to support pollinators through more sustainable landscape practices.

The College is home to an Organic Garden, multiple rain gardens, and a pollinator garden that will be expanded on Earth Day.

For more information, visit www.randolphcollege.edu/sustainability.