Resolution in support of conducting an audit of greenhouse gas emissions at Sonoma State University in conjunction with Sonoma County Climate Protection Campaign

Whereas observed and predicted Global Climate Change is a matter of great concern, and

Whereas a broad scientific consensus exists for a substantial human factor in these changes and a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions needs to be made for the benefit of future generations, and

Whereas all nine city councils in Sonoma County, as well as the county itself, have agreed to participate in the Climate Protection Campaign initiated by the International Council on Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), and have committed to reducing their emissions by 20% by 2010, thus becoming the first county in the nation to do so, and

Whereas Sonoma State students will be working as interns on this project, doing initial audits for the county and the city councils, and

Whereas local public schools are planning to conduct similar audits on their campuses, providing additional opportunities for SSU students to work as mentors in the local community,

Therefore, be it resolved

that Sonoma State will agree to undertake its own audit according to the protocol developed by ICLEI, in connection with related courses taught by faculty in Hutchins, Geography, Philosophy, and Environmental Studies and Planning, as well as any others who might be interested in participating in such a project.

Approved by the Senate
10/17/2002