Decarbonization Resolution Ballot Resolution from the Klein College of Media & Communication in Support of Decarbonization at Temple University [REVISED 5.13.25] WHEREAS, as an institution of higher education and research, Temple University must take responsibility for its contributions to climate change by measuring and eliminating its greenhouse gas emissions; WHEREAS, unlike most of its ten peer institutions, Temple lacks a detailed long-range plan to transition to a fossil-fuel-free future; WHEREAS, Temple’s current greenhouse gas inventory notably underestimates its contribution to warming by, for example, omitting emissions embodied in the construction of physical infrastructure; WHEREAS, Temple is at a critical point in the development of its physical infrastructure as many of its buildings and the energy infrastructure that operates within them are reaching the end of their life cycles and so properly transitioning to renewable energy is urgent; WHEREAS, the longer Temple waits, the more expensive the transition will be; WHEREAS, Temple’s investments are not clearly disclosed and most likely continue to be tied up in fossil fuel interests. Temple cannot claim to be pursuing net-zero or real zero emissions while continuing to invest in fossil fuels; WHEREAS, supporting the decarbonization of Temple directly relates to Klein College of Media & Communication’s vision to “influence the future” in a “dynamic urban environment”; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that Temple must devise a long-term plan to reach real- or absolute-zero and transition campus energy infrastructure completely away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy as quickly as feasible. The plan should be based on clear standards, enforceable, and include short- and long-term benchmarks; RESOLVED, that Temple must transform existing campus infrastructure and transition completely away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy use; RESOLVED, that fossil fuel-based systems must be considered obsolete. After exhausting all possibilities for adaptive reuse of existing structures, any proposed new infrastructure on Temple campuses must be powered solely by renewable energy sources; RESOLVED, that carbon offsets (by this or any other name, e.g., credits) must not be purchased; RESOLVED, that Temple University must immediately disclose, on its Public Information web page, all current direct and indirect financial investment in fossil fuel exploration, extraction, refinement, infrastructure, and distribution. Additionally, Temple must create socially responsible investment (SRI) policies and practices; and RESOLVED, that Temple must direct the chief investment officer to immediately and fully divest from all fossil fuels. All future investment in fossil fuel exploration, extraction, refinement, infrastructure, and distribution must be prohibited indefinitely. I support the above resolution: Yes No EmailThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
