The framework below was developed by the organization, Second Nature, in collaboration with Partners of the Americas, as part of the design for the 100K Strong CLIMA initiative. It describes various methods that higher education institutions (HEIs) can employ to take climate action. It may be helpful during the design of climate action projects (CAPs).
Please note that the framework and action categories below are offered for illustrative purposes only. Other models and activities are welcomed and encouraged, so long as the proposal clearly demonstrates the relationship between the proposed CAP and the ongoing global effort to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Important Requirement: Faculty and students must be included as key actors in all proposed CAPs and proposals must show how faculty and students will expand their knowledge, skills and/or capacity through their participation in the CAPs. This should be demonstrated in the description of the intended results and in the M&E framework.
The framework describes six “Action Categories” that correspond to “Institutional Functions” for which HEIs are uniquely well-suited. In the broadest sense, HEIs can undertake “Enabling” actions that inform and empower other actors in the community or function as direct “Actors” by implementing specific interventions to address climate-related challenges. There is significant overlap among the two categories.
The framework’s “Action Categories” are described below in more detail and may be useful as applicants design proposals to start, sustain, or expand climate action projects.
Applicants are encouraged to review the Second Nature Solutions Center, which includes many excellent examples of Climate Action Projects, as well as detailed guides, effective practices, and lessons learned from other HEIs that have already implemented similar projects.
Research
HEIs have unique subject matter expertise and facilities to explore solutions to climate challenges through applied research. In the years to come, scientific inquiry, technological innovation, and transdisciplinary investigation will undoubtedly unlock new knowledge, technologies, approaches and practices that will be critical in confronting the climate crisis. Research topics range from the hyper-local to global environments and offer many avenues for the effective use of grant resources to advance efforts to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.
Examples for proposed use of 100K grant resources: Community-based research on the local impact of climate change and potential solutions; analysis of climate justice issues; research on real-world solutions to climate challenges; innovation, science, and technology to address climate challenges.
Anchor Institution
HEIs occupy a trusted space in society, where neither the profit-driven motives of the private sector nor the ideological politics of the public sector entirely hold sway. The trusted reputations of HEIs often allow them to serve as honest brokers and effective convenors that bring together diverse stakeholders to explore solutions to shared challenges. Additionally, as long-standing institutions in their respective communities, HEIs are often the primary economic engines in their given localities through operational purchasing and as an employer. HEIs can convene community leaders, policy makers, students, faculty, and others to identify community assets and build consensus support for shared solutions.
Examples for proposed use of 100K grant resources: Symposia, workshops, and conferences that convene stakeholders to share knowledge, build partnerships, explore solutions, and develop action plans around shared climate goals; establishment of knowledge networks.
Education
HEIs are the educators of tomorrow’s leaders and bear the great responsibility of equipping the region’s future workforce with the skills needed to lead in a climate-positive, 21st century green economy. It is critical that every student complete their studies with at least a basic understanding of the science of climate change, some practical understanding of how it is likely to affect their lives and careers, and skills that will allow them to incorporate climate considerations into their chosen career paths. Education can equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to adapt to and overcome climate challenges. HEIs can accomplish this by, for example, offering new climate-related courses or integrating climate topics into existing course curricula, and otherwise offering opportunities to engage with and learn about the global climate crisis.
Examples for proposed use of 100K grant resources: Training for faculty on how to integrate climate topics into existing curricula; technical training to help students prepare for green jobs; extension efforts that bring climate knowledge directly to communities.
Advocacy
HEIs often shy away from the spotlight and avoid controversy, but the climate crisis demands the active participation of all actors, especially those institutions that are most trusted and respected. HEIs can significantly advance climate solutions by nurturing student activism and informing public policy debates at all levels through its subject matter experts.
Examples for proposed use of 100K grant resources: Support for climate-focused student groups or faculty advocacy; preparation of studies that inform public policy decisions that will affect climate change or the community’s ability to adapt to its effects; development of climate action plans at the local, regional or national levels; environmental processes for environmental education in climate challenges.
Administration/Finance
Institutions with large endowments can consider divesting from fossil fuel investments and instead place their resources in investment vehicles that support the transition to a green economy. In addition, HEIs can often access outside investment and/or grants to support certain climate actions.
Examples for proposed use of 100K grant resources:
Divestment viability study; financial tools to support decarbonization activities; financial and investment officer educational workshops.
Operations
HEI campuses often resemble small or even medium-sized cities and their operations have similar carbon footprints that must be abated. Through efficiency upgrades, renewable energy purchasing, electrification of transportation, sustainable water management, and other actions, HEIs can considerably lower their carbon output and save money.
Examples for proposed use of 100K grant resources: The implementation of a greenhouse gas inventory; development of an institutional climate action plan; feasibility studies for renewable energy or electric transportation investment; implementation of proactive measures to reduce climate shocks and stressors in the long-term; pilot projects that test approaches for abating operational carbon emissions.