Second Nature

We're thrilled to welcome the University of the District of Columbia as the newest Affiliate Member of the Climate Leadership Network! UDC is committed to sustainability, resilience, and climate action, and we’re excited to support its journey to creating a greener, more just future.

Second Nature has awarded seven higher education institutions expert consulting services valued at $25,000 each to accelerate their campus climate action with our Pro Bono Consulting initiative. Special thank you to the consulting firms Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc., Coho, an ERM Group company, and Ever-Green Energy for their partnership in driving sustainability and resilience forward. Furman University Macalester College North Carolina State University Penn State University University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign University of Wisconsin-Madison University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gQC6p2WA

Uplifting the impactful climate work of member institutions like the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is a pivotal pillar of Second Nature’s mission and is more important than ever. UMB proves that bold climate action is possible—even in unique urban settings. Since signing Second Nature’s Climate Commitment in 2008, it has made remarkable strides in renewable energy, conservation, and community engagement. Read more about how UMB is shaping a sustainable future: https://lnkd.in/gstamakH 📷 photo credit: University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB)

Join us in welcoming Bow Valley College to the Climate Leadership Network as a new Affiliate member! As a leading institution in Calgary, Alberta, Bow Valley College is committed to advancing climate action and sustainability on campus and in the community. We’re excited to support their journey toward a more sustainable future. #ClimateAction #Sustainability #ClimateLeadershipNetwork

UPDATE: Application has been closed. Thank you to everyone who showed interest and applied. We are going through each application and will be reaching out to folks soon. Second Nature is hiring a part-time Climate Policy Fellow for six months. The fellowship is 100% remote, will have a strong communications focus, and report to the Communications Director.  Additional details and an application link can be found here:  https://lnkd.in/dfTGNsHj

#CleanEnergy incentives are delivering real economic benefits to millions of Americans across the country. In fact, according to Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE)’s #2025Factbook, jobs in sustainable energy grew by 4.2% in 2023 – more than twice the rate of the overall economy. Today, more than 3 million Americans are part of today’s sustainable energy workforce. That’s why from March 4-6, 80 companies will be on Capitol Hill to urge Congress to maintain federal clean energy tax credits that fuel economic growth and energy security. #LEADonClean2025 🔗Read the Ceres, Inc. press release: https://lnkd.in/e_GKVNdu  ➡️Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eiEd-PGJ

Applications are now open for the AASHE Campus Decarbonization Academy! Second Nature is proud to partner with AASHE, APPA, I2SL, NACUBO, and SCUP to offer this program designed to help higher education institutions achieve their carbon neutrality goals. Through expert-led sessions, collaborative learning, and actionable resources, the Academy provides the tools necessary for implementing effective decarbonization strategies. For members of the Climate Leadership Network, this is a great opportunity to accelerate progress toward your Climate and Resilience Commitments while driving meaningful climate action. Applications are open — apply here: https://lnkd.in/dzmYT9YH

Reflections from the 2025 Climate Leadership Summit: Just blocks from the White House—providing a welcome contrast to the recent barrage of proposed federal rollbacks on clean energy and climate funding—over 380 higher education leaders gathered in Washington D.C. at Second Nature’s annual Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit to strategize, mobilize, and push for bold climate action. The message was clear: we must expand, defend, and accelerate climate solutions. Read key takeaways and our full Summit recap here: https://lnkd.in/gA4eNhVK

The 2025 Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit wrapped up with an inspiring student panel, reminding us that while staff and faculty play essential roles in driving climate action, #students are the current and future leaders essential for societal transformation. We heard from passionate students like Kennedy Copeland, Isabella Stratas, Theo Daniels, Rebecca Rudolph, Ayana Thomas, and Tyler Wyka, who are significantly impacting their campuses and beyond. Their stories of motivation, personal growth, and aspirations for the next decade highlighted the need for strong role models, recognition, and institutional support to advance meaningful change. Georges Dyer, Paris Prince, Aicha Ly, and Sorelle Ngatchou represented our team at this year's Summit, while Nicole Torrico, Noreen Marton, and Bella A. ensured our members’ needs were met at the office. As we reflect on the insights shared, we look forward to implementing the strategies discussed, strengthening the connections made, and continuing to take climate action with a holistic and collaborative approach. Georgetown University The George Washington University American University #2025ClimateSummit #ClimateAction #HigherEducation #StudentLeadership #Sustainability #Summit2025

As the Summit comes to a close, let’s take time to reflect on the powerful conversations that took place, the inspiration we have sparked, and the insights gained and bring that electric spirit back to our campuses and communities. The work ahead is uncertain, but the connections we’ve forged and the trust we have built in each other gives us an opportunity to mindfully, strategically, and, ultimately, successfully act on equitable climate action. Thank you to our amazing sponsors, partners, speakers, and to everyone who joined us for this year’s Summit. The journey doesn’t end here—we are just getting started. #2025ClimateSummit