Penn State Climate Action is a student-led coalition that works with faculty members to create a plan for Penn State to be a more sustainable university.

The organization believes climate change will impact every Penn State community member in a different way. It acknowledges the different perspectives that come with these issues and the diversity it brings forth.

Climate Action’s initiatives emulate this by creating a space for community members to share their opinions and viewpoints while collaborating with other student organizations to strive for a more sustainable Penn State.

“Our aspiration is to represent a grassroots movement of students who realize the immediacy and urgency for climate action and are wondering, ‘Why isn’t Penn State doing more?'” Penn State Climate Action Outreach Director Lydia Carey said.

The organization’s goals for Penn State include reducing greenhouse gas emissions between 2030 and 2040 to net-zero emissions and establishing a Climate Action Committee made up of Penn State experts. It’s working to reveal Penn State’s potential in being a statewide leader in green energy and sustainability, as well as in the Big Ten.

Penn State Climate Action aims to reach different groups of students and work with many student organizations to further their movement.

“The creation of the ‘Our Shared Vision’ program seeks to include the diverse impacts that climate change will have on the communities that exist at Penn State,” Carey said. “We are partnering with clubs and organizations so that their voice can be an integral and cohesive part of what we stand for.”

The organization’s grassroots team of students connects University Park and Commonwealth Campuses to ensure the movement is reaching all Penn State students.

“I would urge students and faculty to voice their calls for action within their own spheres as well as through this movement,” Co-Executive Director Divya Jain said. “If students and faculty are not taught how to look for sustainable solutions, we will replicate the 20th century, which will lead us further down the path of climate change.”

Students can become a part of the movement in many ways, including research. Check out Climate Action’s website, where you can learn more about the organization and sign and share petitions. You can also follow the organization’s Instagram to stay updated on the organization’s achievements and overall efforts.