An IPCC Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5º Celsius above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways was released October, 2018. The report concluded we are already at 1º Celsius warming beyond pre-industrial averages. Limiting global warming to 1.5° Celsius (2.7° Fahrenheit) — beyond which scientists expect more significant damage to global ecosystems — requires “rapid and far-reaching transitions” in energy systems, land use, industry and urban infrastructure. Read the full report here.
Since 2002 UMass Amherst has reduced its total Scope I and II greenhouse gas emissions by 25% (FY2002–FY2019) and the campus continues to explore ways to reduce energy consumption and building energy intensity, continue to transition to clean renewable energy systems, and support the clean energy economy. In November, 2018 the UMass Chancellor's Office announced the formation of two task forces to address both climate resiliency and carbon mitigation.
UMass Amherst provides annual energy consumption updates to Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Leading by Example Program as mandated by the Executive Order 484 and the Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) and voluntarily reports to Second Nature to honor the UMass system’s commitment to the Carbon Commitment.
Second Nature Annual Progress Evaluation - 2018
Second Nature Annual Progress Evaluation - 2016 (formerly called GHG Report)
Second Nature GHG Report - 2013
Second Nature GHG Report - 2012
