Midwest Collegiate Climate Challenge

Michael Bloomberg Announces Midwestern Collegiate Climate Summit -- (Bloomberg Philanthropies) Washington University in St. Louis to Serve As Anchor University in Collaborating with Local and Regional Governments, Private Sector Leaders to Develop Innovative Climate Solutions -- Ohio State University is a Founding Member

St. Louis, MO – Today, Michael R. Bloomberg announced the largest expected convening of Midwest universities focused on mitigating the effects of climate change and moving to a 100% clean-energy economy. The Midwestern Collegiate Climate Summit will be held in early 2020, bringing together leaders from Midwestern universities, local government and the private sector to drive measurable, local action on climate by leveraging the partnerships, innovations and talent from institutions of higher education. In parallel to the new global commitments made by federal leaders in line with the Paris Agreement, the Climate Summit will catalyze climate action commitments from all regional leaders and provide a support network to achieve new ambitious goals. Bloomberg Philanthropies will provide support for the operations of the Climate Summit.

“Universities have a critical role to play in fighting climate change,” said Bloomberg. “And Washington University is a great example – as a hub for cutting edge research, as a key partner for the city of St. Louis, and as home to students who want to put their talents to work to build a better future. This summit will fuel new efforts across the Midwest to cut emissions and protect communities from impacts.”

Situated in the heartland of mid-America, Washington University will serve as the anchor for the Climate Summit and the partnership with other higher education institutions throughout the Midwest. In addition to hosting the Climate Summit, through its International Center for Energy, Environment and Sustainability (InCEES), Washington University will steer formalizing a high impact model for regional climate leadership; deploy students and faculty to work beyond the classroom in the city of St. Louis; and disseminate the St. Louis model to other peer institutions, starting with the members of the Climate Summit.

“Universities have an important role to play in local, regional, and national efforts to stop climate change, and Washington University is proud to lead the way,” said Washington University Chancellor-Elect Andrew Martin. “We’re thrilled for the opportunity to work alongside our colleagues throughout the Midwest to develop solutions, create models for leadership, and foster a healthier, more sustainable region for our students, faculty, and all Midwesterners. Bloomberg’s support is critical to continue advancing our efforts in the fight against climate change.”

Building on a strong partnership with the City of St. Louis and the success of their climate protection initiatives, Washington University is dedicated to helping achieve the city’s climate goals and expand regional collaboration. Innovative partnerships, applied research, and collective commitments to climate action will be showcased during the Climate Summit, which will focus on the important work being done in classrooms, on campuses and across communities in the Midwest. The goals and outcomes of the Climate Summit will be driven by its Founding Members, including Ohio State University.

“Institutions of higher education have the opportunity to develop the research and technology required for a clean energy economy and the future leaders who will get us there,” said Ohio State President Michael Drake. “Ohio State is excited about the opportunity from Bloomberg and Washington University to work with students, faculty, and resources from institutions throughout the region. Addressing the global threat of climate change and ensuring a sustainable future requires deep collaboration and coordination of all of our best ideas and talents — and this summit and partnership will allow exactly that.”

Through their support of the Climate Summit, Bloomberg Philanthropies will work closely with Washington University and the other Climate Summit participants on achieving actionable outcomes.

“St. Louis has seen the great potential for a successful clean energy transition by bringing together all leaders and sectors within a city,” said Mayor Krewson. “We are lucky to have great partners in the private and higher education sectors who are equally committed to creating a healthier, cleaner St. Louis and a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future. The partnership between Bloomberg Philanthropies and Washington University will only strengthen our momentum and help us make good on our goals of creating better communities today and for years to come.”

Washington University’s work will also support the City of St. Louis’s ambitious clean energy and energy efficiency goals made through Bloomberg Philanthropies’ American Cities Climate Challenge, a competitive program to help 25 cities meet their near-term carbon reduction goals. Specifically, Washington University will support scaling renewable energy through participation in the large-scale off-site solar project and achieving 100% compliance with the Building Energy Awareness Bill and increasing Energy Star certification.

About Bloomberg Philanthropies:
Bloomberg Philanthropies works in 480 cities in more than 120 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s charitable activities, including his foundation and his personal giving. In 2018, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $767 million. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.

About Washington University
Washington University is counted among the world’s leaders in teaching and research, and it draws students and faculty to St. Louis from all 50 states and more than 100 nations. The total student body is more than 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. The approximately 3,400 faculty teach in seven schools: Arts & Sciences, Brown School, Olin Business School, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, School of Engineering & Applied Science, School of Law and School of Medicine. Twenty-four Nobel laureates have been associated with Washington University, with nine doing the major portion of their pioneering research there. The university offers more than 90 programs and almost 1,500 courses leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in a broad spectrum of traditional and interdisciplinary fields, with additional opportunities for minor concentrations and individualized programs.

About The Ohio State University
Founded in 1870, The Ohio State University is one of the world’s most comprehensive public research universities. Consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s top 20 public universities, Ohio State is a research powerhouse with a wide-ranging network of expertise across disciplines. Ohio State is further recognized by a top-rated academic medical center and a premier cancer hospital and research center. As a land-grant university, Ohio State has a physical presence throughout Ohio with campuses and research centers located around the state.

About InCEES
The International Center for Energy, Environment and Sustainability (InCEES) at Washington University in St. Louis is an institutional hub for collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary initiatives. Founded in 2007, the ultimate goal of InCEES is to provide improved solutions to a range of interconnected energy and environmental challenges that are critical to the well-being of society and the planet. READ MORE