The University of Pennsylvania has created a new position of vice president for climate science to address the “existential challenge of climate change,” the school announced this week.
The Vice Provost for Climate Science, Policy and Action will be tasked with supporting Penn’s leadership in addressing the climate crisis. I got it. The helpful folks at The College Fix report, citing the school’s campus newspaper.
The position also includes responsibilities such as “implementing a campus-wide climate and sustainability action plan, leading academic programs on climate science and policy, and enhancing education and training focused on climate mitigation and adaptation.” according to To The Daily Pennsylvanian.
“Every person at Pennsylvania and every one of our activities has some connection to the existential challenge of climate change,” the university’s strategic plan states. Framework In a section titled “Leading Through the Grand Challenges of Our Time.”
“We must do more across the university,” the framework states. “From leading interdisciplinary energy science and policy to designing and managing the built environment, Penn will explore more ways to support and recruit the best talent.”
The school also pledges to “advance efforts that deepen understanding and promise solutions” and to “adopt institutional best practices for the good of our future and planet.”
Interim President of the University of Pennsylvania, Larry Jameson, commented on the significance of this new role: Declared “Climate change may be the biggest challenge we all face.”
Meanwhile, David Ash, senior vice president for strategic initiatives, said the university’s most concrete goal in the fight against climate change is “to help cool the planet and protect life and ecosystems on Earth in the meantime.”
