DRAFT – The University of Montana – Climate Action Plan – DRAFT

It is a chilly, October day in western Montana, with the promise of snow in the forecast. This cool, wet weather is a welcome remedy to the forest fire that is burning just south of Missoula in the Bitterroot Valley. Forest fires of varying intensity are not at all unusual here. However in the last ten years, the number of acres burned and intensity of wildfires have increased in the Rocky Mountain West (Running, 2006). Although ecosystem dynamics are inherently complex, scientists believe this altered wildfire pattern is due in part to climate change.

Leaders of the University of Montana (UM) recognize humanity is having an impact on our climate and have decided to do something about the university’s contribution. UM has long been known for environmental conservation and education and in 2002, President George Dennison signed the Talloires Declaration committing the university to specific actions aimed at increasing awareness of environmental sustainability. As a result, the interdisciplinary
Sustainable Campus Committee http://www.umt.edu/committees/sustaincomm.aspx was created and charged with advising the administration on issues related to sustainability.

Full Plan: http://alumniconnections.com/olc/filelib/UMO/email/Library/Alumni%20Office/Climate_Action_Plan.pdf