Report Examines Role of HBCUs in Addressing Climate Change, Sustainability

The consequences of climate change worldwide are not borne equally across all communities as communities of color most often bear the brunt of these environmental challenges, according to a new report from the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

Alexandria McBrideAs such, UNCF and its Institute for Capacity Building released, “The HBCU Climate Action Blueprint: Sustainable Campuses, Empowered Communities,” examining the current activities and future aspirations of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in climate change, sustainability, and environmental justice. The report details a call to action and blueprint for HBCUs to develop climate hubs that, when activated, empower the voices, perspectives, and authority of historically excluded communities.

“Collaboration between HBCUs and local grassroots partners brings a sharper focus to climate challenges and solutions, and clears pathways for community-led climate innovation,” said Alexandria McBride, senior program officer, Waverley Street Foundation.

The UNCF report, supported through an investment by the Waverley Street Foundation, is a survey of 20 HBCUs representing a mix of public and private institutions in urban, suburban, and rural settings across 11 states and territories. It uses an eight-part framework to develop a foundational understanding of current climate and sustainability practices at HBCUs.

"For HBCUs, addressing the climate challenge is about creating a future where our communities can flourish, prosper, and continue to contribute to the rich tapestry of human progress,” said UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax. “HBCUs are positioned to lead the nation and world in a just transition to a greener and more equitable future for all.”

Dr. Michael L. LomaxLomax unveiled the report and its findings Feb. 13, during a keynote conversation with director, producer, and comedian, W. Kamau Bell, at the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit in Long Beach, California.

The report identifies six key findings to guide activation of HBCUs in climate change and sustainability: 1.) HBCU foundational sustainability and climate action activities represent untapped assets, 2.) HBCU leadership is uniquely equipped to pioneer sustainability efforts in their communities, 3.) addressing the stark funding gap is critical to the global sustainability and environmental justice movement, 4.) HBCUs’ embrace of renewable energy positions them as trailblazers in community-focused clean energy solutions, 5.) HBCUs are molding the next generation of environmental leaders, and 6.) HBCUs are prepared to drive transformative environmental justice and climate action for marginalized communities.