It has been 12 years since UNM created a climate plan. This Earth Day, Leaf is calling on UNM President Stokes to update and implement the climate plan that would achieve a carbon-free campus by 2030, restart regular greenhouse gas emission inventories, electrify UNM’s shuttles and fleet and reduce food waste.

Leaf is a coalition of students, faculty and staff at the University of New Mexico who recognize that we now face an accelerating climate crisis. We are concerned that the University of New Mexico does not understand the impact that climate change has on the future lives of it’s students, faculty, and staff. With an updated Climate Action Plan, the University of New Mexico will show that they care about creating a bright future for both its direct and extended communities.

Leaf has three clear and distinct goals:

Regenerative Campus - Create a carbon free and waste free campus. This includes 100% renewable energy and a zero waste campus by 2030.

Invest in Environmentally Aware Education and Research - Invest in educational programs that empower students to understand their role in facilitating a just and equitable transition to a new energy economy.

Develop curricula and infrastructure that prioritizes innovative research to help New Mexico prepare for the negative impacts of climate change and accelerate the transition to an economy free of fossil fuels that benefits all New Mexicans. Divest from Fossil Fuels - The Regents of the University should permanently eliminate all funds that include fossil fuels in their portfolio by 2025.

UNM cannot claim to promote the interests of its students while investing in fossil fuel companies and economic systems that jeopardize their future.