The climate crisis our world faces is urgent and demands collaborative action across every sector. The University of Washington, as a global public research University with deep expertise in environmental and clean energy sciences, is already creating real impact in addressing the threat of climate change. So, I’m very proud that the UW is part of a new climate partnership between universities, the public sector and businesses, the New York Climate Exchange on Governors Island .
Our University is a core partner in this consortium, led by Stony Brook University, which will create a first-of-its-kind international center on Governors Island in New York City to develop and accelerate climate solutions and adaptations. As the only core partner on the west coast, the UW brings important regional and global relationships, expertise and knowledge to this undertaking, and we could not be prouder to participate in this innovative new approach. I’m also very grateful to Maya Tolstoy, the Maggie Walker Dean of the College of the Environment; her leadership in this process has been vital and she is serving on the Exchange’s board as the UW’s representative.
The goal is for the Exchange to facilitate a flow of ideas between the UW and its partners, and to create workforce development and learning opportunities, like green jobs training, internships and skills-building programs, benefiting both students and businesses.
As a global public research University, we are driven by our public mission to address the grand challenges that threaten the health and well-being of the people we serve and the generations to come. Climate action and adaptation is central to this mission, and we are excited to be part of the New York Climate Exchange, which holds incredible potential to create impact through collaboration. I look forward to sharing more updates about this exciting project as the work advances.