Media ResourcesPress ReleasesNaropa University Endorses Federal Carbon Pricing

Naropa University Endorses Federal Carbon Pricing

Naropa is the first university in 11 western states to officially endorse carbon pricing campaign.

January 10, 2019 (Boulder, CO) — On Monday, January 7, 2019, at Naropa University, President Charles G. Lief announced his immediate and full endorsement of a carbon pricing initiative. The “Put a Price on It” campaign is a joint venture of National Geographic and Our Climate, the goal of which is to price carbon at the federal level. Carbon pricing is a strategy that has bi-partisan support, would keep fossil fuels in the ground and will help us move toward a climate secure future.

President Charles G. Lief Signs Endorsement

President Lief put his signature on the following endorsement letter, created for this initiative:

“As leaders of higher education institutions, we call upon our elected representatives to act collectively on behalf of current and future generations by putting a price on carbon. We work to prepare our students for thriving futures, over which climate change casts a dark shadow of uncertainty. Putting a price on carbon pollution is an indispensable step we can take to combat climate change effectively.

Carbon pricing creates an economy-wide incentive to reduce greenhouse gases in economically efficient ways that can, if revenues are used wisely, benefit low-income households while stimulating job growth. The World Bank has endorsed carbon pricing as a way to account accurately for the external costs of emissions, like crop loss, flood damage, and medical treatments that result from heat waves and other climate change disasters. Thousands of businesses support carbon pricing for its transparent and predictable approach. Dozens of countries and jurisdictions across the world have already enacted carbon-pricing mechanisms, and the evidence is in: carbon pricing enables renewable energy to flourish, helps phase out polluting energy sources, and lowers emissions. A strong carbon price will rise quickly enough to work without burdening low-income and middle-class families, and will not create new dependencies on profits from carbon-based energy.

It is time for the United States to lead on this defining issue of our time, and protect the health and well-being of current and future generations. By making carbon-intensive industries pay a fair share of the costs of their pollution, we will have cleaner air and healthier communities, and prevent the most devastating effects of climate change. Naropa divested from investment in fossil fuels in 2013 and today’s action is an important next step. We therefore ask our elected officials to proactively work to enact a carbon price on the state and national level.”

Founded in 1974, Naropa University is the birthplace of the modern mindfulness movement, and the only school in the United States that grounds the student experience in contemplative education principles. 

About Naropa University:

Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a private, liberal arts institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Naropa University is a leader in contemplative education, an approach to learning and teaching that integrates Eastern wisdom traditions and traditional Western scholarship. Naropa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Media inquiries, please call Michael Bauer, Director of Sustainability, at (303) 245-4658, or email Michael.

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Naropa Campuses Closed on Friday, March 15, 2024

Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed Friday, March 15, 2024.  All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. All online and low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.

Based on the current weather forecast, the Healing with the Ancestors Talk & Breeze of Simplicity program scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday will be held as planned.

Staff that do not work remotely or are scheduled to work on campus, can work remotely. Staff that routinely work remotely are expected to continue to do so.

As a reminder, notifications will be sent by e-mail and the LiveSafe app.  

Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors.  Naropa University trusts you to make thoughtful and wise decisions based on the conditions and situation in which you find yourself in.