The Climate Crisis - BFA Legislation, Statements, and Presentations
BFA Resolutions and Statements
BFA-R-1-100923 Support of Urgent Climate Action Resolution
The Boulder Faculty Assembly (BFA) proposed a resolution, which is meant to be a just a starting point, a framework or vision document, that will be followed by future resolutions that target specific climate solution actions. But first, we are asking the faculty to unite into one powerful voice and endorse prioritizing climate change and sustainability actions to be the central focus of our campus-wide initiatives.
BFA-R-3-032722 Resolution to Call on the University of Colorado to Divest from Fossil Fuels
The Boulder Faculty Assembly (BFA) proposed a motion, BFA-R-3-032722, which called on the University of Colorado to divest from fossil fuels and reinvest in a just transition. This resolution was based on several considerations, including the University's previous commitments to addressing climate change, its reputation in climate change research, the financial risks associated with fossil fuel investments, and the need to uphold values of diversity and equity. The resolution urged the University to develop a socially responsible strategy for divestment and reinvestment, with a target date of no later than 2027.
BFA-R-2-030122 Resolution for TIAA Divestment & Climate Justice Reinvestment
The Boulder Faculty Assembly (BFA) motion, BFA-R-2-030122, aimed to call on TIAA to divest from the climate crisis and reinvest in climate justice. This resolution was motivated by various factors, including the University of Colorado's previous acknowledgments of climate change, its reputation in climate research, and the potential financial risks associated with fossil fuel investments. The resolution urged TIAA to offer more diverse investment options, divest from fossil fuel-related sectors, and engage with portfolio companies exposed to deforestation and land grab risks to contribute to climate justice and sustainability.
BFA-M-3-033020: Create BFA Faculty Climate Standing Committee
The Boulder Faculty Assembly (BFA) motion, BFA-M-033020, sought to approve the Boulder Faculty Climate Science and Education Committee as a new BFA Standing Committee. This motion was based on the Bylaws of the BFA and the committee's history of active engagement in increasing awareness about climate change. The motion was successfully approved by the BFA General Assembly on April 30, 2020, with 54 members in favor and none opposed or abstaining.
BFA-R-4-110719: Resolution in Support of the C.U. Student Government Climate Emergency Declaration
The Boulder Faculty Assembly (BFA) passed a motion, BFA-R-4-110719, supporting the C.U. Student Government's Climate Emergency Declaration. The resolution acknowledged the climate emergency declarations by local governments, scientists, and educational institutions worldwide and expressed admiration for the students' leadership. It also called upon the University of Colorado's system-wide leadership to take action on this issue. The motion was submitted on November 7, 2019, and unanimously approved on December 5, 2019.
BFA-R-1-090519: Resolution to Support Youth Climate Action
The BFA General Assembly passed a motion, BFA-R-1-090519, in support of youth climate action in October 2019. The motion recognized the overwhelming scientific evidence for human-induced climate change, the urgent need for action, and the global commitment to limit temperature increases. It also expressed respect and support for the non-violent demands of youth activists calling for immediate action to address the causes and consequences of climate change.
BFA-R-3-050417: Support for students as they engage the issue of divestment from fossil fuels
The students of the University of Colorado had long requested that the University shift its investments away from fossil fuels. The Boulder Faculty Assembly, along with faculty from various ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ departments, had passed a resolution emphasizing the need for climate action. Furthermore, the resolutions were prompted by the commitments of cities like Denver and Boulder to divest from fossil fuels, the disproportionate impact of fossil fuel industries on marginalized communities, and the support from religious and scientific communities for divestment. The Boulder Faculty Assembly supported the students' call for divestment and urged the University's Administration, Regents, Advancement Office, and Foundation to create a roadmap for divestment from high-carbon corporations and reinvestment in sustainable industries for the benefit of Colorado's economy.
BFA-R-120116: Resolution to Address Climate Change
The Boulder Faculty Assembly passed a resolution, BFA-R-120116, in December 2016, acknowledging overwhelming evidence of human-induced climate change. The resolution highlighted the consensus of nearly 200 leading scientific organizations, urging urgent action to address climate change's global and regional effects through mitigation and adaptation. This motion received endorsements from various BFA committees and the full BFA Assembly, emphasizing the University of Colorado Boulder's commitment to addressing climate change.