New Mexico State University President Michael V. Martin has committed the university to reducing and ultimately neutralizing greenhouse gas emissions on campus.

“Climate change is a critical issue that must be addressed, and New Mexico State University with its research and outreach missions can and should be among those taking the lead in showing the country how to avert the disastrous impacts of global warming,” Martin said, following his signing of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment.

This is a high-visibility effort to make campuses more sustainable, organizers say, and in signing on to the commitment, NMSU joined with Cornell, the University of Pennsylvania, Arizona State University and 200-plus other institutions of higher learning to fight global warming.

The challenge to reverse global warming will reshape the 21st century, founders of the program say. University presidents, such as Martin, who recognize the need to reduce the global emission of greenhouse gases dramatically, have committed their institutions to developing a comprehensive plan to achieve climate neutrality through these steps:

1. Within two months of signing this document, create institutional structures to guide the development and implementation of the plan. To accomplish this, NMSU’s Energy Task force was re-established as the Sustainability and Climate Change Task Force.

2. Within one year, complete a comprehensive inventory of greenhouse gas emissions and update the inventory every other year thereafter.

3. Within two years, develop an action plan for becoming climate neutral that will include a target date, actions to make sustainability a part of the curriculum and other educational experiences for all students, and expand research efforts necessary to achieve climate neutrality.

Other possible initiatives include ensuring that new campus construction meets the U.S. Green Building silver standard and purchasing energy-efficient appliances. In addition, NMSU hopes to encourage use of public transportation for faculty, staff, students and visitors through the Aggie Shuttle Service and to begin producing or purchasing energy from renewable sources.