Guv leading way on global warming

On behalf of Westminster College, I would like to commend Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. for joining the Western Regional Climate Action Initiative. As scientific consensus around climate change builds, it behooves leaders at all levels to take meaningful and decisive action to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. Gov. Huntsman's work with regional governors to measure and cap emissions, coupled with the state's goal of reducing emissions 25 percent by 2015, demonstrates the foresight and conviction we will need to successfully address the global climate challenge.

In recognizing that institutions of all sizes must step up to address climate change, I have recently signed the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment. In signing this pledge, I have agreed to find ways for Westminster to reduce and ultimately neutralize greenhouse-gas emissions on our campus. I agree with the more than 200 college and university presidents around the country who have already signed the pledge, that higher education must model the kind of environmental responsibility we are encouraging our students to develop.

I believe that climate change will become one of the defining challenges of the 21st century. How we respond to the challenge will in large part shape the legacy of our generation.

Michael S. Bassis is president of Westminster College.