Green New Deal for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Overview
The Green New Deal for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a far-reaching proposal to transform UNC to face the climate crisis and build a more equitable and just university and world in the process. Compiled by Sunrise Movement organizers in coordination with our peers, colleagues, teachers, and Orange County community members, this policy framework represents the needs of the UNC-Chapel Hill community as well as the long-overdue obligations of the University itself. This is the decade of the Green New Deal, and now is the time for America’s first public university to be a leader in the fight for a just and livable future.
Why does UNC need a Green New Deal?
The climate crisis, exacerbating existing issues of racism, colonialism, sexism, imperialism, and economic exploitation, has historically intertwined with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's actions, including land theft, exploitation of Black individuals, xenophobia promotion, and exclusion of marginalized groups. Sunrise UNC envisions a transformative future for the university, advocating for the Green New Deal for UNC. This initiative aims to position UNC as a national leader in climate justice and equity, pledging to end reliance on fossil fuels, enhance climate education, and address social inequalities on and off campus for a just transition. Recognizing it won't rectify all historical wrongs, the Green New Deal for UNC is considered a practical step toward a more just and sustainable future for Chapel Hill and beyond.
