The black swan: it challenged ancient ornithologists and spawned a modern theory. Analogous to unexpected plumage on a common bird, Black Swan events are those that occur which:

1) are difficult, if not impossible, to predict, 2) have a huge impact and, 3) are retrospectively rationalized.

Black Swan theory has been applied to everything from financial systems to fashion. Many will point to the 2016 election as an additional example, and as I write this, the reflection on how wrong the prognosticators were as well as the veneration of those who “called it right” accelerates. Regardless of whether this was expected or inevitable, everyone can agree that the impact is huge.

In Second Nature’s sphere, this impact centers on the global climate challenge. More specifically: can the collective action of higher education continue with scalable, innovative climate solutions within a country where federal leadership on the issue will likely tack in a radically different direction? Federal alignment clearly benefits the work, but it is equally clear that it isn’t sufficient; the past eight years have shown that. The challenge is global, the scientific necessity for the response to change is rapid, and the levers for change must be cross-sectoral, cross-institutional, and cross-governmental... Read more.

We have been working hard on developing a new and improved Reporting System and anticipate a beta launch in early December. We have a group of Implementation Liaisons who will be testing it and, based on their feedback, we are looking to fully launch in time for the 2017 reporting period.

All signatories will now provide an Annual Progress Evaluation that will include a GHG report and some streamlined Progress Metrics. Climate and Resilience Commitment signatories will also report on their Campus/Community Structures.

When the new Reporting System launches, we will notify all Implementation Liaisons and Implementation Contacts. We will also provide a video on how to navigate and use the new system. This new version is designed to be easy to use, provide increased utility of your data, and allow for quick comparisons and analysis with other signatories.

Please Note
1) The Reporting period has changed. Beginning in 2017, signatories can report annual progress between the dates of January 1st - May 1st. We hope this will allow more flexibility, while eliminating the need to request and approve extensions.

2) The old Reporting System is still public, but is not accepting any new reports. If you have saved data in the old system, it will carry over to the new platform. If you have questions, please contact Steve Muzzy.

The annual Second Nature Climate Leadership Awards, awarded in partnership with USGBC's Center for Green Schools, recognize innovative and advanced leadership in sustainability, climate mitigation, and resilience at signatory campuses of the Climate Leadership Commitments. In an effort to further recognize outstanding institutions at different stages of their trajectory, an Honorable Mentions category was intorduced this year. Meet the two Honorable Mentions for the Four-Year Institution category.