CUNY Institute for Sustainable Cities Statement of Commitments, Post-Election

The CUNY Institute for Sustainable Cities (CISC) is committed to “the science of sustainability” as a tool for identifying opportunities available “to cities – and all their residents – for proactive responses” to environmental change including climate variability.  We stand with the tens of thousands of scientists who have generated the consensus that the Earth’s climate system is unequivocally warming, and that it is extremely likely (meaning 95% probability or higher) that this warming is predominantly caused by humans.

Given the complexity of the systems involved there are disagreements about theories, methods and policies.  We welcome debate on these issues.  We will continue to work toward understanding environmental change, how it affects urban residents and the influence of bio-physical, socio-economic and political drivers on local, regional and global trajectories.

A critical component to sustainability is social inclusiveness.  In this regard, we echo the sentiments of Hunter College President Jennifer Raab, CUNY Chancellor James B. Milliken, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, and New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo.   CISC remains open to providing opportunities for research, teaching, awareness and capacity building contributions from and for all peoples within CUNY, no matter what religion, race, sexual orientation or ethnicity.  Please come to share your ideas on “sustainable cities” with us through our Facebook page or via email to info@cunysustainablecities.org.

Finally, below are links to sources of support available to Hunter students. As more information becomes available, we will pass it on to the CISC community.

• Hunter College personal counseling: Email: personalcounseling@hunter.cuny.edu
• DACA / immigration questions: Chris Luis Aviles, Email: ca748@hunter.cuny.edu, Division of Student Affairs, East Building, 11th Floor
• Hunter College International Students Office: Email: Intlss@hunter.cuny.edu, Tel: 212.772.4864, Fax: 212.650.3147, Rooms 1108/1109 East Building, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065
• New York State Division of Human Rights Bias Discrimination Hotline: New Yorkers who have experienced bias or discrimination should call the toll-free hotline at 
(888) 392-3644 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday
• Hunter College Office of Diversity and Compliance
• Hunter College Office of AccessABILITY  – Email: accessability@hunter.cuny.edu
• Hunter College Office of Public Safety