A group of universities around the US have created and signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). The agreement is modeled after the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, which formed as a result of the US not signing on to the Kyoto Protocol. It also complements the student-led Campus Climate Challenge. (Source: Grist)

The ACUPCC is so new, it doesn’t even seem to have a home on the web yet. University of Florida President Bernie Machen is one of the first to sign the agreement and is quoted as saying, "Global warming is one of the great challenges of our time, and UF needs to do everything it can to help address the problem before it seriously impacts the lives of future generations."

By signing this agreement, Machen has committed UF to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon neutrality.

Additionally, he has assured us of a win over Ohio State at the BCS Championship on Monday. Well, maybe I made that last part up, but I’m pretty sure it’s true. 

I can’t wait to report on when FIU, UM, and other local universities sign on as well.

As I was reading the most recent edition of UF Today, the University of Florida’s Alumni Magazine (GO GATORS!), I found a related tidbit:

Apples to Oranges: In a move reminiscent of UF’s old honors apples, the university has planted several citrus trees in heavily traveled areas of campus. Hungry students are invited to pick the fruit – including grapefruit, tangerines, navel oranges, and mandarin oranges – for a snack between classes.

Good going UF! Let’s see how this works out. The location of the trees seems to be appropriate…they won’t go to waste. Though I think the grapefruit will be a tougher sell than the rest…

UF Announces Organic Farming Major.

Ozone on the mend? (Tip from Gus)

PS: greenerMIAMI might be on WSVN (Fox) Channel 7 News at 5:30 tonight. Check it out!