Leadership
The Climate Commitment Advisory Council (CCAC) serves as an advisory body to the Executive Leadership of the University (President, Provost, Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, and the Executive Vice President) to drive the vision articulated in the Duke Climate Commitment.

President Vincent E. Price
The Commitment began as a call to action by Duke University President Vincent E. Price and (Former) Provost Sally Kornbluth to mobilize the resources of the entire university to combat the growing climate crisis. In September 2020, President Price charged the Board of Trustees’ Strategic Task Force on Climate Change and Sustainability to determine how Duke could leverage its missions — education, research, operations, community partnerships, and external engagement — to effect positive, lasting impact toward a sustainable future.
Groups including more than 50 faculty and staff worked to identify the Duke’s comparative research strengths. This work provided the Duke Climate Commitment’s leadership with a path forward and a set of focal areas where we can create distinctive, impactful climate solutions.
The Climate and Sustainability Strategy 2030 is guided by discussions with Deans, Senior Administrators, Advisory Task Force(s), and informed by dialogue with the campus community and stakeholders.
Three leaders from across campus primarily oversee the work of the Duke Climate Commitment:

Toddi Steelman, Ph.D.
Vice President and Vice Provost for Climate and Sustainability

Brian Murray, Ph.D.
Director of the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment, and Sustainability

Tavey Capps
Executive Director of Climate and Sustainability, Sustainable Duke