Toddi Steelman, Vice President and Vice Provost for Climate and Sustainability at Duke, talks about the latest updates on the Duke Climate Commitment including the 2030 Strategy to guide its research, education, external engagement, sustainable operations and community partnerships. She also talked about the focus areas of the Climate Commitment and the connection to Duke’s future.
Q: Why does the Climate Commitment matter to us all?
Toddi Steelman: A warming world has many unseen impacts on our lives, from the air we breathe to the food we eat. It impacts our health in many ways, from increasing heat and changing nutrition patterns to affecting our food systems and the functioning of our organs. With more frequent and intense storms, floods, and other extreme weather events, it’s crucial that we not only understand how a changing climate impacts us, but also learn how to adapt to these shifts, particularly in sectors that directly affect our health and safety.
Q: How can we prepare for these impacts, particularly in terms of climate-related disasters?
Toddi: Preparation is key. We need to develop systems for better disaster response, whether it’s having emergency plans in place for communities, maintaining infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather, or working with local authorities on larger-scale disaster management. The most important thing is to foster a mindset of preparedness, and that includes working across sectors—from emergency management to public health, to ensure a cohesive response to climate-induced disasters.
Q: Climate also impacts our financial systems and policies. How can we adapt in our everyday lives?
Toddi: We know that our climate is already altering risks that we face, and this has financial implications. Consider how insurance markets have been affected by the LA wildfires or the escalating price of large-scale disasters. Climate risks affect financial stability at the local, state, national and international levels. At Duke, we’re working with many partners on climate finance and policy through research, education and more. Our upcoming Billions to Trillions summit on April 9 will focus on this.
Q: Can you explain the pillars of the Climate Commitment?
Toddi: Absolutely – they are research, education, external engagement, sustainable operations and community partnerships. Each area is critical to our Climate Commitment.
Q: How is Duke creating a more sustainable campus?
Toddi: Duke’s leadership in sustainability is an important part of our strategy. We want to walk the walk. Our achievements in carbon neutrality are a big part of that. Duke achieved carbon neutrality in 2024 and plans to maintain carbon neutrality in 2025. Neutrality means that we produced no net greenhouse gas emissions through a combination of internal emission reductions and high-quality carbon offsets. Now, we are building on that foundation to set even more ambitious goals. We are not just focused on carbon but also on sustainable operations across all areas – waste, water, transportation, and food – and the inclusion of the Duke University Health System in climate and sustainability goal planning.
Q: Can you elaborate on Duke’s climate action planning?
Toddi: After achieving carbon neutrality in 2024 and with our plans to maintain it in 2025, we’re now creating a more ambitious plan to achieve net-zero carbon by 2050 with specific interim reduction targets along the way. Net-zero means reducing emissions by 90% or more and using carbon removal credits for any remaining emissions. We are also expanding sustainable operations strategies for waste, transportation, food and water. One of the exciting projects in 2025 is the launch of Duke’s three solar projects in N.C. that will generate the equivalent of half of the electricity needs of the university and the health system buildings contiguous to the Durham campus. This is a key piece of our strategy for energy independence and sustainability. We are also continuing to increase efficiency across campus and work on retrofits that move us off steam and onto hot water heating systems.
Q: Can you talk about the role of carbon offsets in maintaining carbon neutrality and the discussions at Duke?
Toddi: Carbon offsets are a tool for addressing emissions that are difficult to eliminate directly. As we plan to be carbon neutral again in 2025, we’re also exploring if we continue to use offsets in the future. We have formed a committee of faculty, staff, and students to help guide Duke’s future carbon offset strategies. This committee will evaluate whether to maintain carbon neutrality through offsets or reallocate those carbon offset resources toward direct carbon reduction and sustainability projects to support our 2050 net-zero goals. While the planning for the 2050 goal is under way, Duke plans to maintain carbon neutrality, with a combination of purchased carbon offsets and internal emissions reductions. The university will inventory its fiscal year 2025 emissions by early fall.
Q: What role does the community play in achieving these goals?
Toddi: The Duke community is essential to achieving our climate goals. One example is our partnership with Duke Athletics to create an Athletics Climate Team to harness the power of sports to raise awareness and build momentum for action. This effort recently hosted a climate and sustainability women’s basketball game and plans to further infuse efforts across Duke Athletics. We invite everyone at Duke, from students to faculty to alumni, to actively participate in the Climate Commitment and help shape a sustainable future. We have created and made available our 2030 Strategy to share more about our research, education, external engagement, sustainable operations and community partnerships. Our Climate Commitment Advisory Council comprised of over 100 faculty, staff and students has subcommittees that are helping us to move the strategy forward with all of campus.
Q: How can people get involved with the Climate Commitment?
Toddi: We encourage everyone to get involved and connect with us. Our Climate Commitment website is a great resource, especially our “Get Involved” page, and we’re hosting a Climate Commitment Town Hall on March 24 where students can engage directly with our efforts. It’s all about coming together to create meaningful change. Whether it’s through attending events, participating in research, or staying informed, there are many ways to contribute to Duke’s Climate Commitment.
Q: What is next for the Climate Commitment?
Toddi: This next year we will push hard on our climate fluency goals for our campus. Research in climate science and innovations in materials, insurance markets, energy management systems, ecosystem conservation technology and plant science are also examples that showcase how Duke teamwork is making a difference for the planet and shaping a new generation of climate leaders. Through the Duke Campaign – which prioritizes climate and sustainability for Duke’s future – we will continue to grow our commitment.