Climate Change
Phipps is committed to promoting human and environmental well-being through action and research. Phipps is in consensus with the National Academy of Sciences position on climate change, which states that “human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas), are responsible for most of the climate change currently being observed.” Nearly nine out of 10 Phipps guests surveyed in 2016 consider climate change a threat now or in the future.
Phipps aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lead the way to address climate change through our buildings, operations, research and programs while helping our visitors, members and neighbors to take similar steps at home and in the community. Check out our new video, inspired by National Geographic’s “Paris to Pittsburgh” documentary, to learn what Phipps is doing to keep Pittsburgh at the forefront of climate leadership:
Together, we can make a huge impact. Read on to learn what we're doing and what you can do to help support climate stability and make a positive environmental impact at home.
What You Can Do
Easy Steps with Big Impact for Climate Change
Climate change is a topic that can feel so daunting that you might think you can’t have an impact. But making a difference right now is easier than you may think. Get started today with ten steps specially prepared for you by the experts at Phipps.
Make the Switch at Phipps! Green Power Drive
One easy way to make a difference is to switch your home electricity to 100% green power while visiting our Tropical Forest Conservatory — and when you do, you can receive a free Phipps membership!
From Science News: What Lifestyle Changes Will Shrink Your Carbon Footprint the Most?
Read Christie Aschwanden's story at Science News to determine how you can have the biggest emissions-reducing effect, and use the CoolClimate Calculator to fine tune your efforts.
What Phipps Is Doing
Green Healthy Spaces, Operations and More
From focusing our operations on reducing energy use to establishing some of the greenest buildings in the world on our campus, Phipps presents a robust plan for positive environmental impact to serve as a model for the world.
Read "Being Less Bad Is Not Good Enough Anymore"
Read President and CEO Richard Piacentini's article in BGJournal, the journal of Botanic Gardens Conservation International, to learn more about the thinking behind Phipps' sustainable vision.
Botanic Gardens' Role in Environmental Sustainability: A Technical Review
Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) has released a Technical Review in collaboration with Phipps and American Public Gardens Association highlighting the role of botanic gardens in practicing and promoting sustainability.
Sustainable Investing: A Case Study
Read the American Alliance of Museums case study on Phipps' sustainable investing strategy to learn how we harness the power of our endowment to further our mission.
Planets Earth
A dynamic exhibit at the Center for Sustainable Landscapes addresses the pressing environmental issues of our time and proposes a new way of thinking about how to solve them.
Select photos © Paul g. Wiegman
