SE Valley Times

Arizona State University President Michael Crow has been recognized on the 2024 TIME100 Climate list, which honors leaders and innovators in climate action. The list includes individuals from various fields such as policy, business, and education. TIME's editors evaluated candidates based on tangible achievements and recent actions rather than mere commitments.

Michael Crow is the first university president to receive this recognition. Other notable figures on the list include World Bank President Ajay Banga, Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Bill Gates of Breakthrough Energy and TerraPower, U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, and Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis.

Crow expressed his appreciation for the honor: “This is a welcome recognition of our university’s unique approach and impact.” He emphasized ASU's focus on solutions rather than fear-driven tactics: “We’re not focused on ‘the sky is falling’ or scare tactics — fear only inspires shortsighted, ill-conceived actions.”

Throughout his career, Crow has championed the role of universities in addressing environmental challenges. His initiatives include founding Columbia University's Earth Institute and leading ASU since 2002 to become a hub for climate-related innovation globally.

ASU has introduced several sustainability measures recently:

- A mandatory three-credit sustainability course for all students.

- The Circular Plastics Microfactory launched in February to recycle plastics.

- A coral research facility opened in Hawai'i aimed at reef restoration.

- Leading a National Science Foundation enterprise to tackle climate change in the Southwest.

- Named by the U.S. Department of Energy as an anchor institution for EPIXC.

The university established the nation's first School of Sustainability in 2006 and later launched the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory. This laboratory serves as a comprehensive research institution dedicated to planetary empowerment.

ASU's campuses showcase numerous sustainable projects:

- The Walton Center for Planetary Health achieved LEED platinum certification.

- Since 2004, ASU installed 90 solar arrays equivalent to powering approximately 17,000 homes annually.

- Expanded electric vehicle infrastructure with new charging ports and vehicles.

- Achieved carbon neutrality for scope 1 and 2 emissions since fiscal year 2019.

ASU researchers have made significant contributions to sustainability:

- Cody Friesen developed Zero Mass Water technology generating water from sunlight.

- Klaus Lackner pioneered direct air capture technology for carbon dioxide removal.

- Bruce Rittman contributed to methods helping microorganisms eliminate "forever chemicals."

Crow highlighted sustainability's growing importance: “We have less time to take action than we did yesterday... ASU is responding... by prioritizing sustainability both in research and in the classroom.”

The full list of honorees will be available on newsstands starting November 15th.