Since the launch of the Duke Climate Commitment in 2022, the university has made significant strides in addressing climate change and promoting sustainability. This initiative, which involves faculty, students, and staff across all disciplines, has sparked numerous educational programs, research projects, and community partnerships focused on environmental stewardship.
However, much of this wide-reaching effort has remained unnoticed, even within the Duke community. To tackle this, Kirsten Khire was appointed as the director of marketing and communications for climate and sustainability in November 2023. Her role is to articulate and promote the Duke Climate Commitment to both internal and external audiences.
Khire, who previously led communications at the Sanford School of Public Policy, is bringing her extensive experience to the position. With a background in journalism and digital communication, she aims to foster a deeper understanding of the university’s climate initiatives and their broader implications. In her new role, she reports to Toddi Steelman, the vice president and vice provost for climate and sustainability, as well as Frank Tramble, vice president for communications, marketing, and public affairs.
A primary challenge Khire faces is communicating the complexities of the Duke Climate Commitment. This multi-faceted initiative encourages all members of the Duke community to contribute to climate solutions, whether through innovations in education, operations, research, or partnerships. The commitment, as Khire explains, is not just a series of isolated actions but a comprehensive invitation for the entire community to engage in sustainable and equitable practices that aim to ensure a thriving, resilient world for future generations.
Central to this effort is the goal of climate fluency. Khire emphasizes that Duke strives to equip every student with the knowledge and skills to engage with climate challenges and take meaningful action, regardless of their academic discipline. This ambitious goal involves collaboration across various schools, departments, and councils, ensuring that climate sustainability is woven into every aspect of student life and academic growth.
One of the most compelling aspects of the Duke Climate Commitment is its focus on climate hope—showcasing tangible actions that offer optimism in the face of global climate challenges. According to Khire, the commitment demonstrates that climate action is not only necessary but achievable, with measurable impacts already visible at Duke.
In just two months in her role, Khire has seen firsthand the passion and dedication of students and faculty engaged in climate action, from those participating in Energy Week to those attending COP29 or joining the Green Devils sustainability group. These efforts are part of a broader movement at Duke, where climate change is tackled not only in the classroom but also through community outreach and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Khire’s personal passion for sustainability fuels her drive to connect with all sectors of the Duke community. By amplifying these stories and fostering collaboration, she aims to expand the reach of Duke’s climate initiatives to a global audience. She believes that the university’s comprehensive approach to climate action offers valuable lessons that can inspire others to take similar steps in their own communities.
Reflecting on her extensive career, Khire points to her prior experiences at Michigan State University and Bioversity International as pivotal in shaping her understanding of how to communicate complex global issues. These roles involved engaging diverse stakeholders worldwide and navigating the intricate relationship between environmental research, policy, and public engagement.
Through the Duke Climate Commitment, Khire envisions a future where the university is not only recognized for its academic achievements but also for its leadership in sustainability. She hopes that the initiative will set a global example of how higher education institutions can drive climate action through education, research, and partnerships.
Khire is also working closely with the Office of Climate and Sustainability, which oversees programs like Duke Forest, the Duke Campus Farm, and the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment, and Sustainability. These programs are integral parts of the broader climate strategy at Duke, allowing students, faculty, and staff to engage in hands-on environmental initiatives.
As Khire continues to settle into her role, she is excited about the opportunities ahead to amplify Duke’s climate message and support the university’s mission of fostering a more sustainable and equitable future for all. The Duke Climate Commitment is not just a pledge—it is a dynamic, ongoing effort to reshape how we think about and address climate change.