Climate CARE
Passion PROJECTS
Team members are energized by the chance to help spark new thinking about climate change.
youtu.be/a7txUFTF9O0?si=E0f84lzc_7pQ_1l5 P rotecting our climate is an issue demanding imme- diate action. As a trusted messenger with deep com- munity roots, the Cooperative Extension System (CES) is well-suited to help communities take such action. Extension excels at transforming complex scientific knowl- edge into practical steps, and with a broad reach across rural and urban areas, CES can help people and organiza- tions strengthen resilience, embrace sustainable practices, and lessen the effects of climate change. Four projects funded by the 2023–2024 New Technologies in Ag Extension (NTAE) program are at the forefront of responding to climate change. Their programs show the diversity of approaches to building climate resilience and sustainability. A team from the University of Arizona is conducting a scoping review to identify resources, curricula, and programs to teach young children, their parents, and caregivers about climate change. The team aims to create a searchable program directory that allows users to filter results based on program length, target audience, and evidence of effectiveness. (See page 57.)
A team from the University of Rhode Island built a food recovery program that addresses issues of food waste, food insecurity, climate change, and food justice through con- sumer behavior change. They hope to make their program available as a template for other Extension organizations across the nation. (See page 56.) An early career Extension specialist from South Dakota State University is developing climate-resilient agriculture programming to help producers in all sectors identify and mitigate climate risks and implement practices to improve their operations’ adaptability and resilience. (See page 58.) A multistate Extension team—the North Central Climate Collaborative—provides professional development and networking opportunities for Extension professionals and others who want to learn to deliver programs about the changing climate, agriculture adaptation, and water qual- ity and conservation. Led by South Dakota State Univer- sity’s Extension state climatologist, the team organized a conference to connect research on climate-smart practices with those who can put it into action, helping producers adapt to and mitigate climate change. (See page 59.)
Approaching climate change education with open minds & empathy
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2023-2024 YEARBOOK | EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE
EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE | 2023-2024 YEARBOOK
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