WELCOME LETTER: A BOLD VISION FOR LOCALLY-LED CLIMATE ACTION
Severe weather is a recurring and devastating threat to communities across the nation. In 2023 alone, 28 weather events caused more than $1 billion in losses each, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These events have increased over the past 10 years compared to the preceding decades. The Cooperative Extension System (Extension) acknowledges the urgent need for clear-minded planning and action to mitigate the risk of global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2050, as identified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). It is with these realities in mind that we advance this white paper, which presents a vision for Extension climate solutions across the U.S., its territories, and the Indigenous nations therein in the coming years. Since 1914, Extension has taken insights from Land-grant universities and colleges, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Tribal Colleges and Universities, and translated it into actionable and relevant education for everyone. In 2021, Extension Directors identified climate change as one of seven priority areas for Extension and partnered with Extension Foundation to provide national leadership on the subject. After laying a foundation for action and developing a network of Extension climate leaders, Extension Foundation — in partnership with USDA and Iowa State University — held a Climate Action Convening from Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz., gathering more than 40 Extension professionals, who served as ambassadors for the larger system. Participants focused on agricultural lands, natural resources, and community. This work strives to include all residents of a community, encompassing both agricultural and non-agricultural lifestyles, across rural, suburban, and urban communities. The participants’ insights resulted in the creation of this white paper’s models. Together, they outline a holistic approach for Extension collaboration on climate across its vast partner and client ecosystem. Extension seeks to foster climate resilient communities, expand science-based policies and policymaker engagement, implement climate responses through climate-smart training and literacy, and advance 21 st century community well-being for all.
Will you join us?
Sincerely,
Roy Beckford Director, University of Vermont Extension Co-Chair, Climate Program Action Team (Climate PAT)
Jason Henderson Vice President for Extension and Outreach, Iowa State University Co-Chair, Climate Program Action Team (Climate PAT)
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