What’s the most important thing that came out of the Climate Action Convening? Extension professionals representing the 32,000-employee system developed four climate change models (models) for developing and implementing programs to address key climate change challenges. The organization seeks to expand existing partnerships and forge new ones to deliver on its theory of change, providing equitable, measurable, and lasting climate solutions . It is deeply embedded and networked into communities. Extension represents an experienced and skilled workforce of leading doers, problem-solvers, and thinkers — the ideal partner to any organization or community seeking meaningful climate action with tangible results that can be experienced, felt, and seen.
How should I read this white paper if I’m in a hurry?
We encourage all readers to review the summary description of each priority workstream — Agricultural Lands, Natural Resources, and Community — found on page 9.
Then, review the following pages, which contain high-level overviews of four models. Collectively, they highlight Extension’s theory of change. They show the kinds of climate outcomes Extension professionals seek to deliver and the inputs and outputs needed to support their delivery.
Finally, see page 29 - How To Engage With The Climate Action Plan, which outlines opportunities areas for new and expanded partnerships with Extension in the areas of climate change adaptation and mitigation.
What qualifies Extension to be a climate solutions provider? For more than a century, Extension has engaged local communities across the U.S., its territories, and the Indigenous nations therein, translating the best research and information from Land-grant colleges and universities into actionable education, programming, and resources. Extension leadership has identified climate as a critical issue for society. Leadership also understands that climate is connected to each high-priority issue it has identified, including but not limited to broadband access and digital skills; climate mitigation, resiliency, and adaptation; diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice; economic and workforce development; food systems and food waste; health equity and well-being; positive youth development and urban agriculture and food systems. The Climate Action Plan is a necessary and urgent next step in taking the best and brightest of Extension and its collaborators, putting them to work in the service of every American facing the unprecedented urgency and reality of climate change. What happens next? Extension will implement its communications strategy to raise awareness about the outcomes identified in the Climate Action Convening — and about the opportunities to partner for change. A progress report and an announcement of initial partners — known as Extension Climate Partners — will be shared when available. We anticipate future convenings. To be added to our email list, please email the Climate PAT at climatepat@extension.org. Extension professionals may also join the Climate PAT subgroup on Connect, the Extension Foundation’s platform.
Individuals are also encouraged to join the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) and/or the National Extension Climate Initiative (NECI).
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