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What land conservationists can do: Open Lands Land Trust is communicating about climate change
Climate science can be cumbersome and disheartening, including when the White House released the much anticipated Fourth National Climate Assessment, a sweeping Federal review of the impact of climate change on the natural environment, agriculture, human health, forests, transportation, and natural resources. The report, which was authored by scientists from 13 federal agencies and climatologists from across the country, documents in explicit terms the changes to our climate that have already occurred in the United States.
The Open Lands Land Trust observes that reports like this no doubt will lead to some anxiety for many of us. But they want to prepare you with information and talking points so you can advocate for climate action right now.
Farmers showcase climate smart agriculture policies in action
CalCAN co-organized a farm and ranch tour in Solano County that highlighted climate-beneficial farming practices and several state-funded Climate Smart Agriculture programs that harness agricultural opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or sequester carbon. Greenbelt Alliance, Solano Land Trust, Dixon Resource Conservation District (RCD), and Solano RCD joined CalCAN in organizing the tour…
Soil is the foundation of agricultural productivity and sustainability, global food security, and our rural economies. Healthy soils (see the program in California) not only lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, but also improve crop yields, drought and flood tolerance, and air and water quality. The health of our soils is improved through farm management that increases soil organic matter and reduces reliance on fossil fuel-based inputs.
Taking steps to “walk the walk”: Peconic Land Trust makes changes
Peconic Land Trust’s (PLT) values and goals reflect their organization’s desire to protect their environment and appreciate the natural resources of Long Island, New York. Over the last several years, PLT has taken steps to minimize their carbon footprint by making their offices more efficient and by integrating “green principles” throughout the organization.
How do you convene your community on climate change? Here are some tips
The Climate Generation Climate Convenings Toolkit can help you organize a public gathering on climate change solutions in your community.
The Toolkit shares the essential elements for effective public conversations on climate change, as well as the practical tools for planning and implementing a convening in your community. The 20+ page guide is geared toward anyone interested in catalyzing deeper conversation, understanding, and action on climate change.
Pastor mobilizes black churches to act on climate
Reverend Doctor Ambrose F. Carroll says that African American churches are not often associated with environmentalism. But he wants to change that.
So, he founded Green the Church, a campaign to motivate environmental action at black churches. At Green the Church trainings, workshops, and conventions, faith leaders teach pastors and other church representatives the religious importance of protecting the earth. And, they provide strategies for engaging churches in renewable energy, food security, and environmental justice.
Film Series Featuring Climate Change: Woodstock Land Conservancy partners with community organizations
Inspired by Project Drawdown, which offers 100 practical solutions to reverse global warming, this year’s program focus is on the lifecycle of food and its components which rank high in their contribution to producing greenhouse gases. Woodstock Land Conservancy and others are providing a forum for people to address their impact.
Check out their film series in partnership with the Woodstock NY Transition, Woodstock Jewish Congregation, and Saint Gregory’s Episcopal Church for a monthly evening film, presentation, and discussion on four successive topics including regenerative agriculture, plant-rich diet, food waste, and composting.
They welcome a lively discussion about working together locally to make choices that lessen our impacts.
Presented the last Monday of the month from January through April, the Film & Discussion Series is free and open to all ages. Donations are welcome and help to support future programs.
The Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS) develops synthesis products, fosters communication, and pursues science in climate change and carbon cycling and management
“The Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS) has been designed as a collaborative effort among the Forest Service, universities, conservation organizations, and forest industry to provide information on managing forests for climate change adaptation and enhanced carbon sequestration. As a regional, multi-institutional entity, NIACS builds partnerships, facilitates research, and synthesizes information to bridge the gap between carbon and climate science research and the information and management needs of natural resource professionals, woodland owners, policymakers, and members of the public.
The mission of NIACS is to provide applied ecological, economic, social, and cultural information that can be used in climate adaptation and forest carbon management…”
A local land trust incorporates climate change into its community event.
The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, located in rural, upstate New York, is featuring a panel of speakers to focus on climate change at the Conservancy’s Annual Awards Dinner. This afternoon program will combine cocktails and awards with dessert—and a panel discussion at the end.
Mark King, Executive Director, notes that, “Our board and staff, as well as many in our community, want us to be stepping up our work on climate change. We are doing just that. This is a great way to let folks know—and inspire them at the same time.”
Becoming part of your community of change: Land trusts are joining coalitions and policy work to help slow climate change
Kestrel Land Trust recently decided to support the Citizen’s Climate Lobby as part of a coalition to support the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act.
“We recognize that climate change is a threat to all we conserve and hold dear,” explained Kristin DeBoer, E.D. of Kestral Land Trust. “We periodically advocate for conservation funding and policies to promote conservation—this is in the same category for us. The Land Trust Alliance has done a great job at clarifying that lobbying, and joining coalitions, can be part of our conservation work.”
Scott Jackson, Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Conservation at the University of Massachusetts and Kestrel’s Board Chair, notes, “We recognize that climate change is a threat to the ecological and agricultural integrity of the land that we are conserving in the Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts.”
Jackson goes on to say that, “In addition to positioning land conservation as a natural solution to climate change, our land trust is looking for other ways to take action. Being a part of the climate change advocacy community is similar to the need to advocate for conservation funding to acquire land. This is just as important.”
Example: Kestrel Land Trust takes action against climate change with fossil fuel divestment
Kestrel’s mission to conserve and care for forests, farms, and riverways in the Pioneer Valley protects the future health of our planet. They state that “the work we do is impacted by—and has an impact on—the crisis of climate change that is now defining our future. The overwhelming scientific consensus is that the burning of fossil fuels is warming our planet and threatening our global life support systems.
That’s why Kestrel’s Board of Trustees voted to eliminate equity holdings in companies owning fossil fuel reserves in all of the long-term endowment accounts that support their work…”