Climate Education and Outreach
The Western Rural Development Center is committed to providing researchers, Extension, and communities with science-based information and resources about climate change to assist these groups with developing educational and outreach materials tailored for the specific issues and opportunities within their respective communities.
National Extension Climate Initiative
The National Extension Climate Initiative serves to link climate change-related education and research across Extension program areas and Associations. This effort is open to all Extension professionals. Initiated by Paul Lachapelle, Montana State University, in collaboration with Chris Jones, University of Arizona, and with support from the Western Rural Development Center.
Visit the Initiative's web page for more detailed information.
"Addressing Climate Change at the Community Level in the U.S."
Edited by Paul Lachapelle (Montana State University) and Don Albrecht (Western Rural Development Center)
This book consists of 18 chapters written by experts from throughout the country on successful programs regarding local adaptation to climate change.
About the Book
The concept of community, in all its diverse definitions and manifestations, provides a unique approach to learn more about how groups of individuals and organizations are addressing the challenges posed by climate change. This new volume highlights specific cases of communities developing innovative approaches to climate mitigation and adaptation around the United States. Defining community more comprehensively than just spatial geography to include also communities of interest, identity and practice, this book highlights how individuals and organizations are addressing the challenges posed by climate change through more resilient social processes, government policies and sustainable practices.
"In a refreshing approach, rather than staking out strident political positions, this book focuses on the real climate change issues communities face. Locally-relevant, scientifically-based, and action-oriented, the authors share outstanding approaches and innovative ideas for understanding, strategizing, and acting on climate change challenges. Most importantly, we learn how to authentically engage communities of interest and place in developing practices that promote resiliency and sustainability. It’s a must read for community development practitioners."
-Greg Wise, Emeritus Professor of Community Development, University of Wisconsin Extension