Climate Champions is a Mass Audubon grassroots volunteer program to advocate for policies that advance nature-based climate solutions. With training from policy experts, Climate Champions advocate for local and state policies that help achieve the state’s goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and reverse negative health impacts of climate change for Environmental Justice communities.
Meet a Champion, find out how it’s going and what’s next, and learn how you can get involved.
Climate Champion Spotlight: Kevin Izzo
“As I became more climate aware, I realized that reducing my individual impact wasn’t enough and that I needed to do more. Not having previous advocacy experience I wasn’t sure where to start. Climate Champions has provided me a way to educate myself and become more active. It is a thoughtful group with wide-ranging concerns. Since joining, I’ve:
- Researched local adoption of three climate initiatives,
- Written letters to influence building code design,
- Phone banked with the Environmental Voter Project,
- Participated in a Massachusetts solar siting survey,
- Helped to recruit new members, and
- Weighed in on legislative priorities.”
How It’s Going
Climate Champions celebrated the passage of a major Economic Development bill that included $540 million to support nature-based climate solutions, clean energy, and climate resiliency. Climate Champions pushed for these investments at our Beacon Hill Lobby Day in June, and the House and Senate responded. We hope this success inspires you as it has us!
Champions were also briefed on the Community Preservation Act (CPA) that helps to preserve open space and cheered the passage of CPA in five towns at the mid-term election.
As a way to grow the program, champions participated in recruitment workshops, where they learned about the variety of program recruitment materials available and brainstormed their own outreach to recruit more Climate Champions.
In addition, champions had the opportunity to:
- Complete the MA Department of Energy Resources’ Solar Siting Survey to advocate for solar projects that protect our natural and working lands
- Submit comments on proposed changes to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) regulations to advocate for the reduction the time and costs involved with restoring wetlands
What’s Next
Climate Champions will be trained by Mass Audubon’s policy experts about local town government, how to take local climate action, and the resources available to facilitate that action. Champions will begin researching their local legislators, learning about their influences and interests, in preparation for future advocacy engagement.
Mass Audubon’s Policy and Advocacy staff will be finalizing the Legislative Agenda for the 2023-2024 legislative session after reviewing insightful feedback from both Climate Champions and Youth Climate Leadership Program (YCLP) volunteers.
Get Involved
Become a Climate Champion, no matter your time constraints or experience level!