Please take advantage of a series of opportunities to provide input for the State of Vermont’s Climate Action Plan.

You can learn more and see the full schedule here.

The development of the Climate Action Plan comes at a critical time for Vermont’s birds. The single greatest threat to birds in Vermont, North America and across the globe is climate change. We are already seeing significant declines in bird populations, as described in a sobering Cornell Lab of Ornithology report. The National Audubon Society’s “Survival by Degrees” report makes plain that many species of Vermont birds are at risk of extinction due to climate change. The birds most at risk include birds we now consider common, including our state bird, the Hermit Thrush.

Vermont has a unique opportunity to address these threats by investing in a landscape of walkable and livable villages, towns and cities, surrounded by farms and working forests, nestled within the Green Mountains. Sustaining and protecting these lands is a vital contribution to the health and resilience of our climate, birds, and quality of life. Through strategic investments in protecting our environment, we will not only protect birds and wildlife, but will also increase equitable access to a new climate economy, and protect those most at risk from the impacts of climate.

We have the chance to make sure that our state officials and the Climate Council understand the priorities of each and every Vermonter. Please use this opportunity to make your voice heard.

Press Release from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources 

From hotter days to more frequent and intense storms, Vermont’s climate patterns are clearly shifting and impacting our state. This fall, state officials, local leaders and members of the Vermont Climate Council invite the public to attend one of several events to learn about the development of the state’s Climate Action Plan and help prioritize approaches.

“Join us at an upcoming meeting to discuss how climate change is affecting you and your community and offer feedback on proposed strategies for the Climate Action Plan,” said Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Julie Moore. “Your perspective matters. The Climate Action Plan will serve as the State’s roadmap for lessening the impacts of climate change, and the ideas and feedback you share with us will inform the Action Plan.”

In 2020, the Vermont Legislature passed the Global Warming Solutions Act. The Act requires Vermonters to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and helps communities prepare to face more extreme weather caused by climate change. The Act also directed the Vermont Climate Council to develop a Climate Action Plan to guide this work. The Action Plan aims to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next several decades, prepare and protect Vermont communities and landscapes from the greatest risks of climate change and create new jobs to enable this transformation. The initial plan will be adopted on December 1, 2021.

While climate change affects everyone, some people face greater risks due to where they live, their race, ethnicity, income, disability, health, age and/or occupation. Advancing solutions that address the needs of Vermonters facing the greatest risk is a key aspect of the plan.

There are multiple opportunities to join an upcoming event, either online or in person. All events are free and open to everyone interested in attending. Food will be provided at each in-person events. Please note that in-person events are being held in outdoor pavilions or shelters and will observe COVID-19 safety protocols; all attendees are asked to wear masks. 

• Tuesday, September 21, 5:00-7:00pm: Elmore State Park Pavilion | 856 VT-12, Elmore, VT
• Wednesday, September 22, 5:00-7:00pm: Emerald Lake State Park Pavilion | 65 Emerald Lake Ln, East Dorset, VT
• Thursday, September 23, 5:00-7:00pm: Lakeside Park Pavilion | 32 Mill St, Island Pond, VT
• Sunday, September 26, 3:00-5:00pm: Airport Park Pavilion | 500 Colchester Point Rd, Colchester, VT
• Thursday, September 30, 6:00-7:30pm: Virtual event via Zoom
• Tuesday, October 5, 6:00-7:30pm: Virtual event via Zoom for BIPOC communities
• Wednesday, October 6, 6:00-7:30pm: Virtual event via Zoom

For more information about the Climate Action Plan, please visit https://climatechange.vermont.gov/. Event details can be found at https://climatechange.vermont.gov/getinvolved.

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Press Release from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources 

Media Contact:

Elle O’Casey, Director of Communications
Vermont Agency of Natural Resources 
Elle.ocasey@vermont.gov, 802-760-9967
Montpelier, Vermont