We just had an amazing conversation on the Earth Kind podcast with Paige Ruane and Vanessa Bertozzi from Partners for Climate Action, Hudson Valley.
They shared insights on their work supporting local communities in addressing the climate crisis and improving ecosystems in the Hudson River Valley watershed.
Did you know they’ve given out over $3 million in grants since starting? Their impact is truly inspiring!
Paige and Vanessa believe that the overlapping ecological crises are best addressed by the communities that are closest to them by using approaches that honor the uniqueness of each place.
Partners for Climate Action (PCA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2019 with a mission to catalyze bioregional climate action. They believe in addressing ecological crises at the local level, honoring the uniqueness of each community. PCA focuses on moving various forms of capital to where they can have the most impact, aiming to catalyze local action effectively. Their core work involves providing funding, knowledge, tools, and connections to support grantees in achieving success.
PCA’s priority areas include ecological restoration, emphasizing the establishment of community forests and native habitat cultivation, as well as the decarbonization of existing building stock in underserved communities within the region. By prioritizing these initiatives, PCA aims to empower communities to take action on climate change at the local level, recognizing the importance of grassroots efforts in creating meaningful change.
About the Founders:
Paige Ruane is a co-founder of Partners for Climate Action, where she co-developed the Local Champions program and the Building DecarbonizationGrants program. She is a member of her Climate Smart Communities Task Forcein Austerlitz, NY where she contributed to the achievement of bronze certification. Paige has worked as a psychotherapist and documentary film and radio writer/producer.
Vanessa Bertozzi works as a consultant for Partners for Climate Action, where she co-developed the Local Champions program and the Building Decarbonization Grants program. Vanessa is an elected official on the Board of Trustees for the Village of Rhinebeck, NY, where she led her Climate Smart Community Task Force to bronze certification. As a consultant, Vanessa has worked for The New York Times and clean energy companies. Previously, she worked at Etsy.com for over a decade.
If you’re looking for ways to get involved in climate action, this episode is a must-listen.
What You’ll Learn From This Episode
- Funding and Support for Local Communities: Partners for Climate Action provides funding and support to local communities addressing the climate crisis and improving ecosystems in the Hudson Valley watershed.
- Programs Overview: The podcast discusses the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and the Climate Smart Communities program, highlighting their goals and actions.
- Grant Programs: Details about the building decarbonization grant program and ecological restoration grants are shared, emphasizing the impact on reducing carbon emissions and restoring ecosystems.
- Community Engagement: The importance of community involvement, volunteerism, and collaboration in addressing climate change is highlighted, along with the role of local champions and organizations.
- Upcoming Events and Initiatives: Information about upcoming webinars, field trips, and grant opportunities, such as the pollinator action guide and forest health projects, is provided for listeners to engage with.
- …and many more
“Think locally. Act locally.” – Vanessa and Paige, PCA Founders
Resources:
PCA Awards Twenty Building Decarbonization Grants https://www.climateactionhv.org/decarb-grant
Connect with Climate Action HV
- https://www.climateactionhv.org
- Instagram @climateactionhv
- Be a Climate Action HV Supporter/ Donate: https://www.climateactionhv.org/checkout/donate?donatePageId=64b822edbd30a73b5c77c3ca
