The heart of this white paper lies in the National Climate Change Roadmap, published in late 2023. Developed by researchers from Colorado State University and Meridian Institute, with funding from the USDA NIFA, the Roadmap features contributions from 20 Extension Directors and multidisciplinary experts from Land-grant universities.

Following its publication, the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy’s (ECOP) Climate Program Action Team (PAT) hosted a webinar with Roadmap authors to share its insights. This webinar set the stage for the Climate Action Convening, which invited national Extension leaders to review the Roadmap and envision how Extension’s extensive network could address the climate crisis. The white paper aligns with several key insights and guiding principles from the Roadmap, including:

• Systems-based Innovations
• Participatory Research Processes
• Strategic, Sustainable, and Regenerative Agricultural Practices
• Socioeconomic and Policy Research
• Guiding principles such as Equity and Justice, Policy Relevance, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge are also core to the envisioned activities and outcomes.

One of the significant outcomes of the Climate Action Convening was the development of four climate change models designed to tackle key climate challenges. These models aim to expand existing partnerships and forge new ones, leveraging Extension’s embedded network within communities to deliver equitable, measurable, and lasting climate solutions.

With over a century of experience, Extension is well-positioned to be a leading climate solutions provider. Extension’s network translates cutting-edge research from Land-grant universities into actionable education and resources for local communities. The Climate Action Plan integrates climate action with Extension’s other high-priority issues, such as broadband access, economic development, food systems, and health equity. Extension will implement a comprehensive communications strategy to raise awareness about the Climate Action Plan and foster partnerships. A progress report and announcement of initial partners, known as Extension Climate Partners, will follow. Future convenings are anticipated to continue advancing this crucial work.

To join the effort or receive updates, email the Climate PAT at climatepat@extension.org. Extension professionals can also join the Climate PAT subgroup on Connect Extension.