Climate change is a major and urgent issue for our communities, region, country, and world. COG and local government partners have teamed up to educate area leaders and residents about this challenge and connect them with opportunities for action through a new platform—DMV Climate Partners at climatepartners.org.

I chair COG’s Climate, Energy, and Environment Policy Committee (CEEPC). Last year, CEEPC proposed a new greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goal for the region—which was unanimously endorsed by area leaders. It will take a variety of actions to reach this goal of a 50 percent reduction in emissions below 2005 levels by 2030. 

Metropolitan Washington is already experiencing the impacts of a changing climate. (Chesapeake Bay Program/Flickr)

CEEPC continues to help the region work toward its goals by implementing the Metropolitan Washington 2030 Climate and Energy Action Plan. Here are a few ways climatepartners.org can serve as a resource as we work together to meet our climate goals:

Stay up to date on the latest climate news

COG has taken its popular DMV Climate Clips online. You will find a weekly rundown of the top climate stories in the region, and a sampling of important national and international headlines. You can also subscribe to receive DMV Climate Clips in your inbox; scroll to the bottom of the homepage and click “Sign Up.”

Discover partner events, climate-focused jobs, and funding opportunities

DMV Climate Partners is a good resource for those looking to engage more closely with local climate planning, land a job in the climate and energy field, or locate funding for a project or initiative that contributes to our shared climate goals.

Brush up on your climate knowledge

Whether you are looking to better understand the topic or share information with constituents, the site outlines the basics about climate change, and provides specific examples about how it is impacting the DMV.

Learn what you can do to make a difference

It will take collective action to reduce GHG emissions – individual action alongside efforts by governments, businesses, and other organizations. On the site, you’ll find some practical, common sense steps to address climate change at home and other resources for residents.

Thanks for taking the time to visit the new site and learn about this challenge we face and the efforts underway at all levels to address it. 

Together, we will keep moving forward to meet our ambitious and essential goals.

Deni Taveras is the COG Climate, Energy, and Environment Policy Committee Chair (CEEPC) and Prince George’s County Council Member