Helping Wisconsin Respond to a Changing Climate
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, through its Climate Leadership Team, connects people and communities to resources that build climate resiliency
Climate change impacts are increasing
Wisconsin is getting warmer. We are experiencing more storms and flooding events. Summer nights are hotter and winters are warmer. This is having serious consequences for Wisconsin’s environment, wildlife, agriculture, community infrastructure, economy, and citizen health. Reducing emissions that fuel climate change, while also adapting to its impacts, critical to increasing our resilience.
Climate change impacts people unequally
Climate change affects everyone, but some communities experience greater impacts and have limited resources to respond. Climate equity is integrated into Extension’s climate outreach.
Climate change offers opportunities
Climate change offers opportunities to strengthen community resiliency. By aligning energy efficiency with renewable energy, we can help build new business opportunities. Our programs take an integrated approach that reduces emissions that contribute to climate change, while increasing resiliency to changes that are already underway.
Why Extension?
Climate change is a complex issue affecting many aspects of Wisconsin life
Climate change requires a place-based, integrated educational approach that supports action. The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension has a network of educators embedded in nearly every county as well as many Native Nations. We help communities respond to climate change through research-based programs that are tailored to local needs and build on knowledge from the diverse audiences we serve.
We work through collaborations with the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts, the University of Wisconsin Nelson Institute, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and other state, federal, and tribal partners.
Examples of Extension Partnerships for Climate Action
Monroe County Climate Readiness and Rural Economic Development Assessment
This report researches what makes Monroe County more vulnerableor resilient to climate change, and key economic and political barriers and opportunitiesinvolved in on-the-ground conservation strategies. The report includes over 80recommendations to assist the County in strategically addressing future climate resiliency. The assessment is the work of local county and state representatives and Extension educators who […]
Wood County Energy Efficiency and Renewables
Wood County in central Wisconsin is rooted in logging, farming, and the paper making industries. Elected officials are interested in reducing energy costs by residents, businesses, schools and government offices. Employing energy efficiencies in their buildings is one way to achieve this goal. Community members are also interested in meeting their energy needs using renewable […]
