Mary-Carson Stiff, Executive Director of Wetlands Watch, presented “The Escalating Climate Change Impacts Throughout Virginia: How the Philanthropic Sector is Responding, and What You Can Do To Help” on the afternoon of August 21. Participants gathered over Zoom to learn about the growing climate concerns Virginians face in the years ahead.
Mary shared that our lands are sinking faster than the sea levels are rising. Scientific institutions disagree on sea level projections, adding confusion to the data and information. These accurate projections are important because leaders in emergency preparedness planning need to anticipate water levels appropriately during strong storms and heavy rains. Transportation, education, safe housing, businesses and natural resources are currently and will continue to be negatively affected.
Mary continued, “Our future is like science fiction meeting the wild west”. Hope is not outside our reach, however. Mary illustrated key action items our communities should implement including:
It’s a hefty order that brings a wealth of opportunities. Mary stressed that local governments need to be at the forefront of much of the work. But they don’t have to do it alone.
This is where funders come in. There is federal and state support. However, much of that funding comes with caveats. Foundations can back organizations such as academic institutions, nonprofits like Wetlands Watch, and others that can assist local governments in their work.
Together, local governments and environment-focused organizations can tackle climate adaptation by making local land use decisions like planning, zoning, building codes, flood zones, insurance, stormwater management, etc. Mary went on to say that entities engaged in this challenging work need funding that acknowledges the newness and uncertainty of the work. They need resources to research, partner, experiment, and potentially fail.When asked, “If you had unlimited money, where would you put it?” Mary replied with full certainty, workforce development.
Prior to the presentation, Sari Raskin, Vice President of Grants and Community Leadership, announced that our Environment Fund, a component fund of the Permanent Fund for Northern Virginia, reached a $1 Million endowment mark, the first issue area focused fund to reach this milestone. The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia is grateful to all donors who made this milestone possible. We believe we are on the cusp of making great strides for our natural landscapes and environment. Thanks to Mary and the Wetlands Watch, we feel more motivated to build upon this work in conjunction with other funders, local governments, and nonprofit organizations.
Thank you, Mary-Carson Stiff, for a wonderfully insightful presentation!
See the presentation slides:
The Escalating Climate Change Impacts Throughout Virginia: How the Philanthropic Sector is Responding, and What You Can Do To Help
Watch the presentation recording:
Questions?
