Conserving Nature is Climate Smart

Nature is an integral part of climate solutions – but what does that mean for local governments? Natural areas store and sequester carbon, cool temperatures, and buffer storm surges and floods. New York’s Climate Smart Communities Program supports local governments in adapting to climate change, building community resilience, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Participating communities benefit from free technical assistance and access to grants.

This webinar will focus on climate smart actions related to land-use planning and protecting nature, addressing:

• Key roles natural areas play in climate resilience;
• An overview of the Climate Smart Communities Program;
• An introduction to climate smart actions for planning, zoning, and protection of natural areas; and
• A case study of climate smart actions from the Town of New Paltz.

Speakers:

Christine Vanderlan, Hudson River Estuary Program/Cornell
Ingrid Haeckel, Hudson River Estuary Program/Cornell
Eleanor Peck, Hudson Valley Regional Council
Neil Bettez, Town of New Paltz
Amanda Gotto, Town of New Paltz