Dear Friends,

This year’s Climate Week, I want to take a moment to reflect on the challenges we face and the opportunities that lie ahead. In light of the recent federal legislation passed, with rollbacks on clean energy incentives and the elimination of key funding streams to advance solutions, the landscape for climate action has become significantly more precarious. These policies and the mental models that drive them (i.e. extraction, scarcity, individualism) threaten to undermine our progress and leave local organizations like ours grappling with increased competition for crucial funding. 

As an activist and a mother determined to leave the world better than I found it, I feel a deep sense of overwhelm and frustration in these times. I often find myself asking: how do I continue showing up meaningfully without burning out? If you are also concerned about the stymied climate progress across the state and the country, please know that you’re not alone. We hear you and share your concerns.

In times of great uncertainty, we need courage and solidarity. This is not a time to sit on the sidelines and wait. The changes we seek are not coming from the top down. We are the ones we've been waiting for—neighbors, advocates, and community members investing in each other. Though our culture promotes hyper-individualism and cutthroat competition, that mindset is what got us into this mess in the first place, so we’re advocating for a different approach. Instead of hoarding resources and siloing ourselves off from each other, this is the time to invest in community. 

Here at the Accelerator, we are committed to creating a healthier, more equitable, and regenerative future for our region. Yes, that is currently an uphill battle, but we’re tough and nimble, and we have a strong network of supporters and collaborators who are working alongside us. That’s what gives me hope and energizes me to keep pushing – day after day – despite the many challenges and setbacks we face. And right now, your partnership is more important than ever. Your support ensures that we can continue to advocate for equitable climate solutions that benefit all members of our community.

Working collaboratively, we can effectively navigate these turbulent times. Our local climate movement has shown that when we unite across sectors, demographic groups, and geographies, we can advance solutions that address not only climate change, but also health issues, energy affordability, housing quality, access to jobs and services, etc. In other words, we are building regional resilience and networks of solidarity that will support our wellbeing both now and in the future. This is a call to be part of that collective effort to transcend political divides and focus on shared, nonpartisan values, such as clean air, clean water, and a regenerative future for generations to come. This is a call to invest in the future of our community.

As we show up for Climate Week, I urge you to consider making a donation to support our work. Whether it’s $5 or $500, your gift helps build the collective power we need—right here in our community. Please demonstrate your commitment to both people and the planet by investing in local climate solutions today.

Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities and ensure that climate progress continues. Thank you for your unwavering support and belief in our mission.

Toward a regenerative future,

Abigail McHugh-Grifa, Ph.D.  
Executive Director  
Climate Solutions Accelerator