Geared for Growth: Climate Solutions Accelerator of the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region Hosts Climate Solutions Summit
Climate Solutions Accelerator of the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region is focusing on job creation and helping public health by mitigating climate change and its effects starting in our nine-county region. Climate Solutions Accelerator Executive Director Abigail McHugh-Grifa was featured on Geared for Growth on Wednesday, March 10th as part of Greater Rochester Chamber’s ongoing partnership with 13WHAM/FOX Rochester. McHugh-Grifa shared what the organization does and its mission, information about the upcoming Climate Solutions Summit, and what each of us can do to make a difference.
Climate Solutions Accelerator is a non-profit working to limit greenhouse gas emissions and address the
effects of climate change in the Greater Rochester region. “We’re really focused on our region and how we can take advantage of the opportunity to create a healthier, more equitable, and regenerative community through the implementation of effective climate solutions,” McHugh-Grifa shared. Their approach to doing that takes an individual approach as to how best address this in our region specifically. She explained that in the Greater Rochester region, our contribution to the climate problem comes primarily from transportation, in addition to buildings, agriculture, and electricity generation. They’ve identified key areas within each of those areas to address emissions while also improving the health and quality of life of residents within the region. “There is so much that we can do to reduce the long term effect of climate change, but also to revitalize our region,” Abigail noted.
On April 19th and 20th, Climate Solutions Accelerator will hold their annual Climate Solutions Summit. This year has a particular focus on health and equity. “We know that climate change is a pretty massive public health issue. It affects our health both indirectly and directly in the short term and long term,” McHugh-Grifa explained, “But that isn’t really something that’s in the public consciousness, so this event is focused on raising awareness about that and letting our local community know what we can do to address it.” The two-day event is focusing on Organizations in Action on Friday and Citizens in Action on Saturday, and is open to the general public who is interested in making a difference.
Abigail shared a few examples of how the effects of climate change are already being felt in our region. Things like the flooding in Canandaigua last summer and the wildfire smoke hurting air quality last summer have already had adverse effects on the health of Greater Rochester residents. “The list unfortunately goes on and on,” McHugh-Grifa remarked. For those interested in learning more about how to make a difference, she encouraged attending the Climate Solutions Summit. To learn more and register, please see ClimateGFL.org/summit.
To hear more about the exciting and impactful work that are being done by organizations throughout Greater Rochester, tune into FOX Rochester every Wednesday morning at 8:45 to catch every segment of Geared for Growth.