Letter from the Executive Director

2012 was a year for the record books.  It was the hottest year on record in the U.S, the Arctic sea ice shrunk to a record low, Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets are now losing three times as much ice each year as they did in the 1990s, and global sea levels are rising faster than predicted.

As the signs of a warming world become increasingly evident, our work becomes even more critical. This is why we are investing in innovative solutions to climate change by working directly with people on the ground – from educators, to youth, to decision-makers.

Our annual report is now available which covers our activities and impact from September 2011-August 2012. In it you will find a host of examples of how your support of the Will Steger Foundation translates into climate action and leadership. The report includes stories of youth leaders taking action on their high school campuses, at climate conferences and in their own non-profits.  There are examples of educators inspiring their students to connect with the outdoors to understand what a changing climate means for their region, as well as engaging them in climate adaptation and mitigation activities.  Finally, the report shows how our elected officials responded to citizen support of clean air policies administered by the Environmental Protection Agency to protect the health of our children and families.

2013 will be the year we take climate action seriously. On Friday, the third National Climate Assessment was released. In short, this draft report reinforces the certainty within the scientific community that the climate is changing, and makes a compelling case that significant and urgent action is needed to address the root causes. This federal climate assessment projects temperatures risings as much as 10°F by the end of the century if emissions aren’t reduced sharply.

Reducing carbon pollution and switching to clean energy is the way forward. We already have the technology, the ingenuity, and the solutions to modernize our energy system. Numerous polls report a significant rebound in the recognition of climate change by Americans over the last 3 years, particularly among Republicans and the skeptical. Surveys also reflect growing public support for action by Congress and President to address climate change. Surveys also reflect growing public support for action by Congress and the President to address climate change. This is going to be a major year for progress on climate.

Onward,

Nicole Rom, Executive Director