March 2025
Dear Friends,
During our presentation tour in Virginia this month, I was struck by a growing sense of unease. There is a dawning recognition that weather patterns are indeed changing, and while we may not want to put a label on it, we know something monumental – the normal rhythms and patterns that have been etched into our lives over decades – has shifted.
In a state known for lush forest and misty mountain passes, audiences spoke of the increasing severity of drought and water shortages (and whether enough people are putting buckets in their showers to capture and reuse the water in their gardens). They spoke of hardening homes against wildfires by replacing foundation plants with hardscaping. They lamented the high cost of rebuilding the many roads and bridges destroyed by Hurricane Helene’s historic flooding.
I also sensed a growing hunger for what we offer: a chance to learn about a difficult issue in a nonpartisan, non-confrontational manner that educates without polemics or hysteria. People value our approach – we were even asked by conservatives who voted Republican to take our presentation to President Trump and Elon Musk. Our audiences’ appreciation, plus their desire to share our presentation more widely with others, makes the long hours and miles traveled feel worth it.
Small steps. Big impact.
Thanks for being on this journey with us!
Kathleen Biggins
Founder and President
2025 Benefit: Staying Healthy in a Climate-Changed World
The changing climate is impacting our health – what can we do to stay well? On April 24, we’ll come together in Princeton, NJ, to hear renowned climate and health expert Jay Lemery, M.D., talk about what lies ahead, what the medical community is doing to prepare, and what you can do to protect yourself and your family. This event will be a benefit to support C-Change Conversations.
The April benefit is open to all and will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. at Stuart Country Day School in Princeton. A social hour with tapas and a light bar will precede the presentation. To purchase tickets, click here.
Welcome Our Newest Strategic Advisor, Karen Florini
We are so pleased to introduce Karen Florini as our newest strategic advisor. A longtime C-Change supporter, Karen most recently held multiple leadership roles at Climate Central. Previously, she served as deputy special envoy for climate change at the State Department after spending more than two decades at the Environmental Defense Fund, where she worked on environmental health and on climate change. She earned a law degree at Harvard (but now regards herself as a recovering lawyer).
Karen has hit the ground running, connecting C-Change with climate experts in the Washington, D.C., area to help us refine our communications and expand our outreach. Earlier this month, for example, she facilitated a presentation for us at the American Geophysical Union (their net-zero building blew us away with its technology and innovative architecture). These opportunities provide valuable insights that will strenthen our message.
In addition to bringing aboard those connections and her own expertise in policy, Karen is joining our roster as a C-Change presenter. She’ll kick off at the end of March by presenting the Primer at the Garden Club of America’s National Affairs & Legislative Meeting, an annual event attended by about 300 GCA members as well as national and state legislators from around the country.
We’re so grateful to have you as part of the team, Karen!
C-Change in the News
From print to podcast, C-Change was featured in some exciting ways this year so far. In February, we were a “Katie Couric Media” headline article! The “Ripple Effect” newsletter piece took a look back at the origins of C-Change and how our nonpartisan messaging continues to resonate with audiences. If you missed it, you can find it here.
And it was so fun to listen in when Kathleen Biggins was featured on “Second Act Stories,” a podcast that tells the tales of people who have made “major career changes to pursue more rewarding lives in a second act.” Co-host Andy Levine interviewed Kathleen for a great conversation about climate concerns, engaging diverse audiences, and the power of finding a new and unexpected personal journey. You can listen here.
A Blog from the EcoRight
To give us insight on how some Republican leaders view energy policy and the transition, we asked Bob Inglis, the executive director of republicEn.org, to write a blog for us. RepublicEn.org is a prominent leader of the burgeoning EcoRight, a growing movement among conservatives who “believe in the power of American free enterprise and innovation to solve climate change.” We think Bob’s take on clean energy policies is illuminating and worth sharing.
Kathleen Biggins Hits the Road
Kathleen kicked off 2025 with a presentation to an “old friend” – the Garden Club of America! Specifically, the Zone Conservation Leaders of NJ Garden Clubs asked her to present a Zoom talk on emerging climate trends.
In March, Kathleen hit the road for Washington, D.C. (as mentioned above) and multiple events in Virginia. More than 150 people attended our events, which included presentations to the Garden Club of Winchester and the Rivanna Garden Club in Charlottesville, as well as public talks at the State Arboretum of Virginia and Shenandoah University, which was hosted by professors of environmental science and business.
Dallas Hetherington Headlines Presentations
Dallas Hetherington had a busy start to 2025. On January 30, he delivered the Health Primer as the keynote address for the “2025 Mid-Atlantic Regional Convening: Increasingly Severe Weather Preparedness Conference” at Drexel University in Philadelphia. About 60 people – including the media – attended the keynote session.
Earlier in January, Dallas presented the General Risk Primer to about 40 people at the Princeton (NJ) Windrows community. His presentation was so well received that he has been invited back to present the Health Primer later this year. You continue to wow us all, Dallas!
Molly Jones Offers Climate Career Guidance at Princeton
On January 23, C-Change’s chief operating officer Molly Jones participated in “Careers in Cleantech,” a program for Princeton University students. Organized by C-Change supporter and Princeton alum Tom Leyden, this panel discussion encouraged students to devote their talents to solving our climate challenges, with a particular emphasis on energy. Molly’s presentation focused on community-level examples of energy policy in action and the importance of looking at climate change as an economic issue rather than an environmental one. Kudos, Molly!
Latest “B-Change” Blog: Eat Less Beef
Did you know that decreasing the number of times you eat beef in a week – even by one meal – can help solve climate change? Our latest “B-Change” blog by Karen Dougherty takes a look at why you may want to consider making this shift in your diet. If you missed it, or if you want to share it with friends and family, you can read it here.
C-Change Athens Making Community Strides
C-Change affiliates are learning and advocating in Georgia! Several affiliates addressed the Athens-Clarke County mayor and commission during its February meeting to advocate for the establishment of a task force to support the county’s 100% Clean and Renewable Energy Plan.
The team is working with the Athens Area Community Foundation to establish a Clean Energy Fund to support projects and initiatives that promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate resilience. In addition, several members participated in “Engaging in the 2025 Georgia Power Integrated Resource Plan” training program offered by Southface and Georgia Interfaith Power & Light. The six training sessions helped them understand the utility’s long-term planning process and how citizens can advocate for increased renewable energy.
Sally Coenen worked with Georgia House Representative Spencer Frye’s staff to introduce a climate-related bill that would encourage renewable energy, regulate energy providers, and fund renewable energy projects. The bill is now in committee for review. Sally was also invited to join a small group of local climate leaders to seek out grant opportunities.
As co-chair of the Sustainability Advisory Committee for the Clarke County School District, Ramsey Nix helped create a plan to help the district implement renewable energy and green infrastructure, minimize waste, and reduce its carbon footprint. Ramsey will present the plan to the Board of Education in April.
Upcoming Events
April 7-8, Asheville, NC:
- The Ramble Biltmore Forest
- French Broad River Garden Club (public event)
April 9-10, Charlotte, NC:
- St. Peter’s Catholic Church
- Women in Business
- International Women’s Forum Carolinas
April 17, New York City, NY: New York Junior League (public event)
May 15, Philadelphia, PA: Panel discussion at ImpactPHL Total Impact Summit ‘25
