Blink and you miss it – how can it already be autumn? Well, there were no summer doldrums for us here at C-Change and we’re keeping busy as we head into the end of 2025. From continued joint programming with Glenmede (a boutique wealth management firm) about climate risks to investments to multiple forays into the Deep South to training a roster of new presenters to help us extend our reach, we’ve had great momentum these past few months.
Right now, our work is more important than ever. It’s always eye-opening on my travels to learn just how much skepticism about climate change is still out there, although the tune does sound a bit different these days. Once upon a time, the lyrics were “it’s not real.” Today, the refrain – sung by none other than Secretary of Energy Chris Wright – is that climate change is real, but just an acceptable “side effect of building the modern world.”
Indeed, the Trump administration’s anti-climate action and anti-renewables stance is loud and impactful. Wind and solar are moving to the front lines of a culture war. This is a real shame, as they are the cheapest and fastest new energy to bring online – and at a time when our energy cost and demand are skyrocketing, we could really use that sort of juice on our grid. Preventing the growth of these power sources will stress our wallets and our communities, and it will leave our country behind as the global economy speeds toward cleaner-energy forms.
That’s why we’re going to keep working so hard to help people understand the risks – economic, health, safety – that we face if we turn our backs to the global realities of climate change and ignore the solutions we have to address it. As we always say, it’s not a political issue, it’s a human one.
And you can help by connecting us with your human network. Think about where we could speak in your community to help your family, friends, and coworkers feel connected and informed – and to build a safer future for our kids and grandkids. Pleasereach outand let’s make those connections.
Sincerely, Kathleen Biggins Founder and President
Cimate Week NYC
Climate reporter (and our spring benefit speaker) David Gelles invited us to attend the New York Times’ Climate Week event in September. Multiple team members attended that event and others during the weeklong showcase of the best and brightest in the world of climate. It was exhilarating and sobering. Highlights included the point-counterpoint of Secretary Wright, who touted the Trump administration’s vision of climate and energy and extolled the economic potential of gas and oil, and California Governor Gavin Newsom, whose approach to powering the fourth-largest economy in the world relies heavily (and successfully) on renewables and storage. We also had the chance to meet many entrepreneurs showcasing innovations that can help address the climate challenge. From new heating and cooling systems, new fast-charging batteries, or even “petrochemical” substitutes made from farm waste like corn husks and leaves – the number and variety of inventions are mindblowing. We left feeling renewed and recharged for the work we’re doing – and we encourage you to try to attend in 2026.
Support for the Endangerment Finding
The Trump administration has threatened to roll back a crucial finding that determined that greenhouse gases endanger human health and can be regulated under the Clean Air Act. Issued in 2009, the Endangerment Finding gives the government the authority to regulate and limit power-plant emissions and methane leaks and to set fuel-efficiency standards for automobiles. A rollback would have massive implications for climate regulations – and our safety.
C-Change submitted a lengthy, science-based public comment to the EPA last month in hopes that we can add to the voice of climate reason as the agency determines next steps.
Partnering with Glenmede
Partnering with industry experts to explain and analyze ramifications of climate change adds a great deal of value when we talk with audiences. Our ongoing partnership with Glenmede is a perfect example – in July, we presented jointly in Stone Harbor, NJ. Kathleen presented on climate risks to our lives and economy, and Glenmede’s Mark Hays, managing director and director of sustainable investing, shared tools and approaches that help investors protect their investments and profit from the cleantech transition.
On the Road in the South
Our hats are off to the institutions and organizations that are working to educate their communities about climate change, especially in areas where climate-change pushback or denial is still strong. When they ask us to bring our expertise to town, we are thrilled to hit the road.
Thanks to welcoming hosts with excellent outreach skills, our recent events in Jacksonville, FL, and Memphis, TN, were hugely successful. Kathleen presented to more than 800 people during these trips, including a whopping audience of 600 people at the Memphis University School. Other presentations in Memphis included the Hutchison School and the Little Garden Club of Memphis. In Jacksonville, she presented to the Late Bloomers Garden Club and at a public event hosted by the St. John’s Riverkeeper. We hope the audiences feel more empowered to meet the challenges ahead and we’re grateful for the chance to share our knowledge.
Dallas Hetherington Returns to Princeton
Dallas Hetherington was invited back to Windrows, a 55-plus luxury living facility in Princeton, to deliver our Health Primer and outline climate change’s many impacts on our ability to stay safe and healthy. Kudos to Dallas for his great work.
New Primer Presenters
We are thrilled that we’ll be welcoming new presenters in 2026! We’re still wrapping up the process, but one new presenter – Karen Florini – has already hit the ground running, presenting to the Trowel Garden Club of the Washington, DC, area in September and delivering a Primer presentation on climate change and poverty at Villanova University this month. We’re so excited to get the whole crew on the road – stay tuned for a formal introduction!
C-Change Athens
C-Change Athens affiliate members met with the new Athens-Clarke County Energy Program and Conservation Coordinator to learn about what the office is doing to reach the city government’s goal of 100% clean and renewable energy by 2035 and to discuss ways to educate the community about the clean-energy projects already underway. Affiliate member Helen Kukendall has launched an Athens C-Change social media campaign aimed at expanding our reach and sharing local climate and clean energy news with Athens area residents. The Environmental Defense Fund recently featured affiliate member Ramsey Nix in an article about her clean school bus advocacy with the Clarke County School District. The Athens affiliates are focused on educating community members about the upcoming Georgia Public Service Commission election. These commissioners regulate utilities and determine the future of Georgia’s energy mix.
New Tool for Climate Central
When we talk with an audience about climate change, the information resonates better when people can connect with the impacts. This new tool from Climate Central shows the many ways that climate change is impacting specific locations. Enter your city and explore the data – you might be able to use this tool to start a productive climate conversation with people in your community.
Upcoming Events
Oct. 17, Villanova, PA: Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law Nov. 5, Emmaus, PA: Emmaus Garden Club Nov. 10-11, Richmond, VA: The Women’s Club: Garden Club of Virginia St. Catherine’s School Nov. 12-13, Connecticut: Connecticut Valley Garden Club (Hartford) Farmington Land Trust (Farmington, public event) Miss Porter’s School (Farmington)
