Climate change is a global issue with community-level solutions
The world is changing, and we're seeing the impacts every day in Illinois. Weather patterns have shifted significantly in the past century, with Illinois dealing with both warmer temperatures and more precipitation. Intense rainfalls have led to increased urban and rural flooding as well as more frequent summer drought stress and the potential for water shortages.
Small changes at the local level can have a big impact
The Illinois Extension Climate Steward program is a course that trains environmental stewards to communicate about climate change and engage in local solutions. Our vision is to build engaged communities and ecosystems that are resilient in a changing climate in Illinois and beyond.
Climate Steward participants will gain:
- An understanding of the basic social and emotional aspects of environmental, conservation, and climate work
- The ability to communicate the science behind global warming and climate change
- Give examples of local adaptation, mitigation, and resilience efforts
Participant Feedback
"The aspect of this program that sets it apart was not the technical information that we were exposed to, which was excellent, it was the sensitive, thought-provoking way that the material was presented. This subject is a delicate one as there are many differing, if not contentious opinions, that have the potential to separate and distract us from understanding the real issues. The class not only presented data in a transparent nonpartisan way, much of the curriculum centered around teaching us to do this.
I must confess that when I signed up for the program, I had many preconceived ideas about our climate. This experience not only enlightened me, it changed my whole paradigm. The class taught me that it doesn’t matter how much we know about this subject, our success will be measured by how we communicate that knowledge in a way that connects and edifies not by the lectures given or the debates that are ‘won.’ ”
- 2023 program participant
Ready to help change the world? Enrollment is open for fall 2024!
August 19 - November 22, 2024
Extension offices offering the program in fall 2024:
Interested in taking the course in your area?
Those interested in taking the Illinois Extension Climate Steward course should contact staff at their local county Extension office to express an interest in joining the program. Offices may offer the course depending on interest and capacity.
More About the Program
Illinois Extension Climate Stewards launched in 2024. It combines classroom, online, and field experiences in earth systems, water, energy, and agriculture using research-based practices. It will also include communication training, participatory science, and community service opportunities. The course also includes an overview of state and local climate policies.
- 36 hours of live presentations and readings
- Discussions with topics experts and advocates
- Units 1 and 2: Communication and Community Building
- Topics: Psychological, social, and cognitive science of communication; trauma-aware education
- Units 3 and 4: Climate Science
- Topics: Soil and water; greenhouse effect; climate modeling programs; impacts on Illinois; energy
- Units 5 and 6: Community resilience and capstone
- Topics: Mitigation and adaptation; environmental justice; assessing climate vulnerability; community presentations
After certification, Illinois Extension Climate Stewards are encouraged to volunteer in activities ranging from community and participatory science, land and water stewardship, environmental justice and civic engagement, and education and interpretation activities.
The Illinois Extension Climate Stewards curriculum is licensed from University of California, Davis, and has been adapted for the Midwest and Illinois.
Climate Steward Coordinator
