Environment

Strategic Priority

Sustain and restore natural resources in home and public spaces.

Signature Initiative

Bolster climate resilience through education and outreach for a sustainable future.

Action Profile

Body

Illinois Extension is committed to addressing the pressing issues of changing climate conditions by leveraging Illinois Extension’s resources, expertise, and partnerships to prepare Illinois for a more informed and resilient future.

Extension’s internal capacity will be strengthened with increased full-time staff devoted to climate change programming and with program area-specific climate change leaders across the state. Focus on reinforcing trusted connections with campus-based climate change researchers, external partners, and local community groups will expand Extension’s efforts in this climate initiative. Expansion of our internal and external capacity in this topic area will result in significant evidence-based publications and learning opportunities for the public.

Extension also plans to improve outreach efforts through the integration of climate education into all existing programming areas and through the expansion of the Illinois Extension Climate Stewards program. The workshops and training of Extension staff, Illinois residents, and local leaders, can build ecosystem and community resilience in our changing climate. These efforts will be community-driven, leveraging existing resources and addressing the needs of our most at-risk Illinois communities.

Partnerships will be prioritized, drawing on expertise at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Midwest Climate Hub, among other groups. These efforts will raise awareness of climate adaptation, mitigation, and environmental justice, bolster climate resilient programming, and facilitate local community-based climate actions for a sustainable future.

Champion

Staff photo Shiba Kar

Shiba 'Shibu' Kar

Assistant Dean: Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Program Leader. Associate Director of Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant
Keywords
Environment
Energy
Master Naturalist
Forestry
Water
Invasive Species
Pollinator Habitat
Perennials
Grasses
Administration
Leadership
(217) 333-1234

Workgroup Members

Russell Medley

Russell Medley

Community and Economic Development Educator
Keywords
Business Development
Business Retention and Expansion
Civic Engagement
Community Development
Community Planning
Community Resiliency
Consumer Economics
Disaster Preparedness
Economic Development
EDEN Ready Business
Entrepreneurship
Leadership Development
Local Government
Poverty
Resilience
Workforce Development
(217) 300-0886
Profile image coming soon

Bin Peng

Assistant Professor
Keywords
Climate
Commercial Agriculture
Drainage
Environment
Sustainable Agriculture
Water
(217) 974-5389

Ex Officio

Travis Burke

Travis Burke

Assistant Dean, Agriculture/Agri-Business Program Leader
Keywords
Commercial Agriculture
Horticulture
Master Gardeners
Animal Science
Crops
Sustainable Agriculture
(217) 333-1106