Climate Ambassadors: Inspiring Action
As we reflect on the first quarter of 2024, our Climate Ambassadors have once again showcased their unwavering dedication and effectiveness in fostering meaningful climate action. With over 4,760 trained Ambassadors nationwide, including over 500 recruits since January, the range and impact of their activities continue to expand, reaching more than 5,000 individuals through direct engagement this quarter alone.
Interested in having a Climate Ambassador speak at your next event? Conferences, small-group forums, and retreats are perfect opportunities to introduce expert knowledge and inspiring stories about the impact of climate on our communities and the available solutions. Invite a Climate Ambassador today and be part of the solution!
Climate for Health | Blessed Tomorrow | Path to Positive
Key Highlights from Our Ambassadors
Brian Cali: Building Sustainable Futures
Brian Cali, a Path to Positive Ambassador and dedicated climate advocate, has played a crucial role in advancing sustainable building practices and renewable energy projects in Reading, Vermont. Brian presented a compelling case for a town-owned solar array project, persuading residents and officials. His detailed and informed presentation led to the project’s approval. The solar array, set to be installed this summer, will generate enough electricity annually to offset the current usage of five town-owned buildings. Brian’s effective presentation not only secured the project’s approval but also set the stage for further discussions on electrifying all those building systems.
Clayton Summers: Faithful Leadership Combating Plastic Pollution
Rev. Clayton Summers, a Blessed Tomorrow Ambassador and community leader, has creatively merged his faith with environmental activism by producing a compelling 5-part video series on faith and plastics. This series addresses the critical issue of plastic pollution through a faith-based lens and has garnered a broad audience on social media, sparking meaningful discussions and prompting viewers to reconsider their environmental impacts. Each installment not only educates but also motivates action, demonstrating the significant role that faith communities can play in global sustainability efforts.
Christine Dannhausen-Brun: Advocating for Urban Green Spaces
Christine Dannhausen-Brun has passionately advocated for urban green spaces through her compelling presentations as a Climate for Health Ambassador. At a recent engagement with the North Town Garden Club in Illinois, she effectively highlighted the crucial role of urban forests as climate mitigation tools. Her one-hour presentation and detailed 40-minute Q&A session provided in-depth data and strategies for effectively reducing carbon emissions through urban forestry. This resonated strongly with the audience, sparking significant interest and discussions about local environmental initiatives, and led to further invitations to speak, broadening her impact on community awareness and action.
Kristine Montamat: Faith and Environmental Justice
Kristine Montamat has seamlessly woven together her commitments to faith and environmental justice in her role with the Blessed Tomorrow program. At the To Love, Heal and Bless Creation event, she led discussions and workshops that addressed both spiritual and practical responses to environmental issues. Her ability to connect faith teachings with contemporary environmental challenges has made her sessions particularly impactful, fostering a deeper understanding and commitment among participants to act on climate justice.
Nancy Kuppersmith: Food for Thought
In Kentucky, Blessed Tomorrow Ambassador Nancy Kuppersmith hosted the innovative Taste of Green Chalice event, which showcased meatless meal options to her congregants. This educational presentation attracted 50 participants and effectively demonstrated the significant benefits of incorporating sustainable food choices into everyday life. By sampling various meatless dishes, attendees learned firsthand about the positive impact of plant-based diets on reducing carbon emissions. Nancy’s event successfully highlighted the direct link between dietary habits and environmental sustainability, encouraging participants to adopt more eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.
Nina Juntereal: Championing Sustainable Health Practices
Nina Juntereal, a passionate Climate for Health Ambassador, has been a forceful advocate for integrating climate awareness into public health in Pennsylvania. She facilitated a conversation with 100 undergraduate nursing students, emphasizing the critical nexus between healthcare and climate change. Her discussion aimed to inspire future healthcare professionals to consider the environmental determinants of health in their careers. Beyond education, Nina’s commitment extends into politics. She met with high-profile representatives, including Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA 2nd District), Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA 3rd District), Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA 5th District), and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA 6th District) advocating for stronger climate policies that prioritize public health.
Join the Movement
These stories are just a snapshot of the extensive activities carried out by our Climate Ambassadors. They not only educate and inspire but also advocate for tangible changes in both policy and personal behaviors. If you’re interested in driving climate action within your community, workplace, or house of worship consider inviting a Climate Ambassador to speak at your next event.
Request an Ambassador Presentation at:
Climate for Health | Blessed Tomorrow | Path to Positive
Ashley Lane
Director, Network Activation
ecoAmerica
About the Author
Ashley Lane, Director of Network Activation for ecoAmerica, plays a pivotal role in mobilizing and expanding the reach of the organization’s environmental initiatives.
About ecoAmerica
ecoAmerica is a nonprofit moving society toward climate solutions by inspiring and empowering trusted national health, faith, and civic institutions and their millions of stakeholders across America visibly act and advocate. ecoAmerica programs include Climate for Health, Blessed Tomorrow, and Path to Positive, and the One Home One Future and Climate Rx campaigns. ecoAmerica.org