Inspiring Action: How Climate Ambassadors Are Transforming Communities in 2025

As the impacts of climate change accelerate and communities face mounting social, environmental, and economic pressures, local leadership is proving to be one of our most powerful tools for change. Across the country, individuals are stepping forward to lead. ecoAmerica’s Climate Ambassadors are among those rising to meet this moment. They are equipping their communities with knowledge, sparking conversations that matter, and implementing real, local solutions. From advancing clean energy to supporting disaster recovery and climate resilience, their efforts are transforming concern into action and building a healthier, more just future for all.

So far in 2025, nearly 7,000 trained Ambassadors have engaged over 250,000 Americans — and their reach continues to grow. This blog highlights just a few of the extraordinary ways they’re making a difference right now, in the places they live, work, and serve.

Supporting Youth Resilience After Wildfires in California
Liz McLaughlin, Climate for Health Ambassador
When the Congressional Award Club — a group of high school students, many of whom were directly impacted by the devastating January 2025 Los Angeles fires — sought to understand the mental health impacts of climate-related disasters, Liz McLaughlin stepped up. As an Ambassador, Liz facilitated a meaningful conversation exploring the psychological toll of wildfires, community recovery, and the complex challenges around homeowners’ insurance post-disaster. Her presentation offered not only critical insight but also emotional support to a new generation navigating both climate grief and community care. By engaging youth who are already participating in local disaster relief efforts, Liz helped deepen their understanding of climate trauma and inspired their continued commitment to healing and advocacy.

Energizing Rural Vermont with Sustainable Solutions
Brian Cali, Communities Ambassador
In Central Vermont, Brian Cali co-wrote a successful grant application to the State, securing $271,000 to weatherize and electrify town-owned buildings. This funding will enhance weatherization, insulation, heat pumps, indoor air quality, and complement a town-owned solar array. Gaining town support for necessary audits and advocating for these changes provided a prime opportunity for Brian to utilize and sharpen his climate ambassadorship skills, engaging residents about the benefits of electrification and solar energy.

Advocating for Climate Health Policies in Virginia
Janice Hawkins, Climate for Health Ambassador
Janice Hawkins actively engaged with Virginia State Legislators Sen. Craig and Del. Leftwich during the Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action Advocacy Day. This significant event focused on advocating for current bills that support climate-friendly practices, including proposals allowing localities to mandate solar panels on new parking lot constructions and establishing safety standards for high heat days. Janice’s leadership was instrumental, and she was accompanied by 18 graduate-level students, amplifying their collective advocacy efforts. Together, they pushed for policies that marry public health safety with sustainable environmental practices, demonstrating a proactive approach to climate health in Virginia.

Driving Urban Sustainability in Omaha
Christie Abdul-Greene, Path to Positive Communities Ambassador
Christie Abdul-Greene, originally a Climate for Health ambassador, has now become a transformative figure in Omaha as the Executive Director of Keep Omaha Beautiful. Christie played a crucial role in the adoption of Omaha’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan, which integrates sustainability into the city’s 20-year master plan. Her proactive approach doesn’t stop at policy; it extends to practical community engagement through initiatives like the sustainability business directory and educational programs that cultivate a green-conscious generation.

Transformative Solar Initiative at Catonsville Maryland Presbyterian Church
Laurie White, Blessed Tomorrow Ambassador
Laurie White has guided the Catonsville Presbyterian Church towards a sustainable future by initiating a partnership with a local solar farm. This groundbreaking move ensures that all the church’s electricity is sourced from renewable energy, setting a precedent for other communities to follow. Laurie’s leadership not only supports local green industries but also acts as a model for community-led renewable energy adoption.

Climate Health Curriculum at the University of Arizona
Harry McDermott, Climate for Health Ambassador
Harry McDermott has introduced a critical climate and health case study into the BS in Medicine program at the University of Arizona. Engaging over 300 students each semester, this curriculum fosters a deep understanding of the interconnections between climate change and public health, emphasizing solution-oriented learning. Harry’s work prepares future medical professionals to consider the environmental impacts of their practice and advocacy.

Year-Round Climate Justice Advocacy in Evanston, Illinois
Mark Sloss, Blessed Tomorrow Ambassador
Mark Sloss has transformed Evanston’s indoor winter farmers market into a hub of climate justice advocacy. Hosting a climate advocacy table, Mark engages the community in meaningful discussions and actions, such as supporting local climate ordinances and enrolling in community solar projects. His initiative demonstrates the effectiveness of using local platforms for environmental advocacy and public engagement.

Join the Movement
The stories featured here are just a glimpse of the bold, creative leadership unfolding across the country. In neighborhoods, congregations, campuses, clinics, and councils, Climate Ambassadors are shifting conversations, advancing solutions, and inspiring others to act. If you’re ready to take the next step in your community, workplace, or place of worship, consider inviting a Climate Ambassador to speak or joining our training. Together, we can grow a movement rooted in action, resilience, and justice — and rise to meet this moment with the leadership it calls for.

Request an Ambassador to speak at your next event:
Climate for Health | Blessed Tomorrow | Path to Positive

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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 programs and initiatives.

About ecoAmerica
ecoAmerica is a nonprofit organization that moves society toward climate solutions by engaging and supporting trusted national institutions to inspire and empower their millions of members in local communities across America to visibly act and advocate for ambitious, just, climate mitigation, resilience, and restoration.