Dear Friend,

Many words are used to mark Earth Day: preservation, conservation, sustainability, carbon footprint, protection consumption, clean (i.e. water, air, and energy), and climate. This year in Maine, however, one word in particular has emerged as a theme of this 54th annual Earth Day: resilience.  

It has been five short months since our state was battered by the first of three unprecedented winter storms that caused devastation and distress across Maine and revealed the depth of the climate crisis Maine could face in the years to come.  

In March, while previewing their upcoming report on climate science in Maine, the scientists that advise the Maine Climate Council explained what is happening. Our state is getting warmer and wetter, which has cascading effects – from storms that deliver more powerful blows to our communities, infrastructure, and electrical grid, to ice retreating from lakes and rivers, sap running earlier, growing seasons becoming later, sea levels rising, and health risks increasing.  

The storms of December and January caused more than $90 million in damage to public infrastructure, with millions more to private homes, businesses, and property. With six disaster declarations in Maine within the past year or so alone, repeated damage from extreme storms, flooding and storm surge are testing the mettle of our state’s ability to respond and rebuild.

This is why, on this Earth Day, our minds as co-chairs of the Maine Climate Council are focused on resilience. How do we address impacts of climate change that are here, and prepare for those to come? What investment and support are needed now for our communities, economy, and environment? What is the recipe for combining rebuilding and resilience to protect and preserve our iconic places and industries, and the health and safety of our people?
 
There are no easy answers, but addressing these questions is underway. In January, just after the storms, the Council heard from experts and affected communities in Maine about the impacts to start a process to emphasize resiliency across its update to Maine Won’t Wait later this year.  

Further, Governor Mills proposed and the Legislature just last week approved $60 million to support infrastructure and economic resilience from damage due to the storms. These funds, in conjunction with Federal disaster resources, will bring needed relief. 

Our priority of resilience is connected to the urgency to reduce emissions, to slow the warming that is the root cause of climate disruption. As Maine maps its big picture needs and ideas through the Council, as always, actions by Maine people in support of Maine Won’t Wait remain critical in the fight against climate change.  

In this fifth year of the Maine Climate Council, we remain heartened by actions occurring every day in Maine to address climate change. Over 225 communities in Maine are now participating in the Community Resilience Partnership, a program recommended by Maine Won’t Wait to give towns, cities, and tribal governments support to evaluate and act on local climate priorities.  

Tailwind from historic federal legislation – the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act – is driving important climate and clean energy investments. Some of the nation’s first EV chargers funded by BIL opened in Maine, and the IRA is helping Maine homeowners, businesses, nonprofits and communities to reduce emissions and save money. 

And just today, the Biden Administration announced that Maine will receive $62 million from the Solar For All program, a key investment to expand clean energy to communities across Maine, especially those facing significant climate burdens.

Perhaps most inspiring is the commitment from young people in Maine to understand and engage in climate action. This year, the Council has 12 remarkable youth representatives who are lending their voices to Maine Won’t Wait, to make sure the next generation of climate leaders are involved in crafting the climate strategies of today.  

With so much happening in climate, though, it’s easy for youth to feel overwhelmed. Today, we’re proud to launch a new initiative, Climate & Me, to offer information and inspiration for young Mainers about climate change, the state's climate action plan, and how they can get involved and make a difference.  

To learn more about Climate & Me, please watch the video, or visit its website. 

While climate challenges are significant, so is our response to serious climate events today and tomorrow. On behalf of the Maine Climate Council, we are grateful for your continued partnership in this important work.
 
Best, 

Hannah Pingree & Melanie Loyzim
Co-chairs, Maine Climate Council

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