Georgia Climate Project

Thirteen student delegates from Emory University are attending COP28 through . This is the eighth annual student delegation from Emory. We are excited to learn about the knowledge that they will gain at the conference.

Learn more about this program at the link in our bio.

Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) has opened applications for the position of the inaugural Director of the Institute of Environmental Science and Sustainability (IESS), a position equivalent to a department chair. The Director will be appointed as a full-time faculty member in the School of Science and Technology and will be encouraged to remain active as a scholar and teacher, with strategic leadership of the Institute as their top priority.

Review of applications will begin January 8, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. The start date for this position is July 1, 2024.

Apply for the position by going to the link in our bio!

In the early 20th century, Georgia led the nation in oyster harvesting. By the 1930s, oysters became low in numbers due to overharvesting.

Now, scientists are trying to bring oysters back due to their importance for not only a healthy coastal ecosystem, but also in combating climate change by sequestering carbon. Oyster reefs keep the sediment–an organic matter containing carbon–in rivers from washing away and help marshes expand, which are good on their own at storing carbon.

To learn more about the work that scientists and researchers in Georgia are doing with oysters to mitigate climate change, read article titled “Rebuilding oyster reefs along the Georgia coast could help fight climate change.”

No part of the country is more at-risk and vulnerable to the effects of climate change than the Southeast. Atlanta now sees around eight more extreme heat days than it did in 1961 and the “heatwave season” has lengthened by more than 80 days. However, there is hope and possibilities exist for a brighter future.

To learn more about the consequences of climate change in Georgia, as well as the work that people are doing to reduce emissions, read the article titled “Report: Georgia, Southeast among the most at-risk from climate change.”

Read the article: http://bit.ly/3QGvTgv

You’re cordially invited to the Green Sports Alliance’s innovative Virtual Collegiate Networking Session–a one-of-a-kind experience designed exclusively for representatives from colleges and universities (staff, faculty, coaches, students).

Discover the future of collegiate sustainability, connect and collaborate, and empower your campus! 🌲

When? Thursday, November 16 from 12-1 PM EST

Register here: https://bit.ly/3u8D8WK

The Fifth National Climate Assessment was released today. The latest scientific research describes immediate need for action, and the assessment included an announcement of $6 billion in additional investment in strategies to combat climate change.

Read more about the report here: https://bit.ly/3FZOxLl

ICYMI: The Environmental Justice Green Book for Georgia is now available!

In August 2023, the Turner Environmental Law Clinic at Emory University launched The Environmental Justice Greek Book for Georgia, an online tool designed to empower communities facing environmental injustices in the state.

The Environmental Justice Green Book for Georgia includes information about environmental justice; explanations of environmental laws; strategies, tips, legal templates, and resources for community efforts to address environmental injustices and effect change; and a database of environmental justice organizations, government agencies, and community-based initiatives in Georgia.

Read more about the book: https://bit.ly/472BlRB

You can also find the book in our Linktree!

Work On Climate (Atlanta chapter) is getting more people to work on fighting climate change. 🌱 Come join the community of Atlanta climate professionals online on their Slack channel on Tuesday, November 14, from 7:00-8:30PM EST.

RSVP for the event: https://bit.ly/3SoV0a3

Join their Slack channel: https://bit.ly/45VbCJy

Learn more about Work on Climate: https://bit.ly/3Qmw1l3

🗣️ Calling all middle and high schoolers who are interested in sustainability and climate change.

The Georgia Youth Sustainability Conference is this Saturday, November 4, 2023. Do not miss out on the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals!

Register here: https://bit.ly/3FnveLr

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper just released a unique report identifying examples of how Georgia’s water utilities are already taking–or can take–action in climate adaptation and mitigation.

To learn more about the climate mitigation strategies local governments and water utilities can adopt to make the Chattahoochee River and its communities more resilient and sustainable, read the report by titled “Water Utilities: On the Front-Line Fighting Climate Change.”

Read the report here: https://bit.ly/49igsUn

Hosted by , the Georgia Youth Sustainability Conference is a summit for middle and high school students in Georgia to take action on climate change in their schools and communities. This will be an action-packed event as students can expect to hear from keynote speakers, participate in a climate action workshop, listen to presentations about sustainability, and network with partner organizations for professional development opportunities. ♻️

WHEN: November 4, 2023 from 10 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. EST

WHERE: Shiloh High School in Snellville, GA

Register here: https://bit.ly/3FnveLr

WHAT: The Climate & Innovation Business Forum 💡

WHY: Leaders, academics, and students will gather to dive into forward-thinking strategies for driving climate solutions. Attendees will have the opportunity to actively engage in discussions focused on harnessing climate technology, cultivating innovative partnerships, and mobilizing capital to create meaningful environmental and social impact.

WHEN: October 20, 2023 from 1:00 – 5:00 P.M. EST.

WHERE: Georgia Tech Global Learning Center / 85 5th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308

REGISTER: bit.ly/3M5rWQW

RECAP: RayDay was attended by nearly 2,000 people interested in engaging in conversations and networking with other like-minded people about sustainability! 🌱 We spoke with 100+ people and we're excited about some potential new partnerships with some of the great organizations that also participated in RayDay. ☀️

More info about the event can be found on the RayDay website: https://www.raycandersonfoundation.org/rayday/

The Latino Electoral Engagement Fellowship (LEEF) is a fellowship program targeting young Latino adults, ages 18-27, who want to be change agents in their communities regarding community organizing, navigating political structures, the history of the climate change fight, and its impact on the Latino community and communities of color.

Early application deadline: October 24, 2023.

Final application deadline: October 31, 2023.

Link to apply: bit.ly/46P57ZP

Schools in Metro Atlanta are set to receive nearly 40 low emission school buses! The reduction of air pollution caused by diesel counterparts has the potential to protect the health of students and even increase test scores.

To learn more about these new electric and propane buses, read the article titled “The Big Yellow Bus Is Going Green: More Low-Emission School Buses Ready to Hit Metro Atlanta Roads.”

Article link: https://bit.ly/3L6lvMV

Over the summer, Samaya Stanley dove into four transcripts from the 2023 Georgia Climate Conference. As a GCP intern, she analyzed these transcripts through the lens of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Samaya coded and conducted a content analysis of the following sessions:
“Resilience and Restoration of Coastal Ecosystems”
“Climate Health in Rural and Coastal Georgia”
“Okefenokee Destiny Screening and Peatland Carbon at Risk”
“Afternoon Plenary: Advancing Equity in Drawdown Georgia Solutions.”

In conclusion, she noted that "climate action" and "sustainable cities and communities" emerged as the most frequent SDGs.

ICYMI: Georgia is officially developing its first-ever climate action plan!

The state of Georgia received a $3 million grant and Metro Atlanta received a $1 million grant from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create unique climate action plans. This money comes from Biden's climate and healthcare law, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

To learn more about what to expect from Georgia and Metro Atlanta’s plans, read the article titled “Georgia is creating its first-ever climate action plan. Here’s what to expect.”

Article link: https://bit.ly/3L5qSfh

RayDay registration almost full! This family-friendly event is hosted by and features hot air balloons, food trucks, kids' activities, 40+ booths focused on environmental efforts across Georgia, and much more! Come stop by to see the Georgia Climate Project booth! The best part? It's FREE! Click here→ https://bit.ly/3L2qWfX

When? October 15, 2023 2-6pm EST
Where? Serenbe, Georgia

We would love to see you there!

RayDay registration is almost full! This family-friendly event is hosted by and features hot air balloons, food trucks, kids' activities, 40+ booths focused on environmental efforts across Georgia, and much more! Come stop by to see the Georgia Climate Project booth! The best part? It's FREE! Click the to register.

When? October 15, 2023 2-6pm EST

Where? Serenbe, Georgia

We would love to see you there!