Park Bench Chat: Solutions for wildfire, climate change, and voting “green” this election

The climate crisis is taking a grim toll on American communities in 2020. Fueled by record heat and drought, fires have charred 7.7 million acres, mostly in the West, killing more than thirty people and demolishing thousands of homes and businesses. With more than a month left in the hurricane season, the Atlantic has already spun out twice the average number of hurricanes, threatening 90 percent of the Eastern Seaboard and Gulf Coast. In August, a 70-mph windstorm flattened 43 percent of Iowa’s corn and soybean crop, a punishing setback for Midwestern growers who are still struggling to recover from historic flooding in 2019.

The fight against climate change will require commitment, leadership, and collaboration at every level of society. On Monday, October 26, 2020, Trust for Public Land CEO and President Diane Regas sat down with California State and Area Director Guillermo Rodriguez, Northwest Director David Patton, and Colorado and Southwest Director Jim Petterson. They discussed the devastating impacts of the recent fires and how they are working hand-in-hand with communities to ensure climate resilience. And as Americans head to the polls during a contentious and consequential election season, panelists shared insights and information about climate-smart policies voters can support at the ballot box.

When: Monday, October 26, 2020 – 12:30 P.M. PT / 3:30 P.M. ET
Topic: Solutions to wildfire, climate, and voting “green” this election