Climate Stewards

Volunteers committed to addressing climate change

Climate Stewards Training Program

The Climate Stewards training consists of 12 modules taught over 12 weeks.  Training is offered in-person or hybrid.   CCE Erie is participating in the 2025 stateside CS training which will begin on September 10th.  The first 10 sessions in the series will cover  specific climate change topics, with additional outside readings, videos and group activities designed to develop skills needed to lead and educate their communities in climate science, adaption, and mitigation.  

• Module 1: Orientation
• Module 2: The Science of Climate Change
• Module 3: Climate Change Impacts
• Module 4: Working with Local Governments & Communities
• Module 5: Climate Change Mitigation
• Module 6: Community Mitigation Strategies
• Module 7: Climate Change Adaptation
• Module 8: Community Adaptation Strategies
• Module 9: Effective Climate Change Communication
• Module 10: Climate Justice
• Module 11: Planning Volunteer Projects
• Module 12: Presenting Volunteer Projects

Throughout the course, trainees will design an individual or group community action project that they will present and discuss in the final two class sessions. This program’s curriculum was developed by Cornell University in partnership with CCE-Monroe.

Climate Smart Communities

Climate Smart Communities (CSC) is a multi-state agency effort led by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC). CSC outlines concrete action lists of steps communities can take to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, adapt for a changing climate, and become more resilient in the face of new environmental challenges. Climate Stewards volunteers will use the CSC action list to determine what municipalities have already done and opportunities to take action.

Last updated August 9, 2025