Adaptation Network

Building Resilience in a Changing Climate

Publications

Occasional Newsletter I, September 2006

Dear Friends of the Adaptation Network:

This is a quick occasional email to update you on some very nice Network progress.

First, thanks to all who have approached me at one of three places since August to express interest in the Network and concern about US adaptation to climate change: the Gordon Conference on Science & Technology Policy in Montana; the talk given by James Lovelock in September to promote his book, Gaia’s Revenge, where I took the floor to announce the Network; and the meeting for organizers of the Climate Institute in Washington, DC just last week—plus important old friends. There are 39 of you!

PLEASE forward these emails to interested others. As new people request it, I put them on the list—no one too great or small! Emails are sent confidentially so that those working in government and other sensitive areas can receive them comfortably.

Second, I’ve received our first funding, $5,000, to help conduct a scoping meeting on adaptation in Spring 2007 for three sites that are part of a single nonprofit organization. The sites are coastal South Carolina, regional Chicagoland, and New York City. PLEASE let me know if you have contacts in these areas who might like to know more. I’ll share more about this effort with everyone when it is underway.

Third, I have developed a flyer to promote this work. It’s attached. If you would like to, you can help by reading and critiquing it. If you happen to have the skills to professionalize the look of it, let me know!

Fourth, the Network is joining in nationwide efforts to ensure that the next US National Assessment of the Potential Consequences of Climate Variability and Change takes place. Congress mandated it to take place every four years and #2 is overdue. (If you’d like to be able to access the first National Assessment, go to .) The next time I write you, you can bet I will be asking you to spread the word on this to your networks. I need to know precisely where and when that will be so I keep my commitment always to make good use of your time, your interest and your help. All are precious.

Fourth, how can the Network serve you? Please keep the Network in mind. If you have specific needs for adaptation project networking, promotion or fund-seeking, let me know. If you have information to share, send it along for the next occasional email. (If it comes with a deadline, let me know and I’ll ensure it’s sent out on time.) This is precisely what the Network is for—identifying, promoting and amplifying the efforts of those doing adaptation and those wanting to.

Fifth, my approach, as you have noticed, is grassroots. Contact me if you would like more information on how this all works, but essentially, “grassroots” means we do things as simply, and as personally-yet-professionally as possible. As I need to, I will add higher-tech features (a website and searchable database for adaptation information, projects, and contact people are some of these priorities). Let me know what you’d like to see, and what you can offer in these areas?

Finally, my approach to fundraising is also grassroots. I seek gifts from very large to very small to support this work. I’ve been a nonprofit fundraiser, organizer, and consultant for the past 20 years, long before I got that Ph.D. after my name. (Yup, 20 years.) And what I know is that people with the greatest stake in the work are best to ask to support it. I am hereby inviting you to help me support this work. At present, I have paid for all the organizing, and been grateful to be absorbed in something so vital. Success will also mean that support of the Network expands. If a tax deduction for your gift will matter _significantly to you, let me know and I will make that happen. Whatever you give or don’t give, please know that you will remain on the list if you’d like to be!

Yours warmly,
Beth

PS: To the few I met with over lunch at the Gordon Conference who did not decide to opt into this list—I wanted to contact you just once more because your participation was especially valuable to me. Please let me know if this occasional email update on the network is not something you want to keep receiving, thanks!