Creating Climate Solutions

Helping Communities and Students

In 2021, Tropical Storm Henri’s torrential rainfall underscored Connecticut’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather. Rising sea levels, coastal flooding, and severe erosion are now regular challenges, demanding immediate action from communities across the state.

UConn Extension’s Climate Corps, part of the UConn Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR), addresses these issues by connecting municipalities with UConn Extension resources and students. Together, they tackle climate challenges through manageable, phased projects. “Communities often lack the time and resources to address these issues comprehensively,” says David Dickson, extension educator and CLEAR director. “Climate Corps helps them take vital first steps toward resilience.”

Currently led by Extension’s Renata Bertotti and Owen Placido, the program equips students with tools to support communities, addressing local challenges like stormwater management, climate vulnerability assessments, and land use planning.

Since 2017, Climate Corps has partnered with 28 communities on 38 projects.

Climate Corps emphasizes phased progress as a strategy to address climate challenges. It creates immediate impacts and also sets the stage for long-term success. For example, initial planning for a climate-resilient forest in Stonington led to funding from the Long Island Sound Futures Fund, supporting new plantings and ongoing management. Similarly, Mystic River Alliance’s collaboration on mapping and app development expanded into a second year of work.

A Path Forward

Students gain practical skills, build professional networks, and explore careers in extension and municipal government. “Their energy and creativity are essential,” notes Placido. Communities benefit from tailored solutions and access to related UConn Extension programs like the Land Use Academy.

“Climate change can feel overwhelming. But the step-by-step approach of Climate Corps empowers students and communities.”

“These small, consistent actions foster a sense of agency and demonstrate that we can create meaningful change,” Bertotti reflects.

As Connecticut continues to grapple with the impacts of extreme weather events, Climate Corps offers a blueprint for resilience—one project, one partnership, one community at a time.

Learn more about the Climate Corps at s.uconn.edu/corps.