SOUTH DEERFIELD — Four area towns are inviting residents to participate in an upcoming forum that will inform people how they can do their part to combat climate change.
“Climate Forum 2022: What Individuals, Homeowners and Towns Can Do to Affect Climate Change” is now scheduled for April 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Frontier Regional School. The forum, which is a follow-up to 2020’s edition, is free and open to all residents. A catered lunch will be provided by Deerfield Academy.
The forum was initially set for early February, but the continuing spread of the omicron variant forced a postponement to April.
Deerfield Select Board member Carolyn Shores Ness added the forum will be recorded, which will provide everyone with an opportunity to view the workshops and presentations.
For 2022’s forum, Shores Ness said the focus is shifting toward what individual homeowners can do to slow the effects of climate change.
“(2020) was big picture and was like, ‘This is what’s happening,’” Shores Ness recalled. “This is, ‘How is climate change affecting the Pioneer Valley and what we can do individually to make better choices so our cumulative effect will really have impact.’”
Shores Ness said the forum serves as a way to inform the public about climate change mitigation strategies that can be practiced from home in an easily understood way.
“There’s just so much information out there and it’s very confusing,” she said. “It will be exciting. … People will get real answers for real questions.”
The forum will feature a wide variety of workshops and guest speakers covering topics such as “student activities to address climate change,” “resources for sustainable farming and forestry” and “home strategies for reducing carbon footprint.” In addition, state Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, and Rep. Natalie Blais, D-Sunderland, will be in attendance to discuss state climate change programs and initiatives.
Experts in different fields from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, neighboring towns, and local businesses and farms will be present for workshops and question and answer sessions.
2022’s forum, which is funded in part by a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness grant, is put on by the towns of Deerfield, Conway, Sunderland and Whately. Shores Ness said this collaboration is necessary because the efforts of all four towns together can create a much greater impact.
“If we’re going to do neat, really good things, we’ve got to work together,” she said. “That’s how we’re going to solve things.”
Advance registration is required as Shores Ness said organizers would like to limit attendance to around 150 people. Those interested may contact the Deerfield Select Board office at 413-665-1400, ext. 111 or adminasst@town.deerfield.ma.us to register.