Master Climate Protector – A Primer for Action

Administrative Coordinator – Ellie Cosgrove

Link to Master Climate Protector Course Details

Project Description

Modeled on the extremely popular Jackson County Master Gardener and Master Recycler programs, our Master Climate Protector (MCP) program incorporates both a training component and a service component.  It is designed for individuals who want to know more about Climate Change and what we can do to address this critical problem.

Master Climate Protectors are trained volunteers who work to inform and educate the public about the science of climate change and its consequences. They work within their communities and local governments to promote personal and collective actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and serve as an educational outreach for climate literacy.

They go through a 10-week training course that covers climate change science and the impacts on key sectors of energy, transportation, agriculture, water and others. Within each sector is a focus on global and local impacts, personal and collective mitigating actions and measurements on how to reduce your greenhouse gas footprint. The course includes an up to date training manual, discussion based classes, and presentations from local and regional experts.

Goal

Participants will:

• Increase their understanding of the science of global warming and its climate change
  consequences.
• Become motivated and learn how to take relevant individual and collective action.
• Develop the skills and confidence to inform others about the science of global warming
  and its climate change consequences including how to address the problem.
• Develop a personal carbon (GreenHouse Gas – GHG) footprint to help them reduce their
  own emissions.

Connection to SOCAN Mission

This project addresses the Mission of promoting awareness and understanding of climate change, its causes and consequences. It also is designed to help individuals adopt personal solutions, promote collective solutions, and motivate others to take action.

Accomplishments

The Pilot began April 2017 and subsequent courses were held beginning September 2017, February 2018, February 2019, February 2020, and February 2021. The course will be held annually beginning in February each year.

Background Information

Although abundant information exists about climate change, its causes and consequences, sometimes it is difficult to understand the science and evaluate what evidence is scientifically credible and what lacks such credibility.