Links & Resources from the Presentation
“Climate change has the potential to dramatically influence planning in the 21st century. Ranging from an increased need to plan for resilience to natural disasters to preparing communities throughout the state to accommodate New York’s ambitious climate goals, developing a clear understanding of climate adaptation planning is critical for continued prosperity at the local level.”
NY Solar Provider with current openings for central NY residents.
Continue the discussions and good work at the DOAS Climate Action Leadership Group.
Email Susan at info@doas.us to request to join!A special panel discussion hosted by Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society with local and regional experts about actions that can be taken to reduce carbon emissions and begin planning for your household carbon ‘step down’ program. This is a follow up to our prior Climate Action presentations in November/December 2020 – Climate Action: The dire need for net zero and what you can do (linked here: https://doas.us/climate-action-the-dire-need-for-net-zero-and-what-you-can-do-webinar-2020/)
Climate change is likely the most important environmental conservation issue of the century. What was anticipated as a slow progression of change a few decades ago is escalating at a rate significantly faster than was expected, to the point where we are already witnessing impacts throughout the world. Our government leaders and our communities need to understand the urgency for action in order to alleviate and minimize our risks for devastating effects in the coming years. Our environment, our governments, our communities, our families and our children will each be affected by climate change within our lifetimes.
Our Panelists
CURE 100 and Carbon Tracking
Chandu Visweswariah is the presenter of our prior webinar and answers questions about the CURE 100 Carbon Tracker Community Program (accessed within our region at https://doas.us/carbon-tracker/ ). Chandu is CEO of Utopus Insights and founding Board member of CURE100, a community-based not for profit aimed at achieving net zero greenhouse gases in our communities by 2040.
Website: CURE100.ORG
Contact Link: https://cure100.org/about/#cont
Electricity
Amy Wyant is the Executive Director of the Otsego County Conservation Association. She has a background in clean energy, economic development and business with a passion for sustainability and local food. Amy is a strong advocate for community resilience and works with municipalities to prepare them for natural, economic and world change. She offers experience in community building and outreach and has a vested interest in helping the agriculture sector achieve their pollution reduction goals.
Website: Otsego County Conservation Association
director@occainfo.org
(607) 547-4488
Transportation
Tom Theis is an expert in all things EV. Not only is he knowledgeable about EVs, but he’s also been studying the underlying battery technology and trends thereof. His is one of the few 2-EV households. He retired from the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center as Director of Physical Sciences. During a 38-year career with IBM, Tom made numerous contributions to the development of information technology as a researcher, manager, and executive. He is currently Chief Strategist for Utopus Insights, pursuing a long-term passion — acceleration of technological and societal change to combat global warming.
Heating & Cooling
Bennett Sandler started a local business about 12 years ago with two others doing residential energy audits and energy efficiency upgrades, including air and ground source heat pump installations. He is now the Campaign Director for Heat Smart Mowhawk Valley, a community-based education and group purchasing program for clean heating and cooling technologies.
Website: Heat Smart Mohawk Valley
Contact Link: https://www.heatsmartmv.org/contact/
Composting & Solid Waste
Shane Digan works for the Otsego County Planning & Solid Waste Department as a Planner and Recycling Coordinator. In his role as Recycling Coordinator, he has managed the County’s Solid waste program, working to increase recycling rates and extend programs to residents and businesses to promote responsible waste management while trying to keep costs low for the County. Shane maintains recycling resources on the County’s website, has utilized social media, television, and radio advertisements to promote sound recycling practices, helps manage the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day, and is currently working to grow the County’s food waste composting program. Shane is currently working on a “waste-smart” business certification and new recycling law for Otsego County.
Website: Otsego County Solid Waste Department
digans@otsegocounty.com
(607) 547-4256
Goods & Services (Locavore – Shop Local)
Ellen Pope is the Executive Director of Otsego 2000, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1981 to ensure the Otsego Lake region remains a masterpiece of nature by protecting and supporting its environmental, scenic, cultural, historic, and agricultural resources and its economic well being. Otsego2000 operates the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market (established in 1991) and has been a strong advocate for support for our local producers and locavore campaigns like the 50 mile diet.
Website: Otsego2000
director@otsego2000.org
(607) 547-8881
Zip Code Overhead – Municipal Infrastructure
Danny Lapin is an Environmental Planner with Otsego County Conservation Association where he administers the Circuit Rider Planning Program which provides local municpalities and towns with dedicated, in-depth support in regards to land use issues, sustainability initiatives, grant opportunities, and development challenges. Danny assists towns with guidance and expertise, resources, etc. towards achieving their goals within the Climate Smart Communities programs.
Website: Otsego County Conservation Association
planner@occainfo.org
(607) 547-4488
