Powering Change in the Appalachian Mountains
The Appalachians have long been known for coal. But a quiet shift is taking place as many Kentuckians, like Bobby Stallard, are redefining their relationship with energy by turning to solar power.
To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, we need to accelerate clean energy and implement natural climate solutions.
People, wildlife and natural landscapes feel the negative effects of climate change, such as severe flooding and catastrophic wildfires, every day. We know we only have a few years to shift course so we can prevent these impacts from being felt more frequently and at a larger scale. That is why TNC is taking bold steps now to make progress in this defining decade. We can solve this problem. We already have the knowledge and technology required to do so.
And that is good news, given that the United States and Canada are two of the world’s top 10 carbon emitters. Also, many countries, including the world’s biggest emitters, China and India, will only act on climate if the U.S. leads.
Two of the most important actions we can take right now are accelerating clean energy and implementing natural climate solutions to remove carbon from our atmosphere. We need to focus on scaling these proven solutions faster and smarter to create lasting and equitable change for people and the planet.
Wildlife friendly
Clean energy and technological innovation are not only helping mitigate climate change, but also helping create jobs and support economic growth.
©
Joanna Kulesza
Program Overview
Clean Energy Transition
To solve the climate crisis, we need to quickly move to an economy powered by clean energy, including wind and solar power.
Forest Management
Natural climate solutions include practices like improving forest management to help forest owners increase the carbon stored in their trees and reduce fertilizer use.
©
Chris Crisman
Program Overview
Natural Climate Solutions
Forests, wetlands, grasslands and agriculture lands can help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions and store carbon.
Our Climate Goals
Clean energy and natural climate solutions are powerful tools we can use to tackle climate change. We have ambitious goals to scale up and implement these tools, and we’re already on the way to hitting these targets.
-
Reduce and store 3 gigatons of global CO2 emissions yearly by 2030
We need to both transition towards clean energy and harness the power of natural climate solutions to remove and store carbon dioxide.
-
Cut greenhouse gas emissions from the U.S. in half by 2030
We are currently in the most pivotal decade for tackling climate change. If we can halve U.S. emissions by 2030, the country will be on track to meet its climate goals.
-
Achieve net-zero emissions in North America by 2050
Reaching net-zero emissions in North America means absorbing as many greenhouse gases as we are emitting. That will give the world its best chance of achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement and avoiding the worst impacts of climate change.
© Carlton Ward, Jr.
"The world is already experiencing the negative effects of climate change. What we do between now and 2030 will determine whether we can avoid the worst impacts. We know what we need to do. Now is the time to accelerate action and implement proven solutions." - Jason Albritton, director of the North America Climate Mitigation Program
New Climate Mitigation Research
-
Read the Permitting Reform ReportThis report shares how we can improve the permitting and review process for clean energy development and habitat restoration projects.
DOWNLOAD -
Explore the Mining the Sun ReportLearn how repurposing mines and brownfields for clean energy can reduce costs, accelerate the clean energy transition and protect wildlife.
DOWNLOAD -
See the Power of Place-National ReportPower of Place-National lays out recommendations that steer energy planners and policymakers towards thoughtful net-zero strategies.
DOWNLOAD
Climate mitigation stories and projects
Science shows that accelerating clean energy and increasing natural climate solutions can help us avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Here are some examples of the projects, people and communities doing just that.
Sign up to receive TNC updates and news
Learn what were doing in your community to mitigate climate change.
Explore More
Advancing U.S. Policy
Learn how TNC partners with national, state, and local governments to advance federal policy solutions that work for people and nature in the U.S.
Delivering on Historic Climate Policy Wins
Discover how TNC helps influence and implement policy to deliver lasting results for climate, communities and conservation.
Tackle Climate Change
Climate change isn’t a distant threat—it's happening now, and it’s our biggest problem. The urgency is real, but so are the solutions to stop global warming.