UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has been selected by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to lead its climate network. Named Prepare PA, the program aims to equip Pennsylvanians with the knowledge, tools and resources they need to adapt, respond and thrive in the face of a changing climate and environmental uncertainty. Prepare PA will be guided by the Penn State Climate Consortium in collaboration with partners from across the state.
Prepare PA will help cut emissions, create economic opportunities and strengthen communities against climate impacts. By building local resilience and connecting partners statewide, the program aims to help Pennsylvania thrive in a changing climate through research, education, engagement and on-the-ground action.
Jacqueline O’Connor, professor of engineering and interim director of the Climate Consortium, said Prepare PA will serve communities across the commonwealth by making vital information and connections readily available to help people prepare for the challenges ahead.
“The key to the success of Prepare PA is the network,” O’Connor said. “Communities, businesses and nonprofits across Pennsylvania already hold valuable knowledge and experience, and by sharing best practices and building strong networks, we can empower the entire commonwealth to face climate change with greater resilience.”
To achieve this, Prepare PA will provide clear, science-based information through a public website and resource hub. Each year, the program will also convene a statewide climate conference, bringing together leaders from government, business and universities. The program will also partner with organizations to offer education and training, from climate literacy to local action planning. In addition, Prepare PA plans to hold forums in every region of the state's Department of Environmental Protection to connect people, share ideas and turn research into real solutions.
Penn State’s statewide presence will provide extraordinary reach into Pennsylvania communities, said O’Connor.
“Penn State is a natural fit for leading this effort,” O’Connor said. “So many of the goals of Prepare PA — climate education, research, networking and outreach — align closely with activities already happening at the University.”
According to Department of General Services GreenGov Council Director Mark Hand, the Pennsylvania GreenGov Council launched the PA Climate Network in 2023 to create a network where professionals could come together to share effective climate solutions, educate leaders, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen Pennsylvania’s resilience to climate change throughout the state.
“To build on what we have started to address climate change, the GreenGov Council has partnered with Penn State to take over the PA Climate Network and launch Prepare PA,” Hand said. “Penn State is a great partner to help us educate and empower the next generation of leaders in our communities, developing resilient practices we need going forward.”
Christine Kirchhoff, associate director of the Climate Consortium, said a central part of her role with Prepare PA is applying her expertise to advance actionable science in collaboration with communities, policymakers and decision-makers.
“This work requires listening and engaging with partners from the outset,” Kirchhoff said. “Prepare PA’s goal is to be responsive and proactive, connecting robust scientific knowledge and tools with the engines of discovery and innovation that can strengthen resilience across the commonwealth.”
A key motivation for leading Prepare PA is Penn State’s land-grant mission, which charges the University with serving the people of Pennsylvania.
“The Pennsylvania’s Constitution states that the people of Pennsylvania have a right to clean air, pure water and to the preservation of the environment for the benefit of all people,” said Peter Buck, director of education for Penn State Sustainability and education lead for Prepare PA. “As an instrument of the state, Penn State is entrusted with leading on this right for our citizens.”
Buck noted that Pennsylvania, like the world, faces an enormous collective action challenge with the climate crisis.
“One of the most powerful things we can do is provide organizations with the platform to learn, coordinate and collaborate with purpose,” he said. “Through targeted education and workforce development, innovation and special programs, we will draw down greenhouse gas emissions, support nature and strengthen our infrastructure, health and prosperity.”
Looking ahead, O’Connor said her greatest hope for Prepare PA is to build a lasting community that uses its expertise to strengthen Pennsylvania’s resilience to climate change.
“Only by working together can we overcome these challenges and take advantage of all the co-benefits of these actions, including cleaner water, healthier communities and economic growth,” she said.