It’s Up to Us

 

In June 2017, then-President Donald Trump announced the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. It was a devastating blow for climate action. Just four months later, the Community Climate Collaborative (C3) was born. We recognized then—as we do now—that communities hold immense power to address climate change. When federal action slows, our cities can still advance toward a just and sustainable future.

We understand the challenge. We have only five years to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45%, and four of those years fall under a new administration. Local climate action remains our strongest and most empowering path forward. The Community Climate Collaborative works alongside our community to continue pushing the needle forward for an equitable, clean future, and we’ve already proven that when we all come together, we can make an impact, regardless of who sits in the White House. Since our founding, C3 has:

  • Driven Ambitious Local Goals: Played a critical role in enabling Charlottesville and Albemarle County to adopt bold emissions reduction targets.

  • Built a Green Business Community: Formed the Green Business Alliance (GBA) with 24 local businesses committed to cutting their emissions by 2025. Collectively, they have already achieved a 36% reduction.

  • Supported Clean Energy Projects: Catalyzed support for the Woodridge Solar Project in Albemarle County, set to power over 30,000 households. 

  • Shone a Light on Energy Inequity: Published the Uncovering Energy Inequity report, identifying nearly 5,000 Charlottesville households facing unsustainable energy costs. Additional reports for Richmond and Albemarle County are forthcoming.

  • Secured a Zero-Emission Transit Commitment: Ensured Charlottesville’s commitment to a zero-emission transit system by 2040, with the city planning to purchase its last diesel bus in 2027.

And we’re only getting started. In 2023, C3 launched a five-year vision to mobilize climate action across Virginia’s cities. With a growing presence in both Charlottesville and Richmond, we’re expanding our impact and driving direct emissions reductions statewide.

But we need your help. This work cannot succeed without the support of every sector of our community. The majority of greenhouse gas emissions come from our homes, businesses, and transportation. Now is the time to take action, join C3, and invest in our mission to cut emissions locally. Here’s how you can help today:

  • Make Your Own Impact: Interested in reducing your carbon footprint at home or work? Our expert team is here to help. Contact us today.

  • Invest in the Future: A livable climate for future generations depends on the actions we take now. Your donation helps C3 lead climate action in Virginia. Make a Gift.

  • Raise Your Voice: Join C3’s policy advocacy efforts. We need community voices speaking at City Council and County Board meetings. Your voice matters. 

Action is the antidote to despair. The C3 team is ready to support our communities in building the future we know is possible. We believe in your power to make a difference. Let’s do this together.

For our climate future,

Susan Kruse

 
Susan Kruse