Earlier in March, a cohort of climate leaders from Minnesota attended the Aspen Ideas: Climate Conference in Miami Beach. Brought together by the Minnesota Climate Adaption Partnership, the group included nonprofit leaders, farmers, artists, healthcare professionals, and local political leaders. 

Sessions included hearing from national and regional climate leaders, government officials, and innovative businesses on the forefront of sustainability. Along with plenaries, workshops, and breakouts, the Minnesota cohort gathered each day to connect with each other and reflect on the day. Below are six takeaways from members who work in west central Minnesota with insights and explanations.

Portrait of Cedar Walters

Cedar Walters

Climate Officer, West Central Initiative

We need to start imagining what the future looks like if we get it right. Historically, a lot of our collective imagining was around how bad it’ll be if we don’t act quickly enough to reduce climate change. We need to shift to a way of thinking that fosters hope and a vision for a thriving, resilient future. What we imagine for the future can be a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy, so I want us to imagine a joyful, equitable, and sustainable future.

April Rog

April Rog

Climate Officer, West Central Initiative

Collaborative action across all sectors of society to address climate change is a pressing need. We need to recognize the inherent interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic considerations. Throughout the conference, there was a palpable sense of unity and shared purpose, with organizers fostering a spirit of collective optimism and solidarity in tackling this global issue together. 

Anna Wasescha

President, West Central Initiative

Folks from Yale Climate Communications told us that their data show that elected officials underestimate how concerned their constituents are about climate change. We are self-silencing ourselves unnecessarily. And when we talk about it, the most successful conversations connect the head to the heart (what does this mean to me and to people I love) and to the hands (what can we do about this). 

Ben Schierer

Mayor of Fergus Falls

Amid large global initiatives that can sometimes feel overwhelming, the connections to place and the relationships with the people in those places are more critical than ever. 

The intersection of climate and democracy is a perfect example of that connection and its importance. West Central Initiative is a leader in this work. Ensuring that all communities and all voices in our region are included in the work of climate action is imperative. 

Griffin Peck

Sustainability Project Coordinator, City of Morris

The best connections I made though were with our fellow cohort members. While it’s nice to learn about what is happening around the country and the world, all the solutions to our current problems already exist in Minnesota. As a state, it’s clear that we’re a leader within the energy transition. And through conversations with our cohort members, we have all the capacity to solve Minnesotan’s climate woes locally. 

Brogan Ludwig

American Connection Corps AmeriCorps Member

Realizing the narratives of climate action helps uncover the larger structures on which these narratives are placed. Climate change and climate work are present in every aspect of our lives, impacting our actions, thoughts, and relationships. If we view climate work through the narratives, we start to see which stories are being told and which aren’t. We must ensure that everyone has a seat at the table when discussing climate.  

More Insights

Along with this post, Dr. Heidi Roop, Director of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership talked with MPR about the trip. Other members from of the cohorts from across Minnesota also shared their own stories and takeaways.