Speaker: Jeremy Hoffman, Groundwork USA
How (and why) are you taking action on climate change solutions in, for, and with your community?
Jeremy Hoffman: Did you know that most people in the US live on islands, heat islands, that is. I have helped dozens of communities across the US understand and act on their extreme urban heat risks and the city planning history that helps explain present day climate inequities. I have done this through co-creating community science campaigns for residents to engage directly with climate research in their own neighborhoods. Now, in this moment, it is more important than ever that people have the tools and data to show where climate resilience is needed the most and that climate adaptation solutions have a direct impact on the quality of life in neighborhoods who are disproportionately exposed to climate risks. So, I work as part of a team that helps neighborhoods co-design climate solutions, as well as impact assessment tools to help further their ability to attract new people people power, as well as new funding across different urban issues, including climate, health, mobility, and housing.
Describe a moment when you felt the real-world impact of your work in climate solutions.
Jeremy Hoffman: Since we work directly with residents from frontline communities in our network of 21 individual place-based nonprofit affiliates, I'm fortunate to get this feeling regularly, which is why I love the Groundwork USA network so much. I recently heard some quotes from residents from a formerly red line neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida, where Groundwork USA helped Groundwork Jacksonville evaluate the impact of hyperlocal climate solutions like rain barrels, fire retention rain gardens, and cool, reflective roof upgrades. I got to see many of these homes and meet the residents in fall 2024 while visiting Jacksonville. Some things the residents were saying about the project included things like with the cool roof and insulation, the house stays cooler. That's a big help for older folks with high electric bills. These changes mean people aren't choosing between air conditioning and groceries anymore. And I love all the flowers that use the rain from my gutter. These sorts of real world experiences and testimonies of a changed home place in part due to the work of the Groundwork Network makes me truly believe that our hyperlocal focus is what will make a bunch of 1% solutions like home retrofits for climate resilience add up to the 100% we need to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
Who or what inspires/inspired you to care about climate change and climate solutions?
Jeremy Hoffman: I grew up fishing in freshwater lakes across northwestern Wisconsin with my dad and my late grandfather. Over just the course of my lifetime, the species of fish you're likely to catch in those lakes has shifted dramatically alongside rapid warming of the water brought on by climate change. My niece is now 4 years old and will probably live to see the year 2100. And I want her to be able to teach her kids how to fish on those same lakes someday. That means that every day I spend working on climate solutions today is a gift to her and her family in the future.
