Pennsylvania is experiencing the impacts of climate change firsthand—think extreme weather and flooding. To tackle these challenges, a new initiative called Prepare PA is stepping up.
Led by Jacqueline O’Connor, a professor at Penn State and the acting director of the Penn State Climate Consortium, this program aims to build a partnership network for a more resilient Pennsylvania. Peter Buck, from Sustain Penn State, is also on board, focusing on education as a key component of the initiative.
In a recent conversation, O’Connor explained that Prepare PA emerged from a need identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a community-driven network. This project builds on existing efforts, allowing municipalities and organizations to collaborate more effectively.
When asked about resilience, O’Connor emphasized its importance in helping communities not just cope with environmental changes but also thrive amid uncertainty. Buck highlighted various climate issues, like rising temperatures and outbreaks of vector-borne diseases. He stressed the necessity of strong communication and cooperation among organizations to bolster community responses, especially during emergencies like power outages.
A significant element of Prepare PA is the annual Climate Solution Symposium at Penn State, which aims to share relevant research and strategies for climate adaptation. The symposium will now deepen its focus on Pennsylvania-specific issues, gathering local knowledge and practices to better address community needs.
In the coming weeks, Prepare PA will host regional meetings across the state. These meetings aim to recruit members from different sectors—individuals, businesses, and governments—who are interested in climate resilience. O’Connor and Buck hope to foster a network where knowledge is shared, creating stronger connections among communities.
According to data from the Pennsylvania Climate Action Plan, the state aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. Achieving these goals is challenging, particularly given Pennsylvania’s historical greenhouse gas emissions profile. Prepare PA will help in facilitating collaborative efforts towards these ambitious targets.
As the federal government steps back from international climate agreements, initiatives like Prepare PA become even more vital. Buck pointed out that while they can’t influence federal policy, they can empower local communities to make informed decisions and investments.
Stay tuned for updates as Prepare PA forms its network and embarks on this vital journey toward climate resilience in Pennsylvania.
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13 March 2026 episode
