Global Climate Change
There are few issues, if any, that match global climate change in terms of complexity, magnitude, and potential consequences for society and the planet on which we all live. After a time of scientific debate, the focus of the world’s attention is now turning to the development of what are hoped to be actionable and effective strategies to mitigate global warming and the impact it is having on ecosystems throughout the world.
TRG’s Role in the Response
Over the past several years, TRG has had the opportunity to work closely with numerous individuals and organizations that are directly engaged in efforts to understand and respond to global climate change. These organizations include
- government agencies and regulatory bodies charged with developing policies and programs
- international agricultural research organizations seeking to support farmers and farm productivity in developing countries
- government and non-government organizations promoting sustainable forestry
- non-profit organizations devoted to protecting and conserving the environment.
Our work with these organizations has included strengthening internal leadership and management, supporting the development of strategic plans that incorporate a response to climate change, strengthening and facilitating processes to engage stakeholders, and a variety of other services.
Examples of Our Experience
US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Atmospheric Programs. Since 2003, TRG has provided organizational development, facilitation, and teambuilding support to EPA’s Office of Atmospheric Programs. As part of this effort, TRG designs and conducts organizational needs assessments, training, coaching, team building, communications, and strategic planning meetings for technical staff. TRG has provided these services to OAP’s Stratospheric Protection Division (SPD) and the Climate Change Division (CCD). SPD is responsible for policy and regulatory development regarding the impact that chlorofluocarbons (CFCs) and other compounds have on the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. CCD works to assess and address global climate change and the associated risks to human health and the environment. TRG has supported these divisions through evolving organizational sizes and structures, missions, and changes in staffing.
International Development Research Center. TRG provided support for IDRC’s Climate Change Adaptation in Africa Team in Senegal to foster enhance teamwork, to take stock of current CCAA orientation and how this related to key program areas, and to develop a common understanding of key programmatic activities in each of CCAA’s program areas - Monitoring and Evaluation, M&E, Knowledge Sharing, Capacity Development, and Demand-led Adaptation.
US Agency for International Development. TRG has extensive experience collaborating with USAID staff from various Bureaus on the design and delivery of major technical workshops on Global Climate Change, natural resource management, and water resources management. TRG facilitated a 4-day training workshop on Global Climate Change for USAID and State Department representatives that brought together senior representatives from USAID and the State Department to discuss both the science and policy issues related to Global Climate Change. The workshop provided an opportunity for State and USAID staff to identify specific opportunities to work together more collaboratively on GCC issues and related areas.
National Audubon Society. TRG facilitated the May 2007 National Audubon Global Warming Leadership Conference for over 130 Audubon staff and volunteers from across the U.S. The conference was designed to engage staff and volunteer leaders in the issues of global warming, create opportunities to help shape Audubon's global warming strategy and roll out, and provide training packages and other outreach tools. TRG has also been facilitating a strategic planning process for the top leadership of National Audubon since 2007, one objective of which is to integrate global warming initiatives into State programs and the programs of the many Audubon Chapters and Audubon Centers across the U.S.
United States Forest Service. On behalf of the Forest Service’s Office of International Programs, TRG facilitated the annual meeting of the Global Forestry Forum over a 3 year period. The Forum is a 5-day program for Senior Executive Service in the Forest Services and addresses issues such as climate change, carbon trading, and ecosystem management.