Climate Superheroes Stories

A Climate to Thrive was started not by environmental scientists or energy experts, but by a group of local residents who cared about their community and recognized the intersection of their skills, experience, and knowledge with local opportunities to address climate change. ACTT has been so successful because so many have stepped forward and contributed something unique and essential: from teachers to farmers, from business leaders to municipal leaders, from librarians to artists. Through this process, we have experienced first-hand this empowering fact: every single one of us has the potential to be a “Climate Superhero” by acting within our existing spheres of skills, experience, and connections. All that is required is for us to find that point of intersection and step into it, ideally collaborating with others who are doing the same.

To illustrate what we mean, we have collected stories of local Climate Superheroes, folks who are bringing their skills and other resources to the work of local climate solutions. We hope these stories inspire you to consider your own climate solutions contribution.

Tobin Peacock, Peacock Builders

As a local business owner, Tobin recognized how nimble and effective small businesses can be in lowering their greenhouse gas emissions and creating models for other businesses. He approached ACTT to develop the Carbon Reduction Commitment, which is now in its pilot program.

Barbara Tennent, Retired grantwriter for Jackson Laboratory's Cancer Center

Barbara has brought her considerable experience writing successful grants and applied it to address climate change by volunteering time to help A Climate to Thrive write and edit many successful grants throughout the past year. Barbara has reflected on how important it is to her to be involved in this work, especially as she thinks about her grandchildren.

Raney Bench, Executive Director, Mount Desert Island Historical Society

Raney applied her background in museum work, history, and education to create Landscape of Change, exploring the connections between human and environmental history and the tools of historical records and citizen science in understanding climate change.

Tony Smith, Retired Director of Public Works for the Town of Mount Desert

Tony brought his experience as Director of Public Works to the recent climate action planning process in Mount Desert and is now providing essential insights for practical application. From integrating vehicle replacement schedules and other aspects of the Capital Improvement Plan to providing important feedback on key Town systems and functionings, Tony has contributed greatly to ensuring that the plan and implementation will be rooted in practical, approachable actions that will benefit the community.

MDI High School ECO TEAM

The MDI High School ECO Team has been instrumental in bringing significant climate solutions to the school. From the rooftop panels to reducing food waste, the ECO Team has assumed a place of leadership locally. Recently, ECO Team members proposed "Project Legacy" to the high school which includes ambitious emission reduction targets for the high school and the integration of climate studies and climate justice throughout the curriculum.