Aroostook Climate Group
Central Chapter
Central Chapter
The Aroostook Climate group is a small volunteer organization looking to connect residents of Aroostook County, Maine who would like to discuss and take action about climate change.
We are new and are still finding out who we want to be and where the interests of the group lies. If you are interested in attending a meeting, the group meets the first Monday of every month at the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library in Presque Isle, Maine at 6 pm ET. All are welcome!
You can use this form to sign up for our mailing list. There is also a Southern Aroostook Chapter that meets in Houlton.
Most organizing around climate change comes from southern Maine and Augusta. This makes sense, but Aroostook has a unique role to play in shaping Maine's environmental and climate justice future. Below are some examples of the topics on our mind; they are not exhaustive, and right now, we are exploring these questions rather than providing answers:
Wind and solar farms are viable in the vast, open areas of Aroostook County; they can bring jobs in the north and clean energy in the south, but changing the way we use the land will be a major shift for residents. How do we reconcile the agricultural heritage of Aroostook with the opportunities that wind and solar present?
Northern Maine winters are cold. Old housing stock means insulation can be poor, and heating houses all winter is expensive. Many residents struggle to pay for heating. Can we use technology (improved insulation, heat pumps, etc.) to help lower heating costs for residents and reduce winter heat's carbon footprint?
Historically, people who are poor, underprivileged, and of marginalized identities have had a worse go of it during difficult times. How can we put systems in place now that will help protect the most vulnerable in the future?
Much of Aroostook County's economy relies on agriculture. What are the issues facing the farmers as weather becomes more unpredictable? How can we shore up farming techniques to accommodate a less predictable future?
We believe that when community members come together to discuss shared challenges and opportunities and to advocate as a group for common goals, we arrive at better solutions. Everyone has a role to play in shaping our shared future. Please join us!