DNR Releases Climate Action Report

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released a climate action report highlighting agency accomplishments in 2021 related to climate change and environmental equity.

Wisconsin’s climate is changing, with far-ranging consequences for the people of Wisconsin, natural resources and major economic sectors. All communities are impacted by climate change. However, communities of color, tribal nations, and low-income communities are often the first and worst hit by pollution, industry shifts, extreme weather related to climate change and other environmental health hazards.

“Climate change is one of the defining issues of our time. By working together we can make a real difference for Wisconsin’s climate resilience and the most vulnerable amongst us,” said DNR Secretary Preston D. Cole. “The DNR is committed to climate action and addressing the impacts of climate change on the state’s resources, communities and people is a top priority for the department.”

The climate action report summarizes strides the department has made in advancing equity, addressing greenhouse gas emissions, building community resilience and helping natural communities adapt to climate change.

“From developing a habitat connectivity toolkit, working with communities to make infrastructure more resilient to addressing greenhouse grass emissions, we are proud of the staff efforts to bring an equity and climate change lens to their core work as they fulfill the agency mission,” said David Siebert, DNR Climate Executive Oversight Team co-chair and External Services Division Administrator.

Climate change and environmental equity are a natural extension of the department’s mission and role as a responsible steward of the state’s natural resources and environment. Staff throughout DNR are working on climate initiatives with guidance by the Climate Executive Oversight Team.

“Addressing these important issues requires a collaborative approach,” said Heather Berklund, DNR Climate Executive Oversight Team co-chair and Forestry Division Administrator. “In addition to the excellent work by DNR staff, we applaud the efforts of many key partners, including the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts, businesses, conservation organizations, other government entities and the many individuals who are taking action such as planting trees and recording them on the Wisconsin Tree Planting Map.”

To receive ongoing updates regarding climate change in Wisconsin, sign up for the Wisconsin Climate Action email list under the “announcements and news” heading here.

Learn more about the science, impacts and solutions for climate change on the DNR’s climate change webpages here.