CUSP is made up of over 40 local Philly organizations, who are all passionate about engaging Philadelphians in learning about climate change issues. Check out the full list on our website. You may hear from some of them in the coming weeks, and learn how to get involved in programs and initiatives that are helping prevent or prepare for a hotter, wetter Philadelphia.

These folks make up the heart of CUSP, and they come from all sorts of places. From large service providers like the Philadelphia Water Department, to environmental education groups like Green Treks, and community development groups like New Kensington Community Development Corporation. This time of multidisciplinary and collective effort is what is needed to tackle the local effects of climate change. And to show that we are all working towards solutions together, we have been organizing special CUSP Climate City areas at local festivals and events.

A CUSP Climate City is when a bunch of CUSP organizations come together in the same place at one event. Through hands-on activities, demonstrations, and conversations, we show that there are many things Philadelphians can do to respond to climate change. For example, through the Resource Exchange, you can learn how to reuse materials that would otherwise head to the landfill, slowly decomposing and releasing methane, a heat-trapping gas. From the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, you can learn how to become a Tree Tender, and how these trees help cool down our hotter city.

There are two upcoming CUSP Climate City events. The first at The Franklin Institute’s Science After Hours on September 8, appropriately themed “Green: From Eco-Friendly to Envy”, and the second at Clean Air Council’s Greenfest (where GPB is the official blog partner!) on September 13 in Headhouse Square.

Come hang out with us!

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CUSP is a community of local stakeholders who share a passion for engaging residents in climate change issues and interact frequently to learn how to do so better. Philadelphia is at the forefront of innovative strategies to adapt to the impacts of climate change, while also reducing our contribution to the problem. The CUSP project motivates residents to learn how these solutions are preparing our city for a hotter, wetter climate and shows how, together, communities can make a real difference. The Franklin Institute leads the CUSP project with support from the National Science Foundation. View all posts by CUSP