National Extension Climate Initiative

The National Extension Climate Initiative (NECI)
serves to link climate change-related education and
research across Extension program areas and associations.

The National Extension Climate Initiative (NECI) serves as an anchor for Extension professionals, researchers, and partners to collaborate on climate-related issues, share resources, discuss barriers and opportunities for advancing climate change programming in Extension, and engage in professional development opportunities.

NECI was formed in 2019 by Extension faculty and staff concerned that a more concerted effort was needed within and between states and regions and at the national level to coordinate and manage climate outreach activities, share resources, provide networking opportunities, and promote professional development.

Since then, NECI has successfully accelerated and uplifted Extension climate change programming. Our effectiveness is evidenced by a network of over 1400 members, an active Executive Committee, six working groups, and monthly professional development and member engagement opportunities. Members engage from across the US, representing over 80 distinct institutions including universities, tribal and community colleges, nonprofit organizations, federal, state, and local agencies.

NECI is open to all Extension professionals as well as professionals involved or interested in higher education climate education outreach and research. We have the following objectives:

Promote climate education and research throughout the Extension system.
Communicate regularly through inclusive and transparent practices.
Represent and coordinate participating Land and Sea Grant Universities, national associations, and related committees, organizations and partnerships.
Pursue active learning and collaborative efforts that enhance professional development.

Vision Statement

We envision a future in which Cooperative Extension recognizes the urgency of the climate crisis and is actively engaged in creating communities that ensure environmental and human health, social equity and justice, and economic vitality for all generations.

Executive Committee

Per the NECI Operating Guidelines, the NECI Executive Committee is tasked with oversight of the Initiative. The current members of our Executive Committee are:

David Kay, Cornell University, NECI Chair
Caroline Marschner, Cornell University, Secretary
Paul Lachapelle, Montana State University, NECI Immediate Past Chair and Chair of Communications Working Group
James Shope, Rutgers University, Chair of Curriculum Development Working Group
Linda Seals, University of Florida, Chair of Partnerships and Policy Working Group
Wendy Hamilton, New Mexico State University (Emeritus Professor), Chair of Evaluation and Surveys Working Group
Tracy Morgan, Washington State University, Chair of Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Working Group
Temporarily Vacant, Professional Development Working Group

Learn More

Learn about our values, accomplishments, and resources needed to continue our work (5 pages, 2023, PDF).
Learn about our Action Items for Elevating, Amplifying, and Accelerating Extension Climate Change Actions (4 pages, 2021, PDF).

NECI offers a number of opportunities for you to get involved today!

The National Extension Climate Initiative is a collaborative effort by members of the initiative and receives administrative support from the Extension Foundation and the Regional Rural Development Centers.

NECI was founded in 2020 with support from the Western Rural Development Center, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the Extension Foundation under awards 2022-51150-38140 and NTAE-2021-2134.