Since 2007, Sustainable Hudson Valley has been helping communities of all sizes, throughout the Hudson Valley, to prepare for a changing climate and promote economic development that retains local assets, builds self-reliance and conserves resources.
The Hudson Valley was a birthplace of the first environmental movement, linking land and water protection with economic prosperity. The next environmental movement is all about people: how we live, work and develop our communities. This means re-envisioning cities, food and water systems, buildings and mobility so that people can lead more fulfilling lives and create economic opportunities as we actively restore our environment.
Our Vision
Self-reliant, resilient, connected communities working together to reduce their impact, restore resources and make a living in ways that improve the environment. People living lightly and creatively as part of a movement to leave things better for the next generation.
We are building a particular kind of social movement –
a creative groundswell that focuses on the power of direct, positive action. While there is always a need for better policies and a fairer playing field, we believe that action to implement climate solutions directly builds political will for better policies, while achieving concrete progress. The solutions we support are the 100 developed by the researchers of Project Drawdown. New York’s Climate Act requires 70% renewable energy by 2030 and a carbon free economy by 2050. Mission 2030. We look at the period through the end of 2030 as a critical time for shifting course, building momentum, and replacing political chaos with coherence and collaboration. This can only be done with a combination of ambitious goals and inclusive, inspiring communication. We believe that metaphors like “World War II style mobilization” can be paralyzing. We prefer the positive image of the Renaissance, a time of dramatic change driven by humanity’s best impulses and supported by communities of artists, architects, investors and civil servants.
