Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Susan Kruse, executive director of the Community Climate Collaborative (C3), joined Cville Right Now Live to discuss the future of climate work in Virginia in light of the recent election results. 

Reflecting on the evolving role of C3, Kruse shared how election outcomes impact their mission. “We know this playbook,” she said, referring to how federal climate setbacks in 2017 spurred C3’s formation. “When federal action stalls on climate, that doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities to make a difference and continue to advance the work. And that’s exactly what we do at C3.”  

Kruse elaborated on C3’s five-year vision to scale their initiatives across Virginia, emphasizing the importance of local engagement. “Communities hold the power to address climate change,” Kruse stated, explaining that 85% of Virginians reside in urban or suburban areas, making local decisions critical in reducing emissions. “We’re turning our frustration into resolve, our anxiety into action,” she added, underscoring the urgency of their work regardless of federal support.  

Listen here for the full conversation: