Climate change refers to long term shifts in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns caused mainly by increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These changes lead to warmer average temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events that significantly impact Pennsylvania’s forests, wildlife, natural resources, waterways, and infrastructure. Slowing the pace of climate change to lessen the severity of its impacts requires society to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adopt sustainable practices, including the use of renewable energy.
Sustainability has always been a part of DCNR’s core mission — to conserve and sustain Pennsylvania’s natural resources for present and future generations’ use and enjoyment. Today, the agency continues to build sustainability into its culture and everyday decisions across the organization. DCNR calls this work, which includes climate action, Forever Green — the agency’s initiative to grow a sustainable and climate resilient future.
The Forever Green Mission is to advance measurable climate action and sustainability across the organization, ensuring Pennsylvania’s natural resources are resilient and conserved for future generations.
