The Fight Against Climate Change
Group for the East End advocates for the protection of our land, water, and wildlife. We take the lead on important conservation projects, and educate and inspire the community to take action in protecting the nature of the place they love. As climate change continues to reshape the landscape of our fragile environment, our work is as critical as ever.
Below is a list of the various natural resources we work to protect, why they’re important in the fight against climate change, and our current environmental initiatives:
COASTAL WETLANDS
Coastal wetlands stabilize shorelines, control flooding, and reduce the amount of carbon—a leading cause in the warming of the planet—in the atmosphere. They serve as a barrier to sea level rise.
When natural disaster strikes, the cost to rebuild developed areas has an enormous carbon footprint due to the heavy machinery, gas, electric, and other polluting components that are required to clean up and rebuild.
The Group advocates for sensible land-use planning and the protection of wetlands. We also lead habitat restoration projects to strengthen these areas.
Current Initiatives:
FOREST PROTECTION
Forests are carbon sinks, meaning they absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they release. They create microclimates that keep temperatures cooler and serve as groundwater recharge areas, allowing water to seep down and replenish underground aquifers—the source of our drinking water.
In the 1990s, the Group played a pivotal role in framing and negotiating the Pine Barrens Protection Act, which preserved more than 50,000 acres of land, protecting it from development.
Current Initiatives:
HABITAT RESTORATION
Restoring wildlife habitats and utilizing native plant species reduce the need for water and pesticides. Using native plant buffers instead of concrete can help keep commercial building sites cooler.
The Group urges commercial developers to include native plant buffers in their plans, recommends limits on commercial and residential lawn size, and leads critical habitat restoration projects. We work with local governments to implement these recommendations and projects.
Current Initiatives:
DARK SKIES
Outdoor lighting releases 21 million tons of carbon dioxide per year in the United States. In the face of increased development and traffic, the East End has seen a sharp increase in light pollution from outdoor lighting.
The Group works with a coalition of environmental organizations on the North Fork to raise awareness of the importance of dark skies and pushes local governments to enforce lighting laws.
Current Initiatives:
OPEN SPACE
Protecting open space, such as forests, fields, and wetlands, creates natural buffers between people and potential natural disasters—such as flooding—and results in more resilient communities. Protecting open space is essential to protecting our groundwater.
The Group’s advocacy, conservation, and education efforts help protect and restore open space.
Current Initiatives:
LAND USE
There is a direct correlation between the size of a house or commercial development and energy use. Everything from clearing to paving to the materials used requires an inordinate amount of energy, as well as significant water consumption. And this continues long after a project is completed.
Conservation protections and sustainability measures are critical when considering land use projects. The Group makes recommendations on development projects to reduce their carbon footprint by scaling down, opting for energy efficient materials, and adhering to local zoning codes to ensure resources are not stressed. We attend local town, zoning, and planning board hearings, work with civic associations, and promote community involvement.
Current Initiatives:
WATER CONSERVATION
Moving and treating water takes energy. Even running a sprinkler system requires electricity. The cost to run an activated carbon filter on water supplies is also expensive.
As the Suffolk County Water Authority considers running a pipeline through Southold Town, the Group is actively reviewing the proposal and making recommendations.
Current Initiatives:
RENEWABLE ENERGY
After a storm or fire strikes, the amount of energy consumed to clean up and rebuild is profound. Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. Solar and wind energy are common examples of renewable energy resources.
The Group supported the South Fork Wind Farm to create a renewable energy resource. One of the key goals of the project was to help the Town of East Hampton meet its goal of 100% renewable energy.
ADVOCACY
Community involvement is essential in the fight against climate change. Alongside fellow environmental groups, civic associations, and concerned community members, the Group pushes local governments to rethink development proposals, overhaul zoning codes, and adopt responsible land-use policies. We work to find long-term funding solutions for the East End’s most daunting environmental problems, and provide resources for people to speak up and take action.
Learn how to get involved here.
EDUCATION
Every environmental decision made today will impact generations to come. We have a responsibility to ensure our children and grandchildren have clean air to breathe and clean water to drink. But to love something and want to protect it means you have to know and understand it.
For more than 40 years, the Group has taught environmental education programs in and outside of the classroom across the East End. We also work with college interns and recent graduates who have an interest in entering the environmental workforce. Through nature outings and volunteer opportunities, we strengthen families’ commitments to the environment and inspire people to take action.
Learn more about our education programs here.
