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About the NJ Climate Change Alliance

The New Jersey Climate Change Alliance is a statewide network of diverse organizations that share the goal of advancing science-informed climate change strategies at the state and local levels in New Jersey.

Alliance participants include representatives of public, private and non-governmental New Jersey organizations from sectors including transportation, emergency managements, business, energy, engineering, farming, insurance, environment, health, community planning, Environmental Justice, natural resource management, and others. The Alliance does not work to influence political outcomes or specific pieces of legislation; rather, the work of the Alliance serves to integrate science with evidence and diverse points of view through the voices of Alliance participants for the purpose of informing short and long-term climate change strategies and outlining policy options for New Jersey.

Alliance participants accept three underlying principles that include a commitment to:

  • Non-partisan, science and evidence-based climate strategies.
  • Climate change strategies that promote economic growth, equity, improved health outcomes, natural solutions, and sustainable communities; and
  • Thoughtful, respectful and meaningful dialogue among participants as demonstrated by the Alliance’s organizational communication practices.

Since its inception in 2011, the Alliance’s work has involved:

  • Leading demonstration projects that can be replicated throughout New Jersey;
  • Identifying evidence-based state and local policy options relevant for New Jersey;
  • Conducting outreach and education to state and local officials, communities, leaders, and the general public;
  • Linking natural and social scientists, engineers, and other experts to decision-makers, communities, and leaders to inform policy and practice;
  • Developing tools and guidance to inform planning and decision-making in the public, private, and non-governmental sectors; and
  • Creating a forum that engages a diverse set of perspectives to advance evidence-based climate strategies and policy in New Jersey.

Originally formed as the New Jersey Climate Adaptation Alliance, the Alliance changed its name in 2018 to better reflect the breadth of its work. The Alliance is guided by two Honorary Chairpersons: former New Jersey Governors James J. Florio and Thomas H. Kean. The Alliance is facilitated by Rutgers University through the Rutgers Climate Institute and the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.