"The idea for the [Duluth Citizens' Climate] Commission really came out of an initiative that began in September," says Tone Lanzillo. "We were concerned about the position of the Sustainability Officer for the city government. They used to have a full-time officer." Word then got around that the 2026 budget would not include funding for the position. A petition began, and the passed budget now includes funding for the position.
The work of the Commission will go beyond getting one position reinstated. The focus is now to promote climate education, to get citizens involved with climate activism, and to be a resource about climate change. Specific upcoming events include a climate education week in March and a summit to address climate anxiety in September.
The Duluth Citizens' Climate Commission are working with a one-year plan. There are meetings planned monthly, the next of which will take place at the Dorothy Day house at 1712 Jefferson Street in Duluth at 7pm on Tuesday, January 27th. Information will be shared via social media and email.
You can hear Green Visions at 8:20am every Wednesday on Northland Morning.
