Here and Now Conversation on Climate Costs and Consequences, All Souls Unitarian and Universalist Church

Colorado is already being hit hard by the impacts of climate change- worsening wildfires, drought, pine beetle devastation of forests, 1,000-year floods, mudslides, and impacts to major drivers of our local economies, like agriculture and the winter sports industry. These disasters have already cost Coloradans billions of dollars in damages and adaptation measures. We are facing a greater and greater need for adaptation measures that already cost billions of dollars – costs that currently fall on taxpayers and local governments.

Climate Superfunds make the biggest historic fossil fuel corporate polluters pay their fair share into a fund that is used by the state and local communities to help cover damages from climate disasters and to support resilience projects. These projects can range from wildfire and flood mitigation, water conservation, heat pumps, and efficiency measures to cool schools and homes, and resilience centers to support communities during heat waves and disaster events, with local micro-grids and solar and battery backup to provide essential electricity. Vermont and New York were the first states to enact superfund laws in 2024. More than 10 states introduced versions of these bills in 2025, and several —California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, and New Jersey—are moving forward.

These in-person conversations will be designed to raise awareness of climate costs, understand the most urgent climate impacts facing our community, identify where resources are most needed, and build support for actions that hold polluters accountable.