How Your Donation Helps Fund Local Climate Adaptation
Traveling to a meeting about climate change presents an existential challenge for many, which is why each Forum EcoAdapt donates money to a local organization that undertakes climate adaptation activities. These donations serve as a way to support on-the-ground adaptation action in our host city.
UpstreamPgh
A message from UpstreamPgh:
UpstreamPgh’s strength comes from connection. Just like people, nature, and neighborhoods are tied together, our three programs—Engage, Plan/Build, and Advocate—work as one. By bringing together communities, governments, and millions in funding, we are building towards a just and climate-resilient future. From stewarding restored streams to turning vacant lots into climate-adaptive community assets, our work leads to systemic, generational change.
UpstreamPgh takes a big-picture approach to solving climate problems in our region. We focus on three key areas: community engagement, building climate-adaptive infrastructure, and advocating for better policies. Through these programs, we aim to spread awareness and to fix the problems that lead to pollution, flooding, and damaged ecosystems.
Engage: Connecting People to Nature
Our Engage program helps people understand and care for local water systems. We use real projects—like the Nine Mile Run Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration—as a living laboratory to teach students, volunteers, and leaders about how nature-based solutions work. By getting people involved, we build support for lasting environmental change.
Plan/Build: Greener Infrastructure
Through our Plan/Build program, we partner with communities to develop solutions to climate change, like stormwater capture systems. These help soak up rain, reduce flooding, and improve water quality. They also turn empty or unused land into healthy, green community spaces.
Advocate: Fighting for Stronger Policies
Our Advocate program pushes for laws and funding that protect clean water and support fair access to safe water infrastructure. We work to ensure public investments help both the environment and the people who depend on it—especially those in Environmental Justice communities.
By educating, building, and advocating, UpstreamPgh is helping create healthier ecosystems and stronger, more resilient communities across Allegheny County.
