Abigail McHugh-Grifa

Rochester Business Journal Staff//December 20, 2024//

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Executive Director

Climate Solutions Accelerator of the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region

Years in current role: 6

What personal or professional environmental effort are you most proud of?

I’m especially proud of the work our organization did to facilitate the development of the Genesee-FLX Climate Action Strategy. This document provides clear guidance on how our region can address its primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions, using existing technologies and policy solutions, while reaping the many co-benefits of climate action to improve our collective health, economic security, and quality of life.

What are you most optimistic about regarding the Rochester region’s approach to environmental issues?

Climate change and other environmental crises are simply too big and too complex for any entity to address in isolation, so I’m excited about the cross-sector collaborations and “multi-solving” efforts that are bubbling up in our region.

What are you most concerned about regarding the Rochester region’s approach to environmental issues?

Though environmental progress is certainly happening in our region, I worry that the pace is too slow and many people are at risk of being left behind. We are fortunate that climate change hasn’t yet impacted us as directly or severely as other places, but that doesn’t mean we can afford to be complacent. If we want to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and fully benefit from the transition to a regenerative economy, we need to dramatically increase our investment in solutions and we need to do it now.

What advice would you give someone who is looking to make a difference in addressing environmental issues?

Keep in mind that a better future is possible and we can co-create that future by prioritizing human care, connection, and love. We are an interdependent species, so seek out people who you enjoy working with and who can help you become your best self. This life-long transformation will not be easy, but it will give you a deep sense of purpose and peace.

This profile is part of our Power List for Environmental Leaders for 2024. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.