Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions

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Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions

We help people of faith develop local solutions to the climate crisis. The faith community has the credibility and influence to move local elected officials.

Starting from a single committee in one Unitarian congregation in Oakton, Virginia in 2013, we have assembled a network of 50 congregations that represent a wide spectrum of voters, including Jewish, Muslim, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Unity faith traditions. This includes Virginia’s largest mosque (25,000 members) and the state’s largest synagogue (5,000 members). Through our programs, we help congregations organize their own members while participating with us in our campaigns of direct advocacy (visits with government representatives and staff, public testimony) and earned media (press events, letters to the editor, and op-eds).

10/12/2026

Speaker Spotlight: Dr. Luis Ortiz!

This week, we’re highlighting the experts joining us for FACS’ upcoming Climate Crisis Forum!

Meet Dr. Luis Ortiz, a climate researcher at George Mason University and Acting State Climatologist of Virginia.

Dr. Ortiz studies how climate change affects our cities, from extreme heat and urban infrastructure to the communities most vulnerable to rising temperatures. As co-lead of the Virginia Climate Center, he helps bring climate science and solutions directly to communities across the Commonwealth.

Join us at the Climate Crisis Forum to hear from Dr. Ortiz and other experts as we explore the climate challenges facing Northern Virginia and what we can do about them.

We’re also continuing our FACS Fund Drive! Your support helps us advocate for climate solutions, educate our communities, and build a more sustainable future.

Learn more about the forum and support our mission through the links in the comments!

Stay tuned as we spotlight more speakers throughout the week!

10/09/2026

Moving Forward Together for a More Climate-Resilient Virginia!

From extreme heat to clean energy, FACS is working to bring real climate solutions to Northern Virginia. And we can't do it without your support!

Here are three major initiatives we're working on:

🌡️ Reducing Urban Heat: Using data collected by 30 volunteer teams this summer to advocate for more trees, cool roofs, and greener communities.

☀️ Expanding Solar Access: Preparing residents for a new Virginia law that will make small plug-in solar devices more accessible starting January 2027.

🏢 Data Center Accountability: Pushing for stronger transparency and protections as data centers continue to expand across Virginia.

Our 2026–27 Fall Fund Drive, Moving Forward Together, will help us continue this work, engage communities, and advocate for meaningful climate solutions. 🌱

Together, we can build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient future.

Support our fall fund drive and help move climate action forward!

🔗 Learn more and make a gift through the link in the comments. 👇

10/07/2026

📣 Arlington County, get involved in local climate action tonight!

Join the **FACS Arlington County Advocacy Hub** for updates on our current work and upcoming opportunities to make a difference in your community. 🌱

📅 Tonight, October 7
⏰ 7–8:30 PM
💻 Virtual

Whether you’re already involved or looking for a way to plug in, we’d love to have you join us.

🔗 Sign up using the link in the comments for the Arlington Hub's mailing list to receive meeting details and stay connected!

10/06/2026

🏢 Data centers are expanding rapidly across Virginia. FACS is working to make sure that growth doesn’t come at the expense of our communities or environment.

For more than two years, we’ve pushed for stronger transparency, accountability, and protections around data center development.

There’s been progress. Virginia has taken new steps to increase transparency and address concerns around water, noise, air quality, clean energy, and natural gas use. 🌱

But the work isn’t finished.

FACS will continue working with state leaders, agencies, legislators, and coalition partners to advocate for meaningful protections and responsible data center growth.

🔗 Read our latest article to learn what’s happened, what’s next, and what we’ll be watching heading into 2027.

Link in the comments. 👇

10/04/2026

🌳 Faith communities across Northern Virginia are putting Creation Care into action.

FACS’ new quarterly Tree of Life: Faith & Creation Quarterly newsletter shares stories, resources, and opportunities to help congregations care for our shared Earth. 🌎

The latest edition features:
🌱 Faith community spotlights
🌱 Community news and upcoming events
🌱 Free tree opportunities and matching grants
🌱 Creation Care projects and ideas from local congregations

We’d love to hear what your faith community is doing! Share your projects and creative initiatives to inspire others to take their next step.

📰 You can also join our newsletter team! The commitment is just 1–2 hours a month to help gather stories and connect with congregations.

Interested? Email [email protected] to get involved or join the newsletter.

10/02/2026

🌎 Building climate-resilient communities takes collaboration.

Join leaders from academia, government, and industry for Resilience Day at College of Science at George Mason University Arlington Campus.

📅 Friday, October 9
⏰ 8:30 AM–3:45 PM
📍 Van Metre Hall, Multipurpose Room 125/126

FACS Executive Director Chris Topoleski will join the morning panel, “Partnerships for Resilience,” to discuss how cross-sector partnerships can turn climate research into practical local solutions. 🤝

Click the link in the comments to view more information and register!

10/01/2026

🎥 Introducing Catching Up with Chris, a new video series featuring updates from FACS Executive Director Chris Topoleski!

From upcoming community events and local news to stories and opportunities worth knowing about, Chris is sharing what’s caught his attention and what you should keep on your radar. 👀🌱

Check out the first episode and stay tuned for more!

09/29/2026

Help save Fairfax’s trees this October!

Join the Fairfax Tree Rescue Extravaganza II hosted by Fairfax Tree Rescuers - PRISM Group during all four weekends in October. Volunteers across Fairfax and Falls Church will work together to remove invasive vines that threaten our local trees.

No experience needed. Learn how to safely clip invasive vines while protecting native species. ✂️

With an estimated one million trees at risk, every set of hands makes a difference. 💚

Come outside, meet your neighbors, and help protect our natural areas.

Check out the link in the comments for more information!

09/22/2026

🌡️ Extreme heat doesn’t affect every neighborhood equally. Buildings and pavement trap heat. Residents with fewer resources to stay cool face greater risks.

Join FACS for our 10th annual Climate Crisis Forum! We’ll explore how extreme heat affects our health and discuss local solutions. Learn about our Urban Heat Island Mapping Project with George Mason University’s Virginia Climate Center.

📅 Thursday, October 22 | 6:15–8:45 PM
📍 Van Metre Hall, Mason Square Campus, Arlington
🚇 Near Virginia Square–GMU Metro
💻 Virtual attendance available!

🔗 Register through the link in the comments!

09/21/2026

🌱 Help shape climate action in Loudoun County!

Join FACS’ Loudoun County Advocacy Hub for updates on local campaigns. Hear what’s next and find ways to take action in your community.

📅 Wednesday, September 23 | 7–8:30 PM
💻 Virtual meeting

New to the Hub? Already involved? Everyone is welcome. Bring your questions and connect with neighbors ready to make a difference!

Click the link in the comments to register!

Address

Reston, VA

Telephone

+17032393748

Website

http://faithforclimate.org/

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