Rita Cliffton

Rural communities face many challenges, and climate change is only making matters worse. If done right, taking climate action will be a win-win for rural communities, counteracting the shifts to their way of life. Nearly one-quarter of rural Americans do not have access to broadband internet, which has major financial implications for farmers. According to the USDA, universal deployment of broadband-enabled precision technology could reduce water use by 30 percent, cut herbicide reliance significantly, reduce fuel use by 10 percent, and increase yi