Working
with Nature
to Strengthen
Opportunity
A Walton Family Foundation report in partnership with Gallup
Opportunity depends on the conditions people rely on every day — and nature is a partner in creating that opportunity. Clean water and healthy natural systems help build the foundation people and communities need to thrive. But extreme weather fueled by climate change — droughts, floods, wildfires and intense storms — erodes opportunity. It impacts lives, livelihoods, ecosystems and even confidence in a choice-filled future. What is the impact of extreme weather on nature and opportunity? Our partners at Gallup asked the American people to share their insights and experience with extreme weather. This is what they had to say...
38%
of Americans say their community was affected by damage from extreme weather in the past year.
Extreme weather wears down the conditions people and communities need to thrive.
The impacts extend beyond physical damage.
Extreme weather also threatens opportunity by weakening the conditions that residents need to feel control in their lives — the single strongest predictor of whether someone is thriving overall.
Let's take a closer look...
Adults in communities affected by extreme weather are less likely to feel able to shape their own path.
4 in 10 adults in affected communities are more likely to feel pushed by events they can't control.
And when it comes to the future...
57%
of residents in affected communities worry extreme weather will happen again in the coming year.
Despite these challenges, Americans understand that protecting nature leads to greater opportunity.
“ When we help support nature, it can rebalance our world, and create a more resilient future for people and nature.
Moira Mcdonald Environment Program Director, Walton Family Foundation
More than 8 in 10 (84%) say access to nature improves quality of life where they live.
64% say nature is essential to their local economy.
Protecting Water Helps Opportunity Take Root
Healthy water systems help strengthen the conditions opportunity depends on. And nature itself is our most powerful tool.
Three quarters
of Americans who say nature is essential to their economy also say their community encourages residents to guard water, land and natural spaces.
The Walton Family Foundation invests in projects that reduce the impacts of extreme weather — working with communities to find solutions powered by the natural world that protect communities and expand opportunity.
Healthy rivers recharge groundwater, reduce flood risk and sustain agriculture.
Functioning wetlands protect communities by lowering the cost of infrastructure needed to prevent natural disasters or pollution.
Thriving oceans sustain a way of life and feed the world.