A Watershed Week in Wisconsin: Recapping the 2024 Water and Climate Conference
By: Waterkeeper Alliance
We were thrilled to be in Wisconsin for our 2024 Water and Climate Conference! More than 250 Waterkeeper groups from 19 countries gathered in Milwaukee for four days of transformative learning, collaboration, and examination of the critical intersection of water and climate issues.
As we all know too well, the climate crisis is already upon us. Water shortages, wildfires, coastal flooding, and superstorms are increasing. A dramatic alteration of the character of our coastlines and the chemistry of our oceans is underway. The timing and intensity of rain and snow are wreaking havoc across the planet. Industrial waste, plastic pollution, and aging sewage systems threaten the health of our waterways and surrounding communities.
Despite these seemingly overwhelming challenges, Waterkeeper groups work tirelessly to protect their communities from imminent and future environmental threats, while also working to solve the climate challenges impacting the entire planet.
The first evening’s festivities, sponsored by Xylem and Fund for Lake Michigan, kicked off with inspiring opening remarks from Waterkeeper Alliance CEO Marc Yaggi followed by Adam McNeill from Xylem. Guests also received a warm welcome from local hosts, including Juan Alsace, Cheryl Nenn, and Jennifer Bolger Breceda of Milwaukee Riverkeeper. A brief history of Milwaukee highlighted both the region’s challenges and its many successes, before wrapping on a high note with the lively sounds of the local bluegrass band, the MilBillies! 
The breakout sessions during the first day provided participants with a wide variety of topics, expertise, and perspectives. Coosa Riverkeeper Justinn Overton led a lively interactive discussion about a proposed graphite mine, sacrifice zones, and the resulting public relations issues surrounding protecting one’s watershed through the lens of climate change. Buriganga Riverkeeper Sharif Jamil, Bocas de Ceniza Waterkeeper Liliana Patricia Guerrero, and Hann Baykeeper Mbacké Seck discussed the urgent need to end fossil fuel extraction for the sake of climate justice. Upper Missouri Riverkeeper Guy Alsentzer conducted a crash-course on Clean Water Act water quality standards and how Waterkeeper groups can use these tools to protect watersheds. There was even a session on how beavers can restore the biological integrity of rivers and create more stable and resilient ecosystems.
In the evening, folks made their way to the Historic Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery for a lively evening of music, food, local beer, and great company. The evening featured a Bavarian-inspired feast that reflects the rich — and delicious! —culinary heritage of Milwaukee. A local polka band serenaded the guests who had free rein over the facility, including the ornate halls, breezy courtyards, hidden speakeasy, and even the old office of Captain Frederick Pabst.
On the following day, attendees were presented with sessions discussing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, building climate resilience; detecting water Pollution as a data problem; using strategic intervention to stop fossil fuel expansion; and the importance of managing risk outdoors.
Luncheon keynote George Hawkins shared his experiences as the former General Manager of DC Water and his current role as CEO and Founder of Moonshot Missions. Building on his background as an environmental lawyer, regulator, activist, and educator, he is leveraging the expertise of his team of seasoned water engineers to transform struggling water utilities into technically and financially sound operations, particularly in underserved communities. He encouraged closer collaboration between utilities and Waterkeeper groups to develop solutions that are “better, faster, and cheaper.” He concluded by thanking the movement for driving collective change and setting the foundation for protecting our waterways and communities.
In the afternoon, the Technology Showcase presented Waterkeeper groups with innovative solutions from a variety of companies hoping to help better monitor and protect waterways. Following the showcase, there was a special screening of the film, “Common Ground,” a hopeful and uplifting story of the “Regenerative Movement” that produces tremendous quantities of nutritionally dense food and is working to balance the climate – all while bringing our entire ecosystem back to life.
The evening festivities took place at the Harley-Davidson Museum, where guests arrived by bus and kayak. Mark Denning, an enrolled tribal member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, spoke beside the Menomonee River about the region’s history. As Mark passionately discussed the importance of protecting rivers and nature, a great blue heron flew overhead, as if right on cue. Marc Yaggi later welcomed Waterkeeper Alliance’s Global Ambassador, Jax Davey, for a thought-provoking keynote on the significance of storytelling in advocacy work, followed by the presentation of the Most Innovative Technology Award to Shorelock and the Market Readiness Award to Upstream Tech, both voted on by Waterkeeper groups at the Technology Showcase. A particularly moving highlight of the night was three powerful short films profiling Milwaukee Riverkeeper Cheryl Nenn, Hann Baykeeper Mbacké Seck, and White Oak Waterkeeper Riley Lewis.
On the last day of the sessions, individuals participated in discussions on collecting data for policy changes, engaging local governments, identifying the worst dams, and exploring opportunities to reduce plastic use. Over lunch, renowned environmental lawyer Steven Donziger virtually recounted his incredible story of a decades-long battle with Chevron over their environmental crimes in Ecuador.
The membership meeting announced the arrival of new Waterkeeper groups in Senegal, Kenya, and Illinois. The new interactive map that allows viewers to take a deeper dive into the work of their local Waterkeeper groups was unveiled, including additional story map examples from Matanzas Riverkeeper, Savannah Riverkeeper, Bayou City Waterkeeper, Bocas de Cenzia Waterkeeper, and North Sound Waterkeeper were highlighted. 
For our final dinner and awards ceremony, attendees gathered at the Milwaukee War Memorial on the stunning shores of Lake Michigan. Marc Yaggi and Sally Bethea, founder of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, tearfully reminisced about the life and legacy of the late Terry Backer, Long Island Soundkeeper and a co-founder of the Waterkeeper Alliance. St. Johns Riverkeeper Lisa Rinaman and Khowai River Waterkeeper Tofazzal Sohel were each presented with the Terry Backer Award, a special honor that recognizes fellow guardians who, like Terry, embody his grit, resilience, and unyielding passion for protecting our waters. The evening concluded with special recognition of Cheryl Nenn for her years of service as Milwaukee Riverkeeper and for welcoming our global movement to her city.
Thank you to everyone for making this a memorable conference. We appreciate all you do every day to protect waterways, educate communities, and hold polluters accountable. See you in 2026!