As the climate crisis continues, rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 is essential to minimize human suffering and to avoid the worst impacts of the crisis. The pathways to climate action require rapid deployment of renewable energy, reductions in animal agriculture and changes in land management to protect forests and promote reforestation, all of which take place in rural communities. Here, I discuss ongoing research (focused in upstate NY) on US rural community perceptions of climate solutions, backlash due to problematic approaches by corporate investors in rural communities, ways to improve policy incentives to make climate solutions work in rural communities, and how to ensure a just transition to a decarbonized future.