Our Case for Climate & Democracy
Climate action needs a healthy democracy. And a healthy democracy requires climate stability.
Climate change threatens communities, livelihoods, and ecosystems. But just as critically, it puts stress on the systems we rely on to respond—our governments, institutions, and civic processes. When those systems are weakened by distrust, polarization, or exclusion, we lose the ability to take meaningful action. In other words: climate action needs a healthy democracy. And a healthy democracy requires climate stability.
Climate impacts weaken public trust – As climate disasters escalate and gaps in response widen, people lose faith in systems that are supposed to keep them safe.
Weakened democracies fail to respond – When policy making is driven by gridlock, elite interests, or misinformation, communities are left without the tools to prepare for or adapt to climate realities.
Communities are left out of decisions that shape their future - Particularly in rural and historically marginalized areas, people face barriers to participating in environmental planning. This leads to decisions made without those most affected.
Mission ➾
Values ➾
Vision ➾
We're living in a time of disruption, but also possibility.
At CDI, we’re helping turn momentum into lasting change by supporting local leadership, rebuilding trust in civic systems, and making climate planning more inclusive and responsive.
Historic investments in clean energy, infrastructure, and resilience are creating new openings for local leadership.
Communities, especially rural and marginalized ones, are stepping up to demand a voice in how those dollars are spent.
Young people are reimagining democracy from the ground up, while new coalitions are forming across lines of political, social, and cultural difference.
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CV ➾
ECLIPSE ➾
What the Research Shows
01
Climate.gov Says:
Climate vulnerability is higher in places with low civic engagement.
02
The National Institute of Health Says:
Public trust in government is a key factor in successful disaster response.
03
International IDEA Says:
Stronger democracies often adopt more ambitious environmental policies.
Climate.gov says:
Climate vulnerability is higher in places with low civic engagement.
The National Institute of Health says:
Public trust in government is a key factor in successful disaster response.
International IDEA says:
Stronger democracies often adopt more ambitious environmental policies.
Donate to Our Cause
Your gift. Your community. A future that holds.
Climate change isn't only an environmental problem. It's a democracy problem. Often, decisions are made without local voices at the table. That results in lost trust, and the tools to develop a response go missing right when they are needed most.
The Climate Democracy Initiative rebuilds those tools. Your gift funds the training, programs, and partnerships that support intergenerational voices in rural and small communitites. Together, we support local voices shaping decisions that affect their own lives — from the classroom to the county commission.
CDI is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Your gift is tax-deductible. (EIN: 92-0943342)
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