Our History

2016

A Call to Confront the Twin Crises

In the face of accelerating climate impacts and growing disillusionment with U.S. governance, a group of civic thinkers, educators, and environmental leaders gathered to ask an urgent and fundamental question:


What kind of democracy is needed to meet the climate crisis?



The importance of that question deepened following the 2016 election, which resulted in the rollback of environmental protections and a burgeoning distrust in institutions. From that moment of shared concern emerged a core group of leaders who would later help shape the founding vision and values of the Climate Democracy Initiative.

Man speaking at a podium onstage before a blue screen reading “Peter Wehner” and “Bill Ritter, Jr.”
Woman posing beside large colorful letters on a grassy hill with mountains and blue sky in the background

2018

Elevating the Conversation

That early momentum led to a national convening focused on the future of American democracy in a warming world. Dozens of scholars, journalists, scientists, and organizers came together to shift the public conversation from fear and fragmentation to vision and solutions.The gathering emphasized that preserving ecological systems and advancing equitable governance are not separate goals, but rather they are deeply linked. Participants explored how democracy must evolve to protect both people and the planet.

2020

Building a Shared Vision

In the years that followed, a growing ecosystem of leaders continued shaping a blueprint for systems-level change.The movement gained traction through collaborative publications, town halls, and university partnerships. Approaches like participatory governance, community-led planning, and integrated climate-democracy strategies gained broader recognition as essential tools for building just and resilient futures.

People seated around tables in a classroom during a group discussion with a projected presentation.
Climate Democracy Initiative event stage with large blue banner reading “2nd Annual Gathering: Colorado in a Hotter Time”

2022

A New Chapter Begins

The Climate Democracy Initiative officially launched its public programming in 2022, hosting over 150 thought leaders at the conference: Colorado in a Hotter Time.


This convening brought together climate scientists, elected officials, grassroots organizers, and community members to address Colorado’s evolving environmental challenges. It marked the beginning of CDI’s hands-on work to connect local action, public trust, and climate resilience in the communities most impacted by both environmental stress and democratic breakdown.

2026

From Vision to Implementation

As environmental pressures intensify and trust in institutions continues to be tested, CDI’s focus is clear: strengthen the civic capacity of communities to lead, adapt, and govern in the face of change. By equipping people with the tools, processes, and support to engage meaningfully, CDI is helping rebuild the connection between public voice and public decision-making.

Adult carrying child on shoulders in a field with wind turbines at sunset

newsletter signup - history page

Join Our Newsletter

Stay in the Loop

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)


Give once. Give monthly. Give in someone's honor. Use the form to give by DAF, credit or debit card, or choose another way to give from the options below.