Climate One is a special project of The Commonwealth Club of California and is based in San Francisco, California. It is a public forum and podcast series for conversations on climate change and its implications for society, energy systems, economy and the natural environment. Founded in 2007 by Greg Dalton, Climate One brings together policymakers, business leaders, scientists, academics, and more to advance the discussion about a clean energy future. At Climate One live events, Dalton facilitates discussions between leaders of differing—sometimes opposing—viewpoints. Speakers representing the United Nations, the fossil fuel industry, environmental advocacy groups, religious faiths, large corporations and labor unions have all appeared on Climate One to address the challenges of climate change. Dalton is also the host of the Climate One's weekly
History
Climate One founder and Host Greg Dalton served as Vice President of Special Projects at The Commonwealth Club of California from 2001 to 2007. During this time, Dalton hosted discussions with former CEO of AT&T Ed Whitacre, Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart, 9/11 Commissioners Slade Gorton and Richard Ben-Veniste, and others prior to founding Climate One. In 2007, Dalton hosted a global warming symposium sponsored by The Commonwealth Club with academic experts and journalists around the Arctic Circle. Dalton was moved by the first-hand experience with the impacts of climate disruption in the region. Upon returning home, he worked with Commonwealth Club CEO Gloria Duffy to launch Climate One, a special project of the Club focused on sustainability, environment, and climate.
Speakers and Programs
The organization hosts multiple talks throughout the year in their San Francisco office at the Commonwealth Club of California, and occasionally at other venues around the U.S. such as at Duke University or Harvard University. At each event, Greg Dalton interviews multiple guests, usually from different fields, to discuss specific aspects of climate change. An open microphone is always provided for audience questions, and post-event receptions allow for mingling and continued conversation. Past speakers at Climate One include:
The Stephen H. Schneider Award is Climate One's annual award recognizing a social or natural scientist for extraordinary contributions to the field, as well as their ability to communicate their findings to a broad audience. The award was created by Climate One in 2010 in memory of Stephen Henry Schneider, a respected climate scientist. The Schneider Award winner, selected by a jury of other scientists, receives a prize of $15,000. Past Schneider Award Recipients:
