Ryan Schleeter 
California has a wildfire problem. We also have an accountability problem. Chances are you’ve seen the ads by “Wildfire Victims First” on your television recently. Despite its name, this utility-funded political front group is part of a campaign to overhaul the state’s wildfire liability system, which is also a priority for Governor Newsom. The reality is that … Read more
On August 12, 2026, the California Senate Budget Subcommittee 2 held a hearing on potential reforms to the state’s Cap and Invest program. As currently proposed, the changes could result in $2 billion losses for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) each year, which funds investments in low-carbon transportation, clean air and water, sustainable agriculture, … Read more
I’m Kat, and I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the new Chief Executive Officer of The Climate Center! As I settle into my new role, I want to tell you about myself and why I’m excited to lead this organization. I’ve admired The Climate Center’s work for some time now because I see an organization … Read more
Last year, Cap and Invest (formerly known as Cap and Trade) was one of the hottest topics in California politics. After intense negotiations, the program was reformed and reauthorized through 2045. But that’s not where this story ends. Cap and Invest, California’s signature climate program that launched in 2013, is a market-based system designed to … Read more
California’s status as a top oil-producing state has long been at odds with our reputation for environmental leadership. As the consequences of burning fossil fuels have become clear and clean energy becomes more economically competitive, oil production has declined since the 1980s. But the geographic divide is stark and the industry isn’t going down without … Read more
Is it getting hotter where you live? You’re not alone. Temperatures have reached life-threatening highs across North America, Europe, and Asia in the last month. The combination of climate change and a developing Super El Niño — a weather pattern in which increased heat and moisture from the oceans rise into the atmosphere — means … Read more
Growing up in southern Ohio, some of my earliest memories of the outdoors are family hiking trips through Kentucky’s Red River Gorge. Those experiences sparked a lifelong appreciation for nature and outdoor recreation that eventually grew into a passion for long-distance hiking. After graduating from college, I set out to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, an … Read more
It’s hard to believe that my last day before entering retirement is next Tuesday, June 30. The Climate Center’s Board of Directors and management team are making progress toward hiring a new CEO to take us to even greater heights. You’ll be hearing more from them soon! Thank you, partners, donors, and activists for being … Read more
The war in Iran continues to drive fuel prices higher and higher. If the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to shipping traffic, which most experts expect it will, it’s likely that gas prices will hit a record high in the United States. Fossil fuel corporations are loving it, taking advantage of the conflict to record … Read more
On May 14, Governor Newsom released his proposed state budget for 2026-2027. This “May Revise,” as it’s known, is an update to the budget the governor originally proposed in January, which included devastating cuts to state climate investments. The budget process is complex, but it’s an incredibly important piece of California’s climate progress. Our state’s … Read more
