Science and history guide my policy analysis. But like most people, my strongest motivation to work on climate comes from seeing impacts on the people and places I love most, such as the ocean. Growing up in Southern California, I spent every moment I could in or on the water. The more time I spent … Read more
Hi, my name is Kat Lockwood, and I’m The Climate Center’s new CEO. As an organizer, I believe strongly in the power of connecting with people on the issues they care about and working together to create a better world. So starting this week, I will be sharing the most inspiring and timely climate stories … Read more
Last year, the state legislature reauthorized and reformed California’s signature climate program, Cap and Invest, through 2045. The program sets a cap on the amount of greenhouse gas emissions allowed within the state, then allows companies to buy and sell permits (called “allowances”) to emit a specified amount of climate pollution. The revenue generated by … 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
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
The Climate Center is a beneficiary of Climate Ride, a nonprofit that organizes active events to raise money for the planet. This year, we are fundraising for our work by participating in the Green Fondo Northern California cycling event. Read our stories about why we ride! Laurie-Ann, Administrative Manager: Having just celebrated my twelfth anniversary … Read more
Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes is a fabulous leader for justice, for women, for our communities, the environment, and for education. I had the honor of attending the global United Nations Climate Conference, COP 27, in Egypt with her in 2022. She is a brilliant leader with a huge heart. Senator Reyes … Read more
Looking ahead at this critical year for climate and democracy, The Climate Center’s work in California feels more important to me than ever. There is, as usual, a lot to track, but these three trends in California climate policy are sure to have a ripple effect across the nation and the world. First is the … Read more
Update as of 9/16/25: The California legislature allocated the climate bond funds! Close to 1,000 members of The Climate Center community took action to ensure that Prop 4 funds would be allocated. Thank you for your advocacy. In the 2024 election, California voters approved a historic $10 billion climate bond, Prop 4, by a 60-40 … Read more
