Why Climate & Democracy?
The Climate Democracy Initiative (CDI) was founded on a simple but urgent truth: climate change is not just an environmental crisis, it is also a governance crisis. Across the country, people are facing rapid environmental, economic, and political changes without the resources, representation, or institutional trust needed to respond. We believe that lasting climate solutions require more than funding and infrastructure. They require public trust, local leadership, and systems that center the people most affected.
CDI works at the intersection of climate and democracy to help communities reclaim decision-making power, shape fair outcomes, and build the civic muscle needed for long-term resilience.
Programs ➾
Impact ➾
Resources ➾
Recent Impact
12+
COMMUNITIES ENGAGED
500+
YOUTH ENGAGED IN LEADERSHIP
500+
EDUCATORS SUPPORTED
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Recent Impact
12+
COMMUNITIES ENGAGED
500+
YOUTH ENGAGED IN LEADERSHIP
500+
EDUCATORS SUPPORTED
why your vote matters
In today’s political climate, elections are often decided by razor-thin margins, with some local races coming down to just a handful of votes or even coin tosses to break ties. That means the future of a community, including decisions around energy, land use, and climate resilience, can hinge on the participation of just a few individuals. For communities on the front lines of climate change, these outcomes directly impact livelihoods, health, and long-term opportunity.
At the Climate Democracy Initiative, we believe voting is one of the most immediate and powerful ways to reclaim local decision-making, build trust, and shape fair, community-driven solutions to climate challenges.
Donate to CDI
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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Explore our Programs
CV ➾
ECLIPSE ➾
View Our Ecosystem
See the real-world impact of our work in action. Our interactive ecosystem map highlights the communities, partnerships, and initiatives driving meaningful change at the intersection of climate and democracy. From local leadership efforts to broader systems-level progress, this map brings transparency to where and how we’re making a difference. Explore the stories, regions, and outcomes that show what’s possible when communities are empowered to shape their own climate future.
Renewal begins wherever people choose to act together, and every community holds the possibility of democracy remade.
NATALIE MONTECINO
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - CDI
Renewal begins wherever people choose to act together, and every community holds the possibility of democracy remade.
NATALIE MONTECINO
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - CDI
About CDI
What is the Climate Democracy Initiative (CDI)?
CDI is a nonprofit working at the intersection of climate change and democratic governance. We believe lasting climate solutions can't happen without public trust, local leadership, and systems that include the people most affected — so we work to rebuild those systems from the ground up.
Why does democracy matter for climate action?
Climate change isn't just an environmental crisis — it's a governance crisis. When communities are left out of decisions, or when civic institutions are weakened by distrust and polarization, the ability to take meaningful action breaks down. Strong democracies tend to adopt stronger climate policies, and we're working to make that connection visible and actionable.
What does CDI actually do?
Our work falls into three areas:
Community Visioning
We equip rural communities to lead energy development decisions, negotiate community benefits, and prepare for long-term resilience.
Empowering the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders
We collaborate with community-rooted schools to expand their environmental education capacity. By supporting hands-on learning in civics and sustainability, we empower students and educators to shape a more just and sustainable future.
Narrative and Policy Change
We strengthen public understanding of climate and democracy as shared, actionable issues to counter misinformation and elevate trusted community voices.
Who do you work with?
We partner with rural communities, local nonprofits, county governments, tribal nations, educators, and emerging environmental leaders — particularly in places that are on the front lines of climate change but have historically been left out of the planning process.
What is CV?
CV is a community-led future planning model ensuring community decisions and development are informed by local needs and values and negotiated using local terms.
What is ECLIPSE?
ECLIPSE (Empowering Civic Leadership to Inspire Progress through Student Engagement) empowers youth to act for environmental justice by uncovering and building community-based leadership opportunities. We work directly with local programs and organizations, school districts, and community councils to co-create tailored curricula and educator support, expand hands-on learning, and strengthen community partnerships.
How can I support CDI's work?
donate here ➾You can donate directly to support our programs, connect with us if your community or organization wants to partner, or simply stay engaged by following our news and sharing our work. Every bit of civic participation — including yours — is part of what we're building toward.
CDI Partners
CDI News
Building a world where democratic systems are resilient, responsive, and committed to climate solutions.
CDI at the Skoll World Forum ➾
Climate Democracy Initiative Selected as a 2026 Regional Resilience Fellow ➾
Statement on EPA’s Rescission of the Endangerment Finding ➾
