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.
our programs ➾
our impact ➾
resources ➾
recent impact
7+
COLORADO COUNTIES ENGAGED
300+
YOUTH ENGAGED IN LEADERSHIP
500+
EDUCATORS SUPPORTED
22+
COMBINED Years of CLIMATE SUPPORT
recent impact
7+
COLORADO COUNTIES ENGAGED
300+
YOUTH ENGAGED IN LEADERSHIP
500+
EDUCATORS SUPPORTED
22+
COMBINED Years of CLIMATE SUPPORT
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 our cause
Your support helps turn urgency into action. The Climate Democracy Initiative is working to ensure that communities most affected by climate change have the power, representation, and trust needed to shape their own futures.
By donating, you’re not just funding programs, you’re investing in stronger local leadership, fairer decision-making, and lasting solutions that address both environmental and governance challenges.
explore our programs
ECLIPSE ➾
COMMUNITY VISIONING ➾
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 Community Visioning (CV)?
CV is CDI's structured planning model that helps communities get ahead of major development decisions — like clean energy projects, water infrastructure, or data centers — before those deals are made without them. We train residents to negotiate Community Benefit Agreements, define shared priorities, and build lasting local leadership.
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 in the 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 ➾
