Our Story

Climate One from The Commonwealth Club is the premier platform for empowering conversations that connect all aspects of the climate emergency. Through our podcast, national radio show, and live convenings for thought leaders and concerned members of the public, we create opportunities for dialogue and inspire a more complete understanding of the current crisis.

When Greg Dalton set off for the Russian Arctic in 2007, he didn't know how profoundly his life was about to change.

The voyage, organized by the Commonwealth Club, provided an up-close view of the effects of climate disruption in the region. Walking on melting tundra, sailing through fields of ice and witnessing strange new animal migrations, Greg came face to face with the reality of climate change.

While the first-hand exposure was heartbreaking, it was a personal encounter with a small girl in a Chuchki village that shifted Greg’s perspective for good. While he was speaking to her and her father about their changing lives in the Arctic Circle, she suddenly squealed, “Wow!” and started chasing a butterfly. Her father remarked, “We didn’t used to have those.” It was a moment of wonder, but also of extreme change and alarm.

Upon returning home, Greg worked with Commonwealth Club CEO Gloria Duffy to launch Climate One. We are proud that after more than 15 years, Climate One is still covering the most important issue of our time by convening people, connecting ideas, and inspiring new approaches.

Since 2007, Climate One has provided a unique and respectful space for influential, inclusive discussions. Our approach is rooted in the belief that viable, long-term responses to climate disruption can only come from an engaged, concerned citizenry.

At Climate One live events, Greg facilitates provocative discussions between leaders of differing—sometimes opposing—viewpoints. Guests representing the United Nations, the fossil fuel industry, environmental advocacy groups, religious faiths, large corporations and labor unions have all come together on the Climate One stage to address some of the greatest challenges of our time. Post-discussion receptions foster long-term connections between attendees. And through our weekly radio program and podcast, these empowering conversations are available for free to anyone, anywhere, anytime. 

Now in our second decade, Climate One is doubling down on our mission to make sure the conversation around climate change remains diverse, robust and at the forefront of our civic dialogue.

We are going beyond simply raising awareness to catalyzing action. We’re exposing the web of interrelated issues that impact every aspect of our lives. And we’re setting the stage for one-time adversaries to develop empathy and perhaps become partners who develop solutions that inspire us all.

We’re inviting more voices from more diverse sectors of the climate community: storytellers, CEOs, leaders of environmental justice groups, and sustainable food producers, to name a few.

Together with co-hosts Greg Dalton and Ariana Brocious and the world leaders, policymakers, and scientists who have made us one of the most credible resources for climate information, these new voices enlarge our sphere of common understanding and empower us all.

Thank you for joining the conversation and for supporting the ideal of a respectful civic forum. Our work is just beginning.