Special message: A moment for courage

DEAR FRIENDS,

Curbing climate change, and coping with its rapidly worsening impacts, is an enormous challenge under the best of circumstances. Today, we are processing the results of the U.S. elections—grappling with a great deal of uncertainty and also anticipating new challenges.

One thing that is unwavering is our commitment to our mission and values.

We conduct science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature.  We partner with leaders and communities for just, meaningful impact to address the climate crisis.

That was our mission yesterday. It is our mission today. It will remain our mission tomorrow.

We have been doing this work for nearly forty years. That’s ten U.S. presidencies. Over that time, under Republican administrations and Democratic ones, we have pursued cutting-edge research and innovative partnerships. We have testified before Congress, been in dialogue with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, and played a leadership role in the U.N. climate process.

We have always known that we will not overcome a challenge like climate change in a year—or four years—nor will we be defeated over that time frame. We’re in it for the long term. Formal U.S. engagement in international climate negotiations, as well as federal climate policy and the regulatory landscape are all likely to shift in coming months. Other changes remain to be seen. We will continually evaluate the best way to advance our mission, adjusting approaches and embracing opportunities as avenues close and open.

We have a lot to bring to this work—the best possible staff and partners, a diverse funding model, and a track record of progress around the globe, in a range of political landscapes. This does not minimize the challenges, but gives us confidence in approaching them.

The world needs us to not just stay in the game, but to sharpen our focus and boldly pursue our founding vision of a sustainable world for all. And we know that we are not in this alone. Thank you for being part of the community that makes this work possible.

Today, we redouble our commitment to the values that guide our work—impact and excellence, inclusion and justice, respect and integrity, and perhaps most of all, courage.

Onward,

R. Max Holmes
President and CEO