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In the Fall of 2007, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund committed itself to the testing of the proposition that responding to climate change could represent not only an environmental imperative but, in fact, also an extraordinary economic development opportunity. To explore this proposition, the Foundation contracted with Global Urban Development and Marc Weiss to convene a cross section of business, environmental, civic and governmental leaders from a broad cross section of the country - along with subject experts in climate change, economic development, and public policy - to explore this issue. To that end, the Foundation hosted and funded a series of dialogues at the Foundation’s conference center in Pocantico Hills, sponsored follow up sessions in Washington and San Jose, and engaged Doug Henton of Collaborative Economics in Silicon Valley, to give further definition and substance to this idea.
The Rockefeller Brothers Fund committed an initial $100,000 to fund the exploration of the concept of Climate Prosperity. Following a year-plus long civic incubation process, Climate Prosperity, Inc, was launched in June 2009 to guide this important initiative forward. The Rockefeller Brothers Fund committed an additional $100,000 in funding in 2009 to Climate Prosperity, Inc. We hope to secure funding commitments from other foundations, philanthropic institutions, and companies throughout the country to support this national civic venture. Many of you have been involved in the early phases of the Climate Prosperity effort. This nonprofit will provide support for your activities, seek to connect them into a broader national network, to help move them to an even higher level.
A core group of civic entrepreneurs, many of whom have been involved in the early stages of this project, have joined as founding members of the Board of Directors and volunteer leadership of Climate Prosperity, Inc.
Climate Prosperity, Inc. has ongoing funding support from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.
Climate Prosperity, Inc., the successor to the Climate Prosperity Project launched in 2007, is committed to the creation of a low-carbon and prosperous American economy. We bring together key players in regional economic development - both private and public sector - to address the climate challenge and benefit the local and national economy at the same time.
Climate Prosperity is focused on creating important regional economic outcomes - Green Savings, Green Opportunity, and Green Talent - while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
GREEN SAVINGS
Energy efficiency saves money, which keeps our dollars here in the U.S. and can be invested in our businesses to create jobs or spent by citizens at local shops and restaurants. Energy efficiency is the quickest way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and bring prosperity to individuals, businesses, & communities.
GREEN OPPORTUNITY
Addressing the challenges of climate change leads to innovation, entrepreneurship, and strong economic growth. Silicon Valley, the iconic center of American innovation, is betting its future on clean energy technology. DuPont, in Delaware, added $3 billion to its bottom line through energy efficiency, new revenue streams for green building products, and bio-based energy.
GREEN TALENT
To achieve building retrofits, renewable energy installations, etc., we need the entrepreneurs, scientists and construction workers to get the job done. Communities must ensure they have a trained workforce to prosper during this transformation.
A REGIONAL APPROACH
The urgency of the climate challenge calls for greenhouse gas reductions across the United States as soon as possible. Localities and regions control or directly influence many of the policies, laws, personnel and infrastructure needed to move forward on opportunities from renewable energy to building codes to transportation. People at the local level know how to encourage innovation and economic development.