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Climate Conversations: Pathways to Action

San Francisco from Treasure Island.

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Climate Conversations: Pathways to Action is a regular virtual event series that aims to convene high-level, cross-cutting, nonpartisan conversations about issues relevant to action on climate change.

News and updates

Extreme Heat and Health: Ramanathan Climate Conversation 2026

Update

On October 20, join us for this hybrid event to explore the global health impacts of extreme heat, lessons from communities worldwide, and strategies to strengthen climate resilience.

Oct 8, 2026
San Francisco from Treasure Island.

Droughts Are More Than Just a Lack of Rain

Program News

Drought does not always look like a dried-up reservoir or a parched landscape. It can take hold in places that receive plenty of rain, develop rapidly after a wet spring, or occur alongside increasingly intense rainfall and flooding.

Oct 13, 2026
Small watercraft exploring Lake Mead near the top of the Hoover Dam, Nevada, USA.

How the Heat Can Go to Your Head

Program News

Extreme heat is difficult to ignore. On July 4, Washington, D.C., reached 103 F, breaking a daily record that had stood since 1919. Throughout the summer, all of the contiguous United States witnessed above-average temperatures. Heat at this magnitude places added demands on brain and body functions.

Sep 17, 2026
Neuron system

Featured Events

Extreme Heat and Health: Ramanathan Climate Conversation 2026

  • October 20, 2026
  • 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM (EDT)
  • Lecture
  • Upcoming

Join us for a global conversation on extreme heat, health impacts, and resilience strategies. About this event Extreme heat is an escalating global challenge, with many regions across the world exper...

San Francisco from Treasure Island.
About Events News and Updates

News and updates

Showing 1–18 of 25 items
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Droughts Are More Than Just a Lack of Rain

Program News

Drought does not always look like a dried-up reservoir or a parched landscape. It can take hold in places that receive plenty of rain, develop rapidly after a wet spring, or occur alongside increasingly intense rainfall and flooding.

Oct 13, 2026

Small watercraft exploring Lake Mead near the top of the Hoover Dam, Nevada, USA.

Extreme Heat and Health: Ramanathan Climate Conversation 2026

Update

On October 20, join us for this hybrid event to explore the global health impacts of extreme heat, lessons from communities worldwide, and strategies to strengthen climate resilience.

Oct 8, 2026

San Francisco from Treasure Island.

How the Heat Can Go to Your Head

Program News

Extreme heat is difficult to ignore. On July 4, Washington, D.C., reached 103 F, breaking a daily record that had stood since 1919. Throughout the summer, all of the contiguous United States witnessed above-average temperatures. Heat at this magnitude places added demands on brain and body functions.

Sep 17, 2026

Neuron system

Climate Conversations: Buildings

Update

On September 10, 2026 join us for a conversation on energy efficiency and decarbonization for large buildings in the US.

Aug 19, 2026

iStock-859458850-3.jpg

Virtual Event - Climate Conversations: Drought

Update

Join us on July 30 for a discussion about drought in the United States under a changing climate.

Jul 7, 2026

Small watercraft exploring Lake Mead near the top of the Hoover Dam, Nevada, USA.

New Webinar for Climate Conversations: Sustainable Aviation Fuels

Update

While air travel has transformed global connectivity, it remains one of the most carbon-intensive modes of transportation and one of the hardest sectors to abate. Join us on June 25 for a conversation that will explore the future of sustainable aviation fuels.

Jun 4, 2026

Air travel

Coral Reefs, Resilience, and the Stories we Tell

Program News

Coral reefs are often described in scientific terms: ecosystems rich in biodiversity, natural storm barriers, and sources of food and income. Yet for many scientists, the path into reef research did not begin with data but with a powerful personal encounter with the natural world.

Feb 11, 2026

The delicate fingers of a flaming red Sea Fan a type of Gorgonian.

Elevating Intersections of Air Pollution in India: Climate Crossroads at RamFest 2025

Program News

In September, Climate Crossroads traveled to Scripps Institution of Oceanography for RamFest 2025, a symposium celebrating the illustrious career of Veerabhadran Ramanathan, a visionary in climate science and action and member of the National Academy of Sciences. The 1.5-day event brought together a diverse group of experts, including international scientists, policymakers, students, and artists for inspiring discussions on climate science and actionable solutions.

Dec 16, 2025

RamFest 2025, a symposium celebrating the illustrious career of Veerabhadran Ramanathan

Exploring How to Power AI Sustainably

Feature Story

As the demand for artificial intelligence surges in everything from business to science to art, the power-intensive data centers needed to run AI tools and applications are straining the nation’s aging electricity infrastructure. A recent webinar examined AI’s growing appetite for electricity and possible solutions for powering it sustainably.

Jul 11, 2025

Native Seeds: The Roots of Thriving Ecosystems

Program News

Native seeds are essential for maintaining healthy local ecosystems, sustaining biodiversity, and supporting wildlife, though climate change presents new challenges for their use in restoration. Addressing the significant supply chain issues requires strategic coordination, increased public demand, and individual efforts like education and responsible gardening to ensure these vital resources are available.

May 27, 2025

The Growing Challenge of Urban Wildfires

Feature Story

Fires that happen where wildlands meet urban areas — such as the January wildfires in the Los Angeles area — are increasing. A recent webinar explored urban wildfires, their impacts, and lessons learned that can help communities prepare.

Mar 10, 2025

Wildfire Recovery: Protecting health and safety during and after wildfires

Program News

Several National Academies reports offer information and insights on ways to operate safely in burned environments for those who have been affected by wildfires.

Feb 28, 2025

Amidst Compounding Disasters, Resilient Housing Can Anchor Communities

Program News

A recent Climate Conversation explored the intersection between housing and compounding disasters, like the hurricanes that struck the Southeast in Fall 2024.

Dec 3, 2024

Surrounded by hurricane Ian rainfall flood waters homes in Florida residential area. Aftermath of natural disaster

The Future of Sports: Protecting Athletes Amid New Climate Realities

Program News

As climate change intensifies, its impacts are felt in every aspect of our lives. The sports arena is no exception. Extreme weather events are not only reshaping landscapes, but also our daily lives and the activities we participate in. With millions of people engaged in sports and physical activity around the world, understanding the impacts that climate change is having on athletic communities is critical.

Oct 25, 2024

Tired young athlete woman taking a break after running on the sports track

Can Hydrogen Help the Energy Transition? Panel Explores the Benefits and Challenges

Feature Story

Hydrogen is emerging as a climate solution because burning it doesn’t release carbon dioxide, but there are many hurdles that remain to wider use of clean hydrogen. A recent webinar explored hydrogen’s challenges and potential benefits.

Aug 23, 2024

Disaster Recovery: What Community-Driven Relocation Could Look Like

Program News

Since 2018, disasters have doubled every year in the U.S., but the conversations around rebuilding verses relocation continue to be challenging for policymakers and the communities impacted by disasters.

Jul 2, 2024

Elevating Community Voices and Environmental Justice in the Transition to Net Zero

Feature Story

Environmental justice has come to the forefront of initiatives as policymakers seek to create a just transition to net-zero carbon emissions. Panelists at a recent Climate Conversations session discussed how environmental justice helps communities to have their voices heard and be included in decision-making.

May 6, 2024

The Future of Nuclear Power in a Low-Carbon World

Feature Story

Nuclear reactors provide a significant portion of the nation’s electricity, but high costs, competition from renewables, and ongoing concern over the risks make their future uncertain. A recent Climate Conversations webinar explored what has changed and discussed the potential of new and advanced nuclear reactors in a decarbonized economy.

Jun 20, 2023

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