NATIONAL SECURITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE. On behalf of a coalition of foundations, coordinated the National Security and Climate Change Project. Worked with eleven retired three- and four-star generals and admirals, and a leading defense research organization. Produced a ground-breaking report, issued in April 2007, outlining the security implications of climate change. The report was widely covered by media around the world and the subject of multiple congressional hearings. The New York Times Magazine cited this work in its annual “Year in Ideas” issue, noting how swiftly the concept of “climate conflicts” was adopted in the wake of this report. The organization has issued multiple follow-up reports — was lead author on two of them. See: National Security and the Threat of Climate Change
IRELAND AND CLIMATE CHANGE. Directed the Irish American Climate Project. Issued a novel report describing projected impacts of climate change on Ireland. Paired the work of climate scientists with Irish musicians, poets, filmmakers and others. The result was one of the more colorful, and moving, climate reports ever produced. The scientists helped audiences know the issues; the artists helped audiences feel the issues. The primary audience for the report was the more than 40 million Americans who claim Irish ancestry -- though the report received significant attention on both sides of the Atlantic. See: Changing Shades of Green
ALLIANCE FOR CLIMATE PROTECTION. Served as Chief of Staff for the Alliance for Climate Protection, the group founded by Nobel Prize winner Al Gore. Led staff during the launch of the Alliance's WE campaign, which brought positive messages about climate solutions to massive prime time audiences. Led staff during the launch of the Repower America campaign, which challenged America to generate 100% of its electricity from clean sources within 10 years. The Repower America campaign helped reshape the public debate on energy, climate and the economy.
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On behalf of California State Parks, the Center for Environmental Law and Policy (at UC Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law), and the Resources Legacy Fund, drafted a white paper to facilitate discussion at a symposium on climate change and public lands. The paper, and subsequent symposium, focused on adaptation needs that will face public land managers throughout the state under various climate change scenarios.
On the No on Prop 23 Campaign, served as staff to the campaign chairs — George Schultz and Tom Steyer. The successful campaign protected California’s landmark climate legislation, AB 32.
Presentations on the politics and economics of climate change to investor groups, hosted by a number of financial advisors.
KS Photo: Paddock fences, Inis Oírr, Aran Islands