In a world where climate change is an escalating threat, Climate Solutions emerges as a ray of hope, revealing the path to a future free from clutches of fossil fuel dependency. Guided by a commitment to transformative change, Climate Solutions champions a clean energy revolution, dedicated to creating a thriving and equitable Northwest that sets the stage for national and global progress.

A Bold Vision and Mission for Change

Climate Solutions operates with a clear and powerful vision: to inspire a transition towards sustainable prosperity powered by clean energy. This Northwest-based nonprofit is dedicated to accelerating solutions to the climate crisis through a strategic approach that includes:

• Belief in Possibilities: Embracing the potential for change and innovation.
• Stopping Ineffectiveness: Phasing out practices and technologies that do not contribute to environmental goals.
• Championing Successes: Expanding and advocating for proven solutions that drive progress.

Their mission revolves around accelerating clean energy solutions to address the climate crisis, focusing on the Pacific Northwest—a region well-positioned to lead global efforts toward 100% clean energy.

Strategic Focus and Regional Impact

Addressing global climate crisis requires action and investments across all levels of government, private sectors, and communities. The broader West Coast, including California to British Columbia, represents the world’s fifth-largest economy, with innovations from this region having a significant impact globally. Climate Solutions zeroes in on the Pacific Northwest, leveraging its unique position to drive substantial progress toward a clean energy future.

Climate Solutions is committed to achieving 100% clean electricity, cleaner fuels, and electrified transportation and buildings. These sectors are the largest contributors to global warming pollution. By setting ambitious goals, such as Washington State’s commitment to transitioning off coal power by 2025 and offering 100% clean electricity by 2045, and Oregon’s aim for 100% fossil-free electricity by 2040, Climate Solutions highlights the importance of strong, progressive policies.

Clean Power Pathways: A Roadmap to Carbon-Free Energy

The Northwest electric power system is already 71% carbon-free, thanks in large part to a significant base of hydropower. This existing low-carbon infrastructure serves as a foundation for integrating renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. The focus is on modernizing the grid and integrating advanced technologies to enhance efficiency and reliability. Key areas of development include:

• Grid Modernization: Upgrading the hardware and software of the energy system to fully utilize renewable resources.
• Energy Storage and Smart Grids: Implementing advanced storage solutions and smart grid technologies to balance supply and demand.
• Regulatory Evolution: Adapting financial and regulatory models to support innovation and decarbonization efforts.

Transforming Transportation: The Shift to Clean Mobility

Transportation is a major contributor to climate pollution and health issues, particularly in low-income and communities of color. Climate Solutions is focused on transitioning to clean, electrified transportation, including:

• Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles: Electrifying trucks, buses, and delivery vans to reduce smog and climate pollution.
• Personal Vehicles: Promoting the adoption of electric cars to cut air pollution and reduce transportation costs.
• Marine Vessels and Aviation: Addressing emissions from global shipping and aviation by developing cleaner fuels and technologies.

Building a Sustainable Transportation Ecosystem

Climate Solutions emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to transportation, including:

• Expanding Clean Transportation Options: Investing in infrastructure for electric vehicles and promoting alternative transportation methods such as biking and walking.
• Prioritizing Urban Housing: Supporting policies that encourage transit-oriented development and reduce reliance on personal vehicles.
• Local and State-Level Advocacy: Collaborating with local governments, transit districts, and utility providers to enhance clean transportation options and infrastructure.

Advocacy and Partnerships: Driving Policy Change

To accelerate progress, Climate Solutions employs a multifaceted approach that includes:

• Policy Advocacy: Working with state legislatures, utility commissions, and regulatory agencies to pass and implement transformative policies.
• Building Partnerships: Collaborating with a diverse range of allies, including communities of color, labor unions, businesses, and environmental organizations, to ensure equitable solutions.
• Raising Awareness: Increasing public engagement and understanding of climate issues to broaden the movement for action.

A Vision for a Brighter Future

As Climate Solutions continues to drive change, their commitment to clean energy and equitable progress serves as an inspiration. By focusing on transformative policies, innovative technologies, and broad-based partnerships, they are not only shaping a sustainable future for the Pacific Northwest but also setting a powerful example for the world. Through relentless advocacy and innovative strategies, Climate Solutions is turning this vision into reality, one step at a time.

Emiko Atherton | President

Emiko Atherton is Executive Director of Social Venture Partners Seattle, where she leads the organization in partnering with communities to co-create a Puget Sound region where everyone thrives regardless of income or race.

Emiko has over fifteen years of leadership experience in the public and nonprofit sectors. Her career includes extensive work in strategic planning, policy development and implementation, fundraising, coalition building, and advocacy. Prior to joining SVP Seattle, Emiko served as Vice President for Thriving Communities at the national nonprofit Smart Growth America. In this role, Emiko received national recognition for her work to bring a racial equity lens into national and local transportation policies. Her work was highlighted in national media outlets, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, and NPR.

Emiko was born and raised in Southeast Seattle, just a short walk from the Othello Light Rail Station. She received her Masters of Public Administration from University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance.

“Our climate solution is simple: believe in what’s possible, stop what doesn’t work, and champion what does work.”