Chicago, IL — July 21, 2025 — The inaugural Aspen Ideas: Climate Chicago summit opened today under the auspices of the Aspen Institute and Chicago Climate Corps, spotlighting how the Midwest is driving climate innovation. Against the backdrop of the Salt Shed’s industrial elegance and the modern Convene space at Willis Tower, the two-day summit brings together climate advocates, industry leaders, policymakers, and the public for an immersive exploration of sustainability across water resilience, green job creation, and equitable clean energy access.
In opening remarks, Aspen Institute President and CEO Dan Porterfield emphasized the summit’s deeper purpose, stating, “There are communities to empower… this work is a lever for advancing our shared interests as a society.” His words framed the event not only as a platform for environmental advocacy but also as a vehicle for economic opportunity and inclusive community engagement throughout the region.
Organizers note that Aspen Ideas: Climate has roots in Miami Beach, where from 2022–2024 it convened thousands. Its relocation to Chicago—hosted here for at least two years—is a strategic shift that highlights the city’s growing reputation as a Midwest hub for climate action and innovation. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, in a February announcement, echoed this sentiment, saying Chicago is uniquely positioned to showcase its clean energy economy, which has supported over 8,000 jobs since the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act passed.
Structured across keynote addresses, breakout panels, workshops, roundtables, and thematic excursions, the event is designed to foster candid dialogue and problem-solving. Highlights include tours of historic resilience sites, interactive discussions on equitable climate policy, and evening receptions at the Salt Shed featuring art, food, and community engagement. A pre-event reception hosted by the University of Chicago on July 20 kicks off a week of climate reflection, themed around critical topics from the Great Lakes to Arctic shores.
Key program tracks illustrate the breadth of regional climate challenges. “A New Era of Infrastructure and Buildings” zeroes in on decarbonizing urban architecture; “Down to Earth” centers on food systems, agriculture, and water management; “Future by Design” explores sustainable products and circular economies; “The Future of Energy” dives into innovations like geothermal, energy storage, and grid modernization; and “Voices of Change” highlights the role of storytelling and media in climate communication. These themes vividly reflect Midwest strengths—from manufacturing and agriculture to finance and academic leadership.
The summit’s lineup is equally robust. Confirmed speakers include Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, Microsoft CSO Melanie Nakagawa, PsiQuantum CEO Jeremy O’Brien, environmentalist Wendy Abrams, Mayor Justin Bibb of Cleveland, and climate justice advocate Naomi Davis. They join a diverse roster of policy experts, scientists, and nonprofit leaders, underscoring the summit’s blend of public and private sector expertise.
This emphasis on youth and grassroots leadership is underscored by Chicago Climate Corps (C3), a civic organization amplifying climate innovation among leaders aged 25–40. C3 co-founders Rachel Star and Kobi Weinberg highlight Chicago’s role as a center for civic engagement and regional climate action. Their partnership with the Aspen Institute ensures a strong representation of emerging voices alongside established leaders.
The event also puts a spotlight on local institutions. The University of Chicago’s Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth serves as the official academic thought partner, contributing expertise on carbon markets, climate finance, and carbon removal. This lends scholarly rigor to the summit’s broader public engagement and policy focus.
A political dimension is unavoidable. Governor Pritzker praised Illinois’ climate commitments—such as sourcing two-thirds of its energy from renewable sources—and underscored that Aspen Ideas: Climate Chicago “belongs here.” He framed the summit as an opportunity to drive clean energy investment, job creation, and environmental justice.
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Regionally, the Chicago Climate Action Plan (CCAP) serves as a policy compass, targeting an 80 percent greenhouse gas reduction below 1990 levels by 2050. The plan has adopted five key strategies: energy-efficient buildings, clean energy, enhanced transit, reduced waste and industrial pollution, and climate adaptation measures like cooling infrastructure and green roofs. The summit provides a forum to showcase local progress and strategize for the decades ahead.
Beyond policy, the event integrates interactive experiential learning. Participants can join service sessions at the Greater Chicago Food Depository to support food security—an intersection of climate and community resilience. Fashion, food, and art are also woven into programming, underscoring the cultural dimensions of climate engagement.
Aspen Ideas: Climate Chicago reflects an urgent but optimistic ethos: that the climate crisis is solvable through multisector collaboration and public mobilization. By migrating from Miami to the Midwest, the summit acknowledges that solutions must be grounded in diverse regional strengths—from rural agriculture to urban innovation, and from grassroots leadership to global capital.
As conversations unfold over today and tomorrow, the summit will no doubt generate new partnerships, investments, and initiatives. It positions Chicago not just as a venue, but as a blueprint for regional climate transformation in the heartland.
Looking ahead, Aspen Ideas: Climate returns July 20–22, 2025, with Chicago steering the national dialogue toward resilient, equitable, and scalable climate action. From infrastructure to storytelling, governance to youth engagement, the event shines a spotlight on Midwest climate leadership poised to shape American and global responses.
