Who We Are

The California Collaborative for Climate Change Solutions (C4S) is a world-leading consortium of researchers and technologists from California institutions including the University of California, the California National Laboratories, Stanford University, the California Institute of Technology, the California State University, University of Southern California, as well as government experts, representatives from commercial and non-profit institutions, foundation and donors. Our aim is to work cooperatively to solve climate change for the benefit of people and planet.

An Urgent Problem

Our world has already warmed by 1°C. As of 2017, the stock of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is already large enough to warm the planet by 1.5°C or more.  In about 12 years, there is at least a 50% probability that warming will reach the dangerous threshold of 1.5°C. With unchecked climate emissions, there is about a 5% probability for the climate change problem to morph into an existential threat posing grave risks to all species including people from all nations. Climate risks and impacts are likely to last thousands of years, impacting not only our children and grandchildren, but many future generations. None of us will board a plane that has a 5% risk of crashing, but we are effectively sending our children and future generations on that plane.

The Time to Act is Now

California is becoming the quintessential beacon of hope for the nation and the world. Here, climate-smart  policies are indicating that the supposed trade-off between reduced emissions and economic prosperity does not necessarily hold true. Quite the opposite: job growth and positive disruptions in technology and innovation are working hand-in-hand with sustainable practices in California. Now is the time to lead the world in climate solutions and unleash the California model to other states, nations and the entire planet.