Institute for Sustainable Communities

Climate change takes the largest toll on marginalized and disinvested people. These impacts are largely caused by inequalities that increase the risks from climate hazards. Much of the harm is not by accident, but that it is due to the failure of governments to close the development gaps that leave many communities at risk.

Our Mission… is to help communities most threatened by climate change around the world address environmental, economic, and social challenges to build a better future shaped and shared by all.

Our Vision... is equitable policies and decisions, low-carbon economic strategies, and best practices that catalyze investments in climate change mitigation and adaptation, efficient use of energy and natural resources, and a clean, healthy environment.

The Institute for Sustainable Communities facilitates transformative community-driven, climate change mitigation projects in the United States, India, China, Bangladesh and Southeast Asia that address systemic inequalities, extractive capitalism, and the persistent international reliance on fossil fuels which benefit the few at a grave cost to marginalized population groups, workers, public health, and our environment.

Our Approach...We address the root causes of climate change impacts by building community knowledge and skills, strengthening governance, and diversifying the field of sustainability professionals. Our approach incorporates capacity building, technical assistance delivery, knowledge products, climate change action planning and peer learning.