Recent Announcements

In our unwavering battle against global climate change, we are fortunate to claim some of today’s most innovative and pioneering leaders as fighting on our team. Among them are Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor Jerry Brown, California Senator Kevin De Leon, Mary Nichols, Dr. R.K. Pachauri, Lisa Jackson and Ed Begley Jr. It was very fitting that these pioneers came together on September 8,2014.

As leaders from across the globe prepare to gather at the United Nations Climate Change Conferences, COP20 and COP21, On September 8th, 2014 the leaders of California gathered at an important symposium to review the various policies that have placed California at the forefront of addressing climate change, and explored what lessons have been learned to share at the UN Conferences and other subnational convenings.

California has and will continue to prioritize the issue of climate change for many reasons: 1) The scientific research is conclusive 2) To protect the health of our citizens and our communities. 3) To remain competitive in the global economy 4) The economic cost of climate change demands action now. The following is a partial list of relevant research, reports and studies.

Governor Schwarzenegger fought for political reforms that took the power away from the politicians and returned it to the people. When voters passed two reforms; Open Primary; and Redistricting, the hope was that this would put an end to gerrymandering, and lead to more competition and less political gridlock.

When asked what young people can do to fix their government in the face of crippling gridlock, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger urged the crowd to look no further than the work of USC’s own students. The discussion took place as the USC Schwarzenegger Institute convened a symposium titled Government and Leadership: People Over Politics. The symposium featured two provocative conversations with advocates from across the political spectrum in support of a common goal: to fight political gridlock and make democracy work for the people.