The USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies and the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future (CPF) have teamed up again to take a fresh look at how to break the gridlock preventing action against climate change.

CLICK HERE to watch the video for "Climate Forward 2020"

10 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. PST - Welcome remarks from USC President Dr. Carol Folt and USC Dornsife Dean Amber Miller


10:10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. PST – 1-on-1 Conversation with Tom Steyer and Dr. Joe Árvai

Dr. Joe Árvai - Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies Director, Dana and David Dornsife Professor of Psychology, internationally recognized expert on human judgment and decision-making

Tom Steyer - Founder, NextGen America and climate activist. Tom Steyer left his successful investing business to give his own money, time, and energy to fighting for progressive causes. He joins Joe Árvai to discuss the climate realities the nation is facing alongside voter and broad community engagement leading up to the November election and beyond. Most recently, Steyer was a Democratic presidential candidate and now serves as co-chair for California Governor Gavin Newsom's Business and Jobs Recovery Task Force. He also co-chairs Vice President Joe Biden's Climate Engagement Advisory Council to help mobilize climate voters in November.


10:50 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PST - USC Dornsife Daybreak Poll results on climate change. Learn what this unique national poll reveals about public attitudes regarding climate change and the 2020 election.


11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PST - Climate Change and the 2020 Election

• Michelle Lujan Grisham - Governor of New Mexico, former US Representative (D-NM)
• Bina Venkataraman - Editorial Page Editor, The Boston Globe; Senior Advisor for Climate Change Innovation, Obama Administration
• Christine Todd Whitman - Former New Jersey Governor and Administrator of the  Environmental Protection Agency, Bush Administration

Bob Shrum (moderator) - Director, USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future and Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics
Mike Murphy (moderator) -  Co-Director, Center for the Political Future; Political Analyst for NBC News

This panel will examine the impact climate change has had on primary elections and the 2020 presidential election. We will examine the issue’s relevance to voters during our economic crisis, coronavirus crisis, and racial justice movements.

For questions, email cpf@usc.edu. In partnership with the Rancho Mirage Writers Festival