Enabling people to accelerate nature-based climate action

OVERVIEW

We believe that at this point of global imperative the path forward requires all of us to slow down, recharge, increase our awareness, expand our perspectives, and build deeper relationships so that together we can contribute substantially to bold strategies and positive change.

The Volgenau Climate Initiative (VCI) is a ten-year leadership program committed to catalyzing action towards thriving climate and planetary systems through nature-based solutions that support mitigation, resilience, biodiversity, and equity.

To create the conditions for action, we convene small groups of diverse leaders in intimate retreats that are based in natural settings and designed to galvanize new thinking and strong networks.

APPROACH

Our experience has been that the fastest path to meaningful action often isn’t the shortest. VCI retreats therefore favor slow time, delicious meals, long walks, and significant shifts in perspective in service to our emphasis on vital strategic conversations and real-world impact.

We believe that there is greater potential within and between us than we typically access; that this potential is urgently needed to address the challenges of our time; and that it is through slowing down and connecting that we can leap even further, to where (and who) we need to be next.

Designed by world class facilitators with the aim of creating inspiring, developmental, and generative experiences, each retreat focuses on a key nodal point of climate mitigation that is nature-based, proven, and actionable.

retreats

September 2025

Forests in the Pacific Northwest - details coming soon

October 2025

Climate Finance - details coming soon

November 2025

Healthy Soils - details coming soon

 

THE NEED 

The level of scientific alarm over the state of our climate has rapidly escalated.  Climate related impacts are causing disproportionate suffering, loss, and displacement, and a growing concern about our ability to avert widespread disaster.  At the same time, we face other interconnected threats – loss of biodiversity, a lack of sufficient water in many regions, extreme inequity, and rising political polarization. 

In this context, many groups and leaders feel overwhelmed, and yet we must act quickly.

How might we access the capacities we require to step up to these challenges with the clarity, creativity, and ambition they require?

How might we strengthen our partnerships so that the potential of our impact is exponential?

BACKGROUND

In 2021 Ernst Volgenau, Chair of the Volgenau Foundation, set out to establish a legacy initiative aimed at climate mitigation. In partnership with Betsy Taylor of Breakthrough Strategies and Solutions, VCI was incubated later that year. Betsy agreed to help launch the initiative and led the charge with three initial retreats that tested their theory of change; that in the world today leaders need time and space to step back, broaden their networks, invest in relationships, and work collaboratively to unleash solutions. Very quickly it became evident that not only was this approach highly impactful, but it also filled an important gap amongst climate mitigation efforts. With these critical proof points, the Volgenau Foundation committed funds for a 10-year legacy initiative with the support of a top notch team dedicated to carrying this vision into the future.