Our message to leaders from every continent was simple: California has succeeded on climate and clean energy because we've emphasized local, human values and built a coalition that includes community and environmental leaders, working families, and communities of color - as well as unions and progressive business.

The quote by Tom Steyer emphasizes the importance of inclusive, community-driven approaches in achieving climate and clean energy success. Steyer highlights that California’s progress was not solely the result of top-down policies or technological innovation, but of engaging a diverse range of stakeholders. By focusing on local, human values, the state created strategies that resonated with everyday people, ensuring that environmental initiatives were practical, equitable, and widely supported.

Steyer underscores the significance of building a coalition that spans different sectors of society. By involving community and environmental leaders, working families, communities of color, unions, and progressive businesses, California was able to align economic, social, and environmental interests. This collaborative model demonstrates that sustainable solutions require broad participation and the integration of diverse perspectives, rather than relying on a single group or ideology.

The origin of this insight reflects California’s pioneering role in climate policy and renewable energy. The state has long been a testing ground for progressive environmental legislation, from strict emissions standards to incentives for clean energy innovation. Steyer’s quote serves as both a reflection on these successes and a message to global leaders, suggesting that effective climate action must prioritize community engagement and inclusivity as much as technology and regulation.

Ultimately, the quote conveys that achieving lasting environmental progress depends on recognizing and addressing the needs of all stakeholders. By combining human values with collaborative governance, California’s model offers a roadmap for other regions seeking to tackle climate change while promoting social equity and economic opportunity.