ABOUT:
Hosted by the Aspen Institute in partnership with the Chicago Climate Corps (C3), this multi-day event convenes policymakers, scientists and academics, business and NGO leaders, industry experts, artists, and emerging leaders for a series of dialogues that educate, inspire, and drive climate action.
July 20–22, 2026 will mark the fifth annual Aspen Ideas: Climate. Following three successful years in Miami Beach that drew thousands of participants from around the world, our inaugural Aspen Ideas: Climate Chicago in 2025 welcomed 1,350 attendees over four days, firmly establishing the Midwest as a hub for climate action. In its fifth year, we expect an even larger coalition of leaders, innovators, and thinkers to gather in Chicago for our most impactful convening yet.
WHY CHICAGO?
In 2025, city leaders highlighted commitments to power municipal facilities with 100% renewable energy, investments in community-centered climate programs, and projects strengthening a growing green workforce and research ecosystem. The 2025 event drew strong enthusiasm locally, nationally, and globally, and demonstrated that Chicago is a powerful hub for sustainability, innovation, and implementation.
The true legacy of the gathering was found not only in plenaries and panels, but in the projects launched, partnerships forged, and momentum carried forward. City leaders highlighted commitments such as powering municipal facilities with 100% renewable energy, investing in community-centered climate programs, and strengthening a growing green workforce and research ecosystem.
In 2026, Aspen Ideas: Climate will continue to call upon this deep bench of leaders while reaching further into expertise across the Midwest, the country, and the globe, bringing bold ideas to a community actively turning ambition into measurable climate impact.
* $1,500 tax deduction
** Private Event Details to Come
*** Price Subject to Change
Driving change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the greatest challenges of our time.
Chicago Climate Corps (C3) unites rising climate leaders aged 25-40 to accelerate regional climate action. C3 is helping to establish Chicago and the Midwest as a global hub for climate innovation and leadership.