How this country transitioned to run on 99% renewable energy in just five years: “If we can do it, why can’t you?”
It’s an astonishing story: in less than five years, a small South American country shifted their energy production to run on renewable energy – and it was all driven by a little-known scientist with a crazy vision. At the 2025 Mountain Towns 2030 Summit in Breckenridge, Colorado, Dr. Ramón Méndez Galain—Uruguay’s former Secretary of Energy […]
How longtime environmentalist Bill McKibben finds hope in the “Costco of Energy”
Watch the Full Keynote At the 2025 Mountain Towns 2030 Summit in Breckenridge, CO, renowned environmentalist, author, and 350.org founder Bill McKibben delivered a powerful and sobering keynote address, urging mountain communities to act decisively in the fight against climate change. He also shared his hope and optimism about the future, grounded in the rapid […]
Collaboration of the Year: Park City’s Zero Food Waste Restaurant Cohort
At the 2025 Mountain Towns 2030 Summit in Breckenridge, Colorado, Park City, Utah, received the Collaboration of the Year award for its innovative Zero Food Waste Restaurant Cohort — a partnership between the Park City Community Foundation (PCCF), the Park City Chamber Park City Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCCVB)), and national nonprofit […]
City of Hailey, ID Wins “Community of the Year” Climate Action Award at Mountain Towns 2030
At the recent Climate Summit in Breckenridge, CO, Mountain Towns 2030 honored the City of Hailey, Idaho, with its 2025 Community of the Year Climate Action award—recognizing the city’s outsized impact in climate leadership, innovation, and community resilience. Photo Credit: Carol Waller Small Town, Big Climate Wins Hailey was nominated by Eve Preucil, Sustainability Coordinator […]
Mountain towns are leading the way in climate advocacy
“Success in advocacy isn’t measured only by outcomes; it’s about showing up, building trust, and consistently pushing for what matters,” said Bonnie Hickey Director of Sustainability at Bridger Bowl, Montana, at the Mountain Towns 2030 Summit in Jackson, WY, where a distinguished panel of ski industry leaders convened to explore the critical role ski resorts […]
How Jackson, Wyoming built a ‘culture of sustainability’ – saving money and reducing pollution
The goal was simple, but the challenge was significant: cut energy use by 10%, reducing pollution and costs for the town and its residents. But when leaders in Jackson, Wyoming set out to tackle this ambitious goal, it wasn’t just about hitting a number – it was about changing the culture and creating a foundation […]
How leaders in Teton County are supporting local businesses – and creating resilient communities
At the Mountain Towns 2030 Summit in Jackson, WY, a dynamic panel convened to discuss how local organizations are advancing sustainable business practices and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. The session explored the successes of the Sustainable Business Leaders program, a collaboration between the Teton County Integrated Solid Waste and Recycling Department and the […]
“Even small communities can lead the way:” How to drive local climate action through collaboration
When it comes to climate impact, sometimes it takes a village – or ten. EcoAction Partners began with a simple but ambitious idea: create a centralized resource to help rural communities tackle sustainability challenges together. What started as a small nonprofit in Telluride has grown into a regional leader, coordinating efforts across three counties and […]
How to turn HOAs into climate action superheroes: “HOAs have immense power”
Over 75 million Americans live in communities managed by Homeowners Associations, or HOAs – so what if those communities could be activated to take positive climate action? That’s exactly what has happened in one community, creating a model that could benefit neighborhoods, individuals, and the planet. In a presentation at the Mountain Towns 2030 conference […]
How your money can ‘actively shape the world’ – Topo Finance founder challenges individuals, companies, and cities to align banking with values
One of the biggest – and most overlooked – climate solutions is right in front of us: what we do with our money. “The greatest innovation needed to fight climate change isn’t a new electric vehicle or advanced carbon capture—it’s restructuring the way we move and manage money.” That’s Paul Moinester , the founder and […]