Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.

Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder

Aspen Ideas: Climate Unveils 2026 Agenda — 60+ Sessions of Bold Solutions Converge on Chicago This July

CEO’s, governors, scientists, and activists join in practical discussions to tackle our collective environmental challenges. Press can apply for free credentials here.

July 8, 2026 Chicago, IL — This week, Aspen Ideas: Climate announced its agenda for the premier three-day conference in Chicago. Back in the Windy City for a second year, this event will feature solutions-oriented conversations between leaders across industries, all working  to solve today’s most critical energy and environmental challenges.

Guests can expect frank discussion on energy security, the clean energy transition, and public trust. Beyond the conference hall, Aspen Ideas: Climate will also lead excursions to iconic Chicago landmarks like the Obama Presidential Library, Wrigley Field and a kayak tour with the Shedd Aquarium. Space is limited. Sign ups for excursions open for attendees on July 13th. More information on our agenda.

See the full agenda here.

Speakers include:

  • JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois
  • Ernie Moniz, Founder & CEO, EFI Foundation, former United States Secretary of Energy
  • Rainn Wilson, Actor, Author, Podcaster, ClimateBase
  • Valerie Jarrett, CEO, The Obama Foundation
  • Tom Wilson, CEO, Allstate
  • Cristina Mittermeier, Biologist and Photographer, SeaLegacy
  • Rick Bayless, Award-winning chef, restaurateur, TV host, and cookbook author
  • Abre’ Conner, Director, Center for Environmental and Climate Justice
  • Kate Marvel, Senior Scientist, Project Drawdown and Author, ​​Human Nature: Nine Ways to Feel About our Changing Planet

See the full speakers list here.

FOR MEDIA: Journalists interested in attending Aspen Ideas: Climate are invited to apply for press credentials here. Questions regarding video and audio recordings, photographs, attribution, and transcript requests should be directed to Senior Associate for Media Relations Ben Berliner at [email protected].

For more information on the event, program tracks, and speakers, please visit: https://www.aspenideas.org/pages/aspen-ideas-climate. Additional programming and speaker announcements will be shared in the coming weeks. 

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The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners.