Roaring Fork Valley | CO Climate Week Kickoff
Colorado Climate Week is coming to the Roaring Fork Valley — and we're kicking it off at RMI in Basalt on Thursday, March 26 from 3–5pm. Happy hour following at the Tipsy Trout in Basalt.
This free public event features two panels: one digging into the climate impacts hitting our region hardest, and another spotlighting local entrepreneurs and investors building and investing in solutions right here in the valley.
Run of Show
3pm: RMI Welcome, Betsy After, Senior Director, RMI
3:15 - 4pm: The Roaring Fork Valley on the Front Lines: Climate Risks and Opportunities Across the Western Slope
The Mountain West is experiencing climate change in real time — from shrinking snowpack and shifting water systems to longer, more intense wildfire seasons. But the region is also emerging as a proving ground for bold, community-driven responses. This panel brings together leaders working across wildfire resilience, clean energy, and water stewardship to explore what's changing on the Western Slope, what's at stake, and where the most promising opportunities lie — from cooperative-scale clean energy and new mitigation strategies to policy advances and ecosystem protection.
Panelists:
Ali Hager Hammond, Aspen Fire Protection District, Director of Wildfire Resilience
Mike Steiner, Holy Cross Energy
Hannah Berman, Sustainability and Philanthropy, Aspen One
Hattie Johnson, Stewardship Director for Colorado and the Southern Rockies, American Whitewater
Heather Tattersall Lewin, Director of Science and Policy, Roaring Fork Conservancy
4:15 - 5pm: Out of the Gate: Building Climate Businesses from the Mountain West
The Western Slope is becoming home to a new wave of climate entrepreneurs — founders turning the region's environmental challenges into viable, scalable businesses. From eco-friendly ski wax to methane-capture building materials to carbon removal and regenerative investment, these companies are proving that climate innovation doesn't have to happen in Silicon Valley. This panel brings together founders and investors who are building and backing climate ventures right here in the Mountain West.
Fireside Chat:
Peter Arlene, CEO & Founder, Mountain Flow EcoWax
Chris Tullar, Strategic Advisor, Woven Earth Ventures
5pm: Happy Hour at Tipsy Trout
Come for the conversation, stay for the happy hour. All are welcome!
The Roaring Fork Valley Climate Week Kickoff is generously supported by Holy Cross Energy. Learn more about Holy Cross Community Programs here.
By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with the organizers of CO Climate Week.