The Cleveland Climate Institute (CCI) is a nonprofit research and innovation hub dedicated to building resilient communities in the face of climate change. Rooted in Cleveland's history of education, manufacturing, and its legacy as the Forest City, we are committed to advancing practical, community-driven solutions.
We believe that for people to thrive, they need five essentials: fresh food, clean water, shelter, community and purpose. These pillars guide our work as we bring residents, researchers, and organizations to design and test solutions that strengthen local resilience.
Our mission is to create a space where ideas from all parts of the community can grow into real solutions. Whether sparked by a student, a neighborhood group, or a local innovator, we believe good ideas can come from anywhere and that they should be supported, tested and shared to benefit everyone.
Fresh Food
We support research and innovation in urban farming, soil health, and regenerative practices. From hydroponics and aquaponics to open data on food security, we work to ensure every neighborhood has access to climate-smart nutrition.
Clean Water
We deploy sensor networks to monitor Lake Erie, Doan Brook, and stormwater systems while sharing open data dashboards on lead, flooding, and pollution. Our work advances water justice and equitable access to clean water for all.
Shelter
We study how climate change impacts Cleveland’s housing stock and partner on pilot projects for cooling, flooding prevention, and energy efficiency. Our goal is resilient, affordable, and sustainable housing for the future.
Purpose
We believe climate action should bring meaning as well as solutions. Through education, creativity, and storytelling, we highlight hope and innovation, helping people find purpose in shaping a better future.
Community
We build citizen science workshops and collaborative projects with schools, libraries, and neighborhood groups. Our platforms center community voices in shaping priorities and ensure that solutions come from the ground up.
Cleveland is a city of resilience. From its industrial past to its ecological future, it stands a s place where innovation and community come together. By starting here, we believe we can model a practical and community-driven approach to climate resilience rooted in Cleveland, designed to be shared across Ohio and beyond.