What We've Done
Photo by Pedro Yuit
Our 30 years of sustainability leadership and innovation
Selected Impact
Government
Drafted and negotiated the first bilateral and regional agreements on climate change, U.S. Department of Energy (Costa Rica, et. al., 1994-97)
Innovators
Scaling innovators Aleph Farms, ByFusion, Capital for Climate, Cauze, and Hempitecture by providing growth strategy and key connections (2020-present)
Industries
Aligned assets with impact at Google including guiding the commitment to carbon neutrality (2007), lobbying for California's Global Warming Solutions Act (AB32, 2006) and launching Google.org’s first climate change project, ReChargeIT (2006-2007)
Orchestrated “Business Climate for Action” at COP16 in support of CEO climate leadership with Coca-Cola, Dow, Duke Energy and FEMSA (2010)
Multilateral
Served as Senior Adviser to the UN Secretary General’s High-level Group on Sustainable Energy for All (2012)
Investors
Authored the first climate change investment policy for a university endowment (Stanford University, adopted by the trustees June 1999)
Built optimized climate impact strategy for major family office to deploy blended capital, both philanthropy and investment, across major climate solutions
Convening
Emcee and moderator, Climate Investment Summit (Copenhagen, September 2021)
Founder and Curator, Sun Valley Forum ( Sun Valley, ID, 2015-present)
Founding Program Chair and Curator, World Climate Summit (Cancún 2010, Durban 2011)
Founding Deputy Chair for Climate Change, Clinton Global Initiative (NYC, 2005-2007)
Milestones Timeline
“Christensen Global is currently collaborating to build the future we need, with innovators including Aleph Farms, Capital for Climate, and Hempitecture, and previously advised ByFusion and Cauze.”
“Founder and CEO, Aimée Christensen served as an evaluator for “Imagine H2O Accelerator 2021.””
“Hosted and curated TEDxSunValley, Countdown a virtual and in-person interactive community viewing of TED Countdown to inspire climate action”
“Officially relaunched Christensen Global following the successful transition of leadership at the, Sun Valley Institute for Resilience.”
“Christensen curated, Sun Valley Forum’s Resilience Now Summer Series, with keynotes by Dr. Mark Hyman, Nemonte Nenquimo, Louis Psihoyos, and Peter Seligmann.
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“Christensen named a 2020 “Woman of the Year” by Idaho Business Review
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“Christensen authored “The time is now,” Idaho Mountain Express”
“Christensen authored “How Can Communities Adapt to a Changing World?” Smith College Smith Alumnae Quarterly”
“Christensen curated the 5th Annual Sun Valley Forum, The Future We Want: Transforming Leadership, Accelerating Innovation and Unlocking Imagination, with keynotes by Dr. Martin Chungong, Meagan Fallone, Jennifer Morris, Robyn O’Brien and John Piotti.
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“Christensen authored “Idaho’s business opportunity: energy resilience,” Idaho Business Review”
“Curated the 4th Annual Sun Valley Forum, Turning Risk Into 2015 Opportunity: Vision l Courage l Innovation, with keynotes by Mark Brand, Hillary Franz, Katherine Neebe and Katharine Wilkinson and Barney Swan
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“Christensen authored “Let’s continue to lead for a better future,” Idaho Mountain Express”
“Christensen curated the 3rd Annual Sun Valley Forum, Resilient Prosperity: The Power of Nature, Technology & Community in a Changing World, with keynote by Michael Brune, Robert Swan (OBE), Jeff Goodell, and Lila Preston”
“Christensen, Founder and CEO, named by the Sun Valley Film Festival an “Idaho Woman in Leadership” for Public Policy Leadership, presented by Zions Bank and Idaho Women in Leadership.”
“Sun Valley Institute for Resilience launches RevUp Blaine program to increase electric vehicle adoption in Blaine County, Idaho.”
“Sun Valley Institute for Resilience launched Solarize Blaine, the first Solarize solar adoption program in Idaho.”
“Christensen joined National Forest Foundation’s board of directors.”
“Christensen curated the 2nd Annual Sun Valley Forum on Resilience, From Risk to Opportunity: Collaboration, Innovation, and Investment for a Resilient World, with a keynote by Paul Hawken, author of Project Drawdown and speakers including Aimee Barnes, Peter Knight, Kathleen Brown, and Nancy Pfund”
“Christensen keynoted Climate Solutions’ 8th Annual Breakfast.”
“Christensen joined the board of directors of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability at Arizona State University.”
“Christensen authored “Action on climate change is critical,” Idaho Mountain Express”
“COP21, Paris France”
At Earth to Paris, hosted by the United Nations Foundation, chaired “Technology for Climate Solutions,” with Paul Bunje, Lead Energy & Environment, XPRIZE, John Woolard, VP of Energy, Google and Adrian Grenier, Actor, Activist & DELL Social Good Advocate
“Christensen authored “Clean Power Plan presents opportunities for Idaho,” Idaho Mountain Express”
“Christensen Global founder founded, hosted and curated the first annual Sun Valley Forum with keynote speaker U.S. Senator Cory A. Booker. The Forum is a yearly gathering of global leaders and innovators, trailblazers and change makers to take action on the most urgent global issues.”
“COP21, Paris France”
Christensen co-curatedClimate & Capital, gathering asset owners and managers to accelerate climate smart investment
“Christensen published, “Guest Opinion: PUC needs to push Idaho Power toward more wind, solar” in Idaho Statesman”
“Christensen co-founded Alpha Solar Group, a woman-owned and operated solar development company.”
“”At Milken Institute Global Conference, Christensen chaired “Saving the World From Us: Strategies for Conservation,” with Academy Award-winning director and producer Kathryn Bigelow, conservationists David Bonderman, Philippe Cousteau and Thomas Kaplan.
“”At Milken Institute Global Conference, Christensen spoke on panel, “Economic Implications of Climate Change,” with the Ambassador of France to the United States, the CEO of The Nature Conservancy and the Editor in Chief of National Geographic.
“At the Skoll World Forum, Oxford, U.K, Christensen chaired “How Fast Can Small Grow? The Case for Solar Power.””
“Christensen joined the Board of Governors of the Andrus Center for Public Policy, Boise State University.”
“Christensen founded the Sun Valley Institute for Resilience to build enduring quality of place and to serve as a model and resource to communities everywhere.”
“Christensen authored “Can Social Business Be a Powerful Tool for Large Corporate Impact for Good?” Huffpost”
“Christensen is founding Divest Invest Individual member”
“Christensen authored “Social businesses: A new source of sustainability innovation,” GreenBiz”
“Christensen authored “Is Green Investing Dead?” Huffpost”
“At the Clinton Global Initiative: Latin America, Christensen curated the “green growth” track, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, December 8-10, 2013.
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“The B-Team launches.”
“”Featured in the Smith College Smith Alumnae Quarterly cover story, Green is Good, as well as the article Climate Maven.
“Christensen joined the advisory board of the Smith Center for the Environment, Ecological Design & Sustainability.
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“Microsoft announces a groundbreaking commitment to carbon neutrality using a global carbon fee.”
“Began advising Microsoft on policy engagement, communications, partnerships, and operational strategies to maximize climate impact.”
“Christensen began serving as Special Advisor to the United Nations Secretary General’s High-level Group on Sustainable Energy For All.”
“Curated the World Climate Summit global gathering of business leaders taking action on climate change alongside the United Nations COP17 talks, Durban, South Africa. Provided remarks regarding the COP17 opportunity for “Harnessing Private Sector Investment in Developing Economies,” Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars.”
“”Christensen named the 2011 Laureate for Exceptional Leadership on Climate Change Solutions by the Hillary Institute of International Leadership
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Joined Fuse Corps’ advisory board.
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Christensen joined The B-Team pre-launch strategy team.
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COP16, Cancun, Mexico
At the inaugural World Climate Summit, served as founding Program Chair and curator of the global gathering of business leaders taking action on climate change
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COP16, Cancun, Mexico
Orchestrated Business Action for Climate 2010, an event headlined by the CEOs of Duke Energy, Dow Chemical, The Coca-Cola Company, and FEMSA to showcase business leadership on climate change
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Christensen named Aspen Institute Catto Fellow for Environmental Leadership by the Aspen Institute
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At COP15 in Copenhagen, CGS established and led the Global Observatory, a climate change communications agency, In collaboration with José Maria Figueres, former president of Costa Rica, and other partners
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To mobilize resources for progress on climate change and clean energy solutions, CGS collaborated with Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Sea Change Foundation, and Simon Roosevelt to convene the Catalyst Dinner for Wall Street leaders with government officials and scientists, Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu, White House Science Advisor John Holdren and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Chair Dr. R.K. Pachauri
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Christensen joined the U.S Department of Homeland Security’s Sustainability and Efficiency Task Force
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CGS began serving as climate policy strategy adviser to Duke Energy Chairman & CEO Jim Rogers including drafting his testimony before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, “Pathways to a Green Global Economic Recovery”
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Carbon War Room officially launches
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At the CGI Annual Meeting, Christensen interviewed Dr. Amory Lovins of Rocky Mountain Institute upon the launch of his book, Reinventing Fire, and moderated a climate solutions discussion among President Grimsson of Iceland, Dr. Lovins, and Dymphna Van Der Lans of the Clinton Climate Initiative
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Christensen elected to the Board of Directors of the American Council on Renewable Energy
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Christensen received the New Leaders Council “40 Under 40 Emerging Leader Award” to honor the work of young, professional leaders who have exemplified political entrepreneurship
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Christensen spoke as a panelist for the “Energy Town Hall” moderated by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm at the Democratic National Convention in Denver”
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Christensen named to the Council on Foreign Relations’ Task Force on Climate Change, which produced Confronting Climate Change: A Strategy for U.S. Foreign Policy
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Christensen conducted environmental briefing for The Elders at their launch in Johannesburg, South Africa
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Began advising Virgin Unite, the purpose arm of the Virgin Group on environmental leadership, and supported the development of several of Sir Richard Branson’s ground-breaking initiatives.”
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Google announced commitment to carbon neutrality as guided by Christensen Global founder ”
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Google.org launches its RechargeIT plug-in hybrid project to advance the electrification of transportation coordinated by Christensen”
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Christensen joined board of directors of ecoAmerica”
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Co-founded the Newark Green Future Network to support then Newark, NJ mayor Cory Booker in greening the city to meet economic, health, and crime objectives
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Representing Google, Christensen successfully lobbied for the California Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32)”
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Christensen joined Google.org as “Climate Maven” to lead energy and environmental strategy for new philanthropic arm of Google”
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Christensen joined the Clinton Global Initiative as Deputy Chair for Climate and Energy to help shape the Annual Meeting agenda, including speakers and development of commitments by corporations, governments, and NGOs”
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Christensen founded Christensen Global Strategies, global sustainability advisory firm as CEO ”
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Christensen contributed to the blog for GRIST Magazine: the GRISTmill
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Christensen authored “Environmental Protection in the United States: A Right, a Privilege, or Politics?” in Human Rights Dialogue 2.11: Environmental Rights
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Christensen began serving as Executive Director of Environment 2004, an environmental political campaign”
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Christensen contributed to “Climate Change and Sustainable Development Committee Annual Report” in the American Bar Association: Section on Environment, Energy and Resources Year in Review
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Christensen contributed to International Environmental Law Committee Annual Report, American Bar Association: Section on Environment, Energy and Resources Year in Review
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Christensen joined Baker & McKenzie as an associate in the Climate Change and Clean Energy Practice Group ”
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Christensen graduated from Stanford Law School”
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While a Stanford Law School student and member of the Stanford Investment Responsibility Advisory Board, Christensen wrote and successfully advocated for the adoption of the first-ever university endowment investment policy on climate change (adopted by Stanford’s Board of Trustees in 1999)”
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Christensen co-authored “Book Review: David Hunter, James Salzman, Durwood Zaelke” in the Spring, 1999 issue of the Stanford Environmental Law Journal
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Christensen began Law School at Stanford Law School”
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Christensen served as liaison between environmental groups and high level U.S. officials during the Second WTO Trade Ministerial and 50th Anniversary of the GATT”
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Christensen authored The Blueprint for Free Trade from Alaska to Chile: An opportunity for the Environment, in ICTSD Bridges, trade news from a sustainable development perspective
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Christensen Joined International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development”
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During Presidential trip to Latin America, United States signed three bilateral agreements on clean energy and climate change cooperation with Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela drafted and negotiated by Christensen”
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Chirstensen named Senior Adviser to the Secretary of Energy”
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Christensen given Award for Special Act or Service, U.S. Department of Energy”
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Central America and the United States sign agreement on climate change cooperation as drafted and negotiated by Christensen”
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Chile and the United States sign agreement on climate change cooperation as drafted and negotiated by Christensen”
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United States and Bolivia sign agreement on climate change cooperation as drafted and negotiated by Christensen”
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Christensen drafted and negotiated the Summit of the Americas hemisphere-wide accord on sustainable energy, launching the Hemispheric Energy Steering Committee, cooperation among 34 nations on energy policies to benefit sustainable development”
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First ever bilateral agreement on climate change is signed at the White House by President Jose Maria Figueres of Costa Rica and Vice President Al Gore, as drafted and negotiated by Christensen and Christiana Figueres”
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Christensen named Schedule C appointee Policy Analyst at the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of International Energy Policy, with a focus on Latin America”
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Christensen joined as Intern for International Issues at the White House Office on Environmental Policy, writing briefing memoranda for Office Director, Vice President Gore, and President Clinton on Latin American development, multilateral development banks, climate change, biodiversity, Haiti, and NAFTA”
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Christensen joined as Special Assistant for the Clinton/Gore Transition Team and edited and coordinated production of Environmental Protection Agency Briefing Book and managed EPA Team offices”
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Christensen spoke as spokesperson for “U.S. Youth at Rio,” introducing Senator Al Gore at his address as head of the U.S. Congressional Delegation”
“Christensen joined the staff of the International Task Force on NGO’s & Social Movements, summarizing thirty non-governmental treaties, providing Spanish and Portuguese interpretation in negotiations”
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Christensen served on the Witness for Peace delegation to Mexico and Guatemala to provide protection to returning Guatemalan refugees”
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Christensen graduated from Smith College with a B.A. and joint major in Latin American Studies/Anthropology”
