Rafe Pomerance was one of the first to understand that climate change is the defining challenge of our time. He spent his life demanding we treat it that way. Today, we mourn his passing.

Over the last five decades, Rafe worked tirelessly to put climate action on the political agenda —inspiring countless environmental advocates in the process. He lobbied policymakers, forged coalitions, and pushed for concrete targets when the political will to act on climate was scarce. Among his many achievements, he helped organize the landmark 1986 U.S. Senate hearings on the greenhouse effect, a notable turning point in public awareness of climate risks. He was a key architect of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, the world’s first major effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. His critical work orchestrating climate action in the U.S. and beyond was documented in the book Losing Earth. 

WRI was privileged to call Rafe a colleague from 1986-1993, but we were just one of many organizations made better by his leadership — Friends of the Earth, the Woodwell Climate Research Center, the Polar Research Board, Arctic 21, American Rivers, the U.S. government and more. 

"Much has been written and will be written about Rafe, as his contribution to the climate movement cannot be overstated,” said Christina DeConcini, WRI’s Director of Government Affairs. “He was a delightful person, who drew people in with his contagious positive energy, his indefatigable passion to push new ideas forward and his generous spirit. I feel privileged to have had him as a colleague, mentor and most importantly, a friend.” 

We are grateful to have been part of Rafe's journey. His vision, persistence and integrity will continue to guide our work and the many changemakers he inspired. For those who knew Rafe or were shaped by his work, we invite you to share a memory or reflection.