Pacific Institute staff bring passion, smarts, creativity, and a desire to have a measurable impact in communities to the work that they do and the partnerships they form. As a partner who has worked closely with the Pacific Institute to explore the impact of climate change on water and wastewater systems I have witnessed first-hand the professionalism and expertise they bring to a conversation and a project. They are the type of partner organizations like mine want to work with, and we look forward to finding and creating opportunities to continue our partnership.
I was introduced to the Pacific Institute through an initiative they are leading called the California Water Resilience Initiative. As a public affairs and communications consultant supporting the CWRI, I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with the Pacific Institute over the past two years. I can confidently say they are a highly skilled and effective organization working in California’s water space today. Their team brings deep content expertise and credibility, and they’ve uniquely positioned themselves as a trusted convener of the private sector on water issues – something essential to the state’s long-term water future. During our initial engagement in 2023 with the launch of the CWRI, it quickly became apparent that they are collaborative, mission-driven partners with a firm grasp of California’s complex water policy landscape. Their work is not just thoughtful – it’s catalytic.
The Pacific Institute is a top-tier nonprofit leading the way on water sustainability, climate resilience, and environmental equity—not just globally, but with especially important impact in California. Their research is innovative, forward-thinking, and helps informs how the state and local governments manage and plans for a more efficient and resilient water future. They dive deep into complex issues—like water reuse, stormwater capture, and urban water efficiency—and translate that work into clear, accessible recommendations that help drive smart policy and real-world solutions.
The staff is extremely knowledgeable - always ahead of the curve - and great to collaborate with. California is better prepared for the future because of Pacific Institute’s work.
I have been interacting with the Pacific Institute since the mid 1990s on a variety of topics ranging from Environmental Management Systems Standards to the current efforts around valuation of ecosystem services from nature-based solutions. The PI team is, and has always been, incredibly well-informed, objective, cooperative, and open-minded. PI is willing to work with other sectors to enact change and progress with collaboration-nor confrontation- being the path forward. Their credibility is validated by their role as secretariat for a number of global efforts.
For over 30 years, the Pacific Institute has been providing hope by identifying and advancing water solutions — from championing access to water and sanitation as a human right, to the first published research on water and climate change, to leading global corporations to becoming better water stewards. I know of no other organization that has done more for water sustainability. With a new strategic plan, they are positioned to achieve their 2030 goal to catalyze the transformation to water resilience in the face of climate change. This is an organization that punches way above its weight!
As an editor of Pacific Institute reports, I have the opportunity to read about all the critical work this organization does. The depth and range of their research, analysis, and guidance on water issues is truly breathtaking. From corporate water stewardship and municipal stormwater management to basin-scale and international water policy, the Pacific Institute brings a vast range of expertise, experience, and strategic acumen to their work. They bring a systems approach to the world's water challenges, considering all stakeholders and incorporating the full range of associated benefits and needs, and always remain focused on delivering the best outcomes to people on the ground. They have an incredible team that produces incredible results.
Having collaborated with the Pacific Institute for over a decade as a graphic designer, I've witnessed firsthand their evolution and dedication to impactful research.
The Institute's research spans a dynamic spectrum, addressing not only water conservation but also treatment, access, and human rights. Their studies are not merely theoretical; they offer practical recommendations and tangible value, influencing policies and practices globally.
What sets the Pacific Institute apart is their genuine appreciation for team and stakeholder input, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives shape outcomes. It's been motivating to contribute to an organization that not only values research excellence but also strives for real-world effect.
I joined the Board of The Pacific Institute after observing first-hand their impact on global water resilience through their leadership of Water Resilience Coalition. The quality of their team, the depth and breadth of their insight, and the power of their influence and partnerships drive results.
PI turns insight into action. For more than three decades, they have amassed tremendous expertise and translated this insight into results by: 1) Pioneering breakthrough research, 2) Partnering with decision-makers and implementers to turn insights into powerful policies and practices, and 3) Convening critical influencers such as global corporations and governing agencies to elevate ambitious goals and accelerate action.
In my work within a global water nonprofit, I first encountered The Pacific Institute through a consulting engagement on the links between water and climate. The insights they shared expanded our work. Over three years, I witnessed their leadership in convening and leading the CEO Water Mandate (a part of United Nations Global Compact) and establishing the Water Resilience Coalition. PI is playing a lead role in catalyzing the transformation to resilience.
Water is our most precious - and transformative - resource. Water access and resilience are critical to advancing equity, addressing poverty, enabling gender equality, and accelerating access to education. PI is a key leader in helping us realize these critical ambitions.
Collaborating with PI has been a one of my career highlights. Their dedication to water stewardship is palpable and genuine philanthropy fills their halls. Having seen them in action across many projects, presentations, and collaborations I can only marvel at their commitment to the the cause, their integrity as a partner, and their ability to execute on commitment. I look forward to reading their continued headlining success.
The team at Pacific Institute are stellar. An incredible group of people that are focused on water conservation.
We, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, started our journey with them on a pioneer toilet sensor project where 1198 toilet sensors were installed at 8 of our largest Asset Management properties and we have not looked back.
Pacific Institute helped us connect with stakeholders that share a common goal of water conservation. Like clockwork, they continue to monitor our water consumption data and provide us regular reports on our water savings efforts at our properties. They are in line with our agencies mission to conserve water and are helping us all save the planet.
I have benefitted from the Pacific Institute's work in several ways over the years. First, they are a leader in producing actionable research on water policy and equity, in CA and globally. So I have simply learned a lot from their work and referred others to do it. Second, I have worked with them on several occasions, both formally and informally. They are very collegial and collaborative, and clearly have a good reputation in the broader field from my interactions. They also spend their funds well from what I have observed.
Professionals in the field of water resources management rely on the Pacific Institute for thoughtful, well-researched, insightful analysis on the most important topics of our day. From bottom to top, the organization is staffed with leading experts and emerging rock stars. I have worked on several projects with PI staff and found them to be professional, knowledgable and highly skilled. I highly recommend Pacific Institute as a resource and as a partner.
Pacific Institute is one of the few nonprofits whose impact is felt across national borders. Peter Gleick, the founder, is an institution by himself, but he has also cultivated leadership that is now taking the organization forward. Every product that comes from the Institute is well thought out, researched, and impactful. It is an organization worthy of your donation.
I have worked extensively with the Pacific Institute team on numerous important water security and collective action issues. I am continually impressed with the intellectual capacity, expertise, and professionalism of this team. Pacific Institute continues to provide critical leadership through data, transparency, convening, and innovation in the water space. They play an essential role in supporting and guiding progress and strategy needed to solve our most pressing water challenges.
I've been a Trustee for a 501(c)3 charity for 10 years, have studied 100s of Form 990s for dozens of charities, including Pacific Institute I've heard Peter Gleick speak and followed his work, which earned him membership in the National Academy of Sciences. Pacific Institute is a well-run, especially-transparent charity that does what it says it does and does very useful things. On the other hand, the January 13 appearance of bjwallace2 might have something to do with a January 12 attack on Gleick by James M. Taylor, featured on the first page: "Global warming alarmist Peter Gleick picked a fight with Heartland at Forbes.com. Our James M. Taylor bloodies Gleick's nose with his rebuttal column at the same publication." That's http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamestaylor/2012/01/12/please-global-warming-alarmists-stop-denying-climate-change-and-science/ Taylor trained as a lawyer, not a scientist. Heartland has been funded by tobacco and petroleum companies and especially conservative family foundations, none of whom are keen about funding transparency.
I am always dismayed when credible and transparent organizations are assaulted with baseless charges by anonymous posters who disagree with the work done by the Pacific Institute. It is my experience that commenters like the one who challenged the Institute on its transparency and leveled defamatory claims, are simply substituting ideology for knowledge. Knowledge, in this particular case, available on the very website he or she disparaged. Critics who defame with no facts or evidence are merely frightened that science will force them to recant long-held beliefs. Changing their minds may not be possible. To concurrent studies had concluded that some people are so ignorant that they don't know they are ignorant.
All financials, federal tax forms, the independent audit, and complete list of donors are posted on their website.
The Pacific Institute brings solid science and rigorous research methods to matters related to the human use of water. Their research covering impacts on local communities ranges from the US to communities in places like Indonesia. At the other end of the spectrum, they are involved in helping some of the world's largest multinationals to become better stewards of water resources. I have been a board member for many years, and I am continually impressed by the innovative approaches the Institute takes to these cruicially important issues. But they are not just detached researchers. To the person, the staff wants to make the world a better place, and they work tirelessly to support change in the right direction.
As an impacted resident of West Oakland, Pacific Institute as been in the front of many "think tank institute" which has reach out to all sort of people to train and education the power of research and data collection. Water issues have been a the PI primary work, this organization has supported the underserved people with information and knowledge base more so that local, state and federal government to positive change most needy communities. Thank you Pacific Institute.
I have been formally affiliated with the Pacific Institute for three years but aware of its outstanding contribution to understanding global water issues and the challenge of fostering a sustainable and equitable planet for well over a decade. The core strength of the Institute is its capacity to do innovative research in the context of human values--serving all humanity. The work has policy and community impact --achieving all three (research, policy, community impact) at the highest standard.
The organization is well run, collaborative, fiscally conservative and responsible, and creative in program design and goals.
The Pacific Institute is a model for non-profit research organizations desiring to make an impact.
Joan Diamond
I collaborated with the Pacific Institute (PI) for ten years as a senior governmental environmental official in California. PI was one of the first credible voices supporting multi-issue sustainability thinking. They continue to support these ideas through local and international programs. Now as a Board member I have come to appreciate an incredibly talented staff and an inspired leader in Peter Gleick. In a time populated with anti-science and anti-knowledge voices, the work of PI has become even more valuable
Pacific institute is a great resource tool for my sustainability class because it provided me with inifnite amount of information on the conservation of water use in businesses practices and personal use. I've read many of the articles posted on the website and have cited many of the excerpts from multiple publications in my report. The publications were very well-detailed and concise, giving the readers a sense of urgency to demand change in the way we use water. I would definitely recommend this website to anyone who wants to know more about water conservation and how it can change our lives for the better.
The Pacific Institute is one of the most well-known and respected sources of environment and sustainable development research and policy analysis. Pacific Institutes' legislative role is absolutely vital as a non-biased source to inform the public and the private sector of their impact on the environment. With many needed changes in the world, Pacific Institute is created SPECIFICALLY to help find SOLUTIONS for environmental injustices, especially when the affected communities' (such as the Central Californians affected by the nitrate contamination in their drinking water) voices aren't being heard. THANK YOU Pacific Institute.
Cette organisation mériterait d'être plus reconnue de par le monde, car elle pourrait permettre de faire prendre conscience de l'importance de l'eau aujourd'hui. Il est essentiel de comprendre que si rien n'est fait maintenant, les répercussions seront dramatiques pour les générations futures.
Les rapports de Pacific Institute méritent donc cette reconnaissance non seulement en Californie, mais aussi en Europe (d'où je viens) et de par le monde.
Continuez votre très bon travail!
A study from the Pacific Institute was shown to me by a friend recently and it made me think twice about just assuming tap water in California was perfectly safe. The study, "Human Costs of Nitrate-contaminated Drinking Water in the San Joaquin Valley," really opened my eyes as to what is happening in our state and the detrimental conditions some counties in California have to endure. Having both family and friends littered throughout the San Joaquin Valley, I've made sure to share this invaluable study to all my loved ones who still call the middle of California home so that they may also be aware and take the precautions necessary to lead healthier lives.
The Institute is the operating arm of the CEO water mandate (agenda by the UN Global Compact) and continues to be one of the most influential standards-setting bodies in the International Organization for Standardization. Their influence in Corporate Accountability Standards has pushed water to the forefront of many global companies. Reducing water by the millions of gallons? Yes please! They definitely deserve recognition for their work greening the corporate world.
The Pacific Institute is making great strides in informing the public about the importance of water conservation and treatment. Living in California for most of my life, I never truly had to worry about drought affecting my daily activities. Since following Pacific Institute on Facebook, I have learned many scientifically backed truths about water that impact the public. For example, the article for efficiency against desalination really struck a chord, because it just makes sense scientifically and economically. Peter Gleick's efforts in exposing problems in our water supply are indispensable. This information is essential for public knowledge to help preserve our water so that we can continue to have 'quality and quantity' for generations to come. I am glad we have this great non-profit to watch our backs.
The Pacific Institute continues to be a thought leader on issues of water, particularly in CA. Their report on the 2010 waterbond provided evidence necessary for legislators to effectively plan out CA water management and reassess proposed policies. The people who work here approach water management in a meticulous and non-partisan way, working to improve and sustain CA water for future generations. Enjoy and appreciate their work!
The work the Community Strategies Program has done in West Oakland and the Contra Costa County has positively affected the health and sustainability of these communities. The CSSJ Program's combined effort with other environmental advocacy and social justice groups has provided the resources to educate community members and make changes in Freight Transport regulations and policy. Thanks for cleaning up the neighborhood!
Pacific Institute's work in the international communities have empowered women and increased access to clean water for several communities in India, etc. Their collaboration with other sustainable non-profits abroad deepens the understanding and knowledge gained from community surveys and they continue to be one of the world's leading green non-profits in the water sector. Kudos to them, keep up the good work PI!
I became familiar with the Pacific Institute in 2010 when working on a research paper regarding water quality in California. PI's work became a reoccurring reference for me, and I was impressed (and envious) of their robust research. President Peter Gleick is a leader in the field, and I am happy to know that his team is dedicated to protecting our most precious resource.
With water shortages becoming more prevalent in developing areas, it has become crucial to find real-world solutions to these issues. Pacific Institute has already helped reduce water stress in low-income communities and has become a key part of leading the world into a new era of sustainability. Despite their small team, they have reached around the world to recommend solutions and took aim an correcting environmental injustice. I'm highly pleased with the work that Pacific Institute has accomplished and continues to accomplish to create a more sustainable environment for our world.