Worldchanging
A global network of writers and designers dedicated to creating a greener, more sustainable future.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
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| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Worldchanging was a nonprofit online publisher that operated from 2003 to 2010, focusing on solutions-based journalism for global sustainability challenges. The organization was founded in San Francisco by journalists Alex Steffen and Jamais Cascio with the premise that the tools and ideas for building a better future were readily available but remained disconnected across various fields. Steffen, an environmental journalist, grew tired of reporting on problems and was motivated to actively find and promote solutions, a journey that culminated in the creation of the Worldchanging platform.
The platform operated as a solutions-based online magazine and blog, publishing thousands of articles from a global network of contributors on topics like green building, sustainable farming, alternative energy, and social innovation. Its mission was to counter cynicism by highlighting practical, existing solutions to the planet's most pressing issues, a philosophy that became known as "bright green environmentalism". The target audience included anyone interested in sustainability, from consumers and activists to professionals in technology and urban planning. As a nonprofit, Worldchanging's business model relied on grants, book sales, speaker fees from its founders, and reader donations.
A significant milestone was the publication of the book, "Worldchanging: A User's Guide for the 21st Century," in 2006. Edited by Steffen with a foreword by Al Gore, the 600-page book served as a compendium of content from the website, winning awards and becoming an international bestseller. The website itself received numerous accolades, including the Utne Independent Press Award in 2004 and multiple Webby Award nominations. Despite its influence, the organization faced fundraising difficulties inherent in its nonprofit model. In November 2010, Worldchanging announced it would cease operations. Its assets were acquired by Architecture for Humanity in September 2011, but the website became unavailable after that organization's subsequent bankruptcy.
Keywords: bright green environmentalism, solutions-based journalism, sustainability, Alex Steffen, Jamais Cascio, online magazine, social innovation, environmental reporting, green building, sustainable cities, climate solutions, nonprofit publisher, futurism, Worldchanging book, global challenges, eco-activism, sustainable development, carbon neutral, environmental futurist, social change
