Will Hackman

Will Hackman is a Conservation Advocacy Expert and Climate Advocate, Campaign Advocacy Professional, Global Environmental Issue Advocate.

He is author of Radically Reframing Climate Change: A Guide to Saving Ourselves (Bloomsbury Academic, 2026). An inspirational guide to discussing and fighting climate change for millennial and Gen Z voters that cuts through the usual myths and scare tactics to provide practical advice.

During the 2010 and 2012 election cycles, Will served as a political fundraiser and campaign manager on four federal races for the U.S. House and Senate as well as a gubernatorial campaign. In 2013, he joined the public sector conservation community as a marine fisheries conservation advocate.

Will first developed a love for the ocean as a commercial Alaskan salmon fisherman during the summers while in college. He later completed a season commercially fishing for Alaskan Bering Sea crab — one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Since 2013, Will has served as a senior strategist building advocacy campaigns and advancing public policies related to ocean and land conservation as well as clean energy and the environment.

Will spent years defending Alaska’s Tongass National Forest from industrial logging – the U.S.’s largest national forest and one of the world’s largest temperate rainforests; worked with local and indigenous communities across the western U.S. on public land and river conservation efforts; helped strengthen fuel-efficiency regulations for cars and trucks; helped pass major bipartisan legislation to combat illegal pirate fishing, and has engaged in international marine fisheries conservation efforts around the world.

Will also attended four United Nations climate change conferences and is a contributing author on energy, environmental, and climate change topics for print and online media. Will is a frequent climate policy expert voice online and in the media and has been interviewed on several climate change-related podcasts, and filmed a TEDx in 2022 on stage in DC challenging us to reframe our climate conversations. 

Will graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and received his Master’s in Public Policy from Georgetown University’s McCourt School in 2018. His graduate thesis was on the role of U.S. federal tax credits in stimulating growth in domestic solar installations. Will lives in the Washington, DC region and enjoys leading weekend trips for an outdoor adventure guiding organization he founded.

Connect with Will on LinkedIn.

Reviews of Radically Reframing Climate Change

“Mobilizing the huge bloc of younger voters in the service of the common good-and of their own-may be key to surviving the decades ahead. This book comes through with some interesting notions about how that might be done!” ―Bill McKibben, author, Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization

“Will Hackman has given us a vital manual for our time: urgent without despair, practical without naiveté, and deeply human throughout. By reframing climate change not as an abstract planetary crisis but as a profoundly personal and political challenge, he opens the door to agency, solidarity, and lasting change. This book is a rallying call for Millennials, Gen Z, and indeed all of us who refuse to give up on a livable, thriving future.” ―Christiana Figueres, founding partner, Global Optimism and former executive secretary, UN Convention on Climate Change

“Hackman offers practical, effective strategies for fighting climate change even in times of intense polarization and partisanship. For anyone wondering how to actually make a difference on climate issues, this book is for you.” ―Kelly Ward Burton, former executive director, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and former president, National Democratic Redistricting Committee

“Radically Reframing Climate Change is a timely and transformative guide that speaks directly to the next generation of climate leaders. Will Hackman masterfully cuts through the noise-dispelling myths, challenging fear-based narratives, and offering a hopeful roadmap for meaningful action. This book provides practical strategies for personal, community, and national engagement, and reframes the climate crisis as a shared opportunity to build a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future. A must-read for anyone ready to turn climate anxiety into meaningful impact.” ―Chris Castro, former chief of staff, State and Community Energy Programs, Department of Energy and executive vice president, Climate First Bank

“Talking about climate change is hard, but this book makes it easier and more effective. With sharp insights and strategies grounded in real campaign experience, Will Hackman equips readers to cut through myths, engage skeptics, and reenergize believers. From kitchen-table conversations to national movements, Hackman shows how anyone can reframe climate change as a human story and build momentum for bold solutions.” ―Ben Nuckels, Democratic strategist

“Radically Reframing Climate Change offers an inspiring message of engaged optimism and active hope for an emerging movement of millions across the Gen Z and Millennial generations who care deeply about the environment and are ready to make a positive difference in the world. Hackman's book is alive with insightful interviews, fresh ideas, and accessible practices for responsible growth in creating a place where everyone can flourish together and find a deeper sense of purpose.” ―Blake Hestir, PhD, director and cofounder, The Mind Body Ecology Institute and professor of philosophy, Texas Christian University

“Will Hackman hits the nail on the head with his book on empowering the climate voter. He shows, through his real-world experiences, that everyone has a role to play in helping combat one of the most pernicious threats to humanity. The book is timely and insightful- highly recommended!” ―Ken Rait, former public lands campaign director

“More now than ever before, we must understand that radical optimism isn't wistful or delusional-it's a practice, and one we must keep showing up for. The future we'll wake up to 5, 10, 25 years from now, depends on the narratives we shape today and how willing we are to show up to make them a reality. This book is an important reminder that we not only have the ability to shape that future in our minds, but that there are practical and necessary steps we can take to shape it daily. Hackman brings invaluable insights from years of experience working in politics and public engagement, and this is your guide to make the most of your time here on Earth.” ―Anne Therese Gennari, author, The Climate Optimist Handbook: How to Shift the Narrative on Climate Change and Find the Courage to Choose Change

“Regardless of what you think or where you fall on the political spectrum, Will Hackman has written a book that will make you pay attention, sit up, and take notice.” ―Craig Shirley, President Reagan biographer and presidential historian

“Will Hackman is an experienced organizer and fluid writer. Radically Reframing Climate Change provides timely, positive ideas for thinking anew about public engagement to improve the lives of current and future generations. Anyone interested in exploring an optimistic vision for solving the climate crisis should read this book.” ―Phyllis Cuttino, president and CEO, The Climate Reality Project