Betancourt Group founder joins climate scientists, communications professionals, and journalists to discuss why strategic communication and public engagement must be integrated into climate innovation from the beginning.
NEW YORK, NY — September 24, 2026 — Angela Betancourt, Founder and CEO of Betancourt Group, participated in the Effective Communication for Climate Solutions panel hosted by COMPASS on September 23 during Climate Week NYC 2026. The event convened experts in climate science, communications, journalism, and environmental advocacy to examine the essential role of communication in advancing climate solutions.
Moderated by Heather Mannix of COMPASS, the discussion addressed the often-overlooked need for communications capacity alongside scientific research to ensure emerging solutions are understood, trusted, and inform better decisions.
Betancourt joined panelists Dr. Jennifer Brandon of Wild Beacon Consulting, Anna-Marie Laura of ESP Advisors, Dr. Mallory Ringham of Ebb Carbon, Aparna Shrivastava of Climate Reserve at AGCI, and independent climate and science journalist John Upton.
The panel discussed how scientists, communications professionals, journalists, funders, and policymakers can collaborate to strengthen public engagement, especially when scientific evidence is still emerging, and additional investment is required to advance climate solutions.
For Betancourt, whose firm specializes in strategic communications for organizations advancing environmental and social impact, the discussion highlighted a key challenge in the climate sector: ensuring communications and stakeholder engagement are recognized as essential to innovation, not as afterthoughts.
“It was an honor to participate in this conversation alongside such an accomplished group of scientists, communications professionals, and journalists,” said Betancourt. “One of the most important things we can do to advance climate solutions is ensure that communication and engagement are part of the process from the very beginning, rather than an afterthought.”
The event attracted significant interest, with a standing-room-only audience and a waitlist double the room’s capacity, highlighting the demand for deeper discussions on science communication and the resources required to support this work.
Panelists explored the evolving climate communications landscape, the need to invest in communications expertise, and opportunities to enhance collaboration across disciplines.
Highlighting the Importance of Independent Journalism
Betancourt also highlighted the importance of independent journalism by wearing a sweater from a collaboration between Lingua Franca and The Guardian that supports this cause.
This choice reflected a broader theme of the discussion: the vital role journalists and communicators play in helping audiences navigate complex scientific issues, access credible information, and engage in conversations shaping the future of climate action.
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