It’s been exactly one week since I kicked off Climate Week NYC with the Climate Film Festival, and I’m grateful to have had a few days to catch my breath, follow up with new connections, and reflect on what was an unforgettable second year.
If last year was about conversations and possibilities, this year was about action. Across every panel, screening, and summit, I was in awe of the sheer number of initiatives organizations are undertaking to create real, measurable impact. It was truly ideas in action and I left New York deeply inspired and energized.
The 2nd annual Climate Film Festival and the inaugural Narrative Change Summit were electrifying, proving that storytelling for climate action is in demand. From the powerful films and thought-provoking panels to the conservation leaders in attendance, the message was clear: stories move people, and people move change.
I was equally inspired at the Green Mentors Summit, where Dr. Jennifer Brandon shared her insights on embedding climate and environmental education into classrooms and communities. I learned about groundbreaking innovation in design and architecture, heard Garrett Benisch of Bioforcetech and OurCarbon™ share how circular materials are reshaping the built environment, and discovered innovative platforms like Chilli, where we hosted a special sneak peek of The Paper Bear film.
Midweek brought thought-provoking conversations at The New York Times Climate Forward and Newsweek’s Pillars of the Green Transition events, both of which offered fresh perspectives on climate resilience, policy, and the path forward. Other highlights included the XPRIZE event at the legendary Explorers Club and even a memorable canoe ride through the Gowanus Canal (a hint of a project to come!).
A lot is happening in the world right now, but last week reminded me that while the road ahead is long, we are making progress — together. The momentum is real, and it’s growing. There’s much more to be done, but the action is already underway.
