Hey fam,
It’s almost New York Climate Week, which tends to be one of the busiest weeks of the year.
With thousands of events happening all over the city, I thought I would use this week’s newsletter to let you know about some of the most interesting ones I’ve heard of. This is far from a comprehensive list, but instead a collection of some special happenings that stood out to me.
Whether you’re in town or want to tune in virtually, I hope this is helpful to you! We’ll return to our normal newsletter style next week.
Sunday, September 20
Highlight: Climate Film Festival
📍 Multiple
⏰ Multiple
💬 Now in its 3rd year, this event brings together some of the best environmental films and climate cinema. This year they have more than 50 films screening, from stories of frontline resistance to sweeping investigations, global perspectives to bold new visions. This one spans many categories, times, and dates, so check out the schedule for more.
Other events:
To tune in from afar: How to Live on Earth — Global Premiere on YouTube
To create: Street Works Earth Festival
Monday, September 21
Highlight: Narrative Change Summit
📍 SVA Theatre, 333 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011
⏰ 9:30am–7pm
💬 The Narrative Change Summit brings together the companies, nonprofits, and philanthropies working with film and media creatives to engage new audiences. If you’re interested in the cutting edge of sustainability communications and media, this is for you. The Summit is one of the most unique rooms at Climate Week, bringing together filmmakers with entrepreneurs, major studios with creators, journalists with philanthropists, and scientists with leaders in communications and marketing. I might just see you there as I moderate a panel or two in the early afternoon!
Other events:
To laugh: Climate Town & Amy Westervelt Live
To connect: Green Jobs Pavilion
Tuesday, September 22
Highlight: Southern Environmental Law Center*
*This event post is sponsored by SELC
📍Iron 23, 29 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010
⏰ 9am-5:30pm (with breaks)
💬 Why does the U.S. South matter to the climate conversation? Join the Southern Environmental Law Center in person or virtually to hear how Southern communities are responding to data centers, a changing Appalachia, and the need for climate action.
All live events are FREE and open to the public, featuring thought-provoking conversations, Southern food, a photography exhibit, and a showcase of the region we call home. In-person seating is limited and advanced registration is required. Virtual attendees must register separately for each Zoom session; registration for one session does not provide access to the others.
This three-part series centers the South in the climate conversation and includes:
Data Centers: Community-Led Advocacy to Real Solutions (9am-10:30am) SOLD OUT – VIRTUAL ONLY
You can’t talk about data centers without talking about the South. Our region has become the largest hub for these facilities, and communities — from city neighborhoods to rural towns — are feeling the impact. Hear how grassroots organizers are pushing for change not only at the local level but calling for more transparency and national policy action.
Over, Under, and Through: Wildlife Connectivity and Resilience in Appalachia (12:30pm-2pm)
In the heart of the South lies an ancient mountain range — a biodiversity hotspot with species found nowhere else on Earth. Once thought of as a climate haven, it now faces intensifying storms and hotter summers. Learn how communities are responding and building connectivity to help wildlife and people thrive in a changing climate.
Storytelling in the U.S. South: Igniting Climate Action through Art (4pm-5:30pm)
Join us, in partnership with The Bitter Southerner, as we explore the powerful Southern storytelling redefining the region and reimagining what is possible. Hear from musicians, artists, poets and storytellers as they share authentic ways they are using narrative and experience to build more inclusivity into the climate movement.
Other events:
To be surprised: Clams Casino: A Soilpunk Variety Show
To listen: Live recording of the “What If We Get It Right?” podcast
Wednesday, September 23
Highlight: WWF Panda House
📍 Provided upon registration
⏰ Multiple
💬 To get your fill of nature education, attend one of many panels hosted by the World Wildlife Fund to explore how business, finance, policy, and communities are turning nature commitments into conservation outcomes.
Other events:
To spot: Birding & Bagels Bonanza
To experience: Governor’s Island Climate Solutions Showcase
Thursday, September 24
Highlight: City Harvest Rescued Food Repack
📍171 53rd Street, Brooklyn, Brooklyn, New York, 11232
⏰ 10:00am - 12:30pm
💬 You can’t come to the city all week without giving back a little, right? Spend a few hours volunteering with City Harvest to help repackage thousands of pounds of rescued produce from large, bulk containers into family-sized bags that community food pantries can easily distribute to their clients. While you’re onsite, you’ll also have the opportunity to attend an exclusive tour of their warehouse.
Other events:
To transform: Atmos Presents Enchanted Forest
To sing: Climate Karaoke
Friday, September 25
Highlight: Vintage Furniture Store Hop by Home Swap Stories
📍Multiple
⏰ 1-5pm
💬 By taking over 4 vintage furniture stores in Brooklyn, this dynamic multi-location event will be focused on the importance of taking individual action inside your home. Programming includes a panel on being sustainable at home, a Climate Cafe listening circle, and upcycling workshop, and a live podcast recording. And you can get from one location to another by using CLIP, an attachment that clips onto any regular bike to turn it into an e-bike (I have one and I love it!).
Other events:
To slow down: Forest Bathing for Climate
To speed up: Free Central Park Bike Tour
Saturday, September 26
Highlight: Marketplace of the Future
📍 Location05, 450 W 31st St 7th floor, New York, NY 10001:
⏰ Noon-10pm
💬 Across several years of NY Climate Weeks, this has always been one of my favorite events. It’s a take on the World’s Fair, fully focused on climate solutions. Some education, some dancing, and some innovative ideas, all under the same roof.
Other events:
Catch up on sleep :)
Hope to see you at some of these! Make sure you say hi if we cross paths.
And if I missed anything that you think is worth checking out, let everyone know in a comment.
Talk again soon,
- Jacob
This newsletter was written by Jacob Simon. Over 1.5 million people are in our community across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. You can say hi on LinkedIn, or by hitting reply. Brand illustration by Andrea Miralles. Thanks for helping spread some positivity, and see you next week for more.
A few bonus events that have come across my radar since publishing!
Monday: Exposing Plastic Propaganda in Schools (https://luma.com/cdys1456
Thursday: Climate Defiance dinner (https://climatedefiance.givecloud.co/product/3CA7BCC/climate-defiance-fourth-annual-climate-week-dinner)
What events have I missed??
Thank you Jacob and company for giving me life with these updates! The existential dread of being a citizen under this techno fascist regime is soothed by reading what is going well. ❤️