NY Climate Tech: Apr 29 - May 5
Urban forests, renewables, LCAs, insurance, nuclear, novelist talks, and more upcoming events
Hi all,
We think of NYC as a concrete jungle, but it’s really an urban forest. Over 7 million trees cover 22% of the city, reducing heat, improving air quality, reducing flooding, and just generally making the city a nicer place to live. Last week, the city announced its Urban Forest Plan 2025 to bring tree cover to 30% of the city, with a number of community kickoff events coming up: get involved and register here.
In less hopeful news, last week’s executive order to open up deep sea mining is a terrible blow to biodiversity, world ecosystems, and human health. We know so little about the deep ocean, and mining processes will be opaque and deeply destructive. Just last year we learned that the deep sea is a completely novel (to us) source of oxygen, and we’ve long known that the ocean is one of the world’s greatest carbon sinks. Keep tabs on this one!
Now without further ado, here are our picks for the week:
Today bask in the Spring sun at ☀️ Renewables UnWind New York
Tomorrow check out the heavy-hitting speakers at 🌍 Global Citizen NOW: NYC ($$), talk LCAs at Newlab at 📈 Boundless is Better or dive into our favorite “boring” topic at 🌧️ Worsening Disasters and the Global Insurance Protection Gap
Thursday recharge with 🔌 The Evolving Global Energy Landscape: Energy Transition to Energy Addition or talk nuclear power and circularity at ⛏️ From Mining to Recycling: Challenges in the Nuclear Fuel Cycle
It’s also the PEN World Voices Festival, and climate fiction is on stage:
📚 The PEN and the State: The Role of Novelists in Times of Crisis: Wed, Apr 30
📖 After The Fall: Post-Apocalyptic Novels: Fri, May 2
✍️ Words for the Planet: Writers Confronting the Climate Crisis: Sat, May 3
As always, scroll down for the full list of events.
Cheers,
Alec, Sonam, and the Climate Tech Cities team
This Week’s Events
Tuesday, April 29
🎨 From Vision to Action: Artists at the Forefront of Climate Conversations: Tue, Apr 29
🌱 Ecosystem Builders & Leaders in Impact: Happy Hour: Tue, Apr 29
🐾 What’s Left for the Animals? On Multispecies Politics and Anticapitalism: Tue, Apr 29
🏙️ City of Yes: Zoning & Industry Training with NYC DOB: Tue, Apr 29
🌍 Sustainability Graduate Programs Final Capstone Briefings: Spring 2025: Tue, Apr 29
☀️ Renewables UnWind New York: Tue, Apr 29
⚡ Energy tech Founder Meetup: Tue, Apr 29
Wednesday, April 30
🌍 Global Citizen NOW: NYC: Wed, Apr 30
🏘️ UPSTREAM 2025: Wed, Apr 30
🌧️ Worsening Disasters and the Global Insurance Protection Gap: Wed, Apr 30
📈 Boundless is Better: Wed, Apr 30
📜 Climate Knowledge, Science Skepticism, & White Supremacy in Southern Africa: Wed, Apr 30
🌿 Gowanus Art Walk & Climate Talk with Gotham SideWalks: Wed, Apr 30
🌱 Empowering Change: The Intersection of Business, Nonprofit & Sustainability: Wed, Apr 30
📚 The PEN and the State: The Role of Novelists in Times of Crisis: Wed, Apr 30
Thursday, May 1
🔌 The Evolving Global Energy Landscape: Energy Transition to Energy Addition: Thu, May 1
🎲 Climate Game Night at Eat Offbeat (Chelsea Market): Thu, May 1
📊 Data In Power - NYC Event: Thu, May 1
⚛️ Future of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle: Thu, May 1
⛏️ From Mining to Recycling: Challenges in the Nuclear Fuel Cycle: Thu, May 1
Friday, May 2
🌱 CASE Hosts 2025 Spring Open House: Fri, May 2
🌍 Harnessing Climate Data + Modeling to Impact Societal Sectors: Fri, May 2
☄️ After The Fall: Post-Apocalyptic Novels: Fri, May 2
Saturday, May 3
🌿 Plants to the People: Sat, May 3
🌊 Riverlandia: An Immersive Sound Story Experience + Author Q&A: Sat, May 3
✍️ Words for the Planet: Writers Confronting the Climate Crisis: Sat, May 3
📝 Poet-tree in Motion: Writing Through Climate Anxiety: Sat, May 3
🚶♂️ Jane's Walk 2025: Sustainable Walking Tour of the East Village: Sat, May 3
Sunday, May 4
🌱 Living Soils Rising - Sunday May 4: Sun, May 4
Monday, May 5
🌆 Cam Brewer presents Nature-First Cities: Mon, May 5
Community Shoutouts
🌈 Queer Decarbonization Summit
On June 23-25, 2025 (Hudson Valley, NY), join LGBTQ+ professionals across climate investment, corporate sustainability, renewable energy, building decarbonization, and carbon removal. The program includes introductions, curated breakouts, and forest walks. The venue is a beautiful former monastery nestled in nature just outside of NYC. Confirmed participants include leaders from Galvanize Climate Solutions, Generate Capital, Aligned Climate Capital, EQT Partners, Persefoni, Heirloom, and Invenergy.
👩🔬 SOSV Biomanufacturing VC-Founder Matchup
As global demand accelerates for sustainable, high-performance, and planet-positive products, startups across health, food, energy, agriculture, beauty, and materials are answering the call—with biology as their engine. SOSV's VC-Founder biomanufacturing matchup event brings together the innovators and the investors driving that shift. Whether you’re refining enzyme pathways, developing novel bioreactors, reimagining cell therapies, or scaling biomanufacturing infrastructure—you’ll find aligned minds (and money) here. Free, virtual and open to all investors and founders in the space.
Opportunities
🎬 Bloomberg Green DocsDue May. 23
Calling all filmmakers: what climate story do you need to tell? Bloomberg Green Docs wants to see your view of the climate future. Open to all eligible filmmakers who would like to compete to win a $25,000 grand prize for your short climate documentary.
🧶 The Mills Fabrica Innovation ChallengeDue Jun. 30
The Mills Fabrica is partnering with a renowned American retail corporation to explore innovative uses for cellulose-based textile waste obtained from upcycling cotton-polyester blended garments. We welcome early-stage ideas from around the world that can leverage cellulosic powder for applications beyond the textile sector. The winning idea will be awarded USD $20,000 by the American retail corporation to advance their solution.
🤝 Thriving Communities: Climate Resilience USDue May. 9
Village Capital, in partnership with the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Foundation and Salesforce, has launched the Thriving Communities: Climate Resilience US program. This equity-free accelerator program will support 10 early-stage startups developing solutions that support climate resilience and uplift low-income communities in the US. These companies will receive access to Village Capital’s investment-readiness curriculum, on-demand coaching from an Investment Analyst, and mentorship from investors as well as climate-focused subject matter experts in our network. Additionally, two startups will be eligible for investment capital at the end of the program. Applications are open until May 9.
⚡️ Google AI for EnergyDue Jun. 30
This program focuses on grid optimization, demand flexibility and energy solutions for customers, including utilities and commercial entities. By supporting advancements in areas such as interconnection queues and carbon-aware infrastructure, the Accelerator aims to drive innovation, sustainability, and reliability in the energy landscape.
🔥 Verizon Disaster Resilience PrizeDue Jun. 13
The Prize seeks exceptional solutions that strengthen disaster resilience in the United States. The Verizon Disaster Resilience Prize has a particular interest in solutions that: Enhance early warning systems and disaster preparedness; Improve emergency response and resource coordination; Strengthen infrastructure and protect vulnerable communities; Support long-term recovery and community resilience after weather-related disasters.
🌎 Climate Tech Cities and Streetlife Ventures Startup and Talent Platforms
Climate Tech Cities and Streetlife Ventures are launching new platforms to support climate founders, funders, and career transitioners! There is no shortage of great companies raising money for their groundbreaking ideas, great investors looking to support with capital, and great talent living the mantra that every job is a climate job. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Upcoming Events
🎨 Discover Alkemis Paint: A Sustainable Innovation for Designers: Tue, May 6
🌾 Farm Community Volunteer Days 2025: Tue, May 6
🎨 ClimART Cafe with Human Impacts Institute: Tue, May 6
🏙️ Building Upgrades: Reclad/Overclad & Energy: Tue, May 6
🤝 Manhattan Climate Changemakers Hour of Action: Tue, May 6
🌱 Join us for a Compost Celebration with the LES Ecology Center!: Wed, May 7
🏭 Made in NYC Week 2025 Greenpoint Factory Tour: Wed, May 7
✨ 2025 Sally Henderson Lecture on Green Design: Yatin Pandya: Wed, May 7
📚 Rutger Bregman: Moral Ambition: Wed, May 7
🏙️ 2025 Affordable Housing Summit: Thu, May 8
🌍 4WARD Global Climate & Sustainability Networking Meetups NYC: Thu, May 8
💻 Nokia and ShortestPathFirst - Discover the Future of AI-Driven Data Centers: Thu, May 8
📖 Environmental Fiction: Thu, May 8
🌱 4WARD NYC Climate & Sustainability Networking Meetup: Thu, May 8
🌱 SOCIAL STUDIES: Thu, May 8
🌍 Conscious Capital Meets Hard Metrics: Building an Impact Portfolio with 3x DPI: Thu, May 8
💡 Breakfast with the Green Light District: Fri, May 9
📊 * IN PERSON * Mergent Market Atlas: Fri, May 9
🌱 Private Sunset Tour @ Brooklyn Grange, World's Largest Soil Rooftop Farm: Fri, May 9
🦪 Volunteering Untapped NYC: Billion Oyster Project (May Event): Sat, May 10
📝 Climate Writing Club: Sat, May 10
🌊 Artemis Presents: There is a Place by the Solarpunk Society: Sat, May 10
🔋 Fleets and Charging Hubs - Networking Event: Mon, May 12
🏗️ SafeTech Summit: Innovating a Safer Future: Tue, May 13
🤖 AI x Planet: threat or opportunity?: Tue, May 13
🍽️ Off The Record Over Dinner Building & Raising Capital Using Bold Innovation In Startups: Tue, May 13
📚 Book Talk on "Design, Politics, & Agency": Tue, May 13
🌿 FASHION & SUSTAINABILITY: Tue, May 13
🌱 Monthly Climate Science and Energy Engineering Dinner: Tue, May 13
♻️ From Waste to Wonder: How Material Innovation is Reshaping Design: Tue, May 13
🍏 Green Apple Trivia: Tue, May 13
🌳 From Vision to Action: Building a Sustainable Future: Wed, May 14
🌻 INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS IN GREEN ECONOMY FROM NEW YORK AND BRUSSELS AND TRENDS IN IMPACT INVESTING: Wed, May 14
🎶 Climate Cafe & Folk Jam: Wed, May 14
🍹 Climate Adaptation Tech Drinks NYC: Wed, May 14
⚡ DERTF NYC Meetup: Wed, May 14
🌆 Redesigning the Post-Pandemic Neighborhood: Thu, May 15
🌍 Spring 2025 Lecture in Climate Data Science: ABIGAIL BODNER: Thu, May 15
🍽️ Strategies for Impact Dinner: Thu, May 15
🌱 Net Zero Exchange: Sustainable Innovation and Data Centers: Thu, May 15
🌿 "Beyond Zero: Design’s Power to Shape a Sustainable Future": Fri, May 16
🏃♂️ 2025 RBC Brooklyn Half Plogging Event: Fri, May 16
🔍 Parking Lot Lichen Walk: Sat, May 17
🧵 Sustainability & Fashion: A Crash Course on Upcycling for Teens!: Sat, May 17
This Week in Depth
🎨 From Vision to Action: Artists at the Forefront of Climate Conversations
When: Tue, Apr. 29 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 1 East 42nd Street, New York
"From Vision to Action: Artists at the Forefront of Climate Conversations" features Bronx-based artists Maya Ciarrocchi and Natalie Collette Wood engaging in an intimate salon discussion on using art to inspire climate resilience and community transformation. Set against the backdrop of environmental justice themes, this event, organized with the Bronx Council on the Arts, invites participants to explore the intersection of art and climate action, fostering dialogue and reflection. Attendees can expect insightful discussions, audience Q&A, and a welcoming atmosphere for exchange.
🌱 Ecosystem Builders & Leaders in Impact: Happy Hour
When: Tue, Apr. 29 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: New York
This Happy Hour event brings together mission-driven leaders and ecosystem builders in New York to discuss impactful strategies in areas like climate change, sustainability, and economic mobility, creating a casual networking space for knowledge exchange.
🐾 What’s Left for the Animals? On Multispecies Politics and Anticapitalism
When: Tue, Apr. 29 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 365 Fifth Ave, New York
This panel discussion, "What’s Left for the Animals?", held at The Skylight Room in NYC, features prominent figures like Terike Haapoja and Ashley Dawson exploring the intersection of animal liberation, multispecies politics, and anticapitalism. The event emphasizes the critical role of nonhuman animals in capitalist systems and aims to interrogate why animals should matter in leftist politics. This engaging dialogue will address pressing questions about the future of multispecies activism against industrial agriculture's impact on climate change and biodiversity.
🏙️ City of Yes: Zoning & Industry Training with NYC DOB
When: Tue, Apr. 29 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Queens
This training session with NYC DOB focuses on key zoning reforms under the 'City of Yes' initiative, aiming to enhance affordable housing and sustainability in NYC's development landscape. Participants will gain insights into regulatory updates and best practices relevant to industry professionals.
🌍 Sustainability Graduate Programs Final Capstone Briefings: Spring 2025
When: Tue, Apr. 29 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 606 West 115th Street, New York
The Sustainability Graduate Programs Final Capstone Briefings highlight innovative student projects addressing real-world sustainability challenges, with a focus on topics such as carbon capture, water stewardship, and air quality in NYC. Open to the public, this event provides insights into practical applications of sustainability science and management.
☀️ Renewables UnWind New York
When: Tue, Apr. 29 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 203 East 45th Street, New York
Renewables UnWind 2025, hosted by EnergeiaWorks, is a premier networking event for the clean energy community, taking place on April 29-30, 2025, at The Perfect Pint in New York City. This event is officially tied to the NPM US Development & Finance Forum 2025, offering attendees the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, build partnerships, and foster ideas in a relaxed atmosphere. Join fellow innovators in renewable energy for drinks, discussions, and the chance to expand your professional network.
⚡ Energy tech Founder Meetup
When: Tue, Apr. 29 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 119 E 15th St, New York
The Energy Tech Founder Meetup is a networking event on the evening of April 29, 2025, in New York City. Located at The High Note near Union Square, this free meetup invites founders, investors, and energy enthusiasts to discuss climate and energy tech, fostering connections and collaboration within the energy transition landscape. Participants will have the opportunity to share ideas and expand their professional networks in an informal setting.
🌍 Global Citizen NOW: NYC
When: Wed, Apr. 30 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 6 Saint Johns Lane, New York
Global Citizen NOW 2025 will gather prominent leaders, innovators, and artists to discuss pressing issues of education and sustainability, addressing urgent actions for a sustainable future. This event features notable speakers, including government officials and Global Citizen ambassadors.
🏘️ UPSTREAM 2025
When: Wed, Apr. 30 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 36 Battery Place, New York
UPSTREAM 2025, held at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York, focuses on addressing the critical shortage of affordable housing in NYC's homeless services system. This event will explore the transition from crisis management to scalable solutions amidst overwhelming eviction prevention programs and felled support systems. With an emphasis on inclusion and accessibility, it welcomes everyone, including individuals with disabilities, to engage in meaningful discussions about housing challenges interconnected with climate and community resilience.
🌧️ Worsening Disasters and the Global Insurance Protection Gap
When: Wed, Apr. 30 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM (EDT)
Where: American Australian Association, New York
The event titled 'Worsening Disasters and the Global Insurance Protection Gap' is a critical boardroom discussion hosted by the Insurance Council of Australia, the American Australian Association, and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. Set in New York City, it aims to address the challenges posed by increasing natural disasters and the growing insurance protection gap that affects vulnerable communities. With a focus on shared experiences between the US and Australia, expert participants will explore viable solutions to enhance resilience against extreme weather events.
📈 Boundless is Better
When: Wed, Apr. 30 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM (EDT)
Where: Newlab, Kings County
The 'Boundless is Better' event, hosted by Newlab Brooklyn on April 30, 2025, focuses on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) to help cleantech startups optimize their processes and attract investment. Attendees will learn about innovative LCA methodologies tailored for startups, participate in discussions using real-world case studies, and network with industry peers. This free session aims to enhance understanding of environmental impact assessments crucial for early-stage technologies.
📜 Climate Knowledge, Science Skepticism, & White Supremacy in Southern Africa
When: Wed, Apr. 30 from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 1180 Amsterdam Avenue, New York
This event discusses the influence of climate science skepticism on the trajectory of apartheid in South Africa, exploring how racial dynamics and agricultural concerns shaped perceptions of climate change during the early 20th century. The talk will be presented by Meredith McKittrick from Georgetown University as part of the History and Climate Change workshop series.
🌿 Gowanus Art Walk & Climate Talk with Gotham SideWalks
When: Wed, Apr. 30 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM (EDT)
Where: Kings County
Explore the Gowanus waterfront through a curated art walk led by artist Rich Garr, focusing on climate concerns and community involvement. This free event encourages engagement with environmental themes while enjoying the local art scene.
🌱 Empowering Change: The Intersection of Business, Nonprofit & Sustainability
When: Wed, Apr. 30 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 660 5th Avenue, New York
Empowering Change is a thought-provoking event hosted by Macquarie Group and the Responsible Business Center at Fordham University, focusing on the intersection of business, nonprofit initiatives, and sustainability. The event features a documentary screening of 'Generation Growth', showcasing innovative solutions that improve underserved communities through education and urban agriculture. A panel consisting of leaders from various fields will discuss how businesses can integrate sustainability into their core strategies while driving social impact.
📚 The PEN and the State: The Role of Novelists in Times of Crisis
When: Wed, Apr. 30 from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM (EDT)
Where: 201 West 13th Street, New York
The PEN World Voices Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary with 'The PEN and the State: The Role of Novelists in Times of Crisis', featuring acclaimed novelists Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche, Jennifer Egan, and Burhan Sönmez. Attendees will engage in a critical dialogue on the responsibilities of novelists in today's challenging political climate, moderated by PEN America's Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf. This event underscores the significance of literature in shaping societal discourse, occurring in New York City on May 1, 2025.
🔌 The Evolving Global Energy Landscape: Energy Transition to Energy Addition
When: Thu, May. 1 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 55 Water Street, New York
The event titled "The Evolving Global Energy Landscape: Energy Transition to Energy Addition" will take place in New York on May 1-2, 2025, focusing on the global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy systems. Expert panelists will discuss the complex factors influencing this transition, including technological advancements, energy storage improvements, and geopolitical considerations. Attendees will gain insights into financing challenges, sector disparities, and regulatory impacts on energy strategies, highlighted by notable speakers from S&P Global, Lazard, and Federated Hermes.
🎲 Climate Game Night at Eat Offbeat (Chelsea Market)
When: Thu, May. 1 from 5:45 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 75 9th Avenue, New York
Climate Game Night at Eat Offbeat invites participants to engage in a collaborative workshop centered on climate change, combining educational elements with a fun game and dinner experience. Taking place at Chelsea Market in New York City, the event will feature a unique Climate Fresk workshop that has been enjoyed by over 1.9 million people globally. Attendees will enjoy a meal prepared by refugee chefs, fostering community while learning about actionable steps to combat climate change.
📊 Data In Power - NYC Event
When: Thu, May. 1 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: New York
Data In Power is a unique meetup focused on the intersection of data and decision-making in climate and energy sectors. Set in New York City, this event combines an engaging group discussion with networking opportunities, encouraging attendees to explore critical questions surrounding data collection, analysis, and its impact on decision-making power. With a focus on community, the event fosters connections among data experts and enthusiasts dedicated to meaningful dialogue in climate technology.
⚛️ Future of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle
When: Thu, May. 1 from 6:15 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 420 West 118th Street, New York
The Future of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle panel discussion at Columbia University will focus on the challenges and innovations of the nuclear fuel cycle amid a global push to triple nuclear capacity by 2050. Leading experts from organizations such as Urenco and Orano will discuss securing supply chains, waste management strategies, and the role of governments in nuclear deployment. This event is significant for its emphasis on sustainable energy solutions within the climate tech framework in New York.
⛏️ From Mining to Recycling: Challenges in the Nuclear Fuel Cycle
When: Thu, May. 1 from 6:15 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 420 West 118th Street, New York
On May 1st, Columbia University will host a panel discussion titled "From Mining to Recycling: Challenges in the Nuclear Fuel Cycle," addressing the pivotal role of the nuclear fuel cycle amidst global ambitions to enhance nuclear energy capacity by 2050. The event will feature renowned experts and organizations discussing supply chain stability, spent fuel management, regulatory dynamics, and the necessity of international collaborations for a sustainable nuclear future. This gathering is part of a focused effort to tackle climate tech challenges and promote innovative energy solutions in New York.
📚 Quinn Slobodian presents Hayek's Bastards, feat. Alyssa Battistoni
When: Thu, May. 1 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 180 Orchard Street, New York
Quinn Slobodian presents his latest book 'Hayek's Bastards' at P&T Knitwear in New York City on May 1, 2025. The event, featuring a conversation with Alyssa Battistoni, explores key ideologies of the Far Right through the lens of neoliberalism and its historical context. Attendees will also have the opportunity for a book signing following the discussion.
🌱 CASE Hosts 2025 Spring Open House
When: Fri, May. 2 from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM (EDT)
Where: 34 35th St, Brooklyn
The CASE Center for Architecture Science and Ecology is hosting its annual Spring Open House on May 2nd at Industry City, Brooklyn. This event will showcase student and industry presentations related to sustainable development and climate action in New York. Notably, a panel discussion titled 'Advancing New York Climate Action' will feature leaders from government and industry discussing sustainable practices in the built environment, highlighting New York's role in addressing climate challenges.
🌍 Harnessing Climate Data + Modeling to Impact Societal Sectors
When: Fri, May. 2 from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 665 West 130th Street, New York
The event 'Harnessing Climate Data + Modeling to Impact Societal Sectors' at Columbia Business School will focus on the practical applications of climate data and modeling in city government and public health. Participants will engage with a panel of experts, including representatives from the NYC Mayor's Office and Columbia University, exploring the challenges and opportunities in utilizing climate data for equitable adaptation strategies. A light boxed lunch will be provided during the session.
☄️ PEN World Voices Festival at Strand - After The Fall: Post-Apocalyptic Novels
When: Fri, May. 2 from 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM (EDT)
Where: 828 Broadway, New York
The PEN World Voices Festival at the Strand presents a panel discussion on post-apocalyptic novels that reflect societal hierarchies and climate concerns. Featured authors include Fernanda Trias, Pol Guasch, and Jeff VanderMeer, who will delve into how their works explore contemporary anxieties through dystopian narratives. Moderated by Ilia Veniavkin, this event aims to provoke thought about our future amidst environmental challenges.
🌿 Plants to the People
When: Sat, May. 3 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (EDT)
Where: Shirley Chisholm Circle, Brooklyn
The 'Plants to the People' event is set in the Shirley Chisholm Circle in Brooklyn, NY, focusing on the intersection of climate tech and community engagement. It aims to bring together climate tech innovators, activists, and the public to explore sustainable solutions and promote the benefits of green technology and biodiversity in urban spaces. With activities planned from 5 PM to 8 PM, this gathering promises to be a unique experience for those interested in environmental solutions and community involvement.
🌊 Riverlandia: An Immersive Sound Story Experience + Author Q&A
When: Sat, May. 3 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (EDT)
Where: 286 Cadman Plaza West, Brooklyn
Riverlandia is an immersive sound story experience designed for audiences aged 7 and up, taking place at the Brooklyn Public Library. Inspired by a real-life river restoration project in the UK, the experience features environmental themes explored through a rich soundscape and ten non-human characters, followed by a Q&A with creator Ellen Wiles. This event, part of the Creative Climate Awards 2025, emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and environmental resilience through artistic collaboration.
✍️ Words for the Planet: Writers Confronting the Climate Crisis
When: Sat, May. 3 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 30 Irving Place, New York
Words for the Planet is a moderated discussion featuring authors and scientists tackling the pressing issue of climate change through literature and personal narratives. This event is part of the 20th anniversary PEN World Voices Festival, showcasing over 80 writers from diverse backgrounds while emphasizing literature's role in confronting the climate crisis. Taking place at the Goethe-Institut in New York, the discussion promises insights into envisioning sustainable futures through creative expression.
📝 Poet-tree in Motion: Writing Through Climate Anxiety
When: Sat, May. 3 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (EDT)
Where: , New York City
"Poet-tree in Motion: Writing Through Climate Anxiety" is a unique event taking place at the historic Firemen's Memorial in NYC, where participants will engage in a walking tour that emphasizes personal storytelling about climate change. This interactive experience combines writing, reading, and connecting with nature, inviting attendees to creatively explore their climate narratives amidst the backdrop of notable poets' former homes. The event encourages meaningful dialogue and reflection on pressing climate issues through a literary lens.
🚶♂️ Jane's Walk 2025: Sustainable Walking Tour of the East Village
When: Sat, May. 3 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 155 Loisaida Avenue, New York
The Jane's Walk 2025 event offers a unique sustainable walking tour of the East Village, focusing on the rich history of NYC's community gardens, most of which were established by volunteers on abandoned land. Led by the Director of the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space, this free event highlights the successful advocacy for these green spaces and their role in urban sustainability, including community building, clean air provision, and education on composting and urban farming techniques. Participants will also learn about the preservation of the CHARAS community center, an important victory in urban activism.
🌱 Living Soils Rising - Sunday May 4
When: Sun, May. 4 from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM (EDT)
Where: 805 Meeker Avenue, Brooklyn
Living Soils Rising invites participants to Under the ‘K’ Bridge Park in Brooklyn for a creative gathering focused on climate justice and healing. The event features a walking tour, water and soils ceremony, and a seeding-the-future activation, aimed at honoring the land affected by the fossil fuel industry and envisioning a sustainable energy future. Participants are encouraged to dress as local fungi, plants, or animals, creating a festive and engaging atmosphere while advocating for environmental change.
🌆 Cam Brewer presents Nature-First Cities
When: Mon, May. 5 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 180 Orchard Street, New York
Cam Brewer will discuss his book "Nature-First Cities" at P&T Knitwear in New York, providing a practical framework for urban planning that emphasizes restoring our relationship with nature. The event features a conversation with Majora Carter, an expert in urban revitalization, followed by a Q&A and book signing. It's a ticketed event with limited seating and aims to engage attendees in the future of sustainable urban environments.