NY Climate Tech: Aug 18 - Aug 25
Boat tours of energy infrastructure, panels on grid affordability, lunches on AI and sustainability, climate tech mixers, and a new plan to daylight a river in the Bronx.
Hi all,
The Bronx is getting a river back! NYC is taking on its first “daylighting” project, uncovering a hidden stream to reduce flooding and improve resiliency (and quality of life) as climate change leads to more flooding. More at Bloomberg (gift link).
Events are picking back up this week, and Climate Week is on the horizon. Don’t sleep on two of our favorite Climate Week events: the Climate Film Festival and the Narrative Change Summit.
Our Unofficial Climate Week Guide
Our Airtable Guide is up to 370+ events, with more to come. Stay tuned for more detailed guides breaking down our top recommendations.
Do you have an event? Submit it here
Here are our picks for the week:
Today (if you can catch it) join Women in Sustainability and Energy for a 🔌 Lunch on AI in Sustinability
Wednesday hop on a boat for 🚢 Energy Infrastructure Boat Tour with OHNY, expense a ticket to the ⚡ NY Executive Roundtable: Affordability & Grid Optimization, or get a casual drink at the 🍻 Climate Pints August Gathering
Thursday head to Whoopsie Daisy for the 🌈 Pleiades x Out in Climate Summer Mixer or roll the dice with 🎲 Energetic: A Cooperative Board Game
Next Wednesday (8/26) talk carbon removal at 🍹 New York CDR Summer Drinks
Next Thursday (8/27) join other climate tech VCs and investors at the ✨ Envest Investor Member Showcase (a top pick!)
Also on the radar (for the New Yorkers and many non-NYers on this newsletter!) a rare online event: How Startups Win Global Adaptation and Climate Grants on 9/10 with Streetlife Ventures and Climate Finance Solutions.
Til next week!
Alec, Sonam, and the Climate Tech Cities team
Opportunities:
🚀 Pilots at BAT
Applications for LACI’s Pilots at BAT Cohort 11 are now open through August 28, 2026! We’re actively recruiting cleantech startups in the following sectors to our next Program cohort: Clean Energy, Zero Emissions Transportation, Built Environment, Blue Economy, Water, Food and Agriculture, Industry, or Nature-Based Solutions. Companies in Pilots at BAT Program get access to physical infrastructure at BAT to test, refine, de-risk, and demonstrate their technologies. Companies also receive wraparound services including highlighted visibility and inclusion in LACI-led events, 1:1 weekly EIR coaching via NYSERDA/Columbia ClimateTech Expertise Network, hot desk access at BATWorks, and access to LACI’s powerful network of partners, alumni, and industry leaders.
🔨 Make It in Brooklyn Climate Tech Pitch Contest
Calling all climate tech startups! Are you building technologies that are shaping the future of climate solutions? We’re looking for visionary founders to participate in the Make It in Brooklyn Renewable Climate Tech Contest.
Apply now for a chance to be selected as a finalist. Five founders will be invited to pitch for the opportunity to win $5,000 in cash, no strings attached, plus additional commercialization support.
This Week’s Events
Tuesday, Aug 18
Wednesday, Aug 19
🌿 A Community Reading Of Black Eco-Poetry Feat. Keenyn Omari
⚡ 26Q3 New York Executive Roundtable: Affordability & Grid Optimization
Thursday, Aug 20
⚡ AEG New York 26Q3 Stakeholder Challenge: Affordability & Grid Optimization
🌱 Conscious Entrepreneurs | Meta Greenville | Regenerative Finance
🌿 Ecology, Resistance & Liberation: A Conversation on Land Keepers Reader
Saturday, Aug 22
Tuesday, Aug 25
Wednesday, Aug 26
Thursday, Aug 27
Sunday, Aug 30
Tuesday, Sep 1
Upcoming Highlights
Sept 10: How Startups Win Global Adaptation and Climate Grants
Sept 18 - 21: Climate Film Festival
Sept 21: Narrative Change Summit
🌎 Climate Tech Cities and Streetlife Ventres 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!
This Week in Detail
🔌 WISE-NYC: August Lunch on AI in Sustainability
When: Tuesday, Aug 18
Where: New York, NY, New York
This lunch discussion explores the paradox of AI adoption in sustainability work, examining both its practical benefits and environmental costs. Hosted by Parichat Wrolstad, a sustainability advisory consultant, the event brings together WISE Community members to share real-world experiences with AI implementation and discuss responsible usage strategies. Participants are encouraged to contribute their own stories and insights on how AI impacts their sustainability efforts and emissions reduction goals.
🌿 A Community Reading Of Black Eco-Poetry Feat. Keenyn Omari
When: Wednesday, Aug 19
Where: New York, NY, New York
Black Forest School presents a community reading of 40+ Black eco-poems from a collection spanning over 1,000 works in 20+ languages by 300+ poets across the African continent and diaspora. The event features live jazz accompaniment by flautist Keenyn Omari, an interactive poetry relay, and a temporary installation within Project EATS’ urban farm setting. This free gathering combines participatory art, music, and a collectively-prepared community meal, creating a multisensory exploration of African and Black American relationships with nature.
👗 Sustainable Fashion Networking Hour
When: Wednesday, Aug 19
Where: 122 E 25th St, New York
The Swap Society hosts an evening combining sustainable fashion with community networking in New York. This unique event merges wardrobe refreshment through fashion swapping with curated cannabis experiences, creating an unconventional networking opportunity. The low-cost entry point and focus on sustainable consumption practices align with growing consumer interest in circular fashion and wellness communities.
♻️ Manhattan Climate Changemakers Hour of Action
When: Wednesday, Aug 19
Where: Pier 57, New York
Manhattan Climate Changemakers hosts a productive evening of direct climate action at Pier 57, combining networking with hands-on advocacy work. Participants will engage in concrete activities such as writing letters to editors, scheduling congressional meetings, and informing local governments about climate incentives. The event welcomes both newcomers and experienced advocates, with optional social time followed by a structured action hour designed to drive science-based, equitable climate solutions.
⚡ 26Q3 New York Executive Roundtable: Affordability & Grid Optimization
When: Wednesday, Aug 19
Where: Lutron NYC Global Experience Center, New York
This executive roundtable brings together senior leaders from energy, utilities, housing, and sustainability sectors to address New York’s critical challenges in energy affordability and grid optimization. Hosted by Advanced Energy Group at Lutron’s NYC Global Experience Center, the event features speakers from Con Edison, NYSERDA, NY Power Authority, and other key stakeholders in the clean energy ecosystem. The intimate dinner format enables substantive discussion on strategies to achieve New York’s health, energy, and prosperity commitments while facilitating high-level networking among decision-makers.
🚢 Energy Infrastructure Boat Tour
When: Wednesday, Aug 19
Where: Pier 83 (Circle Line Cruises), New York
This evening boat tour explores New York City’s energy infrastructure and history from a unique waterfront perspective. Hosted by the Open House New York organization, the tour offers an educational experience examining the city’s past, present, and future energy systems. The intimate setting aboard a Circle Line cruise provides an engaging way to understand critical urban infrastructure while networking with fellow participants interested in sustainability and city planning.
🍻 Climate Pints August Gathering!
When: Wednesday, Aug 19
Where: Prime Produce, New York
Climate Pints is a casual networking happy hour for climate professionals and enthusiasts in New York City, bringing together scientists, journalists, engineers, policymakers, and climate advocates for informal conversation and community building. Held at Prime Produce with drinks and snacks provided, the event emphasizes inclusivity and fun while supporting local charities through suggested donations. The gathering features board games, networking opportunities, and a playful “climate bangers” competition where attendees can share climate insights and creative ideas.
⚡ AEG New York 26Q3 Stakeholder Challenge: Affordability & Grid Optimization
When: Thursday, Aug 20
Where: WSP USA, New York
AEG’s New York Stakeholder Challenge brings together energy industry leaders to tackle critical obstacles in affordability and grid optimization within a 12-month timeframe. Participants engage in structured breakout sessions where they develop and pitch actionable solutions, with opportunities to volunteer as Task Force leaders for 90-day sprints. The event features speakers from major utilities and energy technology companies, creating a high-impact networking environment focused on New York’s energy, health, and prosperity goals.
🎲 Energetic: A Cooperative Board Game
When: Thursday, Aug 20
Where: 526 Hudson St, New York
Energetic is a cooperative board game designed to teach energy literacy and climate solutions through interactive gameplay, where teams balance budgets, grid stability, and public opinion to decarbonize New York City. The game has been featured in major media outlets and used at leading universities including Carnegie Mellon, Fordham, and Vanderbilt, with facilitators including professionals from Google, iCapital, and the New York Power Authority. This free evening event offers hands-on learning with five expert facilitators guiding participants through realistic climate scenarios based on 2026-2040 projections. Attendees will gain practical understanding of energy systems, policy trade-offs, and collaborative problem-solving while networking with sustainability professionals and educators.
🌱 Conscious Entrepreneurs | Meta Greenville | Regenerative Finance
When: Thursday, Aug 20
Where: New York, NY, New York
This NYC social brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and conscious leaders to explore how business and capital can drive positive change, bridging conscious entrepreneurship, regenerative finance, Web3, and climate innovation. Hosted by Princeton Venture Studio, Meta Greenville, and the NYC Conscious Innovation Network ahead of Climate Week NYC, the event emphasizes purpose-driven business models and genuine relationship-building. Speakers include David Chen (Princeton Venture Studio founder and HBS Angels board member), Jorge Cortes (Web3 pioneer and sustainable cities expert), and Nate Rose (MashLabs founder and Web3 creator), offering insights into emerging finance models and impact-driven entrepreneurship.
🌈 Pleiades x Out in Climate Summer Mixer
When: Thursday, Aug 20
Where: Whoopsie Daisy, Brooklyn
Pleiades Network and Out in Climate are hosting a summer mixer at Whoopsie Daisy, a women-owned wine bar in Brooklyn, bringing together environmental professionals and advocates from the LGBTQ+ community. This free evening event creates space for conversation and community-building among climate solution makers, with the first glass of wine complimentary. The event emphasizes inclusion across all genders and orientations while particularly welcoming women and gender non-conforming attendees.
🌿 Ecology, Resistance & Liberation: A Conversation on Land Keepers Reader
When: Thursday, Aug 20
Where: All Street Gallery, New York
This event features a conversation between Be Oakey (Genderfail) and Iyad Abou Gaida (EcoRove), co-authors of Land Keepers Reader, exploring environmental justice and ecological resistance across the Levant. The discussion examines how communities in Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine resist ecocide and settler colonialism through indigenous ecological knowledge and green activism. A moderated Q&A and book signing follow, with 50% of book sales benefiting the Sameer Project.
♻️ A Terratela and Fluency Zero Waste Event
When: Saturday, Aug 22
Where: Pamina Dolci e Gelato, New York
Terratela hosts a Zero Waste Event in partnership with Fluency, a superfood-based cosmetics brand, celebrating sustainable practices across industries. The event features innovative gelato made from surplus produce by Farm to People, creating a unique intersection of sustainability education and experiential engagement. Attendees can network with sustainability-focused brands while enjoying locally-sourced treats and learning about circular economy solutions. This intimate gathering emphasizes practical waste reduction and second-life opportunities for discarded materials.
🏳️⚧️ Step OUTside Fest 2026
When: Saturday, Aug 22
Where: Marsha P. Johnson State Park, New York
Step OUTside Fest 2026 celebrates Marsha P. Johnson’s birthday and honors the LGBTQ+ community through an outdoor festival at the historic Marsha P. Johnson State Park in New York. This free event combines cultural celebration with community engagement in a meaningful venue named after the legendary trans activist and Stonewall pioneer. The festival creates an accessible gathering space for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to celebrate pride and outdoor recreation together.
🗺️ Climate Cafe by Earth Stewards NYC
When: Tuesday, Aug 25
Where: Brooklyn Public Library - Gerritsen Beach Branch, Brooklyn
Climate Cafe by Earth Stewards NYC brings together community members for an introspective workshop on place-based belonging and environmental stewardship. Participants will create personal community maps while exploring their relationship with their neighborhoods through guided conversation and creative reflection. This free event emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity, requiring no prior artistic experience, and fosters meaningful dialogue about identity, community, and environmental care in a supportive setting.
🍹 New York CDR Summer Drinks
When: Wednesday, Aug 26
Where: New York, NY, New York
The New York CDR Summer Drinks is a casual networking event organized by Isometric for the carbon dioxide removal community. Attendees will enjoy drinks and light bites while connecting with peers in the CDR space before the busy fall season begins. This free event offers a low-pressure opportunity to strengthen relationships within a specialized and growing industry community.
🌱 Hoboken Climate Changemakers August Event!
When: Wednesday, Aug 26
Where: Pilsener Haus & Biergarten, Hoboken
Hoboken Climate Changemakers hosts a monthly networking event focused on climate action and sustainability initiatives in the local community. This August gathering at Pilsener Haus & Biergarten provides an accessible, free opportunity for residents and professionals to connect with like-minded climate advocates. The casual biergarten setting fosters informal discussions about environmental challenges and solutions relevant to the Hoboken area.
✨ Envest Member Showcase
When: Thursday, Aug 27
Where: New York, NY, New York
The Envest Member Showcase brings together active climate investors for an evening of curated networking and investment insights in New York. Members will present rapid-fire spotlights on their hottest investment theses, emerging sectors, and contrarian views shaping climate capital allocation. The event combines structured presentations with extended networking time, offering attendees the opportunity to pressure-test their thinking, discover overlooked opportunities, and connect with potential co-investors in a highly selective room.
🐝 Bee the Solution: Community Science with The Bee Conservancy at Green-Wood
When: Sunday, Aug 30
Where: The Green-House at Green-Wood, Brooklyn
This hands-on community science event invites participants to photograph wild bees at Green-Wood Cemetery and contribute their observations to iNaturalist, supporting pollinator research. Organized by The Bee Conservancy in partnership with Green-Wood, the event combines outdoor exploration with meaningful citizen science participation. Participants will gain practical knowledge about bee identification and conservation while directly contributing to scientific data collection.
☀️ Exploring Green Careers & Intro to Solar1! (MS/HS)
When: Tuesday, Sep 1
Where: Solar One Environmental Education Center at Stuyvesant Cove Park, New York
This hands-on educational program introduces middle and high school students to green careers and sustainability through an interactive curriculum centered on climate action and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Hosted at Solar One Environmental Education Center in New York, the event combines practical solar energy education with exploration of real-world career pathways in the renewable energy sector. The program provides students with direct exposure to environmental science and emerging job opportunities in green industries, making it highly relevant for educators and students interested in STEM and sustainability.