Hi friends,
You know what week it is - go vote! Early voting has already started (with record turnout) - find your poll site here. Don’t forget to read up on the ballot proposals too.
Climate has not been center stage in this year’s mayoral race, to say the least. That makes our policy rundown pretty easy: neither Sliwa nor Cuomo mention climate change at all in their public platforms. Mamdani is the only candidate with climate as a platform pillar. Mamdani specifically pledges support for the Build Public Renewables Act, the All-Electric Buildings Act, Local Law 97, disaster preparedness, and expanded public transportation. Green schools get a special shout out and policy paper focused on improved HVAC, onsite renewables, new green spaces, and creating green jobs.
Go vote! And make sure your friends do, too!
Here are our picks for the week:
Today share your work on data and the grid at 🔍 Data In Power
Tomorrow head to NYU for the 🌆 Urban AI Symposium or roll the dice at 🎲 Let’s Decarbonize! Game Night at Building Energy Exchange
Wednesday talk green jobs in the Bronx at 🌱 Creating Green Career Pathways and Placement Opportunities
Thursday grab a drink at the 🍻 Climate Pints Fall Gathering
Sunday get hands on at Genspace’s 👩🔬 Intro to Bioplastics
As always,
— Alec, Sonam, and the Climate Tech Cities team
This Week's Events
🔍 Data In Power - Social: Mon, Oct 27
🏢 Comprehensive Green Building Certification Guide – 1 Day Workshop in NYC: Mon, Oct 27
🚌 Transportation in NY Summit 2025: Tue, Oct 28
🏗️ Comprehensive Green Building Certification Guide – 1 Day Workshop in NYC: Tue, Oct 28
🌆 Urban AI Symposium: Tue, Oct 28
🌾 Finding Food Security in Insecure Times: A Roundtable Conversation: Tue, Oct 28
🎲 Let’s Decarbonize! Game Night at Building Energy Exchange: Tue, Oct 28
🥗 Slow Food NYC’s Inaugural SnailFest: Tue, Oct 28
🌾 Farm Community Volunteer Days 2025: Wed, Oct 29
🌱 Creating Green Career Pathways and Placement Opportunities: Wed, Oct 29
♻️ Engineering for a Circular Economy: Wed, Oct 29
👗 Designing the Future: Leadership, Sustainability, and Innovation in Fashion: Wed, Oct 29
🏆 Energy New York Awards 2025: Wed, Oct 29
🌱 Five Seasons: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf (Thomas Piper): Thu, Oct 30
🌍 Climate Fresk Game: Thu, Oct 30
🍻 Climate Pints Fall Gathering: Thu, Oct 30
🏃♂️ 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Plogging ft. NYRR Team for Climate: Fri, Oct 31
🍂 Fall Climate Walk: The High Line to Little Island: Sun, Nov 2
👩🔬 Intro to Bioplastics: Sun, Nov 2
🧵 Darn it! Mending Club at The Textile Arts Center: Sun, Nov 2
Opportunities
🏙️ Buildings Tech Lab: Due Oct. 24
We are seeking cutting-edge, tech-driven solutions that can help New York City’s Department of Buildings address their biggest challenges as part of the annual Buildings Tech Lab. This public-sector Innovation Lab provides an expedited path to working with one of the largest public agencies in the nation. Winners will work directly with DOB to put their solution to the test over a six month pilot.
Applications close October 24, 2025. https://buildingstechlab.nyc/challenges
👩🔬 Activate Fellowship: Due Oct. 28th
Activate’s two-year fellowship program transforms scientists and engineers into founders, empowering them to reinvent the world by bringing their research to market.We provide early-stage science entrepreneurs with funding, technical resources, and unparalleled support from a network of scientists, engineers, investors, commercial partners, and fellow entrepreneurs.
⚡️ Breakthrough Energy Fellowship: Due Nov. 10
Breakthrough Energy Fellows is part of Breakthrough Energy Discovery. The program is designed to tackle early-stage barriers to climate technology innovation, accelerating discovery and increasing the number of technologies working toward commercialization. By providing scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs with research funding and hands-on support, our program ensures projects resources and support to advance to the next stages of development.
🚀 Scale for Climate Tech: Due Nov. 14
Scale For ClimateTech provides support throughout the manufacturing process, ensuring that founders have confidence in their path to the market, make fewer mistakes, and can scale up production to meet demand. From early Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and prototype refinement to negotiating partner and supplier agreements, as well as managing logistics, Scale For ClimateTech is dedicated to helping you navigate time-sensitive, critical decisions throughout the entire manufacturing process. Apply here.
✍️ NRDC Climate Storytelling Fellowship: Due Nov. 28
The Fellowship will grant $20,000 each to three writers to support revision of a feature screenplay or pilot that engages with climate change in a compelling way. A climate story acknowledges that we already live in a climate-altered world and are grappling with the impacts to our homes, health, communities, and jobs. Apply here.
Community Shoutouts
🚀 SOSV Climate Tech Summit (Online): Nov. 3 - 7
The venture capital firm SOSV is hosting a free, global, and virtual summit, bringing together top investors, founders, and scientists to discuss climate tech as an emerging category for startups and venture investing. The goal is to deepen venture, academic, corporate, and media understanding of the accomplishments and potential of startups in climate tech.
🌎 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
🕊️ Fall 2025 Faith Sector Forum: Building Hope & Safety in a Changing Climate: Wed, Nov 5
🌿 TNFD Workshop: Thu, Nov 6
🎬 Wild Hope: Mission Impossible: Thu, Nov 6
🤝 DSSG-NYC: Data Science for Social Good - Meet Up: Thu, Nov 6
📚 YPT-NYC Book Club - Inclusive Transportation by Veronica O. Davis: Thu, Nov 6
🌳 Riverside Park Conservancy: Advocacy Club: Fri, Nov 7
🍫 The 4th Annual Post-MOTF Churros and Chocolate!: Fri, Nov 7
🌿 2025 UXC NYU Design-a-thon (Current Students Only): Sat, Nov 8
📽️ DIFF 2025 Reception: Saturday, November 8th: Sat, Nov 8
🎥 EARTH’S GREATEST ENEMY - NYC Premiere with Abby Martin Q&A: Sat, Nov 8
🧪 BioArt: Casting with Agar: Sun, Nov 9
🍽️ Climate Science and Energy Engineering Dinner: Mon, Nov 10
🌆 Urban Tech Summit 2025 - Adaptive Intelligence: Activating Urban AI: Tue, Nov 11
🌊 The (Literal) Launch: Tue, Nov 11
🍏 Green Apple Trivia: Tue, Nov 11
🏴☠️ SPIRIT & STEEL: Tue, Nov 11
🌱 Workshops in Sustainability Career Paths and Curriculum: Tue, Nov 11
☀️ NEW YORK SOLAR STORAGE SUMMIT: Wed, Nov 12
🍎 Apples at the Crossroads: Domestication, Genomics, and Climate Resilience: Wed, Nov 12
🎴 Climate Fresk & Dinner at Eat Offbeat (Chelsea Market): Wed, Nov 12
☕️ Climate Cafe & Facilitator Training: Wed, Nov 12
⚡ DERTF NYC Meetup: Wed, Nov 12
🔌 AEG/ACT Northeast Clean Transportation Summit: Thu, Nov 13
🚫 Diversity & Government Procurement Conference: Thu, Nov 13
🌍 Fall 2025 Lecture in Climate Data Science: ZHOU YU: Thu, Nov 13
🥂 4WARD Global Climate & Sustainability Networking Meetups NYC: Thu, Nov 13
🎙️ Person Place Thing with Randy Cohen & NYCEDC President Andrew Kimball: Thu, Nov 13
🥕 Annual Members Meeting - Slow Food NYC: Thu, Nov 13
🆙 Uplift Summit 2025: Sat, Nov 15
💻 Sustainable Synapse: Hack for Social Impact: Sat, Nov 15
🧘♀️ Mini Retreat -- Karma: From Wounded to Wise: Sat, Nov 15
🖊️ Climate Writing Club: Sat, Nov 15
🎨 25 Years. Celebrating a Legacy of Impact.: Sat, Nov 15
🌍 After The Blast: Sat, Nov 15
🧸 Parenting in the Age of Climate Change: Sun, Nov 16
🛍️ Cozy Climate Fall Fest: Sun, Nov 16
📖 Wild Fictions: Essays on Literature, Empire, and the Environment: Mon, Nov 17
📚 Celebrating Recent Work by Alyssa Battistoni: Mon, Nov 17
🏡 Future-Proofing Housing: East vs West Coast: Tue, Nov 18
🍻 Green Drinks Brooklyn: Wed, Nov 19
🍃 Green Drinks Brooklyn - Overflow: Wed, Nov 19
⚡ Energy Infrastructure Summit: Thu, Nov 20
🥂 4WARD NYC Climate & Sustainability Networking Meetup: Thu, Nov 20
📚 The Scientific American 2025 Nonfiction Panel: Thu, Nov 20
This Week's Events in Detail
🔍 Data In Power - Social
When: Mon, Oct. 27 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM (EDT)
Where: , New York
Data In Power is a networking event in New York, focusing on the intersection of climate, energy, and AI. It aims to explore the implications of data-driven decision-making within these fields, addressing critical questions about the power dynamics involved in data usage. The event encourages participants to share their work and foster collaborations in an open and social environment. This gathering is part of a growing community dedicated to meaningful engagement in climate tech.
🏢 Comprehensive Green Building Certification Guide – 1 Day Workshop in NYC
When: Mon, Oct. 27 from 8:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 100 Church Street 8th Floor, New York City
This workshop focuses on providing practical strategies for achieving various green building certifications such as LEED, BREEAM, and WELL, specifically tailored for New York City. Participants will gain valuable insights into the certification processes and the benefits of sustainable building practices. Ideal for professionals in the real estate and construction sectors, the event promises to enhance knowledge of green building standards in an urban context.
🚌 Transportation in NY Summit 2025
When: Tue, Oct. 28 from 9:00 AM to 3:45 PM (EDT)
Where: 630 2nd Avenue, New York
The Transportation in NY Summit 2025 is a key event for policymakers, transit officials, and urban planners focused on the future of transportation in New York. As transportation systems evolve post-pandemic, this summit aims to assess current transit changes and legislative actions, while looking ahead to the city and state’s mobility future. Taking place in New York City, this summit provides a platform for collaboration among various experts to guide the next phase of transportation enhancements.
🏗️ Comprehensive Green Building Certification Guide – 1 Day Workshop in NYC
When: Tue, Oct. 28 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 100 Church Street 8th Floor, New York City
This comprehensive one-day workshop in New York City focuses on various green building certifications, including LEED, BREEAM, and WELL. Aimed at professionals in architecture, engineering, and sustainability, the course combines theoretical knowledge with practical exercises to equip participants with skills for achieving sustainable construction standards. The workshop will enhance understanding of certification processes and compliance requirements through real-world examples and interactive learning experiences.
🌆 Urban AI Symposium
When: Tue, Oct. 28 from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (EDT)
Where: 5 MetroTech Center, Kings County
The Urban AI Symposium at NYU Tandon focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence and urban sustainability. Featuring a diverse lineup of speakers from NYU and the University of Tokyo, the event will explore topics such as AI for urban public health, climate change adaptation, and community engagement in urban planning. This free event aims to foster collaboration between academia and the local community to advance urban resilience using cutting-edge technology.
🌾 Finding Food Security in Insecure Times: A Roundtable Conversation
When: Tue, Oct. 28 from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (EDT)
Where: 1 Pace Plaza, New York
Finding Food Security in Insecure Times is a roundtable conversation in New York, focusing on food security, community resilience, and the intersection of social justice with food systems. Participants will discuss solidarity among food producers, protection for vulnerable communities, and the dismantling of prison labor from food systems. The event will also feature spoken word performances, enhancing its cultural aspect.
🎲 Let’s Decarbonize! Game Night at Building Energy Exchange
When: Tue, Oct. 28 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM (EDT)
Where: ,
Join Building Energy Exchange for their inaugural game night focused on building decarbonization. Participants will engage in a hands-on experience, working in teams to develop mock decarbonization plans using a custom-designed board game that incorporates real-world building scenarios. This interactive event fosters collaboration and decision-making skills necessary for effective greenhouse gas emission reductions.
🥗 Slow Food NYC’s Inaugural SnailFest
When: Tue, Oct. 28 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 1100 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn
Slow Food NYC’s inaugural SnailFest is an evening celebration of the city’s slow food movement, taking place at Farm To People in Brooklyn. Attendees can enjoy a cocktail reception, a seated dinner with seasonal meals, and a silent auction, all while honoring local chefs and food champions recognized with the Snail of Approval award. Proceeds support Slow Food NYC’s mission to foster a sustainable and equitable local food system.
🌾 Farm Community Volunteer Days 2025
When: Wed, Oct. 29 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 43-50 Main St, Flushing
The Farm Community Volunteer Day at Queens Botanical Garden invites participants to engage in sustainable agriculture by helping to prepare a farm that provides fresh produce for local food pantries. Volunteers will learn gardening basics while taking part in hands-on activities such as planting, weeding, and harvesting. This community-oriented event promotes environmental stewardship through gardening and food relief, creating an opportunity for individuals to connect with nature and each other in a collaborative setting.
🌱 Creating Green Career Pathways and Placement Opportunities
When: Wed, Oct. 29 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 441 E Fordham Rd, Bronx County
The roundtable ‘Creating Green Career Pathways and Placement Opportunities’ aims to bridge the gap between training and employment for local residents in the Bronx, focusing on those historically excluded from green career opportunities. Key workforce development leaders will discuss strategies for integrating green skills training with long-term job placement and supportive services. The event will also feature a community mural activity promoting environmental stewardship, showcasing a collaborative effort to enhance awareness of decarbonization efforts in the Bronx.
♻️ Engineering for a Circular Economy
When: Wed, Oct. 29 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 88 Pine Street, New York
“Engineering for a Circular Economy” is a focused event designed to inspire engineers to transition from a linear economy in construction to a Circular Economy. Taking place in New York City, the presentation will cover innovative strategies for reusing existing materials in the built environment, including the principles of deconstruction and Design for Disassembly. Led by sustainability expert Dan Bergsagel, attendees will gain practical insights through case studies and collaborative discussions.
👗 Designing the Future: Leadership, Sustainability, and Innovation in Fashion
When: Wed, Oct. 29 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 48 Great Jones Street, New York
The event “Designing the Future: Leadership, Sustainability, and Innovation in Fashion” hosted by Istituto Marangoni Miami features a pivotal conversation between Professor Eyan Allen and CEO Wen Zhou. Taking place at 3.1 Phillip Lim in New York, it will delve into sustainable leadership within the global fashion industry, addressing evolving consumer values and innovative brand strategies. Attendees will gain insights on shaping the future of fashion while learning about Istituto Marangoni’s Master’s program offerings.
🏆 Energy New York Awards 2025
When: Wed, Oct. 29 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 2 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York
The Energy New York Awards 2025, hosted at Town Hall in NYC, recognizes outstanding contributions to energy innovation and sustainability within the state. The event features a keynote address from Rich Dewey, President & CEO of the New York Independent System Operator, and includes nominees from various sectors that are pivotal in advancing climate tech initiatives in New York. Various industry sponsors support the event, highlighting its importance in fostering collaboration and innovation in the energy sector.
🌱 Five Seasons: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf (Thomas Piper)
When: Thu, Oct. 30 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 186 Jay Street, Brooklyn
The event features a screening of “Five Seasons: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf,” directed by Thomas Piper, showcasing the work of the influential gardener known for creating significant urban landscapes like the High Line. Post-screening, a conversation will take place with experts discussing the connections between landscape architecture and climate themes. A networking reception will follow, providing opportunities for community engagement and discussions around environmental initiatives.
🌍 Climate Fresk Game
When: Thu, Oct. 30 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: Neighbor, New York
The Climate Fresk Game is an engaging interactive workshop in New York that focuses on the causes and impacts of climate change. Participants will learn collaboratively through a fun and structured game format that has already reached over 2 million people globally. Perfect for those interested in climate education, this free event offers a unique opportunity to explore critical environmental issues in a creative way.
🍻 Climate Pints Fall Gathering
When: Thu, Oct. 30 from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM (EDT)
Where: Prime Produce, New York
The Climate Pints Fall Gathering invites climate enthusiasts in New York City to gather for a happy hour infused with creativity and collaboration. This spooky edition features a house plant swap, opportunities to network, and a fun atmosphere with drinks and games. Attendees are encouraged to share climate-related puns, trivia, and projects, fostering a lively discussion about climate solutions while enjoying free drinks.
🏃♂️ 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Plogging ft. NYRR Team for Climate
When: Fri, Oct. 31 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM (EDT)
Where: 320 West 57th Street, New York
The 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Plogging event invites participants to join a 2-mile plogging shakeout led by the New York Road Runners (NYRR) on October 31. This initiative, supported by the NYRR Team for Climate, aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the marathon while promoting sustainability through the activity of plogging, which combines running with trash collection. Special guest Tina Muir will share her insights on sustainable running, making the event not only a fitness activity but also a platform for climate advocacy.
🍂 Fall Climate Walk: The High Line to Little Island
When: Sun, Nov. 2 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM (EDT)
Where: Daily Provisions - Manhattan West, New York
Join Tiramisu for a casual climate walk in New York City, starting at Daily Provisions and making your way from The High Line to Little Island. Participants will enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst vibrant fall colors while engaging in conversations about sustainable living. The event aims to foster community connections, with proceeds supporting tree planting initiatives by The Horticultural Society of New York.
👩🔬 Intro to Bioplastics
When: Sun, Nov. 2 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 132 32nd Street, Brooklyn
The “Intro to Bioplastics” workshop at Genspace in Brooklyn, NY, invites participants to explore the world of bioplastics made from renewable biomass sources. Attendees will engage in hands-on activities to create their own biodegradable plastic items while learning about the historical and future implications of plastic use, and the health metrics used in the industry. The workshop is led by Aradhita Parasrampuria, a recognized materials designer and CEO of a biomaterials startup, enhancing its appeal for attendees interested in sustainable materials innovation.
🧵 Darn it! Mending Club at The Textile Arts Center
When: Sun, Nov. 2 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 505 Carroll Street, Brooklyn
The Darn it! Mending Club at The Textile Arts Center in Brooklyn encourages participants to engage in the sustainable practice of textile mending. It emphasizes the importance of forming meaningful relationships with clothing and objects while resisting the culture of disposability. The event is hosted by artists and fashion historians who provide resources and guidance to foster a supportive mending community.