NY Climate Tech: September 12 - September 18
NY Climate Tech: September 12 - September 18
Community RecommendationsThe For ClimateTech Summit, the GreenTech Festival, Berlin in NYC, the Amazon at Scandinavia House, an AR art exhibit on SDGs with the Czech ambassador, and so much more
This post is another long one: scroll down for Sonam’s Hot Take, Community Recommendations, and the full list of events this week. Check out last week’s post for a bigger roundup of Climate Week Events.
Hi all,
Our two meetups this month are next week! Join us on Sunday for the NY Climate Tech x Climatebase September Meetup in Madison Square Park or come by the Brooklyn Navy Yard for a Climate Week Coworking Day with us and WeWork.
This week kicks off with the For ClimateTech Summit, today through Thursday. Tomorrow’s busy, with a Carbon Literacy Workshop at Soho Works, Green Drinks in Jersey City, a documentary screening at Columbia, and the DER Taskforce Happy Hour. If none of those is quite right, get a taste of Berlin with a pitch event of German climate startups followed by a talk on sustainable nightlife at the Goethe Institute. On Thursday, check out the Green Tech Festival at the Shed, discover sustainable fashion, learn about the Amazon at Scandinavia House, or head to an AR art exhibit on the UN’s sustainable development goals with the Czech ambassador. On Friday, keep learning about the Amazon as a Bioeconomy Superpower or celebrate the 25th birthday of the he International Research Institute for Climate and Society. On Saturday, transition from fashion week with the IMPACT NYFW Show 2022 to climate week with the Climate Week Neighborhood Community Activation.
Hot Take: Creative Design meets Public Infrastructure!
Greetings from the great city of Seattle! As many of you know, I’ve been on the road reporting on creative climate solutions across the globe the past few weeks - diving into what works, what doesn’t, and why. There are nuggets of wisdom across our streets and neighborhoods that often just sit in people’s brains, or worse, in people’s PDF reports that don’t see the light of day.
Our goal with Parachute x Streetlife is to surface these solutions through a creative storytelling platform, particularly highlighting climate adaptation and resilience technologies that have co-benefits not just for our climate, but also for our broader communities and public spaces.
That brings me to the brand new Denny Substation here in Seattle, the world’s coolest electrical substation (and I can say that with authority since I’ve been to 50+ of these marvels from London to Shanghai!). We are limited in our word count here on Substack, so for simplicity’s sake, here’s a full thread on why Denny makes my heart buzz! ⚡️
It wasn’t long ago that public infrastructure projects were both functional and beautiful. Might I remind you of the former glory of Penn Station, the original Grand Central Station, or the legions of grand mansions and libraries along 5th Avenue? Luckily we’ve still kept the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and a wealth of intricately designed bridges, water towers, and piers from the early 19th and 20th century. But somewhere along the way, building infrastructure became devoid of human connection and place.
Too often we see concrete slabs that function as mere utility (no pun intended), rather than a core part of a community. Usually the ugly thicket of metal bars and wires for wastewater treatment plants or power stations are tucked into the far corners of a city. It’s no secret that America’s infrastructure is in dire need of significant investment - the American Society of Civil Engineers has infamously given the US a C- on its Infrastructure Report Card.
So, it’s unexpected when a project goes against the grain and makes you do a double take! With funding from the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Bill and the $385 billion of climate spending as a part of the Inflation Reduction Act, we have a unique opportunity to reimagine the role infrastructure can serve in cities. From sea walls to salt sheds, these investments should become community assets and contribute to the beauty of our streets and neighborhoods.
We’re seeing these creative design marvels come to life across the globe, and we’ve got some beauties right here in our backyard!
The Spring Street Salt Shed in Tribeca is an architectural marvel, shaped just like the product it holds: a grain of salt. With walls that are six feet thick, the shed holds up to 5,000 tons of salt – much needed given the intensity of snow falls we face with climate change. The blueish hue in the concrete is a result of slag, and over the years as the walls are exposed to sunlight, the color will fade away and will resemble the color of salt.
Right next door is arguably the city’s most beautiful sanitation garage! New Yorkers produce 14 million tons of trash every year (here’s my personal plea to use less stuff!). The DSNY Manhattan District 1/2/5 Garage is home to over 150 sanitation vehicles that go across the city collecting all our waste. The Garage is where they rest and refuel behind the 2,600 aluminum fins that reduce solar heat and under a 1.5 acre green roof with 25 plant species that reduce the urban heat island effect in the neighborhood.
The FDNY Rescue Company Firehouse in the Bronx might be new, but the characteristic red that dates back centuries is as vibrant as ever. This is one of five special operations rescue facilities in NYC - where elite firefighters are trained to handle emergencies like building collapses or scuba operations in our rivers and ocean. The functions inside the building are stacked as such, and also provide some R&R areas for our brave first responders who are tackling more and more climate related emergencies than ever before.
Surrounded by water on three sides, the Hunters Point South Park has seen days as a wetland, an industrial hub, and a rail stop. After decades of neglect, the City embraced these diverse identities and created a beautiful waterfront park worthy of all New Yorkers. A 30-foot high cantilevered platform with views of the Manhattan skyline serves as a barrier against future sea level rise while still maintaining a biodiverse ecosystem home to native birds and aquatic species. Underneath it all lie 7,500 feet of sanitary and storm sewers, 3,700 feet of water mains, and 4,000 feet of new and reconstructed streets. All this supports 5,000 new housing units (60% are sub-market rate), two new schools, a beautiful new library, and the best waterfront views in the world!
Climate Week NYC: Community Recommendations
All of us can say we’ve gotten our fair share of texts of emails on which events to attend during the upcoming Climate Week NYC bonanza. Check out the full run-down of events we put together and share your hot tips here with the broader community, especially for our climate friends visiting the Big Apple!
All Week
Steven Zhang sends in a list of CDR and Hardtech events throughout the week curated by Activate, the Carbon Business Council, DAC Coalition, and Open Air.
Monday, September 19th
Murat Aktihanoglu from Remarkable.vc recommends The IRA's impact on Climate Investing Webinar, writing that it’s a “great event for understanding the latest climate legislation's effect on climate investing”
Tamra Olin recommends Climate Disclosure & Net-Zero Ambition, saying “it will be a great opportunity to hear from climate leaders and network with like-minded individuals!”
Tuesday, September 20th
Michelle Li recommends the Women and Climate Celebration (livestream or in-person watch parties), saying “Having the opportunity to celebrate women who have dedicated their careers to climate action during NYC Climate Week is beyond exciting. These individuals have diverse perspectives and creative ideas and solutions for climate action today. Join us in this celebration!”
Lisa Mallner from the Danish Consulate recommends Session 6: Sustainable Food, writing, “In concurrence with the UN General Assembly, the Danish consulate will be hosting an event on sustainable food technology at the Chelsea Market Passage of the High Line Park. Meet the leaders of alternative food working on innovative techniques from circular food production to novel protein and dairy alternatives that can combat climate change and build resilience in our food systems.”
Friday, September 23rd
Amer Jandali recommends Marketplace of the Future, saying “I'm excited about this because it's living vision of a net-zero future; a showcase of companies that represent the spectrum of climate solutions. Experience everything from Direct Air Capture to Compost Programs, with panelists like Adam Braun and Kristy Drutman, live art, and a zero-waste open bar, all backed by live Jazz by Emmy Award Winning Braxton Cook. This is what it looks like when the Future Meets Present.”
Sunday, September 25th
Katie Vason recommends Visioning a Regenerative Earth, saying it’s “an opportunity to integrate and connect with your personal vision for a regenerative earth after a week filled with climate events and information overload - I know I need time and space to reflect and integrate!”
This Week
🌏 For ClimateTech Summit, Tue - Thurs, Sept 13-15
🧬 The Future of Our Material World, Tue, Sept 13
🏢 The Evolution of Sustainability: A Case Study of LEED + WELL, Tue, Sept 13
🌃 Berlin Startups in New York: Pitch-Event, Wed, Sept 14
🍾 Berlin meets NYC: Sustainable Nightlife - Let's talk green! Wed, Sept 14
👩🏻🏫 Carbon Literacy Workshop w/ Clever Carbon, Wed, Sept 14
🥂 SJC Green Drinks, Wed, Sept 14
💧 Above Water - Being in the World Festival, Wed, Sept 14
⚡️ DER Taskforce Happy Hour, Wed, Sept 14
👩🔬 Green Tech Festival, Thu, Sept 15 and Fri, Sept 16
🕊 The Amazon We Want: Science Based Pathways for a Sustainable, Inclusive, and resilient Amazon, Thu, Sept 15
👗 Colors of the Earth :: A night of sustainable fashion with NY Textile Month, Thu, Sept 15
🎥 Opening Reception: AR Interactive Exhibition SDGs, Thu, Sept 15
🌡 The International Research Institute for Climate and Society turns 25!, Fri, Sept 16
🐿 The Amazon as a Bioeconomy Superpower, Fri, Sept 16
🎨 What does "Climate Change" mean?, Sat, Sept 17
🏘 Climate Week Neighborhood Community Activation, Sat, Sept 17
👔 IMPACT NYFW Show 2022, Sat, Sept 17
🗽NY Climate Tech x Climatebase September Meetup, Sun, Sept 18
🌏 For ClimateTech Summit
When: Tue, September 13 - Thu, September 15, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDT
Where: Virtual
Welcome to an event that energizes our broader For ClimateTech (FCT) Community by creating opportunities for meaningful interaction, learning, and knowledge sharing in order to advance early-stage climate innovation. Since Venture For ClimateTech — the venture studio and accelerator hybrid — launched last year, we have brought together hundreds of innovators, leaders, and industry experts committed to supporting early-stage climate innovation.
🧬 The Future of Our Material World
When: Tue, September 13, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
Where: 1 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10119
Join Dr. Andrew Dent, Material ConneXion’s EVP of research and one of the world’s leading experts on materials, as he explores the latest in material innovations that are driving the future of product, mobility, fashion, and architectural design. This presentation will leave you feeling inspired about the future of our material world and will explore topics such as sustainability and circularity. There will also be time at the end of the presentation for an informal Q+A session.
🏢 The Evolution of Sustainability: A Case Study of LEED + WELL
When: Tue, September 13, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT
Where: Teknion Showroom, 641 6th Avenue, Second Floor, New York, NY 10011
Join IIDA NY for a Guided Tour of the Teknion Showroom in NYC led by industry leaders in sustainability. Come learn about the requirements for the WELL Building Standard and LEED implementation process as exemplified by this recently completed interior design project. Gain practical knowledge of interior design performance strategies that respond to these green building program requirements, while illustrating modern thinking about workplace.
🌃 Berlin Startups in New York: Pitch-Event
When: Wed, September 14, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM EDT
Where: SAP Purpose and Sustainability Collaboration Space, 10 Hudson Yards, 10 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
Urban Innovation, Berlin Partner for Business and Technology and the Berlin Business Office USA are happy to invite you to our Startup Pitch Event at the SAP Purpose & Sustainability Center in New York.
As part of our 5-day Clean Tech Mission to NYC, we are bringing our delegation of 9 startups from Berlin to the SAP Center where they will have the opportunity to pitch their businesses in front of local VCs, key decision makers, and city officials in order to receive valuable feedback for their go-to-market strategy in front of a stunning view over NYC.
The Clean Tech Mission to New York is organized by Urban Innovation, a program by Berlin-Brandenburg Energy Network, in collaboration with Berlin Partner for Business and Technology and the Berlin Business Office, USA.
🍾 Berlin Meets NYC: Sustainable Nightlife - Let's talk green!
When: Wed, Sep 14, 4:00 PM EDT - 6:00 PM EDT
Where: Goethe-Institut New York, 30 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003
What is happening in NYC and Berlin regarding sustainability in nightlife? What are the first steps to more sustainability, and what would it need to make (more) sustainability happen in nightlife? What solutions, models and best practises do already exist and can inspire?
👩🏻🏫 Carbon Literacy Workshop w/ Clever Carbon
When: Wed, September 14, 2022, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM EDT
Where: Soho Works, 10 Jay St, Brooklyn
Hi Women and Climate community and friends! Michelle Li will be doing a hip and fun carbon footprint literacy workshop at Soho Works! WAC members are welcome to come co-work after 11am. The event will be from 6pm to 7:30pm with wine served. The workshop will cover the basics of carbon footprint in your personal lives in a fun, light, and interactive way.
🥂 SJC Green Drinks
When: Wed, September 14, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM EDT
Where: Emma's, 4 Path Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Come chill with us fellow SJC volunteers as we celebrate SJC's 11th anniversary - and our most impactful year yet! Meet like-minded people and learn about eco-minded projects happening in your neighborhood. The first drink is on us at SJC Green Drinks, sponsored by Solar Landscape. (Don't forget to use promo code SL-SJC when you sign up for community solar with Solar Landscape for a discount on your PSE&G utility bill!)
💧 Above Water - Being in the World Festival
When: Wed, September 14, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM EDT
Where: Teachers College, Columbia University, Cowin Auditorium (Horace Mann Hall 147), 3040 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
Above Water focuses on 12-year-old Houlaye, who lives in a village in Tatis, Niger, and the families and community around her. This film was selected for the Festival de Cannes in 2021. Aïssa Maïga is a French actress and director. She was born in Senegal to a Senegambian mother and a Malian father, an acclaimed journalist.
⚡️ DER Taskforce NYC Happy Hour
When: Wed, September 14, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM EDT
Where: Urban Energy, 116 Ainslie Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Join us at Urban Energy's office for our DER Taskforce hang on the second Wednesday of each month. There isn't a reoccurring agenda, but we may have guests or topics to discuss for a particular events.
👩🔬 Green Tech Festival
When: Thu, Sept 15 and Fri, Sept 16
Where: The Shed, Hudson Yards
The GREENTECH FESTIVAL is coming to NYC on September 15-16. A diverse program of high-level speakers, exhibition and glamorous awards ceremony will bring together people, ideas, innovations, companies and organizations that change the world for the better. Sustainability is becoming synonymous with good business, and with the storyline ‘Business as usual is dead’ we invite all those who stand behind inclusive, sustainable and ethical values to join the conversation and be ready to take on the challenges before us.
🕊 The Amazon We Want: Science Based Pathways for a Sustainable, Inclusive, an
When: Thu, September 15, 1:45 PM – 3:15 PM EDT
Where: Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Join the Science Panel for the Amazon during UNGA! “The Amazon We Want: Science Based Pathways for a Sustainable, Inclusive, and Resilient Amazon” will take place at Scandinavia House alongside the United Nations General Assembly. It is co-hosted by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and the Science Panel for the Amazon (SPA). The Science Panel for the Amazon, inspired by the Leticia Pact, is the first high-level science initiative dedicated to the Amazon.
👗 Colors of the Earth : A Night of Sustainable Fashion with NY Textile Month
When: Thu, September 15, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT
Where: Arcadia Earth, 718 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
We believe change happens in two steps; awareness followed by action. "Colors of the Earth" is an educational evening, hosted by Hanoux and Desdemona Dallas, focused on handmade textiles and process oriented clothing making. All artists involved are utilizing regenerative and biodegradable materials to create their collections. In conversation with those dedicated to the sustainability of fashion's future, we discuss the various ways in which designers can make a difference.
🎥 Opening Reception: AR Interactive Exhibition on the SDGs
When: Thu, September 15, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT
Where: Bohemian National Hall, 321 East 73rd Street, New York, NY 10021
The Czech Center New York is opening an interactive exhibition on the Sustainable Development Goals: Innovations for a Sustainable Future. The exhibition uses the augmented reality technology – there are pictograms placed all around the space coming to life on tablet and mobile phone screens (using a dedicated app). Its aim is to present the Czech Republic as an innovative, creative and sustainable place for life and future and it is part of the 2022 Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU Programme.
🌡 The International Research Institute for Climate and Society Turns 25!
When: Fri, September 16, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT
Where: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, 61 Route 9W, Palisades, NY 10964
Established in 1996 as a cooperative agreement between NOAA's Climate Program Office and Columbia University, the International Research Institute for Climate and Society has worked to enhance our capability to understand, anticipate, and manage the impacts of climate in developing countries. The institution is recognized for its leadership in climate forecasting and prediction and has played a central role in the development of the field of climate services. As part of the new Columbia Climate School, IRI will use its decades of experience and global and national partnerships to help the School to develop and inspire knowledge-based climate solutions and educate future leaders.
🐿 The Amazon as a Bioeconomy Superpower
When: Fri, September 16, 1:45 PM – 4:15 PM EDT
Where: Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Join us at the UN Science Summit: “The Amazon as a Bioeconomy Superpower: Investing in Innovation and Technology for Sustainable Development” will take place at Scandinavia House alongside the United Nations General Assembly. It is co-hosted by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and the Science Panel for the Amazon (SPA).
🎨 What Does "Climate Change" Mean?
When: Sat, September 17, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT
Where: Le Petit Versailles Garden, 247 East 2nd Street, New York, NY 10009
Beginning September 1, 2021, Lydia Eccles spent a year living with this question at a site in rural Vermont, as human subject for Universal Aliens Salvage Ethnography researches. To fully engage the koan, she was required to read the 3,995-page 2021 IPCC Climate Report in full by September 1, 2022; encouraged to conduct rhizomatic (undisciplined) research, and upon completion, committed to make a summary presentation, however fragmentary or unresolved, in media/um of her choice.
🏘 Climate Week Neighborhood Community Activation
When: Sat, September 17, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT
Where: 1039A Fulton St, 1039A Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11238
We are hosting a Neighborhood Community Activation on Saturday, Sept. 17th which lands on Global Clean-Up day and during NYC Climate Week with our co-partner Sustain Frame in Bedstuy. We look forward to meeting you!
👔 IMPACT NYFW Show 2022
When: Sat, September 17, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM EDT
Where: Studio Arte, 265 West 37th Street, Floor 17, New York, NY 10018
A night of sustainable, inclusive fashion shows and popup shops accompanied by guest speakers, live music, art, and a cocktail party! Hosted by content creator, dancer, and reality TV personality, Hannah Chaddha!
🗽NY Climate Tech x Climatebase September Meetup
When: Sun, September 18, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT
Where: Madison Square Park, 11 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10010
Each month we bring together entrepreneurs, climate scientists, investors, students, engineers, and people of all backgrounds looking to transition into climate or meet other people with similar interests. This month we're partnering with Climatebase to throw a joint meetup in Madison Square Park: it'll be a great time to learn about climate careers, transitions, and opportunities.
This will be our first Sunday meetup: a nice chance to join and connect with others in the community before the non-stop events of Climate Week. The exact location within the park to be sent out the day of the event, so be sure to RSVP. Friends, +1s, kids, pets, and everyone in between is welcome. We look forward to seeing old friends and welcoming all those coming to the Big Apple for Climate Week NYC!
Join the Fun!
Submit Events
We know all of you are cooking up great events across New York that highlight the latest and greatest in our collective effort to save our city - and our planet! 🌍 We would love to spread the word. Please share any event details and we'll add them to the list.
Volunteer
We're excited to grow the Climate Tech community in cities across the globe - starting right here in our hometown of New York! 🗽 What started as an 8-person mid-pandemic outdoor dinner has since morphed into a 1,500+ strong and ever-growing group of rockstars trying to change the world. We're looking for volunteers to help us expand our programming into a full roster of community-wide meetups, subject-specific events, mentorship programs, site visits, and more. We aim to be a community resource - built for and by our community. Share your thoughts and we look forward to working with you!