This is the fifth in a series of events, kicked off on Earth Day 2022, exploring the reality of how the growing risks of rising heat, more intense storms, and a history of environmental injustice continue to generate disproportionate climate impacts in communities like Harlem as well as the community leadership working to overcome this history.

• What is government doing to address these risks and get at the root causes of our climate crisis?
• How can community organizations and residents partner with local businesses, academic organizations, and government to cause real change in policy and outcomes?

Hear from local researchers, elected officials, and community leaders on the challenge and the opportunities to empower communities to lead the way into a cleaner, safer, healthier future.

Remarks from

• Elijah Hutchinson, Executive Director, NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice
• Ydanis Rodriguez, Commissioner, NYC Department of Transportation
• Dr. Peggy Shepard, Co-Founder and Executive Director, WEACT

Panel

• Rashawn Merchant, Columbia Teachers College Doctoral Student
• Jackie Klopp, Columbia Climate School
• Dr. Julian Watkins, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
• Michael Flanigan, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce

Presented by: The Columbia Climate School and the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce.