10/03/2025
Closing out Climate Week NYC: Reflections from our 4th annual Climate & Conflict Convening
We opened with a simple question: “What comes to mind when thinking of conflict in the United States?”
The answers surfaced a critical reality: rising nationalism and climate policy reversals are impacting national, economic, and climate security. But they also revealed an opportunity to examine how diverse sectors can collaborate to advance climate and sustainability goals amidst this shifting landscape.
WHAT EMERGED:
🔴 The Stakes: EPA defunding, agency dismantling, and grant rescissions are disproportionately harming frontline communities in red and blue states alike.
🟢 Subnational Solutions: Municipalities, states, and regional coalitions are stepping up with innovative organizing models, blended finance, place-based partnerships, and nonpartisan approaches that prove resilient to federal headwinds.
📣 Narrative Power: Shifting from doom-and-gloom to messages centered on community, joy, and shared prosperity can welcome new participants and broaden the movement.
Grateful to our speakers for their expertise and leadership: Alexis R. Posey Alex Cornell du Houx Alys Campaigne Elizabeth Lien Itana Benites Jessica H. LeClair Krystle E. Matt Scott Susan Kraham Tom Ellison
The path forward requires all of us: community leaders, policy experts, cultural strategists, funders, investors, and engaged citizens working together.
📄 Read the full event recap >> https://lnkd.in/ghQ-7zSQ
Thank you to our co-host Foundation House and to the organizing team: James Sternlicht Ann Strimov Durbin Natalia Sofía Alvarez De Jesús Richard Zimmerman Jaclyn Lee Grace Whittaker
Thank you again to our speakers and their organizations: The Center for Cultural Power Elected Officials to Protect America Southern Environmental Law Center World Wildlife Fund Climate Justice Alliance Sustainable CT Project Drawdown Earthjustice The Center for Climate and Security America Is All In
