Now in its 17th year, Climate Week NYC stands as one of the world’s most significant climate gatherings, uniting leaders, visionaries and changemakers committed to urgent climate action. Taking place from September 21 to 28, Climate Week NYC brings together voices from across the globe—spanning civil society, academia, industry and government—to ignite conversations around potential climate solutions and accelerate momentum toward a just and sustainable future.
“This year’s theme, Power On, underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing the defining crisis of our time,” said Alexis Abramson, dean of the Columbia Climate School. “We are proud to bring our knowledge and leadership to interdisciplinary dialogues and initiatives that explore critical issues, from resilient water systems to sustainable fashion to how business can drive bold solutions.”
Columbia Climate School is proud to host a wide-ranging slate of events on campus during Climate Week. Below are a few highlights:
- September 22: Navigating Climate Challenges: Resilience Through Insurance, Markets and Public Policy
Alexis Abramson, dean of the Columbia Climate School, will join Alexander Sarrigeorgiou, chairman and CEO of Eurolife FFH Insurance Group, in a fireside chat about smart regulation, trust in institutions and coordinated action for climate. This special event will be co-hosted by Columbia Engineering, Columbia Business School and Columbia Climate School. - September 22: Transforming Fashion’s Footprint: Innovation and Business
While various efforts continue to be made to estimate fashion’s environmental footprint, major gaps remain in how to decarbonize material production and reshape business practices. This event will dig deeper into key challenges and opportunities for climate and energy transition actions in the fashion sector. - September 22: Universities and Climate Action
A moderated discussion on how academic institutions can respond to climate action, defend academic freedom and accelerate climate solutions in a challenging national context. - September 24: Columbia Climate School Showcase
A showcase featuring a panel discussion and lightning talks led by top experts from Columbia Climate School. These sessions will delve into the latest advancements in climate science, finance, sustainability and sectoral approaches to mitigation, adaptation and resilience. - September 25: Rethinking Water 2025
Hosted by Sciens Water in collaboration with Columbia University’s Water Center, the 6th annual Rethinking Water Conference aims to bring together finance, academia, government and industry leaders to find solutions to the most pressing water challenges in the U.S. - September 26: Sing for Science Podcast with AJR’s Adam Met and Alexis Abramson
Adam Met, founding member of the chart-topping trio AJR and founder of the climate nonprofit Planet Reimagined, will join Abramson in a discussion on how art and science can work in tandem to inspire action on climate change, empower the next generation of leaders and accelerate solutions at every level of society.
For more events, check out our Climate Week website.
Below, we’ve compiled some resources to prepare you for the week ahead:
Energy Efficiency Begins at Home: A Conversation with Alexis Abramson: The Climate School dean discusses how she first became interested in energy efficiency, how heat pumps work, and how homeowners can minimize their carbon footprint and energy bills. Check out the Animated Infographic: Cool Tips for Hot Days (And Lower Bills).
Powering the Future: Innovative Renewable Energy Projects Around the World: Take a virtual tour of some remarkable renewable energy projects from around the globe, each showcasing innovative technology, ambitious scale and a commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Rethinking Energy Systems in the Age of AI: Why viewing data centers as mainly energy-intensive off-takers misses their potential as digital and energy infrastructure multipliers.
Student Spotlight: Advancing Equity Through Clean Energy Policy: Nicholas Britton, a student in Columbia’s MPA-ESP program, believes equitable energy access is a fundamental human right and a powerful lever for climate and equity solutions.
We Have the Power To Protect Our Planet: Our Power, Our Planet was the theme of Earth Day 2025, inviting the world to join together in support of renewable energy.
Viewpoint: Why the Time To Go Solar Is Now: A graduate of Columbia’s M.S. in Science in Sustainability Science program pens an open letter to American homeowners on the benefits of installing solar panels.
How Climate Change Impacts Renewable Energy: Because renewable energy sources depend on the environment, both the supply of and demand for renewables are affected by climate impacts such as high heat, drought, altered precipitation patterns, flooding, extreme weather and wildfires.