Cities, Energy Affordability, and Climate Action

As American cities confront rising energy costs, aging infrastructure, and growing climate risks, how can they deliver affordable, reliable energy for residents? During Climate Week NYC, Columbia Climate School will convene city leaders and faculty for a conversation about what climate and energy action looks like at the local level, where decisions about energy costs, infrastructure, resilience, and quality of life have a direct impact on residents. Speakers include Christopher Taylor, Mayor of Ann Arbor, and Chandra Farley, Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Atlanta, Anell Hernandez, Public Utlitiy Advocate for the City of New York, Alexis Abramson, Dean of Columbia Climate School, and Professor Sheila Foster. They will discuss the choices cities are making, the challenges they are navigating, and lessons that can be shared across communities. The conversation also builds on work underway at Columbia through Cities Uniting to Reduce Energy Insecurity (CUREi), led by Professors Sheila Foster and Professor Diana Hernández of the Center on Global Energy Policy, which examines how cities can better understand and address household energy insecurity. The program will include audience Q&A and will be followed by a reception. Speakers Alexis Abramson Dean, Columbia Climate School Christopher Taylor Mayor, City of Ann Arbor Chandra Farley Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Atlanta Anell Hernadez Public Utility Advocate Sheila Foster Professor of Climate, Columbia Climate School Additional participants may be announced. Registration Advance registration is required and will close on Tuesday, September 15. Walk-in registration will not be available. All guests must be included on the advance guest list provided to the venue. Attendees should register using the name they will present upon arrival. Space is limited, and registration may close earlier if capacity is reached.