Our 2025 event themes
The Built Environment program addresses the climate impact of how we design, build, and use physical spaces, particularly buildings and transportation systems. As the backbone of urban life, the built environment is also one of the greatest contributors to the climate crisis: buildings alone account for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions and consume a third of global energy. Transportation adds another 23% of global emissions, and together, these sectors represent some of the hardest to decarbonize.
This program explores solutions to transform buildings from carbon sources to climate assets, through net-zero construction, deep energy retrofits, green materials, and high-efficiency technologies.
Focus areas include: energy-efficient buildings, sustainable construction, retrofitting and electrification, EV policy, public transport, and the air quality and health impacts of urban infrastructure.
The clean energy revolution is here. Responsible for two-thirds of GHG emissions, energy is the largest polluting sector globally, with buildings representing nearly 40% of greenhouse gas emissions and a third of global energy demand. In order to halve global emissions by the next decade, necessary measures and actions must be taken. The Energy program brings together policy and industry experts for global collaboration in the pursuit of a net zero future through a just transition.
Topics include, but are not limited to renewable energy, just and equitable transition, clean energy policies, decarbonization, green economic agendas, and zero-emission pledges net zero buildings, heating and cooling, energy efficiency.
Environmental Justice
Racial and socioeconomic justice is key to climate action in every realm. Privilege, power, and oppression play an integral role in deciding who is most impacted by climate change: Black, Brown, Indigenous, People of Color and migrant communities. The Environmental Justice program is a dedicated space to amplify the voices and stories of those who bear the brunt of climate impacts, but have been left out of the decision making. It means learning from and letting the most vulnerable communities lead, and centering environmental justice in all climate conversations.
Topics include, but are not limited to, Indigenous learning and first nations' best practices, climate impacts, climate refugees.
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Finance
The shift to a low carbon economy can spark an economic boost and create millions of jobs which is more important now than ever as countries and cities work to rebuild from the global pandemic. The Finance program focuses on financial opportunities to identify and mitigate climate risks as part of a green recovery. It provides a lens to explore initiatives and roadmaps for the public and private financial sector to tackle climate change and discuss sustainable development.
Topics include, but are not limited to, climate finance, investment, employment opportunities, and green economic recovery.
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Food
The global food system currently contributes to 21-37% of total GHG emissions, and even then, agriculture's contribution to climate change is underestimated. Land-based ecosystems and regenerative strategies are critical to the climate conversation. The Food program examines how we can cut greenhouse gas emissions from food production and agriculture, and focus on sustainable eating, land restoration, and more.
Topics included, but were not limited to, agriculture, agroforestry and forests, food's journey, food waste, regenerative farming, Indigenous land management, carbon sequestration, climate-friendly diets, land restoration, conservation, and healthy soils.
Climate change poses a critical threat to human health, yet awareness and understanding of these linkages remain limited among policymakers and industry leaders. Addressing climate change is therefore not just an environmental imperative, but also a crucial public health priority.
The health theme not only explores how climate change is exacerbating air pollution, heat stress, and the spread of infectious diseases, but also touches on the impact a warming planet may have on an already strained healthcare system. This new theme will also explore other ways that climate and health can be used to frame both the challenges and also the solutions, including reaching new audiences through cultural activations, as well as inequality of health outcomes among different groups.
Topics include, but are not limited to heat-related illnesses, injuries from extreme weather events, displacement from natural disasters, air pollution, eco-anxiety and PTSD, surge in healthcare demand, public health preparedness and change in disease patterns.
Cement and steelmaking are currently some of the biggest emitters of carbon emissions globally, with plastics and aluminum following behind. The Industry program offers the opportunity to discuss how these industries can reduce industrial energy consumption and improve efficiency. A more circular economy can reduce CO2 emissions from these major industry sectors such as plastics, steel, aluminum, and cement by 40% globally.
Topics include, but are not limited to, industrial circular economy, heavy industry such as cement, aluminum and plastic, net zero steel, and manufacturing.
From oceans to forests, nature plays an essential role in the wellbeing and livelihoods of all species. The Nature program addresses the importance of preserving and restoring the Earth's ecosystems and biodiversity. It aims to build a deeper connection between humans and nature and examine our role in building a better natural world for the future.
Topics include, but are not limited to, ecosystems, oceans, ecological conservation, weather patterns, Indigenous best practices, species conservation (plants and animals), and soil quality.
Policy is imperative in accelerating and supporting climate action. Policy levers form the framework to influence businesses, states, and individuals to act on climate and accelerate the transition to net zero. From EV tax credits to national manufacturing laws, the Policy program considers policy at all levels – local, state, international.
Topics include, but are not limited to, national, regional, state, and local policy.
Collective individual action, lifestyle shifts, and improvements in the built environment are a vital part of climate action. From choosing eco-friendly hotels and fashion to dining in low waste restaurants, we can all be a part of the solution. The Sustainable Living program brings together a diverse array of events to inspire everyone to be an ally to our planet and shares tips on how our day to day can be transformative to ourselves and the environment.
Topics include, but are not limited to, sustainable and zero/low-waste living, energy efficiency in the built environment, sustainable eating, food waste, circular economy, and youth mobilization.
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Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information on the Climate Week NYC Events Program.