Climate action takes many forms, and Climate Week NYC 2026 showed just how many ways there are to get involved. From mindful moments beside the Hudson and a 5K through a botanical garden to investigative journalism and AI innovation, events across the city brought together people of different ages, industries, and communities.
Here are six events that show how climate action can reach every corner of society.
Rooted Waters: Nature Connection, Nervous System Care and Action Integration
Hosted by Dr. Richard Barnett Foundation
Image credit: Shannon Carroll
Held at Chelsea Piers, this Kripalu-inspired outdoor experience invited attendees of all ages to connect with nature and reflect beside the Hudson. Combining breathwork, movement, and river reflection, the session offered space to consider the relationship between personal wellbeing and climate action. It closed with a community Council and personal commitment cards pairing caring for the planet with a self-care practice.
"Everything about this event was invaluable... to witness a group of people of all ages and backgrounds: from high school students to CEOs experience a transformational connection to nature was meaningful. The high school students shared how it was the most peace they have ever felt... It's 1000% important and meaningful to join like-minded and like-hearted people in the mission of enhancing the health and healing of Earth." Amy Lee Flower, Director of Youth Empowerment and Leadership, Dr. Richard Barnett Foundation
Breakthrough Journalism: Climate Stories, Collective Action
Hosted by Pulitzer Center
Image credit: Pulitzer Center
Organized with Columbia Journalism School, this interactive roundtable brought together journalists, researchers, funders, civil society leaders, and policymakers to explore the power of environmental journalism. Drawing on Pulitzer Center-supported reporting, participants discussed how investigative journalism, audience engagement, and cross-sector collaboration can strengthen accountability, improve governance, and inspire collective climate action.
Climate Week Benefit Boutique and Happy Hour
Hosted by Custom Collaborative
Image credit: Custom Collaborative
This one-day boutique brought circular fashion to Climate Week NYC, offering archival styles, designer samples, and limited editions from brands including Mara Hoffman, Theory, and Tory Burch at reduced prices. More than 300 lbs of vintage, samples, and deadstock clothing stayed in circulation and out of landfills, and the event raised over $5,500 to support Custom Collaborative’s training and development for women locked out of fashion’s best-paying work.
"[The Climate Week NYC Events Program] is the go-to place for locals and out-of-towners to find aligned events during Climate Week NYC. It's huge for a small organization like ours to have our programming amplified on such a major stage." Danielle Healy, Communications Manager, Custom Collaborative
Stewarding the AI Transition: Governance, Innovation and Long-Term Value
Hosted by US Sustainable Investment Forum, WeeFin, and Franklin Templeton
Image credit: US SIF, Franklin Templeton and WeeFin
Investors, asset owners, data providers and corporates came together for a roundtable under the Chatham House Rule to examine how AI is changing stewardship. The discussion moved quickly past tooling to a harder question: how institutions build the governance and internal structures to adopt AI responsibly while managing risk and costs. Demand was twice the available capacity, a sign of where the sector’s attention now sits.
"Listing our event as part of the Climate Week NYC program was a very good organic way of getting registrants." Jun Cox, Sustainability Solutions Specialist, WeeFin
New York Botanical Garden 5K Fun Run
Hosted by New York Botanical Garden
Image credit: NYBG and Sono Visualss
The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) hosted its second annual 5k Fun Run for Climate Week NYC. The 3.1 mile route took participants through the Garden’s living landscape, passing the Azalea Garden, the Maple Collection, and landmarks including the Stone Mill and Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Every entry supported NYBG’s work to protect biodiversity and develop plant-based solutions to climate change, both in New York and around the world.
The Cooling Revolution: Powering the AI Era with Less Energy
Hosted by EnEarthia Inc.
Image credit: EnEarthia Inc.
At this virtual event, EnEarthia brought together leaders in data centers, energy, technology, and climate innovation to explore how next-generation cooling and thermal energy storage could reduce AI's demand for power and water. The session introduced ResStor™, a technology that uses the Earth as a thermal battery, and asked a simple question: instead of just finding more power for AI, how much energy demand could be avoided in the first place?
"Hosting an event during Climate Week NYC was an incredibly rewarding experience for EnEarthia. [...] What impressed me most was seeing how open dialogue and education could turn initial skepticism into genuine interest and support. I would strongly encourage other organizations to participate. Climate Week NYC is not just about sharing ideas; it’s about building relationships, changing perspectives, and turning conversations into meaningful action." Hamed Soroush, EnEarthia Inc., CEO
Stay in the loop
From community wellbeing and circular fashion to journalism and emerging technologies, these events show that there is no single way to contribute to climate action. Climate Week NYC creates space for different people, perspectives, and solutions to come together.
Missed the first instalment? Explore: From the seaport to the supply chain: moments from Climate Week NYC 2026.
And to hear about future events, ideas, and opportunities to get involved, sign up for the official Climate Week NYC newsletter.