Duke Joins Climate Week in New York, Highlighting New Partnerships

view of the sky and trees and sun

How to protect coastal communities, solutions for extreme heat and empowering start-ups in the climate realm. These are just a few items on the agenda during the upcoming Climate Week NYC, which will feature Duke experts and alumni addressing some of the world’s most pressing climate challenges.

Starting September 17 in New York City, Climate Week NYC will offer in-person, hybrid and online sessions as part of a gathering of climate leaders seeking to make change. While Duke’s participation in the annual event is not new, Climate Week NYC provides the university an opportunity to highlight new partnerships in research and engagement with organizations outside of Duke.

“Consistent with Duke’s desire to ensure the knowledge we produce has impact in the larger world, we will have a higher profile presence at Climate Week in New York than we’ve had in the past,” said Toddi Steelman, vice president and vice provost for climate and sustainability. “In addition to featuring key faculty and staff as thought leaders at events, we will be highlighting the partnerships that are connecting us to the New York Climate Exchange.”

Last spring, as part of its ongoing Climate Commitment, Duke joined the New York Climate Exchange, a public/private partnership to build and operate an international center for climate research and teaching on Governors Island in New York Harbor. A tour of Governors Island will be offered on Sept. 18 as part of the “Advancing Coastal Resiliency” event.

Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke’s Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, will moderate Beating Extreme Heat: Designing and Investing in Resilience, during which experts across sectors will discuss investment needs and solutions for addressing extreme heat.  

Numerous other climate-focused student, faculty and alumni gatherings across the city will highlight Duke’s contributions towards building a sustainable future. “Climate Week is an ideal setting for this type of work, as practitioners gather from around the world to tackle difficult challenges and advance pragmatic solutions,” said Jackson Ewing, director of energy and climate policy at the Nicholas Institute, who is organizing private roundtables during the week to encourage knowledge-sharing and collaboration. 

The official Climate Week NYC calendar can be found on the event’s website. Below are Duke-affiliated public events.  

Monday, September 18: The New York Climate Exchange Presents: Advancing Coastal Resiliency (in person)

This event features the New York Climate Exchange, in which Duke is a partner, and an optional tour of Governors Island.  

Tuesday, September 19: Beating Extreme Heat: Designing and Investing in Resilience (in person)

Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at the Nicholas Institute, will moderate this cross-sector discussion focused on solutions for tackling extreme heat.  

Tuesday, September 19: The Future of Health Rights (in person)

Marinel Ubaldo, a master’s student in environmental management at the Nicholas School of the Environment, will participate as a panelist in this co-sponsored event at 3:00 p.m., UN Church Centre, 777 United Nations Plaza. To attend, go to this registration link.

Wednesday, September 20: The New York Climate Exchange Presents: Deep-Tech Innovation Launchpad (in person with Zoom option)

Featuring Christopher Monroe, director of the Duke Quantum Center, this event focuses on how to nurture start-ups in the climate tech and research-driven sectors.