Another busy Climate Week has come to a close, and we have a lot to process. For those who haven’t been, it’s an annual gathering of the world’s leading climate experts and activists. It’s also a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the work we all need to do to ensure our planet remains healthy and habitable.
The density of panels and events is a lot, especially if you’re an in-demand featured speaker like Maggie, who was able to inject the topic of food into contexts where it’s historically often left out. And we were balancing these events with the community activations we held throughout the week, to ensure that the talk is combined with action and direct support for those New Yorkers who are disproportionately affected by food insecurity and extreme weather.
And speaking of extreme weather, a very concrete example of how climate is already disrupting so much played out just as Climate Week was coming to a close! Due to the nor’easter that struck the East Coast, our close ally Global Citizen was forced to cancel their signature Central Park concert that was scheduled for this past Saturday.
Now that we’ve caught our breath, here’s a recap of how we spent our Climate Week:
Food Drive with Global Citizen
Since August, we’ve been partnering with our friends at Global Citizen to collect nonperishable, plant-based food items across the city. It’s been very moving to see New Yorkers really step up to help their neighbors!
Food Distributions at Betances Health Center and PS20
Volunteers and staff helped distribute produce and donated pantry items to community members. We’re seeing the need for these services really spike, and we’re incredibly grateful to our partners for ensuring these weekly events continue to make an impact.
Mt. Sinai Cooking Class
Maggie returned to Mt. Sinai Hospital to conduct a plant-based cooking class for patients, which was broadcast across the facility directly to in-room TVs.
Maggie’s Speaking Engagements
Maggie joined or moderated conversations organized by TED, NY Times Changemakers, Food Tank and the NYC Mayor’s Office, Columbia University and Axios House. In addition to covering the intersection of food and the climate crisis, she also spoke to her work implementing sustainability practices in the music industry.
People, Plants, Planet Event at Diane Von Furstenberg Studio
The culmination of our week actually fell on Wednesday, when we gathered supporters and friends to celebrate our partners, volunteers, and donors. Guests were treated to food from our local NYC restaurant partners, along with a special performance from wunderkind guitarist Bay Melnick Virgolino.
We also attended events such as the Planetary Guardians Planetary Health Check, the Atmos Enchanted Forest, and the Nat Gala.
It was a whirlwind, but cross-pollination of data and solutions, not to mention good old fashioned community-building, is the only way we can ensure that we’re able to work together to confront this crisis. It affects us all, and we all have a role to play in this fight.