Stony Brook University is preparing to participate in the inaugural Climate Solutions Summit NYC, organized by The New York Climate Exchange. This event, set for April 23-24 on Governors Island, invites university faculty, staff, and students to contribute their research and ideas.
The Exchange seeks experts to propose topics and sessions that will shape the summit's agenda. Interested participants have until February 18 to submit their ideas through a designated form. The summit aims to include break-out discussions, lightning talks, research poster presentations, and pitch sessions focused on projects suitable for deployment on Governors Island.
Interim President Richard L. McCormick emphasized Stony Brook's commitment: “Stony Brook’s participation in this first-ever Climate Solutions Summit underscores our commitment to advancing conversations on climate change and its implications for our state, nation, and the world.” He also highlighted the university's role as an anchor institution of The New York Climate Exchange.
Kevin Reed, associate provost for climate and sustainability at Stony Brook and chief climate scientist at The Exchange, noted that the summit offers opportunities for exploring climate science with partners from various universities. “I’m excited to see our community share interdisciplinary research, leadership, and expertise in climate science and coastal environments,” he said.
The event collaborates with the New York City Panel on Climate Change (NPCC) and the Urban Climate Change Research Network (UCCRN). It will address equity, environmental justice, community engagement in education, innovative technologies, and energy transitions.
Reed stressed the importance of collaboration: “We need to get all of our experts across universities, partners and disciplines in the same room to share and innovate solutions to climate change.”
The summit builds upon previous work by Stony Brook faculty during Fall 2024 town hall sessions hosted by the Collaborative for the Earth (C4E). Carl Lejuez announced a strategic effort led by Reed and Heather Lynch to enhance Stony Brook’s role in educating future scholars about climate change. “The goal is to empower collaboration," Lejuez stated.
For more information about participating or attending the summit, interested parties can contact summit@nyclimateexchange.org.