All successful protest movements depend on at least three things: people power, momentum, and endurance. 

The global climate movement is approaching critical mass as youth activists, scientists, and Indigenous leaders rally their communities to bring about broad societal transformation to slow greenhouse gas emissions and ensure the planet remains safe in the decades ahead. 

For the past 14 years, the Climate Group has been hosting the Climate Week in New York leading up to the United Nations General Assembly as a way to discuss, inspire, and coalesce around various forms of climate action. With world leaders gathered in the city during this time, the programming is a unique opportunity to lobby for climate legislation on both the domestic and international levels, and build plans for the months ahead. 

This year’s motto is “Getting It Done,” and organizers have developed dozens of thought-provoking events between Monday, Sept. 19, and Friday, Sept. 23, that are open to the public. If you’re in the area and have the time, you’ll be able to learn about the circular economy, emerging technologies, green jobs, women land defenders, and corporate accountability; get inspired by art exhibits and discussions by leading activists; and browse the latest in sustainable fashion.

If you’re not located in New York, many of these events have a virtual element so be sure to click through and find an event that works for you. And don't forget, Climate Week culminates in Global Citizen Festival: NYC on Sept. 24, where artists, activists, and civic leaders will call for bold climate action around the world. You still have until Sept. 19 to take action and earn free tickets.

In the meantime, here are 17 hand-picked Climate Week NYC events that you should check out.  

1. Putting Equity Back Into Our Economy: Making the Green Economy Work for Everyone

This panel discussion features leading figures in the movement for a green and inclusive economy.  

Learn more about this event here.

2. Forest Progress From the Ground Up: Perspectives From Indigenous Peoples, Civil Society, and Governments

This early morning session features people on the frontlines of protecting the world’s forests who will share strategies, opportunities, and challenges.

Learn more about this event here.  

3. Battery Park City Nature Walk

What better way to get inspired to defend nature than by talking a walk through a green space?

Learn more about this event here. 

4. Up2Us2022: Strategies and Solutions to Save the Coolest Planet in the Universe

Project Drawdown is one of the leading advocates for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through every imaginable way, some of which will be discussed in this session.

Learn more about this event here. 

5. Waste as a Resource, the New Gold in the Built Environment

In this virtual seminar, experts will discuss how reusing and recycling waste can get us closer to a circular economy with minimal environmental impact. 

Learn more about this event here. 

6. Earth4All: Five Extraordinary Turnarounds to Secure a Safe, Secure, and Prosperous Future for All on a Healthy Planet

This session will explore five of the most important transformations humanity will have to achieve in the coming decade to maintain a habitable planet. 

Learn more about this event here. 

7. African Feminist Perspectives on COP27 and Beyond

Leading climate voices from Nigeria, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo offer a fresh perspective on climate action in this session.

Learn more about this event here.

8.  Unlocking the Potential of Offshore Wind — Opportunities & Challenges Around Renewable Hydrogen Energy Storage 

Offshore wind has enormous potential to transform how countries generate electricity, and this session will delve into the latest in the field. 

Learn more about this even here. 

9. See the Transformation: Renewable Rikers & How to Power a City

In this session, advocates discuss their plan to transform Rikers Island from a symbol of racist inequity into a green sanctuary that powers New York. 

Learn more about this event here. 

10. World Biodiversity Summit – New York

This day-long summit will feature numerous sessions on how to safeguard and restore global biodiversity.

Learn more about this event here.

11. Beyond Net Zero – To Grow Your Climate Impact by Maximizing Your Carbon Handprint

You’ve heard about your carbon footprint. But what about your carbon handprint? This session will help you unlock your environmental potential. 

Learn more about this event here. 

12. Art Is in the Air — Creative Solutions for Air Quality 

Air quality in most cities is a public health crisis. In this session, sustainability experts discuss creative and fun ways to mitigate pollution. 

Learn more about this event here.  

13. Textiles: Following the Thread – Tracking Value and Finance Through the Apparel Industry

The fashion industry causes staggering levels of pollution worldwide. In this eye-opening session, researchers break down the environmental impacts of fashion supply chains.  

Learn more about this event here. 

14. Circularity Among Our Youth: How Is Fashion Becoming a Vehicle for Change?

Young people discuss the clever ways they’re creating sustainable wardrobes in this interactive session.

Learn more about this event here. 

15. After Antarctica (Free Virtual Screening)

Anytime between Sept. 22 and Sept. 25 screen for free the documentary After Antarctica, which explores the risks facing the region.

Learn more about this event here.  

16. The Sixth Annual Marketplace of the Future

At the end of the week, visit the sixth annual Marketplace of the Future, which looks at what a sustainable economy would include. 

Learn more about this event here.  

17. Fridays for Future NYC Global Climate Strike

After spending a few days learning from the brightest minds in the environmental space, make sure to attend the Fridays for Future march to call on world leaders to enact immediate climate action. 

Learn more about this event here. 

Global Citizen Festival is calling on world leaders, corporations, and philanthropists to do more than they’ve ever done before to End Extreme Poverty NOW. Through our global campaign and with stages in two iconic locations — NYC’s Central Park and Accra’s Black Star Square — we will unite leaders, artists, activists, and Global Citizens around the world on Sept. 24 to achieve an ambitious policy agenda focused on empowering girls and women, taking climate action, breaking systemic barriers, and lifting up activists and advocates. Wherever you are in the world, you can join the campaign and take action right now by downloading the Global Citizen app.