This is the ninth in a series of bi-annual conferences kicked off on Earth Day 2022 at the Low Library of Columbia University, which have been produced through a collaboration between The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and Columbia Climate School, in partnership with The City College of New York, and WE ACT for Environmental Justice. Two conferences are held each year in Upper Manhattan: the first at Columbia University in April, and the second in August during HARLEM WEEK.
These conferences address important health-related and environmental issues that are triggered by climate change every day. These issues affect housing, education, jobs, careers, seniors, adults, and children, as well as international, national, regional, and local policies that particularly impact underserved populations.
What should governments do to more effectively address the many critical issues that arise from today’s ongoing climate crisis? We need to determine how governments, corporations, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and residents can best collaborate to bring about real and lasting change and save our planet.
Hear from renowned researchers, public officials, and regional leaders on the challenges and the opportunities to encourage and empower communities to lead the way into a healthier, cleaner, and safer environment.
Remarks by: Alexis Abramson, Dean, Columbia Climate School
Theme: Incorporating Community Voices in Environmental Justice Planning
Moderator: Daniel Zarrilli, Chief Climate & Sustainability Officer at Columbia University
Panelist:
- Caleb Smith, New York City Policy Manager at WE ACT for Environmental Justice
- Christine Appah-Gyamfi, JD, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Climate, Columbia Climate School
- Christine Osuji, Director of Environmental Justice, Con Edison
- Lisa Garcia, Commissioner, New York City Department of Environmental Protection
- Dr. Cara Taubman, Emergency Physician, Harlem Hospital Center
- Padmore John, Acting Commissioner, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
