2024 NYC Climate Week Activation
Could your emotions be a renewable resource? What if your eco-anxiety is actually the energy needed to catalyze change? Most climate discussions are so focused on policy, data, and optics, they become dehumanizing… but information does not move people, emotions do.
Join us at NYC Climate Week for Engaging for the Future — Climate of Emotions, a 3-hour experiential learning program that equips youth climate activists with emotional intelligence (EQ) skills to transform their eco-anxiety into eco-optimism. The event will be intergenerational, and will center youth as the primary speakers and facilitators. Participants will engage in interactive sessions designed to foster intergenerational collaboration, develop emotional resilience, and build a shared commitment to climate action.
Join us at NYC Climate Week!
Thank you everyone for coming!
Participants takeaways from the event:
“All emotions are valid and should be listened to.”
“We need more spaces to be vulnerable. More normalization of sharing emotions. More space for working through not ignoring climate emotions.”
“Emotions may come and go, but the important thing is how we respond to them.”
What people say about Climate of Emotions . . .
“It is fun, joyful, and active. It centers YOUTH — they are the speakers, leaders and facilitators.”
“It brings emotions into the room and values expression, collaboration and community. It engages both thinking and feeling.”
“I can see the power and impact of our emotions to engage in climate change activism and the importance of support.”
Program Details
Date & Time
Monday, September 23, 2024, 1:00 – 4:00
Location
In-person at NYC Climate Week (near Bryant Park).
Please register for more details.
Audience
Climate activists, UN leaders, educators, and people of all ages committed to listening to and learning from young people and finding climate solutions.
Cost
Free (Registration is required.)
Speakers and Facilitators
Sophia is a dedicated youth advocate making waves through her work with UNICEF USA. As a member of the National Youth Council, she has represented the organization at high-profile events like the UNICEF Gala in NYC and trained the first cohort of youth advocates as a Champion Trainer.
Her efforts include collaborating with UNICEF USA’s Chief People Officer to analyse DEI trends and speaking at the “Are We On Mute?” webinar, where she highlighted youth civic engagement insights from Harris Poll data. Additionally, Sophia’s advocacy for Muslim girls’ rights has been recognised in the New York Times, further fueling her fight against educational inequities.
Now a Milstein Scholar at Cornell University, Sophia studies philosophy and computer science, focusing on how AI and cybersecurity can shape legislation. As a New York State Youth Council representative, she successfully lobbied for mandatory financial literacy classes, and she continues to push for more inclusive civic engagement, particularly in underrepresented communities.
Aryan is a passionate advocate for children’s rights, focusing on education, mental health, and climate action. Over the past five years, he has actively supported UNICEF USA’s mission by engaging with 16 congressional offices to advance key legislation, such as the MINDS Act and the Keeping Girls in School Act. Recently, he had the honor of speaking at the UNICEF USA national board meeting, where he highlighted the importance of youth involvement in policymaking. Additionally, Aryan spoke at the Active Minds mental health conference in Washington D.C., advocating for increased mental health support for young people. A sophomore studying astrophysics at Princeton University, Aryan blends his love for science with his humanitarian efforts. He founded Physics2Astrophysics, providing free educational opportunities to over 40 high school students, and serves as a Science Outreach Fellow, teaching in underprivileged communities. Originally from Southern California, Aryan is driven by his belief that investing in children is vital for shaping a better and more sustainable future.
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