New York Climate Week was full of encouragement, optimism and big ideas — though at times I could almost feel the question everyone wanted to ask: “But how do we move this work forward in these polarizing times?”
As this question rang in my head and with the busy streets of the Big Apple as my background, I was struck by just how much noise we all live in, how much information and content we parse through in our day-to-day lives. Maybe this is why I found myself at St. Patrick’s Cathedral several times during the busy week. It was my place of solace. I went there to reflect on my conversations and on what I had learned, on the people I’ve met and on the opportunities I saw to deepen our collective impact.
It was a privilege this week to be in crowds of hundreds and rooms of a few hearing from leaders and changemakers working on issues spanning from global food insecurity to sustainable playgrounds. I was able to hear their creative solutions to the challenges facing our world, which they spoke powerfully and with concrete outcomes.
As I sat to collect my thoughts in St. Patrick’s, I reflected on these leaders’ vigor and determination, and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one walking away feeling hopeful for the future we can create together.
In this world of increasing noise, it’s important to be reminded that there are people working day in and day out to create a greener and more sustainable world for us all. Nonprofits are organizing their communities; our state governments are putting environmental protections into policies; and funders are providing resources to accelerate impact.
Photo via Climate Group on Flickr
I think that the path forward may look a little different than we perhaps expected, but it will be one of creativity, solutions and collaboration. One of the most salient things I took away from my meetings was how much messaging matters at this moment and the opportunity that we have to broaden our coalition. We need to use language that connects with a variety of partners instead of speaking only to those who already agree with us. If we focus on clarity, inclusion and real impact, we’ll have a much better chance at creating meaningful change.
If there is any point that this year’s New York Climate Week helps to underline, it is this: We are not alone. There are opportunities for connection everywhere. The city itself is a celebration of adaptability, resilience and collaboration.
It was an honor and an inspiration to be among the innovators. I am excited for the positive impact we will create together and walking away feeling hopeful and proud that the Windward Fund is a part of it.
