Youth Climate Summit

The 5th annual Youth Climate Summit consisted of a keynote address, two breakout workshops led by a diverse set of guest speakers with different expertise related to climate change, and the Leadership Certificate session.

What is a Youth Climate Summit?

At the Columbia Youth Climate Summit, high school students will learn about climate change on a personal level through plenary speakers and workshops that demonstrate actionable ways to engage in the climate movement. The Summit concludes with participants being introduced to the Leadership Certificate, a recognition they can earn by completing a series of sustainable actions for themselves and their communities. We encourage high schools to register with a team of 5-8 students (please feel free to reach out to the coordinators if you would like to bring a larger group). In the weeks following the Summit, Columbia students will follow up with each high school to assist with students’ progress towards getting their Leadership Certificate.

At the Columbia Youth Climate Summit, students can:

Hear the latest climate change research-based information about the science, and learn the economic and ecological consequences of climate change
Learn strategies to respond & adapt to climate change in NYC and in the process save their schools and communities money
Start working on their Leadership Certificate and talk with their peers about ways to complete the requirements
Benefit through increased knowledge and development of leadership skills
Network with schools across New York City and beyond to learn about successful climate action