The 2025 Long Island Youth Climate Summit!

We’re still buzzing with excitement from the first-ever Long Island Youth Summit—and what a day it was! Over 200 students from across the region came together to learn, connect, and take action on the climate crisis. It was an inspiring day full of energy, curiosity, and a shared commitment to a more sustainable future.

If you’re a high school student wondering how to take action on climate change, or even just trying to understand what’s really going on, the Long Island Youth Climate Summit was the place to be.

Held at Stony Brook University, the summit brought together students from across Long Island for a full day of learning, connection, and hands-on climate action. From conversations with elected officials to career exploration in climate field, every part of the day was designed to show that young people are already powerful changemakers and that climate action starts now.

The day kicked off with a powerful keynote from Dr. Christopher Gobler, who broke down the science behind climate change and its local impacts. From rising sea levels to warming waters on Long Island, students gained a deeper understanding of why this moment matters—and how science is helping guide our response.

Renewable Energy Is Local

In the first breakout session, SUNY lecturer Mr. Mirza Beg walked students through what renewable energy looks like on Long Island. Offshore wind farms, community solar programs, and battery storage projects aren’t just concepts, they’re real solutions already in motion, right here at home. It was an important reminder that climate solutions aren’t far away or out of reach. They’re being built in our own backyard.

Setting the Record Straight

Next, Adrienne Esposito from Citizens Campaign for the Environment led a quick but powerful briefing on climate misinformation. In a world where headlines move fast and social media spreads rumors in seconds, she reminded students to be curious, ask questions, and use facts to fight back. Being informed is one of the most powerful tools we have.

Youth + Policy = Real Change

The summit’s second major session featured a dynamic panel of local elected officials — including Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and NY State Senator Monica Martinez — talking directly with students about climate policy.

Their message? Young people can influence decision-making. Whether it’s through speaking at town hall meetings, organizing school-wide initiatives, or writing to local leaders, student voices are critical. Climate policy isn’t something to wait on — it’s something students can shape today.

Why Climate Justice Matters

Monique Fitzgerald from the Long Island Progressive Coalition stepped in to break down the meaning of climate justice. It’s not just about carbon emissions and energy — it’s about people, fairness, and ensuring no communities are left behind as we transition to a greener future.

Her message struck a chord: climate change affects us all, but not equally. That’s why equity needs to be front and center in every solution we pursue.

Careers in Climate?

Students also had the chance to hear directly from professionals working in clean energy, green building, and environmental policy. Representatives from organizations like NYSERDA, Empower Solar, and Vineyard Offshore shared what their jobs are like and how students can prepare for careers that help the planet.

It was eye-opening to see just how many different paths there are — from engineering and construction to communications and advocacy.

Ending with Action

To wrap things up, students jumped into a hands-on session focused on building real climate campaigns. They brainstormed ideas, formed teams, and outlined next steps to take their vision back to their schools and communities. Whether it was a campaign to reduce waste or a school-wide climate pledge, students walked away with real plans — not just inspiration.

Why This Summit Mattered

The Long Island Youth Climate Summit wasn’t just about listening to lectures or collecting handouts. It was about equipping students with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to lead. Because the truth is: the climate movement needs high school students. It needs your ideas, your creativity, your leadership!

Huge thank you to all of our sponsors and volunteers who made this event possible!