Renewable Energy Long Island at NYC Climate Week

Each year, NYC Climate Week brings together thousands of leaders from government, industry, nonprofits, academia, and community organizations to collaborate on solutions for a cleaner, more resilient future. This year's events offered valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and bring back new ideas to advance clean energy and climate action across Long Island.

Women Leading in Climate

Executive Director Melissa Parrott attended the Women Leading in Climate event, where climate leaders and communicators explored innovative approaches to climate communication and public engagement. The event provided an opportunity to reconnect with longtime colleagues, build new relationships, and exchange ideas on making climate science more accessible and inspiring action in communities.

Melissa also heard from former U.S. EPA Administrator and the first White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy and connected with renowned climate scientist Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, whose work continues to shape conversations around effective climate communication.

Women Leading on Climate Dinner Hosted by Ørsted

Melissa also attended the Women Leading on Climate dinner hosted by Ørsted, bringing together women leaders from across New York's clean energy community. The evening provided an opportunity to strengthen partnerships, celebrate collaboration, and discuss the future of offshore wind, clean energy, and climate leadership.

Melissa was joined by colleagues and partners including Adrienne Esposito and Maureen Murphy of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Alicia Gené Artessa of the New York Offshore Wind Alliance, Julie Tighe of the New York League of Conservation Voters, and members of the Ørsted New York team. Conversations throughout the evening highlighted the importance of collaboration across organizations to accelerate New York's clean energy transition.

"An Inconvenient Truth: Then and Now"

Melissa also attended "An Inconvenient Truth: Then and Now," hosted by former Vice President Al Gore and The Climate Reality Project. The discussion, moderated by Al Roker, reflected on the lasting impact of An Inconvenient Truth while examining today's climate challenges and opportunities.

The conversation emphasized the progress that has been made over the past two decades, the urgency of continuing climate action, and the importance of communicating climate science in ways that inspire hope, action, and lasting change.

The conversations and connections made during NYC Climate Week will help inform Renewable Energy Long Island's ongoing work to educate, engage, and empower Long Islanders as we build a cleaner, more resilient energy future.