Youth Climate Summit 2023

Free for students in grades 8 to 12. The Residents Forward Youth Climate Summit 2023 echoes the urgency of the climate activists around the world. The time to work together to stop temperatures and waters from rising is NOW. We must work globally and act locally to address this emergency, which is affecting humanity and the species that are part of our interdependent web of life.

Since our inaugural summit in 2018, RF Youth Climate Summits have successfully engaged local youth, building a movement that influences policies and practices in our region and develops ongoing projects that change systems.

The summit will rely on science, evidence-based research and experts in the field. Residents Forward is a non-partisan, not for profit organization, environmental and advocacy group that has worked for 55 years to further practices of sustainability and resiliency.

The summit will consist of 4 different workshops.

HEALTH 

A panel discussion acknowledging eco-anxiety and ways to hold space for these feelings while exploring micro-changes that can reduce our impact on the climate crisis.  This will include curative outlets such as art, mindfulness, and storytelling combined with nature.

FOOD & WASTE

Students will learn how the food industry is contributing to climate change (packaging, waste, transportation, energy).  Topics will include reducing your carbon “foodprint”  by eating locally grown food, becoming a conscious consumer, and inspiring minimal packaging processes

TRANSPORTATION

A panel discussion focused on transitioning Long Island’s dependency on gas guzzling cars towards a culture that embraces cleaner and greener forms of mobility.  Panelists will include a Long Island sustainable transportation and mobility planner, transit agency leader, and an innovator in the electric ride share category.  Discussions will include planning for people (rather than cars), how to boost active transportation such as walking and cycling, and the role ride share and transit can play in making communities more connected.

MAJORS / CAREERS

This workshop will take a deep dive into the ever increasing college curriculum offerings, industry developments and career opportunities within sustainability, environmental sciences and climate action planning. Learn, connect and network with a panel of college students, academia, entrepreneurs and professionals who are walking the talk.

Why should you join us in our climate summit?

Through the Youth Climate Summit you can make a difference by continuing the fight to protect and preserve our Earth. The Summit will also build collegiate skills and look great on college resumes.

The Residents Forward Youth Climate Summit 2023 is open to 100 students on Long Island. You should sign up fast to reserve your seat at this daylong event.