Can’t Miss Events for SBU Faculty, Students During Climate Week NYC

September 16, 2025
6 min read

New york climate exchange chapelStony Brook University students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in Climate Week NYC, one of the world’s most significant annual climate events. Each year, tens of thousands of people converge in New York City to share groundbreaking ideas, engage in critical debates and drive investment in innovative climate solutions.

This year’s Climate Week promises to be particularly exciting, with The New York Climate Exchange transforming Governors Island into the premier hub for climate engagement. 

“Climate Week NYC represents a unique convergence of scientific innovation, technology development, and real-world implementation. For our Stony Brook community, it’s an invaluable opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research, connect with global leaders in climate science, and translate our academic expertise into actionable solutions,” Kevin Reed, associate provost for climate and sustainability programming at Stony Brook University and chief climate scientist at The New York Climate Exchange. “I encourage our students, faculty, and staff to participate actively—these conversations happening right in our backyard will shape the climate strategies of tomorrow.”

From September 21-28, 2025, more than 20 dynamic events will showcase cutting-edge climate technology, compare the most effective urban resilience strategies and unlock climate financing at unprecedented scale. The organizers are broadening participation beyond panel discussions to include diverse voices and innovative formats — from dynamic film screenings and fireside chats with leading authors to climate trivia nights. 

Key SBU-Related Events

Meet the inaugural cohort of Climate Tech Fellows from The New York Climate Exchange, including innovators from Stony Brook and partner universities who are developing breakthrough solutions for grid resilience, hydrogen storage, coral restoration and wildfire management. This showcase offers a unique opportunity for potential collaborators to connect with climate innovators and explore partnerships that could accelerate the transition from lab research to real-world climate solutions.

Co-hosted by IBM and The Exchange, this session spotlights a pioneering collaboration between the IBM Impact Accelerator and Texas A&M AgriLife Research. Designed to democratize access to critical water and soil insights, SWAT VEXA (Soil & Water Assessment Tool Virtual Extension Assistant) empowers farmers, researchers, policymakers and land managers with tailored, data-driven guidance to support sustainable decision-making. This session will explore how cutting-edge AI is being harnessed to drive a paradigm shift in agricultural resilience, enabling smarter resource management.

Experience a documentary that explores the power of observation through the lens of scientists, artists and keen observers as they describe climate impacts around the world without knowing their destinations. Following the screening, participants will engage in hands-on observation activities designed to enhance their ability to document and understand climate change in their own communities. Transportation to Governors Island is covered for registered attendees from Stony Brook.

Tour the open art studios on Governors Island and visit with Sohl Lee and Esteban Agosin Otero, Department of Art; Paul Firbas, Department of Hispanic Languages and Literature; and Judiann Carmack-Fayyaz, executive director of the Food Lab at Southampton. A panel conversation at 4 pm will include Carl Safina and David Taylor, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, alongside members of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. A reception at 5 pm will feature remarks from Carl Lejuez, executive vice president and provost, among others, and music from the Jazz Loft.

Featured Events

As members of the Stony Brook community, your expertise, perspectives and energy can contribute meaningfully to these crucial conversations about our planet’s future. Whether you’re interested in clean energy innovation, urban sustainability, agricultural technology or circular economy solutions, there are events designed to fuel your passion for all things climate. 

For more information about specific events and registration details, please visit the individual event links provided above.