Creative Climate Forum – Full Day Access

Join us for the Creative Climate Forum: Fast Responses, Slow Revolutions: Art, Community, and Tools of Creative Resistance.

A day-long, immersive gathering on Thursday, September 25th, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM at Pier 57 during Climate Week NYC. This free and public event welcomes artists, youth, educators, community members, advocates, and anyone ready to explore creative tools, build new connections, and take action for a more just and sustainable future. Through performances, panels, workshops, and immersive installations, we activate the power of imagination and collaboration to respond to the climate crisis—together.

What to Expect:

• Performances
• Two powerful panels on fast response and systemic change
• Six in-depth workshops on climate storytelling, justice, care, and community mobilization
• An all-day immersive Climate Action Room featuring interactive installations from WNET, DearTomorrow, Serica Initiative, and more
• A vibrant networking celebration to end the day

Info: Explore the power of imagination as a catalyst for change, the responsibility that comes with innovation, and the urgency of collective action. Ask not just what kind of future we want, but what kind of future we are willing to build—and whether we have the courage, clarity, and collaboration to begin now.

Info: This panel will explore the urgency of immediate political and climate action in response to today’s overlapping crises. It will examine rapid policy shifts, the pressing need for civic engagement, and strategies for swiftly mobilizing large groups—drawing on the concept of connective action (Bennett & Segerberg, 2012). The discussion will focus on how to stay effective, responsive, and creative in an increasingly volatile political and environmental landscape.
Facilitator: Tara DePorte, Human Impacts Institute
With Special Guests:
Melissa Jun Rowley, Communications Director, REVERB & Advisor, Creatives for Climate
Lydia Pilcher, Emmy-winning, Academy Award nominated Producer and founder of Cine Mosaic
Denise Patel, National Organizing Director, WE ACT for Environmental Justice
Ranjani Prabhakar, Legislative Director, Healthy Communities, Earth Justice & Founder and Executive Director Flame Lily Media

Info: Set of workshops where participants will explore how to turn inspiration into immediate and impactful climate action. Facilitated by leading voices in storytelling, legal advocacy, and community organizing, the sessions offer practical tools to mobilize communities, craft compelling climate messages, and respond to environmental crises with legal and narrative strategies. From digital campaigns to legal witnessing to frontline organizing, these workshops equip participants to act boldly and creatively in the face of climate breakdown.

Info: Food is available for purchase at vendors within Pier 57.

Info: Location: Joint Classroom, Pier 57
This panel explores how creative communication strategies can support long-term societal change by fostering cross-sector trust, building lasting partnerships, and applying systems thinking. Panelists will share insights on developing community-driven solutions and sustainable campaigns that prioritize care, equity, and collective impact. The session aims to spark coalition-building and equip participants with strategies for systemic, long-term transformation.
Facilitator: Hari Sreenivasan, Anchor of PBS NewsHour Weekend

Info: These workshops offer a deep dive into the structural, emotional, and intergenerational dimensions of climate justice. Participants will explore how to decolonize environmental narratives and build cross-cultural partnerships rooted in reciprocity and respect; how to foster intergenerational trust and dialogue that empowers youth and honors their future; and how to cultivate emotional resilience and community care practices that sustain long-term collaboration. Together, these sessions provide space for reflection, skill-building, and connection—laying the foundation for more equitable, compassionate, and enduring climate solutions.

Host or Publisher Human Impacts Institute