Environmental Joy: Writing the Future

The deep dismantling underway in 2025 calls for an equally deep rebuilding—one that centers environmental justice, prioritizes historically marginalized communities, and ensures equitable access to clean air, water, land, and decision-making power. People yearn for and need a modernization of these crucial intersections, comprising new concepts and laws for an emerging era of integrated solutions. That is why we are thrilled to invite you to Environmental Joy 2025: Writing the Future.

By November 2025, the time will be ripe for a new phase. Almost a year into attacking domestic and global solidarity and mutualism while stripping down the foundations of justice and environmental protections, Environmental Joy will convene. It will convene in a form more akin to a congress than a conference to confront and overcome these challenges. Environmental Joy’s goal is to launch “Writing the Future” – a rethinking of frameworks, processes, practices, cultures, and policies needed to remake and accelerate the transition to a just and sustainable world. Environmental Joy 2025 will be a starting point for that rebuilding.

The conference is held in person, with hybrid components also available. For the full conference description and more information, visit: Environmental Joy 2025 | Yale Center for Environmental Justice

The work of environmental justice communities around the world would not be possible without the element of joy. Joy is not the opposite of sorrow, nor a repudiation of tragedy or grief. It is a transformative, necessary force that holds communities together in the face of injustice and adversity. Joy is what injustice can take, and what can be regained when healing and repair occur.

Conference features:

• Networking opportunities: Connect with environmental and climate justice leaders, innovators, and influencers across the world
• Keynote and plenary speakers: Hear from prominent EJ figures such as the co-leaders of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council and more
• Interactive breakout sessions: Participate in three hands-on sessions to co-create roadmaps that will detail EJ pathways for the next 3-5 years

• Art & Joy Showcases: Build environmental joy with one another through participatory art engagements throughout the conference
• and more!

Conference Tracks:

More information on conference tracks is coming soon

Spotlighted Featured Speakers:

More information on speakers is coming soon

Who should attend?

Everybody is welcome to attend this conference, though typical attendees include:

• Environmental and climate justice communities and members
• Policy makers
• Academics and researchers
• Thought leaders in faith and culture

Registration

• $20 for virtual attendees
• $25 for students
• $50 for grassroots individuals
• $50 for Yale affiliates (faculty, staff, etc.)
• $150 for professionals
• $250 for grassroots organizations
• $500 for Sponsoring Individuals (funds scholarships for 1-2 participants)
• $5000 for Sponsoring Organizations (funds scholarships for 10 participants)
• Scholarships are available to all other attendees upon application. For top priority review, please submit your scholarship application by July 30. Applications will still be accepted on a rolling basis, but we cannot guarantee consideration after the priority deadline.
• NOTE: If you are applying for a scholarship, please refrain from registering or paying for the event in advance, as refunds will not be available. If you are awarded the scholarship, your spot will be automatically secured. If you are not selected, there will likely still be spots available for you to register afterward.

Host or Publisher Yale School of the Environment