Learning From Local and Global Climate Leaders: Highlights From the Climate School Showcase

"The showcase was an "opportunity to convene leaders from government and industry and academia alongside our own faculty and students and researchers to spark new ideas, shared bold approaches and drive meaningful action together," Abramson told attendees, before introducing the first speaker, Armando Paíno Henríquez Dajer, minister of the environment and natural resources of the Dominican Republic. In conversation with Jeff Schlegelmilch, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness,"

"In conversation with Jeff Schlegelmilch, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness, Henríquez Dajer discussed his Ministry's collaboration with Columbia World Projects, on a pilot network of community resilience centers in the Dominican Republic, which aim to strengthen local capacity and climate adaptation plans. If we don't change the mentality of the people through education about climate change and sustainability, we cannot make a difference, Henríquez Dajer said."

Global and national leaders in sustainability and climate joined students and researchers from Columbia Climate School for an event focused on climate change. The Climate School Showcase positioned the School as a hub for diverse expertise and cross-disciplinary collaboration to address complex climate challenges affecting sectors and communities. Sessions included conversations, interdisciplinary panels, student presentations and plant-based snacks from Impossible Foods. The event brought together government, industry and academia to generate new ideas and bold approaches. The Dominican Republic highlighted a partnership to pilot community resilience centers aimed at strengthening local capacity and climate adaptation, with an emphasis on education and mindset change in marginalized communities.

Read at State of the Planet