Nature is one of our best defenses against climate change. This day will explore how protecting ecosystems, prioritizing biodiversity, enhancing community well-being, and advancing nature-based climate solutions go hand in hand.
Since the venue has limited seating, tickets will be given through a lottery system. If you've been accepted to join us at this DC Climate Week's hub location, you will be notified by April 22nd.
Day 4 Agenda
9:30AM - 10:00AM | Registration + Networking
10:00AM – 10:15AM | Welcome
10:15AM – 10:45AM | Resilient Communities: Lessons from LA’s Wildfire Recovery
This session will examine Los Angeles' wildfire recovery efforts through the lenses of policy, research, and engineering solutions. Featuring perspectives from government, academic researchers, and resilience experts, the discussion will highlight the intersection of science, governance, and community action in rebuilding and preparing for future fire seasons. Speakers will explore how cutting-edge research is informing policy decisions, how technological innovations and green infrastructure (nature-based solutions) investments strengthen resilience, and how collaborative strategies between government, academia, and local communities are driving effective recovery.
Moderator: Chuck Todd, USC Scholar in Residence & Chief Political Analyst for NBC News
Panelists:
Brett Steele, Dean of the USC School of Architecture
Dr. Yannis Yortsos, Dean of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering
10:45AM – 11:45AM | WATER: Revitalizing a Healthy Ocean and Freshwater Ecosystems
Water sustains and connects us —from small urban streams to vast ocean ecosystems. Yet, these critical systems face interconnected threats from pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. This panel will bring together a range of experts to discuss strategies for protecting and restoring blue ecosystems: from restoring and improving access to urban waterways, to protecting vulnerable wetlands and reefs, to supporting fisheries and strengthening formal protections for oceans and coasts. Panelists from national and local organizations will explore how nature-based solutions, policy interventions, and community-driven efforts can safeguard water resources, enhance resilience, and support both people and wildlife in a changing climate.
Moderator: Dr. Clare Fieseler, Canary Media
Panelists:
Vaughn Perry, Building Bridges Across the Anacostia
Carmera Thomas-Wilhite, Vice President for Communities & Partnerships, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Dr. Fatima Candace Vahlsing, VP Climate, Ocean Conservancy
Avexnim Cojti, Director of Programs, Cultural Survival
11:45AM – 12:00PM | Innovative Voices: Pioneering Solutions for Food and Sustainability
From cutting-edge agricultural technologies to creative approaches in reducing food waste, improving food security, and fostering urban farming spaces, these "Innovative Voices" will showcase the latest solutions that are driving positive change in the intersection of food and sustainability. Join us for a fast-paced and inspiring series of talks that highlight the power of innovation to transform how we produce, distribute, and consume food in a way that supports both people and the planet.
Speakers:
Stacy Dean, George Washington University Global Food Institute
Tim Cornie, Farmer's Gin
Skye Ellis, Common Good City Farm
12:00PM – 1:00PM | Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:00PM | LAND: Supporting a Healthy Planet and Healthy People
Nature-based solutions are a powerful tool for addressing growing climate impacts, but their effectiveness depends on regional conditions and evolving threats. This panel will bring together experts from around the world working on habitat conservation and restoration, land management, and preventing species extinction. They will discuss how climate change is reshaping priorities and strategies. From conserving threatened species to leveraging working lands for carbon sequestration, panelists will highlight innovative approaches to land stewardship that balance ecological integrity and community needs.
Moderator: David Akana, Mongabay
Panelists:
Liz Goldman, Global Forest Watch, World Resources Institute
Dr. Robin Moore, Vice President for Communications and Marketing, Re:WILD; Author, In Search of Lost Frogs
Luther Bois, Anuker, IUCN Director for the Eastern and Southern Africa Region
Mike Parr, President, American Bird Conservancy
2:00PM – 2:20PM | FUTURE STEWARDS: Empowering Changemakers for a Sustainable Future
In this inspiring session, young leaders and educators will share short, impactful presentations on environmental stewardship, climate action, and community resilience. From mobilizing the next generation through environmental education and grassroots movements to youth-driven policy advocacy, this session will showcase how the next generation will create a brighter and greener future.
Session introduction: Spike Mendelsohn, Chef, Just Ice Tea
Speakers:
Mary Ford, Vice President, Jane Goodall Institute
Wawa Gatheru, Founder and Executive Director, Black Girl Environmentalist
Lucy Westlake , USC Student, Youngest American woman to summit Everest
2:20PM – 2:45PM | Coffee Break
2:45PM – 3:30PM | Climate Narratives: Harnessing Storytelling for Nature
This moderated discussion will explore the power of storytelling in shaping our connection to nature and raising awareness about the environmental impacts of climate change. This conversation will touch on varied forms — visual media, film, television, photography, and the arts—and how these mediums can drive action for conservation.
Moderator: Allison Agsten, Director, USC Center for Climate Journalism & Communications
Panelists:
Sam Read, Executive Director, Sustainable Entertainment Alliance
Sue Crothers, Founding Director of the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest
Melissa Fleming, Assistant Secretary General for Communications, United Nations
3:30PM – 4:30PM | Nature Nearby: The role of Nature in Urban Resilience
As cities face rising temperatures, extreme weather, and biodiversity loss, the integration of nature into urban landscapes is more critical than ever. This panel will explore how urban parks, tree cover, community gardens, and green infrastructure contribute to climate resilience, public health, and community well-being. Experts will discuss the importance of expanding access to green spaces, the role of urban biodiversity in environmental sustainability, and innovative policies that ensure nature is a core part of resilient, livable cities. Join us to learn how investing in “nearby nature” can create healthier, more sustainable urban communities
Moderator: Esther Whieldon, Co-host, S&P Global "All things Sustainable" podcast
Panelists:
Brendan Shane, Climate Director, Trust for Public Land
Lydia Lawrence, Director of Conservation, Nature Forward
Dr. Naomi Alena Sachs, University of Maryland; Founding Director of the Therapeutic Landscapes Network
Dr. Christopher Boone, Dean of the USC Price School of Public Policy
4:30PM – 4:50PM | Art for Nature & Climate: Creative Expressions for Environmental Change
This session highlights the powerful role of visual art and poetry in advancing conversations around nature and climate action. We will explore how the arts and creative expression help us connect to nature and each other, help us understand and express our emotions, raise awareness about threats, and inspire action. After the session, participants will have the opportunity to tell their own stories, write, or create art, drawing inspiration from nature and climate themes, and contributing to the collective movement for environmental change. Join us for an interactive experience that demonstrates how art can amplify the message for a sustainable future.
Moderator: Dr. Naamal De Silva, Vice President, Together for Birds at American Bird Conservancy
Panelists:
Neha Misra
Greg Kahn
Cita Sadeli (aka MISS CHELOVE)
Obiekwe Okolo
4:50PM – 5:20PM | Closing Remarks
Speaker: Kevin Webb, Co-Founder, Superorganism
Speaker: Dr. Yannis Yortsos, Dean of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering
The speakers and organizations participating during the DC Climate Week event do not represent the views of the event space hosts or DC Climate Week.