FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 16, 2018
2nd Annual Summit Focuses on Opportunities for Communities
Who: Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, climate advocates and representatives of organizations collaborating on the summit, including:
- Joseph Driscoll (Syracuse Common Councilor, 5th District),
- Neely Kelley (Mothers Out Front),
- Renee Vogelsang (Climate Solutions Summit organizer),
- Chris Carrick (Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board),
- Yusuf Abdul-Qadir, Sustainability Strategist, and
- Pete Wirth (Climate Change Action and Awareness)
What: Press conference about the upcoming Climate Solutions Summit and highlighting examples of positive actions taken on climate change throughout the region. The first Climate Solutions Summit took place in 2017 in Rochester, drawing hundreds of attendees from across NY State.
When: Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 11 AM
Where: Steps of City Hall, 233 E. Washington Street, Syracuse NY
Why: The Climate Solutions Summit will be held Saturday, May 19th from 9 AM to 5 PM at the Public Service Leadership Academy at Fowler (formerly Fowler High School), 227 Magnolia St, Syracuse, NY 13204. The meeting, drawing hundreds of climate activists from across the state, as well as local residents, is designed to create a large movement to take action for climate solutions.
The school was chosen as the location by recommendation of Southside residents who are among the organizers. The most disadvantaged communities will be the ones most affected by climate change, and should have equal access to the knowledge and economic benefits of the solutions. Event organizers are committed to making the Summit accessible to people from all walks of life. Registration is only $20 with scholarships still available.
Keynote speakers on Saturday will include Faithkeeper Oren Lyons (Onondaga Nation), Eric Walker (Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Adviser, and former Director of Energy Development for Erie County), and Judith Enck (Former Regional Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).
The Summit’s opening panel, entitled “Successes at the Local Level,” will feature successful clean energy and sustainability projects in communities across the state. Panelists include: Sam Gordon, Town of Dewitt; Mike Baden, Town of Rochester; Irene Weiser, Town of Caroline; Joe Driscoll, City of Syracuse; Amanda Lavalle, Ulster County, and Josh Wilson, Erie County.
The day’s schedule will include case studies and workshops in renewable energy such as solar, wind, renewable heating and cooling- ground source (geothermal) and air source heat pumps; energy efficiency; electric vehicles; clean mass transit; green jobs; sustainable land use; and environmental justice. Breakout sessions will focus on technical skills, communications, movement building and opportunities for networking with members of the climate movement. Speakers will range from local, grassroots, state and national organizations. There will be an all day Tabling Expo featuring non-profit organizations and businesses.
Presenters include: Chris Carrick, Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board; Mark Lowery, Department of Environmental Conservation; Anne Reynolds, ACE New York; Jessica Azulay, Alliance for a Green Economy; Chris Bolt, WAER; Emily Pomilio, Sierra Club; Daniela Lapidous, NY Renews; Twiggy Billue, National Action Network; and more from local, state and national organizations.
The Climate Solutions Summit is co-sponsored by New Yorkers for Clean Power, Mothers Out Front, Sierra Club, ACE NY, Climate Change Awareness and Action, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Central New York Regional Planning & Development Board, National Action Network, The Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force, Frack Action, and Alliance for a Green Economy.
For more program details and information go to, www.ClimateSolutionsSummit.org/program
