Officials toured the New York Climate Exchange on Governors Island!
On Monday, July 17, The New York Climate Exchange ("The Exchange") organized an event on Governors Island, inviting partner organizations and elected officials. The purpose was to tour the site of the upcoming world-leading climate solutions center and gain insight into The Exchange's mission, vision, and planned programs. Stony Brook University, a part of The Exchange's partner network, had its representatives attending alongside over 80 representatives from elected official offices and partner organizations across New York City and the country.
The event was a significant step in The Exchange's commitment to unite its stakeholders and foster collaboration. During the event, Stony Brook University President Maurie McInnis and Kevin Reed, associate dean for research and associate professor in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS), delivered remarks at the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council Arts Center. Other speakers included Clare Newman, president and CEO of The Trust for Governors Island, and Maria Torres-Springer, deputy mayor for Housing, Economic, and Workforce Development.
McInnis emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary and cross-sectional action to address climate change and praised the involvement of elected officials and their teams in the endeavor.
The physical presence of The Exchange on Governors Island will house research, education, and public programming while exemplifying sustainability through renewable energy and zero-waste technologies. The plan is to achieve net-zero and net-positive goals for energy and water.
Guests at the Day on Governors Island event had the opportunity to tour the construction site set to begin in 2025, providing a firsthand look at the transformation of the grounds. The Exchange announced as a not-for-profit organization in partnership with New York City Mayor Eric Adams and The Trust for Governors Island, brings together a network of climate experts, researchers, educators, business leaders, and community organizations to tackle the effects of climate change in and beyond New York City. It involves various partners from technology, finance, academia, research, government, public health, and environmental justice to identify and scale climate change solutions.