The second-annual Global Climate Action Symposium will bring together a wide range of experts to showcase climate change engagement by local student activists, scientists and engineers, business and policy experts, and artists. Jointly sponsored by Georgia Tech and European consulates during European Climate Diplomacy Week, the event will be held virtually in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Registration

Registration is free, and open to the public. Register for the event here.

At a glance

Schedule

Live events will take place on October 6, 7, and 8th, 2020 from 9am - 12pm

Where: The 2020 symposium will be a virtual event.

Themes

• October 6 – Climate & Ecosystems
• October 7 – Environmental Justice & Climate Justice
• October 8 – COVID-19 & Green Recovery

Climate & Ecosystems

The Climate and Ecosystems topic explores the ways Earth’s climate and ecosystems are linked. Our changing climate impacts our ecosystems, with ramifications for biodiversity and ecology of Earth’s critical zones. However, ecosystems also play an essential role in mitigating climate change through ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration through effective forestry. This topic discusses the ways ecosystems can be a tool for effective climate action, and the ways in which we protect them.

Environmental Justice & Climate Justice

Climate change is a human and civil rights issue. Environmental injustice, including climate change, disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income communities. The Environmental Justice and Climate Justice topic incorporates anti-racism as an essential component of effective climate action, while discussing the Black Lives Matter movement and global equality issues through the lens of climate change..

COVID-19 & Green Recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered life on a global scale, underscoring inequality and illustrating vulnerability to climate change. The COVID-19 and Green Recovery topic explores how equity and climate action can be incorporated into economic and societal COVID-19 recovery plans, with emphasis on plans currently being enacted in Europe.

Student Climate Change Photography and Art Contest

What does climate change look like to you? How is it affecting the world around you? Who are the winners and losers of climate change? We are looking for creative photos that raise awareness of the ever-increasingly urgent climate crisis and inspire Georgians to take action. Submission rules and guidelines are available here. The deadline for submissions is September 30th.