Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith joined a panel of climate experts on April 13 for a discussion focused on the challenges of climate change and strategies to address them. The event, titled Turning the Tide: How Science, Innovation and Partnership Are Driving Meaningful Climate Solutions, was held at The Morgan Library & Museum in New York City and cosponsored by Stony Brook University and The New York Climate Exchange.
The panel brought together alumni, faculty, staff, students, friends, and partners to examine how collaboration across sectors can help mitigate the effects of climate change. Goldsmith said that her experience as board chair of The New York Climate Exchange has convinced her that “The New York Climate Exchange, through its powerful partnership model and compelling vision, is uniquely poised to tackle the immense and urgent challenges of mitigating the effects of climate change at speed and scale.”
The Exchange is anchored by Stony Brook University with a planned campus on Governors Island. It brings together expertise from 48 partners including universities, companies, non-profit organizations, philanthropies, and community groups. Its mission focuses on harnessing climate data for solutions, strengthening urban resilience, and advancing financing for climate action.
Goldsmith highlighted the significance of location: “The Climate Exchange partner model and its location in New York City…uniquely positions us to make meaningful progress in these areas,” she said. “And it makes me incredibly proud that Stony Brook is the anchor institution for The Exchange.”
Panelist Kevin Reed—chief climate scientist for The New York Climate Exchange—said deep partnerships are essential for meaningful solutions. He explained that more than 30 community-based and international organizations are involved because “you really need to have all of these different types of individuals at the table” when addressing diverse local challenges.
Throughout the evening’s discussion among researchers, policymakers and members of the public underscored both urgency around addressing climate issues as well as opportunities created through collaboration. As discussions concluded organizers pointed toward an ongoing role for Stony Brook University in convening people capable of turning research into action.
