Six UChicago College students learned from international leaders addressing today’s leading climate issues at Climate Week NYC this September. The Institute’s second annual student cohort spent four days in New York City attending panels, networking with fellow attendees and speakers, and meeting with alumni and friends of UChicago.
Accompanied by Institute staff, students attended a packed agenda of panels and networking events. They learned about the latest developments in geoengineering, the intersection of clean energy and national security, and carbon removal technologies, to name a few. For student attendee Sammy Alderden (College ’28), the “New Security Agenda: Clean Energy, Nature Restoration, and Economic Security” event was a highlight of the trip.
“The individuals there discussed how we can gain a wider range of support for climate action if we use solutions that address other challenges along with the climate, such as economic or security concerns,” Alderden said. “On the economic front, investing in domestic renewables is one way to decrease reliance on other countries for energy and shield energy prices from the volatility of global supply chains.”
The students also attended several events featuring UChicago faculty speakers. On Monday, students learned how scientific innovations can confront today’s greatest climate challenges at Frontiers Science House: Science Summit 2026featuring Geophysical Sciences Professor and CSEi Founding Faculty Director David Keith.
On Tuesday, students attended a deep dive into the potential of AI weather forecasting at Forecasting the Future: How AI-Powered Weather Intelligence Can Protect and Improve Our Healthwith Amir Jina, Assistant Professor at the Harris School of Public Policy; Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth Director Michael Greenstone, the Milton Friedman Distinguished Professor in the Department of Economics; Michael Kremer, University Professor in Economics; and Kate Burrows, Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences, among others.
On their final day in New York, students learned about the impacts of this year’s Super El Niño on human health and how governments can adapt at A Postcard from the Future: The Heat Toll of the 2026–27 Super El Niño and What We Can Still Dofeaturing Michael Greenstone.
Students also met with several UChicago faculty and alumni to learn about their unique career journeys and perspectives. This year, students enjoyed a dinner with UChicago alumnus Ben Segal (JD ’19), an attorney at ClientEarth.
“My time at Climate Week allowed me to see the collaboration, research and work that is going on across the world in tackling one of the greatest problems facing us today,” said attendee Ryan Finkelstein (College ’29). “The experience left me even more motivated to continue my path in the climate world, and hopeful for the future after hearing from and speaking to so many amazing people.”