Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore’s 55th Climate Reality Leadership Corps training drew nearly 3,000 attendees to the Jacob Javits Center across a two-day summit designed for climate activists and the climate curious from April 12-14.
Participants came in from across the mid-Atlantic and the northeast, and as far as other parts of the world, all convening to discuss the devastating effects of fossil fuel polluters and the lack of supportive climate financing to protect the environment. Speakers addressed crowds on issues like climate justice, advances in environmental policy and clean energy, and the various grassroots groups who’ve helped foster resilient communities.
Faith Cummings, a Harlem-based climate leader who co-chairs the NYC Metro Area’s chapter of the Climate Reality Project, characterized the training as a chance to get together with like-minded folks who care about the climate crisis: “People who want to mitigate the harm that’s being done and really want to take action,” she said.
“Former Vice President Gore has a lot of information. He’s been doing this for decades. Part of it is that he kind of gives this presentation so that we get the tools to be able to give to others. And really, it helps us to be educated on what’s happening, not just in our community, but around the world with the climate crisis. You really leave after the few days feeling very informed, like you could talk to your parents about it, or you could talk to your company, or you could talk to your community. It’s really a helpful tool.”
Climate Reality Project training events included breakout sessions; panel discussions with podcasters, scientists, government officials, activists, actors, and comedians; and networking opportunities for attendees to learn more from each other about ways to protect and regenerate a healthy planet.
“I want to start by once again formally thanking everybody here for taking the time to come here,” Gore told trainee attendees the first day. “The very fact that you’re here is extremely important. Whatever it was that caused you to make the decision to take this time, that’s really the most important thing. Keep in close touch with the feeling and the passion that caused you to make the decision to come here. We’ll do our best for these next few days to give you the state of the art of science on both the causes and the solutions to the climate crisis and [to] connect you with others of like-minded heart, get you into networks that can help you magnify your ability to advocate for change, give you the opportunity to gain some new skills if you wish, and to get inspired by the people who are here with you.”
The next Climate Reality Leadership Training will take place in Rome from June 28-30, 2024. For more information, visit: https://climaterealityproject.org/rome
