#United States #New York #climate action #Climate Week NYC #Southern Environmental Law Center

Southern Environmental Law Center Highlights Southern Voices at Climate Week NYC

The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), renowned as the largest nonprofit environment-focused legal advocacy organization in the U.S. South, is excited to announce its participation in this year's Climate Week NYC. Scheduled for September 22, 2026, SELC will host a free public event focused on pressing Southern climate issues, engaging with communities and stakeholders to share critical insights and solutions.

At this inaugural event, SELC will feature a series of three panel discussions addressing vital topics including the proliferation of data centers in the South, the significant ecological issues faced by Appalachia, and the transformative power of storytelling in climate advocacy. These discussions will provide a platform for Southern voices, often overlooked in climate dialogues, to share their unique experiences and initiatives aimed at combating the climate crisis.

Significance of the South in the Climate Conversation

The U.S. South is a significant contributor to climate change, grappling with severe weather patterns, biodiversity losses, and the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. Urban neighborhoods and rural towns alike are experiencing an uptick in environmental challenges, prompting thousands of local advocates to seek community-driven solutions. SELC aims to bring these grassroots efforts to the forefront during Climate Week, highlighting the South’s role in the broader conversation about sustainable environmental practices.

Event Details: A Day of Engagement

The event will take place at Iron23, located at 29 West 23rd Street, offering both in-person and virtual participation options to ensure accessibility. The discussions will cover three major panels:

1. Data Centers: Community-Led Advocacy to Real Solutions
The South has become a prominent hub for data centers, impacting local communities significantly. This panel will explore how grassroots organizers are striving for transparency and policy reforms addressing these facilities' ramifications on the environment.

2. Over, Under, and Through: Wildlife Connectivity and Resilience in Appalachia
As one of the most biodiverse regions in the U.S., Appalachia faces unprecedented climatic changes. This segment will delve into how communities are fostering wildlife connectivity and ecosystems' resilience in the face of this adversity.

3. Storytelling in the U.S. South: Igniting Climate Action through Art
Artists and storytellers will discuss their role in climate advocacy, showcasing how narratives can stimulate emotional connections and propel community engagement toward climate action.

A Platform for Southern Representation

DJ Gerken, Executive Director of SELC, emphasized the importance of including Southern perspectives in climate discussions. He stated, “The South matters when it comes to solving the climate crisis. Yet, Southern voices are often missing from the conversation during Climate Week.”
Gerken's commitment to bringing regional experiences and solutions to a global stage underscores the value of localized knowledge in addressing pressing environmental challenges.

The Bigger Picture: Climate Week NYC

Climate Week NYC is the largest climate event worldwide, featuring an array of activities and sessions aimed at fostering collaboration among governments, businesses, and civil society to combat climate change. SELC's participation reaffirms its dedication to environmental advocacy, aiming to not only inform but inspire action from various sectors.

Join SELC during Climate Week NYC to engage with thought leaders, community advocates, and experts as they navigate the complex landscape of climate action, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts rooted in local experiences. For more details about the upcoming event and the latest updates on panelists, visit SELC’s official website.

About SELC

The Southern Environmental Law Center has a storied history as a fierce protector of the environment, advocating passionately for the region’s natural resources, people, and wildlife. Comprising a skilled team of over 200 professionals, including over 130 legal and policy experts, SELC operates from its headquarters in Charlottesville, Virginia, and regional offices across Southern cities, making a lasting impact on environmental policy and practice.

Join SELC in highlighting and celebrating the vital contributions of Southern communities to the global climate narrative.

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