LA Climate Week Founders on Spreading Everywhere, Ep #121

In case you missed it, last week was NY Climate Week. There were well over 1,000 events — from summits with CEO and heads of state, to film screenings, concerts, parties, boat cruises, pitch sessions, hackathons and much more. I tried to sum up my experience at New York climate week in a special episode two years ago. This year, of course, the context was different with a US administration no longer interested in climate, and a lot of green hushing, hand wringing and new language that aims to be less politicizing.

To me, one of the most interesting things about NY Climate Week is that it's not the only one. Climate weeks are spreading. San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington DC, San Diego, Shanghai, Bangkok, Panama City all have climate weeks. There might be dozens more in the works. No city on the planet is immune from the impact of climate, and most cities have thriving ecosystems of organizations, innovators, investors, policymakers, researchers and more working to advance climate solutions and adapt to a changing planet.

In this conversation I’m joined by Nishant Mani and Dan Thorman, co-founders of the LA Climate Week. Nishant and Dan saw a need to bring together their community. They volunteered to lead and have built LA Climate Week into a successful example that people anywhere can follow to create their own week of solidarity, learning and action. We talk about their backgrounds, the founding story of LA Climate Week, the impact of the LA wildfires on last year’s event, lessons they’ve learned and much more. So whether or not you were in New York last week, I hope you’ll enjoy this conversation and consider how you can help your local climate community wherever you are.

On today’s episode, we cover:

• 1:22 – Recap of New York Climate Week & Spread of Climate Weeks
• 3:43 – Nishant’s Personal & Professional Background
• 6:19 – Dan’s Personal & Professional Background
• 10:16 – The Origin Story of LA Climate Week
• 14:40 – The Role of Entertainment & Culture in LA Climate Week
• 17:08 – Entertainment Industry’s Role in Climate Movement
• 18:33 – Impact of Wildfires on LA Climate Week
• 24:47 – The Broader Role of Climate Weeks & Local Collaboration
• 27:51 – Lessons Learned from Organizing LA Climate Week
• 32:20 – Evolving the Structure and Infrastructure Involvement
• 33:02 – Measuring Success and Growth of LA Climate Week
• 36:44 – Community Engagement & Accessibility
• 39:32 – Aspirations for the Future: Magic Wand Scenario
• 42:21 – Future Planning and Event Announcement
• 44:14 – Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Resources Mentioned

• LA Climate Week
• Climate Capital
• Terra.do
• Reunion
• Collidescope Foundation
• Jane Goodall Institute

Connect with us

• Nishant Mani
• Dan Thorman
• Jason Rissman

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