Global Climate Action Summit 2018

Global Climate Action Summit (GCAS) September 11-14, 2018

The week was an inspiring immersion that generated a new level of commitment to action. Minerva helped organize an affiliate event, Restoring the Climate: Achievable Solutions, hosted by CCL at Google Community Space featuring: Dr. Leslie Field, Ice911 CEO & Founder, Dr. Brent Constantz, Founder & CEO of Blue Planet & Peter Fiekowsky, Founder & President of HealthyClimate Alliance, facilitated by Morgan Bailey of Intrepid Coaching.

Minerva’s founder, Marianna Grossman, attended GCAS as a delegate. Among other events, she attended the BSR/Stockholm Resilience Centre day-long workshop on resilience. Speakers from India, Africa, Europe and the US delved into how to make energy, finance, business and society more resilient and just.

Johan Rockström explains resilience thinking at the BSR/Stockholm Resilience Centre event during GCAS.

Johan Rockström explains resilience thinking at the BSR/Stockholm Resilience Centre event during GCAS.

California EPA/Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation/10 Strands hosted a day long workshop at the Exploratorium, with students, educators and a wide variety of stakeholders: “Education: Key to Long-term Climate Action Success”. You can find climate education resources here.

Marianna Grossman, Minerva Ventures with Bruce Riordan, Climate Readiness Institute and Julie Henderson, Cal EPA at Education workshop during GCAS.

Marianna Grossman, Minerva Ventures with Bruce Riordan, Climate Readiness Institute and Julie Henderson, Cal EPA at Education workshop during GCAS.

The interfaith service on climate change provided respite and moral direction for the work ahead.

Interfaith Power and Light presented the names of over 12,000 congregations, clergy and individuals who have committed to reduce their carbon footprint and protect their planet from climate change, at Grace Cathedral.

Interfaith Power and Light presented the names of over 12,000 congregations, clergy and individuals who have committed to reduce their carbon footprint and protect their planet from climate change, at Grace Cathedral.

A summary of the challenges in each domain can be found here. In the opening session, Johan Rockström and Christina Figueres described the imperative for transformational, exponential change. The rest of the two days presented commitments and solutions for action on oceans, land, technology, social justice, business, finance, the New Climate Economy, and more.

The organizers worked hard to elevate the voices of indigenous people and women. Music, dance and powerful imagery added dimension and momentum to the conference.

Oceans dance!

In a glorious display of free speech, access to the site and some talks were interrupted by protesters decrying the use of cap and trade that allows polluters to buy the right to continue polluting and extracting fossil fuels.  Philanthropists, lawyers, companies, cities, states and nations declared new breakthrough programs and goals. Governor Brown strived to elevate other voices throughout the week. Former VP Al Gore and former Secretary of State John Kerry were among the impassioned speakers calling for accelerated action. Both former President Obama and the Dalai Lama sent video messages supporting the need for new levels of commitment and results.

Governor Jerry Brown closed the Summit saying, “We are launching our own damn satellite!”

Governor Jerry Brown closed the Summit saying, “We are launching our own damn satellite!”

Many news outlets reported on GCAS, including the New York Times.

The hard work of fulfilling commitments is moving forward.

Were you there? Please share your thoughts!

Marianna GrossmanComment