Bloomberg Green Festival

Nothing like recapping a conference 4 months after it ends (speaking of, according to this cadence, stay tuned for my 2024 Greenbuild International Conference & Expo recap... apparently which will be coming in March 2025.)

Anyway, as a person who is pretty susceptible to FOMO, it's always fun to be at 'the inaugural' of anything, and I just so happened upon the inaugural Bloomberg Green Festival this year July 10-13th in Seattle, thanks to a corresponding BuildingGreen? Peer Networks summit. And, even more so, thanks to my 亚马逊 friends who clued me into this event - as they were a title sponsor:

At Amazon, we combine data and science with passion and invention. We set big goals and work backward to achieve them, such as The Climate Pledge, our goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement. We apply that same tenacity to how we address some of the world’s biggest environmental and societal challenges, striving to make every day better for our customers, employees, communities, and planet. Learn more at sustainability.aboutamazon.com.

This article won't take you 48 minutes to read, but if you'd rather spend that amount of time watching a video, Bloomberg Green condensed 4 days down to a single video summary:

Oh and (slightly less) thanks to Alaska Airlines (the official airline of the event) because they cancelled my flight from Omaha < 12 hours before I was supposed to depart which caused me to add many hours of travel time to my plans... But I can't complain too much because they made it all work out, and this allowed me to fly through Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) (check out their sustainability efforts) and visit one of my favorite things... Capital One Lounges! Plus - how privileged am I to be writing about this experience to begin with? There is no space in any of this for complaints, only (so much) gratitude. Their three main takeaways from the festival are on point, as well:

1. We live in an era of consequence
2. Every business is a climate business
3. Next generation changemakers are here

BLOOMBERG GREEN FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

We heard from powerful voices in public policy, activism, climate investment, enjoyed screenings of Green Docs, relaxed outside in a sound bath, jammed to musical performances, and feasted on sustainable bites. There was a LOT going on at the Festival and you can read all the highlights at the following links:

• Day 1 Recap
• Day 2 Recap
• Day 3 Recap

Key session recordings and LOTS of other video content is available on YouTube at Bloomberg Green Festival 2024.

Day 1 - Wednesday 7/10

As mentioned above, I got in a bit later than my original plan due to some flight changes... so even though I was flying back in time from CST to PST, my first stop was immediately to meet up with my Climate Pledge friends in the Tunnel Club Suites at Climate Pledge Arena during the Seattle Storm game.

The festival was right across from the Seattle Center (the site of the 1962 World's Fair) at McCaw Hall, so there was plenty of walking efficiency to and from all the events and happenings (plus my AirBNB nearby) and walking to the Amazon Spheres for happy hour (and free bananas!)

The Spheres provide a space to think and work differently, surrounded by nature and the wellness benefits it provides

The Spheres are a result of innovative thinking about the character of a workplace and an extended conversation about what is typically missing from urban offices– a direct link to nature. The Spheres are home to more than 40,000 plants from the cloud forest regions of over 30 countries.

Day 1 of the Bloomberg Green Festival set an inspiring tone for tackling climate challenges with innovation, collaboration, and impactful storytelling. Here’s a recap of the sessions I attended:

Bloomberg Green: What We’re Watching

This session provided a unique opportunity to engage directly with Bloomberg Green's top climate journalists. John Fraher, Michelle Ma, and Akshat Rathi shared insights on critical climate issues they’re monitoring, from energy transitions to the latest policy developments, with Sharon Chen moderating the discussion. Attendees had the chance to ask questions live, making this an engaging deep dive into the stories shaping the future of climate action.

Town Hall: Solving Your Climate Vice

Addressing our personal climate "vices" was the focus of this interactive town hall. A diverse panel of experts, including Kate Kurtz (Seattle Public Utilities), Mary Purdy (Nutrient Density Alliance), Jeremy Sampson (The Travel Foundation), and Dounia Wone (Vestiaire Collective), tackled questions about reducing carbon-heavy habits. Moderated by Zahra Hirji, the session provided practical, scalable solutions to common challenges like waste reduction, sustainable travel, and eco-friendly living.

Green Stage Opening Night Program

The evening's programming brought together inspiration and action in a series of standout presentations:

• My Climate Story: Award-winning filmmaker Emelie Mahdavian gave a moving talk about her documentary Planet A, chronicling a women-led scientific expedition to Antarctica’s "Doomsday Glacier." Her story highlighted the intersection of climate science and human resilience.
• Changemaker Conversation: The Evolution of Activism Youth activist Xiye Bastida shared how Indigenous worldviews inform her climate advocacy, inspiring the audience to consider holistic and community-centered solutions to the climate crisis.
• Ones to Watch This session spotlighted emerging leaders in the climate and energy space. Speakers like Tom Chi (At One Ventures), Julie Pullen (Propeller), and Ben Schuler (Infinitum) explored innovations in renewable energy, emissions accounting, and carbon capture. Moderated by Michelle Ma, this panel was a reminder of the transformative power of fresh ideas and bold leadership.
• Changemaker Conversation: From Acting to Advocacy Actor-turned-environmentalist Adrian Grenier discussed his evolution from Hollywood star to co-founder of Lonely Whale and impact investor. His conversation with moderator Antha Williams touched on leveraging platforms for change and empowering everyday people to take climate action.

Restaurant and Bar Series

Raised on a cherry orchard in Central Washington, three-time James Beard Award semifinalist David Nichols honed his culinary skills in New York City before bringing his artistry to Seattle. Drawing inspiration from his family’s orchards (for which the restaurant is named), Chef David presented a multi-course feast highlighting Washington State fare with Mexican and Central American flavors, and paying heartfelt homage to the people integral to the cultivation and harvest of the orchards of Central Washington. This dinner was in collaboration with Michael Guittard from Descendant Cellars, the Evergreen United Food Hub, & Alvarez Organic Farms.

Day 2 - Thursday 7/11

Day 2 was packed with thought-provoking sessions, actionable insights, and inspiring conversations about the future of climate action. Here’s a summary of the highlights:

Mitigating Climate Risk in Your Operations

This invitation-only session focused on the challenges of transitioning existing facilities and operations to align with climate goals. With opening remarks from Lauren Kiel (Bloomberg Media) and Ali Santore (Providence), the panel—featuring Donnel Baird (BlocPower), Kara Brooks (American Hospital Association), and Jessyn Farrell (City of Seattle)—explored industry-specific strategies, the role of data and automation, and actionable steps for mitigating climate risk. The discussion underscored the importance of proactively adapting infrastructure to meet environmental and cost-saving goals.

Green Stage Morning Program

The morning opened with dynamic sessions addressing electrification, climate-driven business strategies, and the power of storytelling in environmental advocacy:

• Electrify Your Life In this session, Stacey Abrams, voting rights advocate and author, joined Ari Matusiak, Founder & CEO of Rewiring America, to discuss the transformative potential of electrification. Moderated by Akshat Rathi, the conversation highlighted how electrification—from vehicles to home appliances—empowers individuals and communities to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Abrams and Matusiak emphasized the role of accessibility and equity, demonstrating how electrification can benefit diverse demographics, including low-income neighborhoods.
• Changemaker Conversation: The Business Value of Climate Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell brought her expertise from both public service and the private sector to a conversation about aligning economic success with sustainability. Moderated by Zahra Hirji, Jewell shared pragmatic strategies for integrating climate considerations into business decisions, providing a blueprint for companies to balance profitability with environmental stewardship.
• Bad River: A Story of Defiance A powerful session brought attendees behind the scenes of Bad River, a documentary chronicling the Wisconsin-based Bad River Band's fight for sovereignty and environmental justice. Producer Allison Abner, narrator Quannah ChasingHorse, and director Mary Mazzio discussed the David-and-Goliath battle over a failing pipeline threatening Lake Superior. Moderated by Aaron Rutkoff, the discussion highlighted the resilience of Indigenous communities in protecting their lands and water.
• My Climate Story: Willow Defebaugh In a deeply personal talk, Willow Defebaugh, Editor-in-Chief of Atmos, reflected on the intersection of personal transformation and climate action. Through immersive photography and poignant storytelling, Defebaugh demonstrated how healing our relationship with the planet mirrors individual journeys of growth and identity.
• Investing in Climate Tech Jim Coulter, Executive Chairman of TPG and Managing Partner at TPG Rise Climate, provided insights into the accelerating pace of cleantech innovation. Moderated by Jason Kelly, the discussion focused on how targeted investments in cutting-edge solutions can drive the next wave of climate action, addressing challenges from carbon capture to renewable energy scalability.
• Forward, Together: Unique Pathways to Climate Action Sue Bird, WNBA legend and co-founder of TOGETHXR, and Kara Hurst, Chief Sustainability Officer at Amazon, shared how their platforms support climate initiatives in vastly different spaces. Moderated by Carol Massar, the session highlighted the importance of collaboration and leveraging unique skills to create a collective impact.
• Providence Sponsor Spotlight: Health Equity in the Era of Climate Change Ali Santore, Executive Vice President at Providence, discussed the intersection of health equity and climate change in a session moderated by Lauren Kiel. The conversation explored how healthcare systems can adapt to mitigate climate impacts while promoting community health.
• The Role of Cities The morning concluded with Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell discussing his administration's efforts to make Seattle a leader in climate resilience. Moderated by Antha Williams, the session highlighted the importance of city-level action and innovative policies in driving meaningful environmental change.

Facilitated Networking

This curated networking session offered a chance to connect with Bloomberg experts and peers on niche climate topics. With themes ranging from renewable energy and ESG reporting to climate tech and greener living, participants engaged in small group discussions led by editors like Akshat Rathi, Anna Edgerton, and Eric Kane. These intimate conversations fostered collaboration and idea-sharing among sustainability professionals.

Afternoon Program

• My Climate Story: Oliver Jeffers Visual artist, author, and climate activist Oliver Jeffers shared how his art inspires kindness, community, and a love for the planet.
• Feeling the Heat: Sports & Climate Change Renowned athletes discussed the impacts of climate change on sports, from heat and pollution affecting athletes' health to the existential threats facing winter sports.
• Changemaker Conversation: Climate Policy Washington State Governor Jay Inslee outlined his climate priorities and the importance of state-level action.
• The Leadership Gap Leaders from policy, business, and activism addressed the challenges of climate leadership and redefined what it means to advocate for the planet.
• My Climate Story: Adam Met AJR bassist and Planet Reimagined founder Adam Met highlighted his approach to climate activism by blending music, advocacy, and education.
• The Future of Food Chef Shenarri Freeman discussed sustainability in food through plant-based menus, responsible sourcing, and food waste reduction.
• Galvanizing Community Climate Action Activists emphasized the importance of community-driven climate solutions that prioritize respect for people and culture.
• The Art of Activism: Culture & Climate Justice Discussions focused on amplifying narratives from BIPOC communities disproportionately impacted by climate change through cultural expression and storytelling.
• Getting to the Heart of Climate Action Author Jonathan Safran Foer and actor Liev Schreiber explored bridging the gap between logic and values to inspire deeper climate action.

Shots on Goal: Driving Climate Innovation to Maximize Impact

This exclusive event, hosted by Carbon Direct, Starbucks, and Climate Pledge Arena, featured a panel with Dr. Julio Friedmann, Michelle Burns, and Melanie Nakagawa, moderated by Sharon Chen. The discussion explored strategies for scaling climate innovation, followed by a guided tour of the arena and a networking reception.

TED Countdown@BloombergGreenFestival

In partnership with TED Countdown, this evening session blended inspiring talks, conversations, and performances to examine critical climate themes underlying the urgency and collaborative action required to tackle climate change, achieve net zero emissions, and foster sustainable economies through innovative solutions and community engagement. Highlights included:

• Tadeu Carneiro (Boston Metal) on decarbonizing heavy industry.
• Deb Chachra (Olin College) on sustainable engineering innovations.
• Gaya Herrington (Schneider Electric) on aligning corporate goals with planetary boundaries.
• Courtney Marie Andrews, who brought music into the climate conversation.
• Insights from Akshat Rathi, Johan Rockstr?m, and Nathaniel Stinnett on bridging science, policy, and action.

Day 3 - Friday

Day 3 of the Bloomberg Green Festival brought a mix of inspiration, celebration, and reflection, wrapping up the event with a dynamic combination of private tours, films, and unforgettable festivities. Here’s a snapshot:

Private Tour: Gates Discovery Center

The morning started with an intimate tour of the Gates Discovery Center, a public space dedicated to showcasing the global efforts of the Gates Foundation and its partners. Through powerful stories and compelling data, the exhibition highlighted the intersection of innovation, equity, and sustainability in addressing poverty and disease worldwide. This experience set the stage for thoughtful conversations about the role of philanthropy in global climate action.

Lunch and Local Exploration

Lunch was a chance to connect with partners and team members in Seattle, followed by a visit to the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. This iconic Seattle attraction offered a serene and inspiring backdrop to reflect on the creative intersections of art, nature, and sustainability. The vibrant glass sculptures against the Pacific Northwest landscape echoed the themes of innovation and beauty woven throughout the festival.

Bloomberg Green Docs, Evening Program

The evening showcased the power of storytelling in driving climate awareness and action. Starting with networking and light bites, the program featured:

• Climate Storytelling Spotlight A discussion with Scott Z. Burns, Dorothy Fortenberry, and Anna Jane Joyner explored how scripted films and TV shows like Extrapolations are weaving climate themes into mainstream entertainment. Moderated by Lindsay Firestone, this session underscored the importance of integrating environmental narratives into cultural conversations.
• Bloomberg Green Docs Finalist Films The five finalist films offered a diverse range of perspectives on climate issues. Life with Bats by David Luff, Saving Glaciers by Ciril Jazbec, Finding Home by Maria Stanisheva (WINNER), Grove of Giants by Bree Sanders, and Climate Diaries; Heather's Story by Berit Anderson and Ali Scattergood
• Reception The evening concluded with a reception where attendees mingled with filmmakers, jury members, and fellow climate enthusiasts, celebrating the festival's creative contributions to the climate movement.

Climate Karaoke ??

The festival ended on a high note (ha!) with Climate Karaoke, an afterparty hosted by SN?CAP and 9Zero. Attendees let loose with music and laughter, closing the festival in true Pacific Northwest style. This relaxed and joyful event created lasting memories and highlighted the importance of community in the climate space.

Bonus! Weekend in Seattle

Because the Peer Network Summit wasn't until Monday, I was lucky to stay in Seattle through the weekend, enjoying some local flavor and forest experiences, making plenty of new friends along the way. There's definitely a lot more I could write because it was certainly a week for the ages, but if you've read all this so far (thanks!) you deserve for me to wrap this up. So I will just leave some additional photos here... if you need many, many, many more photos or videos or want to relive this trip with me, just hit me up.