Day 1 Recap: Bloomberg Green Festival

The Bloomberg Green Festival kicked off its inaugural event on July 10th, setting the stage for four days of impactful discussions, inspiring performances, and innovative climate solutions. Hosted in Seattle, this festival runs through July 13th, bringing together thought leaders, activists, and artists to tackle the urgent issues of our time.

The first day began with a vibrant welcome from Esteban Gast, Generation180’s Comedian-in-Residence, on the Climate Creatives Stage. The atmosphere was charged with energy as Black Stax delivered a soulful musical performance that honored Black culture and activism.

The spotlight then turned to The Residency, an initiative founded by Arts Corps, MoPOP, and artists Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. This program empowers young hip-hop artists, and today, attendees witnessed the talents of Jace Ecaj, Erica Merritt, TahJae Shante, and other mentees as they showcased their work.

The festival also hosted insightful panels tackling the climate crisis from various angles. The "Green Voices Online" panel featured leading digital creators like Wawa Gatheru, Shelby Orme, Mark Vins, and Rollie Williams, who shared how they use their platforms to make climate education accessible.

In the afternoon, the focus shifted to the mental health impacts of climate change. Experts like Sarah Newman, Kate Schapira, and Jylana Sheats discussed coping strategies for eco-anxiety, emphasizing community and individual resilience.?

For those with a keen interest in renewable energy, the breakout session "The Business of Renewable Energy" provided an in-depth analysis of growth trends in the solar, wind, and battery industries. Experts like Rob Barnett, Jenny Chase, and Chris Roe offered valuable insights into the future of clean energy.

Meanwhile, the "Demystifying Climate" session, led by MIT’s Laur Hesse Fisher and Aaron Krol, made complex climate science more digestible, answering frequently asked questions and engaging attendees in interactive discussions.

The evening was marked by powerful cultural events, starting with a dynamic performance by Grammy winning intertribal fusion musical group Songcatchers, a local group blending music and activism to inspire change. This was followed by an opening night program on the Green Stage, where filmmaker Emelie Coleman Mahdavian shared the journey of her latest feature film, Planet A.

In a thought-provoking discussion, climate justice activist Xiye Bastida emphasized the need for true inclusion in climate action: “Every single company, no matter who you are, needs to have youth advisors...we need to have true cohorts, true inclusion, true implementation,” she said. Xiye's insights highlighted the critical role of diverse perspectives in crafting effective climate.

The night concluded with Adrian Grenier , actor and environmentalist, reflecting on his journey in climate advocacy: “As a creative storyteller, I’m always looking for new ways of communicating with the world about our challenges ahead,” he shared. Adrian discussed the importance of using one's platform to drive environmental change and inspire others.?

The festivities didn’t end there. Attendees with Green Pass and All Access tickets enjoyed the exclusive "Ones to Watch Party" at KEXP, featuring performances by DJs Coco & Breezy and The Tia Holt Experience, creating a perfect environment for networking and celebration.

Day one of the Bloomberg Green Festival has set a high bar, combining education, advocacy, and entertainment to address the pressing issue of climate change. As we move into the next few days, the festival promises more engaging sessions, performances, and opportunities to collaborate on solutions for a sustainable future.

Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from the Bloomberg Green Festival, continuing through July 13th!?