From hikes to sustainable cocktails to comedy shows, events addressing climate change are taking place in Los Angeles from September 8-15 as part of the city’s inaugural Climate Week.
Inspired by Climate Week NYC (which has been described as “Burning Man for climate experts”), organizers hope that combining fun, eye-catching events with more serious, policy-focused discussions will encourage Angelenos to get involved in climate action and connect them with leaders.
“The climate and sustainability spaces operate in echo chambers,” said JC Arce, co-executive director of LA Climate Week nonprofit Collidescope Foundation. “The real impact is reaching that broader audience.”
Many of the big names in Los Angeles’ climate activism scene are on the speaker list, including deputy and vice mayors, a White House adviser and even musician Billie Eilish’s mother, Maggie Baird, who founded a nonprofit focused on food insecurity and climate change in 2020.
With more than 100 events over eight days, here's everything you need to know about Los Angeles Climate Week 2024:
How to participate
At least 5,000 people are expected to attend the festivities across the city. All events are open to the public and most are free.
“We want to be able to reach as many people as possible,” said Samantha Lau, an ambassador for the nonprofit Plant Based Treaty, which is organizing nine events. “There is an event for everyone.”
Lau hopes the week will mobilize Angelenos. “They have nothing to lose by just visiting us,” she said. “All the events created are for the community, by the community.”
Registration for the events is available through the Los Angeles Climate Week website.
What to expect
Climate Week Los Angeles aims to end the doom and gloom that often surrounds the topic of climate change with fun and exciting experiences.
On Wednesday, a group of comedians will present a stand-up show on the subject of climate change.
Skylar King, who will perform in the show, said she had a week of long conversations with her fellow artists about how to joke about climate change without desensitizing people to the seriousness of the issue.
“There were some reservations about how we could make this a space that talked about such a serious and depressing topic and still fulfilled the purpose of being a comedy show,” King said.
For some organizers, trying to find the fun side of climate change work is like navigating uncharted waters. But for them, it's essential work to combat burnout and restore hope among their peers.
After Climate Week
Organizers want the impact of L.A. Climate Week to last longer than just a week. Their goal is to build a coalition of climate-conscious people that they hope will inspire meaningful action.
The New York version of the event has faced criticism for allowing companies to flaunt their sustainability.
LA Climate Week leaders are trying to draw a contrast. They plan to focus on creating meaningful connections in local communities and with nonprofits and continue their work throughout the year.
“L.A. Climate Week is amazing and exciting,” Arce said, “but there’s a lot more work we’ll be doing over the next year.”
Notable events
Sunday, September 8, 5-10pm in the Arts District: Opening Ceremony with green carpet, psychedelic black hole simulation, and vegan buffet ($50)
Monday, September 9 at 5:30 pm in West Hollywood: Town Hall on Climate Action.
Monday, September 9th at 6:30pm in Santa Monica: casual run of a few miles along the beach
Tuesday, September 10th at 6pm in Highland Park: Presidential Debate Watch Party
Tuesday, September 10 at 6 p.m. in the Arts District: Sustainable fashion show
Wednesday, September 11, 7 and 9 p.m. in Hollywood: Laugh for the Planet comedy show, featuring Skylar King ($15 with a two-drink minimum)
Thursday, September 12, 3-7pm in Culver City: Climate Art Gallery
Thursday, September 12 at 7pm in East Hollywood: 5K Climate Run with Free Soft Serve Ice Cream at the End
Saturday, September 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Arts District: Clean Energy Expo and Sustainable Business Marketplace
Saturday, September 14 at 11am in Santa Monica: Climate March for the Oceans
Saturday, September 14 at 7 p.m. in Santa Monica: Climate Jeopardy in Patagonia
Sunday, September 15 at 12:30 pm in Malibu: Tide Pool Exploration with Heal the Bay
Fact Sheet
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