New York City, August 27 – Climate Group is thrilled to announce that actor, activist and co-founder of The Solutions Project, Mark Ruffalo along with the organization’s President and CEO Gloria Walton, will take to the stage at this year’s Opening Ceremony of Climate Week NYC, on Monday September 22.
The Solutions Project first partnered with Climate Group as their inaugural Environmental Justice Program Partner in 2021. Together, they will make a powerful case for sustained investment in grassroots climate solutions that tackle equity and climate issues at a community level.
Mark Ruffalo and Gloria Walton are the latest high-profile names to be added to the speaker line-up at Climate Week NYC, the biggest annual climate event of its kind. Climate Week NYC brings together decision makers from politics, business and civil society, alongside grassroots organizations and community leaders through hundreds of events across the City of New York.
Mr Ruffalo and Ms Walton will join an influential roster of speakers that includes the Hon. President of Kenya, William Ruto; the Hon. Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, the Hon. Minster of Climate Change, Ralph Regenvanu of Vanuatu, and Ana Toni, CEO of COP30.
On the main stage, Mark Ruffalo and Gloria Walton will take part in the session ‘From grassroots to global – turning public momentum into policy change.’ Grassroots movements have shaped societies throughout history by demanding justice and shifting policy and holding power to account. Ruffalo and Walton will delve deep into the critical power of people at the frontline of the climate crisis, and how they can help shape and accelerate the global transition already underway.
The award-winning actor and four-time Oscar nominee Mark Ruffalo co-founded the Solutions Project in 2011 and has been vocal on climate issues for many years. On joining the Opening Ceremony of Climate Week NYC, Mark Ruffalo said:
“Every day I am inspired by the grantee partners The Solutions Project supports. Even in the face of current attacks and defunding, they are leading the way with solutions that are rooted in justice, resilience, and hope. I’m honored to stand alongside Gloria and other frontline leaders who are showing the world what real climate solutions look like.”
Gloria Walton, who has been the CEO & President of The Solutions Project since 2020, said:
“The urgent call for climate justice is louder than ever. Frontline communities are most impacted by the adverse consequences of climate change and hold many of the solutions to address it. Climate Week NYC is a hub of different sectors. There are forces at work keeping us siloed, and this moment requires us working together. I’m excited to share what’s possible when business and government work in solidarity with frontline communities who are building power to create a sustainable and equitable future we all deserve.”
Helen Clarkson, CEO of Climate Week NYC, said:
“We’re excited to welcome Mark Ruffalo and Gloria Walton to share the work of the Solutions Project and the vital work that grassroots organizations are doing at the frontline of the climate transition. Their work includes both those affected by climate change and those working on solutions: from urban areas that flood regularly and farmers, to people standing against pollution, and those that are building greener neighbourhoods.
As the world comes together in New York City this September, it’s vital to hear from activists from New York – such as Mark Ruffalo – and those working across the US, alongside global governments and business, as we all work together to drive progress and Power On.”