Summer 2026 is drawing to a close, and unfortunately, it’s been another one marked by extreme weather events. From record-shattering temperatures in parts of Asia, Europe and around the U.S., to record rainfall in the American Midwest, wildfires across the globe and the devastating floods in Nepal, climate change remains among the greatest threats to humankind. With virtually every corner of the Earth impacted by extreme weather, interest is growing in raising awareness and finding solutions to this colossal problem.
Addressing these challenges requires action from governments, businesses, communities and financial markets. And that’s why conversations about climate change increasingly extend beyond environmental concerns to questions about how we build and invest in a more sustainable future.
One of the largest ongoing efforts to address climate change and other environmental issues is Climate Week NYC, a series of events that began in 2009. More than 100,000 people across over 1,000 events in New York City come together to hear and share ideas about building a low-carbon economy and a more secure future. The event is held alongside the United Nations General Assembly, allowing heads of state and other senior governmental figures to attend and participate.
Why Climate Week Matters to UCF
For faith-based and values-aligned investors, climate change is not merely an environmental issue. It means reshaping the economy in ways that affect investors, from the transition to renewable energy to regulations and technologies.
This year’s Climate Week NYC takes place September 20-27, and as in the past, UCF team members Matthew Illian, Director of Responsible Investing, and Charles Buck, President & CEO, will be on hand to take part.
Staying engaged in these conversations helps UCF better understand the emerging risks, opportunities and ideas that can inform UCF’s long-term investment strategies to better serve our clients.
Be a Part of Climate Week, Wherever You Are
If you’d like to take part in Climate Week NYC, visit climateweeknyc.org for a schedule of meetings, performances and exhibits.
If you’re not in New York, you can still participate by attending a Climate Week near you or in a location you may be traveling to! In recent years, other cities and countries have organized their own Climate Week events. Currently there are over 20 such gatherings worldwide. Here’s a partial list:
U.S. Events:
- Houston, TX – September 13-19
- Missoula, MT – September 25-October 4
- San Diego, CA – October 1-8
- Atlanta, GA – October 10-15
International Events:
- Copenhagen, Denmark – September 7-13
- Montreal, Québec – September 8-13
- Prague, Czech Republic – September 14-20
- Medellín, Colombia – September 28-October 9
Visit climateweeknetwork.org for more information, including a full schedule of events through 2027 and updated news.
You can also stay in touch with everything United Church of Christ congregations are doing to address climate concerns by signing up for the UCC’s environmental justice blog, The Pollinator, which includes actions churches are taking to address the environmental impact of data centers. Working together, we can all make a difference.