On November 30, Yale and New Haven community members gathered at Kroon Hall for a climate café event to kick-off COP28.
As dozens of Yale affiliates traveled to the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, others found ways to think about environmental solutions closer to home.
Founded by Force of Nature, Climate Cafés are community-led events that create a safe space to talk openly about the climate crisis and how participants can turn feelings into action. This event was one of many Climate Cafés occurring around the world to coincide with the first day of COP28.
“Finding community with others who care about climate change is immensely important, especially in terms of avoiding climate anxiety and preventing burnout,” Makenzie Birkey ‘24, a Yale Planetary Solutions Student Coordinator and Climate Café, said. “Through conversations at the Climate Café, it was apparent that many of us have similar combinations of emotions on the climate crisis, ranging from frustration to impatience to hope. While these emotions can feel heavy and isolating at times, this event was a powerful reminder that we are in this together.”
Speakers from both Yale and New Haven shared their learnings, and guests enjoyed food and refreshments.
