Eco-Summit on the Ridge ::


April 23, 2022

Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N 85th, Seattle, WA 98103
View Program Schedule

The Eco-Summit’s Partners, Presentations
and Resources are available here.

In April 2022, CommunityWorks! and the Phinney Neighborhood Association (PNA) presented our first annual Eco-Summit on the Ridge.

The purpose of this Summit was to bring neighbors together for interactive learning, creating a caring and action-based community around the climate crisis and environmental justice.

This Eco-Summit steered away from the paralyzing fear and anxiety we hear in the news.  Instead, we turned our attention toward realizing actionable solutions and inspire working together; making a difference toward equity and positive change.

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.”

margaret j. wheatley

We heard from experts in the field. With each speaker presentation we came together in small groups, to give voice to what we care about and what truly matters, igniting the imagination into action.

Most importantly, following the Eco-Summit we will gather monthly to hear from additional experts, have time for Q&A and work in our action-groups.

If you would like to be added to our mailing list for future events, please email us at info@community.works

Keynote speaker:
Jeff Renner, 
Retired Chief Meteorologist, KING-TV / Consulting Meteorologist / Environmental Advocate
Visit Jeff’s website

Eco-Summit Topics:
Transportation
Eco Building
Toward the Politics of Beauty
Zero Waste
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Youth Movement

Program Schedule

9:00-9:15 am
WELCOME — Barbara Young

9:15-10:00 am
KEYNOTE: Understanding Climate Change, Our Impact, Our Future — Jeff Renner
This highly polarized subject often generates more heat than light. If climate change concerns you—personally, professionally or financially—you need a guide who can provide you with context, clarity and direction.

10:00-10:30 am
Reversing Global Warming: Getting into Action — Scott Henson & Kathy Dawson
“Drawdown” is the future point in time when levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere stop climbing and start to steadily decline. In this talk we will discuss the proven solutions to the climate crisis and introduce a framework for how each of us can think about getting into action around these solutions.

10:30–10:45 am
BREAK

10:45 am –12:15 pm
CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Transportation — Paul Litwin, Andrew Kidde, Scott Henson
A panel of electric vehicle (EV) owners will talk about the experience and challenges of owning EVs, the future of urban areas, and the 15 Minute City.

Eco Building — George Ostrow
A lively presentation by a green architect of over 30 years on eco-building in Seattle. Learn about Ostrow’s personal response to climate change, a deep-green retrofit of an older home, and high performance new Passive Houses.

Toward the Politics of Beauty — John de Graaf
Can beauty save the world? Natural and human-built beauty contributes to happiness in ways we are only beginning to measure. Beauty has the power to reduce polarization and bring us together.  Documentary filmmaker de Graaf, author of AFFLUENZA, explains why working for a more beautiful community can address multiple problems and make Seattle a happier city.  

12:15–1:15 pm
LUNCH

1:00–1:30 pm
MEDITATION (optional)
RECONVENE, SHARE THOUGHTS

1:30 –3:00 pm
CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Combating Climate Change by Reducing Waste — Heather Trim
Zero Waste Washington Executive Director Heather Trim leads a discussion on the role of waste in our local community and how waste is critically tied to climate change. Trim will also discuss the work of supporting major legislative efforts to revamp our recycling system and reduce plastic pollution in our local waters.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors — T2P2, Phinney Fixers, BuyNothing, PNA
In our own backyard neighbors are taking a stand and lending a hand to those who need one. Come hear from the founders of T2P2, Phinney Fixers, BuyNothing, The Village and PNA about how they are making a difference and how you can too!

Youth Movement — Sustainability Ambassadors and the Northwest School
Sustainability Ambassadors and the Northwest School come together to present on youth climate action in Seattle and the surrounding areas. It takes everyone to create a sustainable future!  

3:00–3:15 pm
BREAK

3:30-4:30 pm
Neighborhood Panel — Barbara Young, moderator

4:30-5:00 pm
What’s Next? — Barbara Young
What’s next? Looking ahead to making plans, monthly meetings, and connecting with your Action Group