On August 27, 2025, the New York Center for Foreign Policy Affairs (NYCFPA) convened a timely and impactful dialogue titled “From Global Crisis to Local Action: Climate Justice and Resilience in Washington, D.C”. The dialogue highlighted urgent climate challenges and emphasized practical, community-driven solutions for resilience within the nation’s capital.
The event sought to bridge global climate issues with local activism and policy-making, underscoring the need for climate justice and community resilience. NYCFPA hosted two distinguished academics and practitioners, Kelvin Fong of George Washington University and Valentina Aquila of American University, to share their expertise and outline strategies for addressing the uneven impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities.
The event centered on understanding climate justice through a local lens, exploring how global environmental crises translate into real-world challenges for Washington, D.C. residents. Emphasis was placed on resilience strategies that empower communities to adapt and thrive despite climate disruptions.
Key Speaker Contributions:
Kelvin Fong offered an analytical perspective on the intersection of climate policy, urban planning, and equitable resource distribution. He highlighted the importance of incorporating marginalized voices in climate resilience frameworks to ensure fair and effective solutions.
Valentina Aquila laid out practical approaches for community engagement and sustainable policy initiatives. She stressed the role of advocacy and localized action plans to counteract systemic barriers faced by disadvantaged populations in accessing climate adaptation resources.
The conversation culminated in a robust discussion about forging stronger collaborations between governmental bodies, educational institutions, and civic organizations to advance climate justice at the local level.
NYCFPA remains committed to fostering informed discussions and solutions at the nexus of foreign policy and critical global challenges like climate change.
