Columbia Climate & Sustainability Alumni Lead Global and Regional Action
Alumni from the Climate School and partner programs are making their mark on climate action across the globe, with recent events highlighting their leadership in both policy and innovation. From San Francisco to Baku, these gatherings reflect the power of alumni engagement in tackling the climate crisis from multiple angles, showing that impactful solutions often emerge from collaboration across geographies.
In November, alumni gathered in San Francisco for an inside look at Charm Industrial, a company specializing in carbon removal technology. The event featured a tour of Charm’s innovative methods for converting biomass into carbon storage, followed by a fireside chat with Community Engagement Manager Alison Kelman (’20SPS) and fellow alumnus Kevin Webb (’20SPS) of Superorganism, the first venture firm dedicated to biodiversity. Together, they discussed the challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs in climate tech today.
The event, part of a growing effort to engage West Coast alumni, served as more than just a technical showcase—it was a pilot for collaboration. By bringing together participants to connect, exchange ideas, and build networks, it demonstrated how regional events can foster meaningful engagement and amplify Columbia’s impact beyond New York City. Co-organized by the Columbia Climate and Sustainability Alumni Network[1], Columbia Alumni Global Sustainability Network (CAGSN), and the Columbia Alumni Club of Northern California, this gathering set the stage for future partnerships and regional initiatives.
A month later, following COP29, the Alumni Boards of the Columbia Climate and Sustainability Alumni Network turned their attention to the global stage, hosting a panel discussion on the future of international climate summits. The December 9 event examined COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, and COP16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Cali, Colombia.
Moderated by MS Sustainability Management Alumni Board Co-leader and sustainable finance professional Ofelia Mariana Lopez Aranda Trewartha (SPS’21), this cross-program collaboration featured a distinguished group of alumni experts. Participants included Courtney Federico (’23SIPA), Associate Director for International Climate Policy at the Center for American Progress; Johan Lopez (’23CS), Financial Sector Engagement Lead at the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and a member of the MA Climate and Society Alumni Board; and Vishy Manve (’24CS), a climate professional with extensive experience in journalism, policy, and sustainability. The event was further supported by Mel Peh (’23SIPA), MPA Environmental Science and Policy Alumni Board President, and Jennifer Allyn (’23CS), a member of the Climate and Society Alumni Board.
The discussion explored the complexities of financing climate action, inclusivity in global negotiations, and the influence of vested interests. One key point was the ambitious target of up to $1.3 trillion in annual funding for developing nations by 2035, reflecting the scale of resources needed to address climate challenges. The panel also highlighted COP16’s success in engaging local communities, setting a benchmark for inclusivity in international discussions. However, concerns were raised about the challenges of hosting climate talks in countries with human rights issues, underscoring the need for transparency and equitable participation in future negotiations.
Audience questions underscored the urgency of continued U.S. participation in global climate summits. Panelists agreed that strong engagement from developed nations is critical to ensuring the success of these events, especially in addressing the needs of underrepresented communities and driving accountability in climate finance commitments. Watch the event recording.
Looking ahead, alumni have another opportunity to engage in meaningful climate conversations. On Friday, January 31, Jennifer Allyn will be featured in a Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) virtual “Ask the Expert” session. Allyn, the Campaigns and Programs Director at ClimateVoice, will share her career journey and efforts to mobilize companies toward bold climate advocacy, providing alumni with another chance to connect and learn from a leader in the field. Register for the session.
These events highlight Columbia’s increasingly global and decentralized Columbia Climate and Sustainability Alumni Network, addressing climate challenges from regional hubs like San Francisco to international forums like COP29. While New York City remains central, expanding engagement worldwide fosters diverse perspectives and approaches.
Columbia alumni are demonstrating that leadership in sustainability extends far beyond campus—and that the solutions to the climate crisis will be as diverse and interconnected as the challenges themselves.
[1] The Columbia Climate and Sustainability Alumni Network is organized by the Climate School and includes partner degree programs offered and conferred by Columbia College, School of General Studies, the School of International and Public Affairs, and the School of Professional Studies, as well as the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the Climate School.