Long Island Youth Climate Summit Inspires Local Students to Be Leaders

Heather White, an author, environmental policy expert and founder of One Green Thing, speaks at the Long Island Youth Climate Summit. Photos by John Griffin.More than 200 middle and high school students from across Long Island gathered at Stony Brook University for the 2026 Long Island Youth Climate Summit, an event designed to motivate and empower the next generation of climate leaders.

Held on March 10 in the Student Activities Center Ballroom, the summit brought together students from 13 schools across Nassau and Suffolk Counties for presentations, panels and sessions focused on climate science, activism, careers and solutions.

The event was hosted by Students for Climate Action and Renewable Energy Long Island, two local nonprofit organizations that promote clean and sustainable energy use across the region, and supported by partners including Stony Brook Workforce Developmentand Collaboration for the Earth(C4E).

Melissa Parrott, executive director of Renewable Energy Long Island, welcomed students and addressed the purpose of the event.

"Our theme of the day is climate optimism, and we have a wonderful guest speaker that's going to really motivate and change the way we think," Parrott said. She introduced Adrienne Esposito, executive director and co-founder of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, who opened the summit with a talk about activism and the growing problem of misinformation surrounding environmental issues.

"By being here, you are also acting as activists," Esposito told the audience. "What does that mean? Activism gets a bad rap, but it simply means someone who desires change, and that is a good thing."

Esposito encouraged students to recognize the power of participation and civic engagement.

"You matter. Your voice matters," she said. "If you ever have a chance to go to a community meeting or a public meeting, even if you're not the type of person who wants to stand up and speak, that's fine. Just show up. Just being there in numbers causes elected officials to take notice that people care."

She also urged students to be aware of misinformation, especially on social media.

"Reading it doesn't mean it's true," Esposito said. "Facebook is not a belief system. It's just a social media tool. It's really hard right now to fight climate change. But you are the generation we're fighting for."

Throughout the morning, students heard from advocates, researchers and industry leaders about the challenges of climate change and the many ways young people can become involved in solutions.

The keynote address was delivered by Heather White, an author, environmental policy expert and founder of One Green Thing, an organization focused on addressing climate anxiety through everyday action.

"Hope and joy are not naive," White said. "They are defiant. Because we are the ones that are going to get us through this. No one is coming to save us. It's up to all of us."

White spoke about the emotional toll climate change can take on young people, a phenomenon often called eco anxiety, the title of White's book on the topic.

"The American Psychological Association defines this as a chronic fear of environmental doom," she said. "And in my view, eco anxiety is just a generalized anxiety about the future that my generation is leading you all and the future that you're leading the next generation."

To help students feel empowered rather than overwhelmed, White introduced a concept she calls a "service superpower," encouraging individuals to identify the strengths they bring to climate action.

"The fact is, you do matter, because every single one of us are culture change agents," White said. "You are influential in your family, in your community, in your schools."

Students then participated in an exercise to identify their own "superpowers," and joined breakout groups with those who share their superpower to discuss how they could apply their strengths to environmental advocacy community engagement.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine spoke to students about issues critical to the Long Island area, including solar energy, the removal of garbage off Long Island and railroad infrastructure.

The summit also highlighted career opportunities in climate and clean energy fields through a panel discussion featuring industry leaders, advocates and educators.

Chad Marvin of the Long Island Clean Energy Hub encouraged students to begin building experience early.

"When you get to the point when you come out of college, if you're going to pursue a four-year degree, you are looking at job descriptions that are already requiring X years of experience, and you can fulfill that through the opportunities that are available for youth which are volunteering and internships," Marvin said.

Caroline Grattan of Applied Energy Services advised students not to become overwhelmed by the number of career options available.

"So many options are ahead of you, but if you have a bunch, just go with it, explore your options and you'll figure it out," she said.

Ryan Stanton of the Long Island Federation of Labor emphasized the importance of growth and learning through new experiences.

"Look at the New York State Department of Labor website for apprenticeships for unions and be coachable," Stanton said. "Stay humble and put yourself in spaces and places that make you uncomfortable."

Sydney LeGuillow of the Haugland Group encouraged students to follow their interests.

"Stick to your passions but don't put too much pressure on yourself," she said. "That will come over time. Just pursue what you're passionate about."

Adam Charboneau, lecturer in Stony Brook's School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, offered more general guidance.

"I say that to slow down, enjoy the moments and see the world," Charboneau said. "Do it as a child would. It's a set of gifts. Don't get over-transactionary or over-transactional."

Parrott emphasized the importance of collective action.

"This has been such an opportunity to show students that there's a way forward," she said. "It could be through education, it could be through passion, it could be through motivation that they're not alone."

Parrott also reminded students that the work ahead will require commitment and collaboration.

"There's a lot of work to do," added Parrott. "It's going to be hard, but we can do it."

- Beth Squire