Climate Weekend 2026 – ReCap

Revisit a few choice presentations from Climate Weekend with these recordings on the Climate Action KC YouTube channel!

Bill McKibben: A Momentous Year – Sun, Heat, and Democracy

Remarks from Bill McKibben, speaker, author, and co-founder of Third Act, 350.org, and Sun Day, on the rapid explosion in clean energy and what it means for understanding the scientific, political, and economic future, and how activists might best spend their time. WATCH THE VIDEO →

Scaling with Intention: Partner-Supported System Building

An exploration of food recovery and waste diversion success stories and how one individual’s passion combined with a solid plan can spark and scale meaningful impact. 

With:  Kristan Chamberlain, KC Can Compost;
Panelists:
  • Bruce Hollaway, KC Can Compost
  • Becky McKee, Resident, Kansas City, MO
  • Anne Melia, Resident, Prairie Village, KS
  • Tamara Weber, Pete’s Garden

WATCH THE VIDEO →

Changing in Real Time: How Sustainability Directors are Delivering Results for their Cities

Local sustainability leaders share strategies for advancing climate initiatives, navigating organizational structures, building allies, and maintaining momentum despite political, community, or policy challenges.

With: Hannes Zacharias, Retired: Robert A. Kipp Asst. Professor of Practice, University of Kansas School of Public Affairs and Administration; Former County Administrator, Johnson County, KS 
Panelists:
  • Gina Bell, City of Dubuque, IA
  • T. O. Bowman, City of Oklahoma City, OK
  • Eric Hempel, City of Columbia, MO
  • Kim Morrow, City of Lincoln, NE

WATCH THE VIDEO →

Next-Gen Perspectives: Leading on Climate

Younger climate leaders share what issues matter most to them, and what they hope others in their communities prioritize for the benefit of all.

With: Dr. Lindsey Constance, Founder, Climate Action KC
Panelists:
  • Greenlee Wikoff, Freshman, Shawnee Mission East High School
  • Sanjay Kailad, Senior, Olathe North High School
  • Summer Powell, PhD Student, Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, University of Kansas

WATCH THE VIDEO →

What’s Ahead: Keep the Momentum Going!

Here are a few immediate opportunities to continue connecting, learning, and celebrating with partners in our region.

📆  NOV 2, 5, 9, 16: Smart Moves KC Open House

Join the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) for a series of Smart Moves KC open houses to explore the region’s proposed 10- and 20-year vision for public transportation. With events in Wyandotte County, Johnson County, the Northland, and Jackson County, residents can learn about the proposed transit network, share feedback, and help shape the future of regional connectivity. Click HERE for registration and more information.

📆  NOV 10: USGBC Resilience Forum

Join USGBC Central Plains for an informative program: Building Resilience in Central Plains exploring resilient buildings, from initial planning through design and construction. Panel discussions and case studies will highlight Kansas City’s resilience efforts, including World Cup preparations and two local projects designed to withstand severe weather and provide safe havens for the community. Click HERE for registration and more information.

📆  NOV 30: Sierra Club hosts Bill McKibben

Join the White River Group of the Missouri Chapter of the Sierra Club for another chance to hear from Climate Weekend 2026 speaker Bill McKibben. He’ll explore the latest climate challenges, the transition to clean energy, the growing energy demands of data centers, and what’s next for the climate movement, followed by an audience Q&A. Click HERE for registration and more information.

📆  DEC 4: MARC Resilient Success Stories

Join the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) to celebrate regional projects advancing climate resilience and supporting the Kansas City Regional Climate Action Plan. The event will feature project success stories, a keynote from climate resilience expert Shalini Vajjhala, PhD, and a panel discussion with local leaders exploring the future of resilience in our region. Click HERE for registration and more information.