What does a changing climate mean for Georgia? And, most importantly, what can we do about it? Join us at the 2023 Georgia Climate Conference and learn how you can accelerate climate action in our state.

Building a Climate Network with the Georgia Climate Project

The Georgia Climate Project (GCP) is building a state-wide network of experts working to understand and take action on climate change. 

To celebrate and support this initiative, GCP is proud to host the Georgia Climate Conference in Athens, GA, this spring.

Accelerating Climate Progress at the Georgia Climate Conference

The 2023 Georgia Climate Conference aims to boost Georgia’s efforts to take practical steps toward minimizing risks and maximizing opportunities associated with a changing climate. As part of the Drawdown Georgia community, you may already recognize that Georgia is making progress on several fronts. We must do more--and here’s how to accelerate that momentum.

Who Should Attend the Georgia Climate Conference? 

The Georgia Climate Conference brings climate leaders together from across our state- spanning non-profits, academic institutions, business, government, and local communities.  Coming together as a statewide community allows people to collaborate, raise awareness of work in Georgia, highlight progress, and identify opportunities to do more.

Whether you are currently working in the climate sector, are a student or researcher focused on climate, or an advocate who cares about taking action on climate in our state, the Georgia Climate Conference is a can’t-miss event.

Who is Behind the Georgia Climate Conference?

The 2023 Georgia Climate Conference is the fourth iteration of this conference. It was launched in 2016 by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Since then, DNR and GCP have alternated hosting the event. 

This year’s conference is spearheaded by the GCP Director, Dr. Patricia Yager of the University of Georgia, and the newly appointed GCP Manager, McKenzie Beverage, with the support of an outside advisory committee of statewide climate experts as well as a student leadership council representing 12 colleges and universities across Georgia. 

What Can I Expect at the Georgia Climate Conference? 

The Georgia Climate Conference consists of three full days of climate-related activities. The program will cover a wide array of climate-related impacts and solutions in sectors ranging from urban planning, agriculture, forestry, coastal communities, ecosystem and human health, policy, education, and more. 

A range of leaders will be speaking from the main stage including:

• Kelly Girtz, Mayor of Athens

• Dr. Jack Hu, Provost of the University of Georgia 

• Chandra Farley, Chief Sustainability Officer for City of Atlanta

• Dr. Caroline Golin, Global Head, Energy Market Development and Innovation for Google

• Mason Alstock, Rowan Foundation President

• Jacob Yarbrough, Sustainability Lead, Creature Comforts Brewing Co.

• Daniel Blackman, Administrator of EPA’s Southeast Region

• A team from PATTRN (The Weather Group) 

In addition, Drawdown Georgia research, leaders, and projects will be woven throughout the conference, including sessions focused on: 

• Drawdown Georgia Business Leaders

• Drawdown Georgia Higher Ed

• Drawdown Georgia Equity

• Household Decision Making

• Impacts of New Federal Policies

Associated Events

GCP has partnered with UGA’s Franklin College and the UGA Fine Arts Theater to host a reading of Alan Fury’s new play titled, “Too wonderful for anybody” on Tuesday evening. 

GCP has also partnered with UGA Marine Extension, Georgia Sea Grant, and the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium on Wednesday, May 17, to host the first day of the Blue Carbon Law Symposium. The conference will conclude with a closing celebration in partnership with the Blue Carbon Law Symposium featuring Queen Quet as a special guest speaker.

How Can I Get Involved in the Conference?

There are also many opportunities to become more involved in the Georgia Climate Conference beyond simply attending.

Student Volunteer Opportunities

If you are a student or recent graduate, you can apply to volunteer at the 2023 Georgia Climate Conference. As a volunteer, your registration fee will be waived, and you may also receive support with accommodations. 

Sponsorship Opportunities

It is GCP’s goal to buffer the cost of attending the conference for all attendees.  This effort is made possible through sponsorships. Funds raised by this year’s conference will cover the cost of the event and all additional funds will supplement attendee registrations. 

See you in Athens for the Georgia Climate Conference

Ready to register for the 2023 Georgia Climate Conference? Visit the Georgia Climate Conference website for all the details about registering for the conference, reserving hotel rooms, and more. 

We look forward to seeing you in Athens, Georgia, in the spring!

Many thanks to McKenzie Beverage, Georgia Climate Project Manager at Emory University and Dr. Patricia Yager, Georgia Climate Project Director & Professor, Oceanographer at the University of Georgia for also contributing to this post.