Stephen Hammer On The New York Climate Exchange

New York is a truly world-leading city. Finance, tech, education — the Big Apple has it all, and attracts talent from across the globe because of its well-earned status as the place where You Can Make It.

It now aspires to become the global epicenter for climate solutions, too. In this episode Stephen Hammer, CEO of the New York Climate Exchange, talks to Louie about this new cross-sector, multi-stakeholder center— intended to become the preeminent hub for climate mitigation and adaptation R&D in the world, not only when it comes to tech, but as it relates to public policy, education, and environmental justice, too. Just last week, the Exchange unveiled new renderings of the US$700mn, 400,000-square foot campus on Governors Island in New York Harbor that will become its new home from 2029.

Stephen shares the Exchange’s vision for transforming Governors Island and pushing the boundaries of climate innovation. He also touches on how the Exchange could contribute to New York’s economic engine and act as another generator of jobs, expertise, and high-tech startups.

There’s also a discussion on harnessing the “shiny new object” of AI for climate solutions, and as a way to attract talent into the climate space.

Listen below, download from the Podcasts page on Climate Proof, or tune in via Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

We talk about:

👉 The Exchange’s ambition to become a cross-sector, multi-party global hub for climate solutions

👉 The Exchange’s role in addressing NYC’s vulnerabilities to sea-level rise, extreme weather, and urban flooding, by promoting innovative tech solutions

👉 The importance of collaboration with universities, corporations, and community organizations to ensure holistic climate responses and secure environmental justice

👉Challenges raising urban climate finance and the tough conversations that need to happen over who pays for climate risk preparation and prevention

👉 How AI can drive climate innovation and attract tech talent to the climate cause

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Thanks for listening!

Louie Woodall
Editor