Every sport is played on nature’s stage. As climate change and habitat destruction threaten biodiversity, the sports industry must step up as a key player in conservation. This panel will bring together experts to explore how sports organizations, teams, leagues, venues, and athletes are working to restore natural habitats, promote sustainable land use, and reduce their ecological impact.
Join us during Climate Week NYC to discover how sports can inspire action and drive lasting change to safeguard the planet’s biodiversity.
Welcome remarks:
Brendan Buckley, Program Co-Director, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Research Professor, Biology and Paleo Environment, Lecturer in Professional Studies, Sustainability Science.
Moderator:
Chandler Precht, Lecturer, Sustainability Management Program and Director, External Affairs and Communications, Sustainability Management and Sustainability Science Programs.
Panel:
Lewis Blaustein, CEO/Founder, Eco Athletes.
Mackenzie Feldman, Founder and co-director of Re:wild Your Campus.
Lady Merle Liivand, Modern Life Mermaid and Gold Medalist.
Zach Ruiz, Sustainability Manager, Kaseya Center, The Heat Group.
RECEPTION
The event will conclude with a reception featuring light refreshments, passed hors d’oeuvres, and opportunities to connect.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended and is open until Thursday, September 18th, 2025.
RSVP link here.
For more information, please contact the Sustainability Graduate Programs [email protected].
To obtain additional information about program offerings at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, please contact an Admissions Counselor at [email protected].
If you require closed captioning, sign-language interpretation, or any other disability accommodations, please contact Disability Services, [email protected], at least 10 days in advance.
Please visit Columbia University’s Hub for Emergency Preparedness (https://preparedness.columbia.edu/) to stay up to date on the latest campus health and safety policies.
This event is open to individuals irrespective of identity and sex.
