Climate Day 2026 at HCSS

On Wednesday, April 22, Hunter College High School proudly hosted Climate Day 2026, welcoming students for a day of presentations centered on climate science, sustainability, and environmental leadership.

The event featured distinguished guest speakers whose work spans earth systems science, climate research, and clean energy innovation. Dr. Kate Marvel (NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies) shared her work on climate feedback systems and attribution science, helping students understand how scientists identify and measure the drivers and impacts of climate change. Dr. Christine McCarthy (Columbia University – Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory) explored seismology and tectonophysics, highlighting how small-scale material processes inform our understanding of large-scale Earth systems. Dr. Jason E. Smerdon (Columbia Climate School) discussed paleoclimate research and long-term climate variability, explaining how historical climate records are used to better understand and project future change. Dr. Adrienne Downey (Power Advisory) focused on offshore wind development and clean energy systems, emphasizing both the technical innovation and policy dimensions of the global energy transition.

In addition, the HEAT Club screened Running for the Mountains (2024) in Room 224 during Activities and 5th period, further engaging students in environmental awareness and climate storytelling.