How Defiant Optimism is Driving the Climate Fight
Women in Cleantech and Sustainability-NYC recently hosted Defiant Optimism: Harnessing Hope in the Fight Against Climate Change, a timely event focused on sustaining resilience and hope in a time of shifting political landscapes. With the recent election amplifying concerns that climate progress could face new obstacles, this conversation felt more urgent than ever. The event was not only a platform for inspiration but also a call to action—one grounded in the defiant optimism necessary to keep pushing forward. Four leading voices in sustainability shared their perspectives:
- Emily Adams, Director of Sustainability, MetLife: Emily is at the forefront of sustainability reporting and climate risk management in the insurance industry, pioneering efforts that are building resilience within one of the world’s most risk-conscious sectors.
- Dr. Alison Branco, Climate Adaptation Director, The Nature Conservancy: With a PhD in Oceanography, Alison has dedicated her career to climate adaptation, focusing on community resilience and innovative solutions to manage sea level rise through nature-based strategies.
- Meredith McDermott, Chief Sustainability Officer, NYC Public Schools: Meredith leads sustainability across more than 1,450 buildings in the country’s largest public school system, aiming to transform it toward carbon neutrality and sustainable operations.
- Danielle Holly, Lead, North America, Ellen MacArthur Foundation: As a leading advocate for the circular economy, Danielle collaborates with businesses to develop sustainable innovations that address pressing environmental challenges.
From their diverse perspectives and expertise, here are four core takeaways that illustrate how defiant optimism can drive meaningful progress in the climate fight.
- Meet People Where They Are
The panelists underscored the importance of meeting people where they are on the issue of climate. With audiences and stakeholders coming from different backgrounds and values, there’s a real opportunity to connect climate action to the specific issues that matter to them—community health, job security, or future generations. By aligning climate efforts with these values, we build bridges instead of barriers, helping to make climate action a priority that resonates on a personal level.
- Engage Those Closest to You
For those passionate about climate, it’s common to direct efforts toward rallying like-minded individuals. However, as the panel emphasized, meaningful change often starts with the people closest to us. Sharing our climate concerns with family and friends can spark greater awareness and encourage them to get involved. It’s not about turning every discussion into a climate debate; rather, it’s about having open conversations that show why this issue matters to us personally—and why it can matter to them too.
- Commit, Relentlessly
Sustained climate progress requires a steadfast, day-to-day commitment. With the political landscape uncertain, setbacks are almost inevitable. Yet, as the panelists reminded us, it’s crucial to keep moving forward regardless. True impact is built through everyday actions that may seem small but collectively hold immense power. This perseverance—the decision to keep pushing forward even in challenging moments—is what sustains the momentum needed to achieve long-term climate goals.
- See Every Job as a Climate Job
A powerful insight from the panel was that every job has the potential to be a climate job. Regardless of the industry, there are ways to integrate sustainability into our daily decisions. For example, in finance, this might mean prioritizing sustainable investments; in education, weaving climate awareness into curriculum; and in marketing, amplifying green initiatives. This shift in perspective encourages each of us to view our roles as an opportunity to make a difference—transforming workplaces and entire industries from within.
Defiant Optimism as a Framework for Action
At its heart, defiant optimism is about resilience—it’s not a passive hope, but an active, unwavering commitment to progress. This event served as a powerful reminder that while we may face challenges, the collective power of grounded, determined action can carry us forward. The challenges ahead are real, but so is the potential for change. With defiant optimism, we can each contribute to a climate-resilient future, one action at a time.
Photo by Google DeepMind via Pexels
