Dispatch from the ChangeNOW Summit in Paris

Every year, the French organization ChangeNOW hosts a summit for solutions for the planet, inviting companies and organizations from around the world to present their innovations regarding sustainable living. The summit is the largest world expo for climate solutions, and this year’s summit, which took place from April 24-26 in the Grand Palais, marked the eighth edition.  

ChangeNOW’s goal, via their website, is to “accelerate the transition to a sustainable world.” Through inspiring and informing companies, non-profits, and individuals of greener ways to live, ChangeNOW is a leader in helping us shift our lives to be more eco-friendly. Although there were over 1,000 solutions present, some examples that stood out to me include eco-friendly batteries, algae water filters, and nearly zero-emissions cars. Both well-known and brand-new companies were present, such as the popular TerraCycle (which collects and recycles items that are not accepted in normal recycling facilities, like toothbrushes and cigarette butts) and the up-and-coming Climate Sense (an immersive truck that mimics extreme heatwaves as a result of climate change). 

As a volunteer at the summit, I worked in reception, welcoming people into the Grand Palais. I was inspired to join ChangeNOW as a volunteer after hearing about their summit during the Climate Reality Leadership Corps Training, which took place in Paris at the end of March. 

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According to ChangeNOW, this year marked the largest and most successful summit yet. With over 40,000 participants, 1,200 investors, 10,000 companies, 130 countries, and 600 speakers, it’s no surprise that ChangeNOW is one of the most impactful organizations when it comes to protecting the environment.  

During the summit, one of their key opportunities was the Impact Job Fair, where students and other interested people could talk with representatives from various companies — and potentially find a job or internship in the sustainable sector. In addition, ChangeNOW introduced the Water Odyssey, which was an exhibition on the docks of the Seine focused on sustainable solutions for oceans, seas, and rivers. 

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To show the intersectionality of environmental activism, ChangeNOW is committed to bringing together people from all walks of life and careers: artists, musicians, dancers, photographers, journalists, and authors, to name a few. Of course, there are also many scientists and environmental activists who share their resources and knowledge at each summit. Many famous activists, such as actress Natalie Portman, author Marc Levy, and Olympic boxer Imane Khelif, were present as speakers, along with activists from local organizations like Banlieues Climat and Climate Fresk. 

For me, the best part about ChangeNOW was seeing the sheer number of people interested in exploring the summit and learning more about the actions we can take to combat climate change. Since I volunteered at the entrance, I got to see the long lines of people eagerly waiting to enter the summit. While I didn’t get to do as much networking as I’d have liked since I spent most of my time in reception, I welcomed any opportunity I got to connect with others who care about the environment as deeply as I do.  

Already, ChangeNOW is gearing up for next year’s summit from March 30-April 1, and registrations are open on their website. If you’re interested in learning more about climate change, gaining inspiration to take action, and meeting like-minded people, ChangeNOW offers the perfect opportunity to take environmental activism to the next level.