Program Overview
On Earth Day 2026, the Environmental Professionals Network will bring together climate action leaders from across Ohio for a free public event highlighting the momentum behind local climate solutions in Ohio. Cities big and small are developing innovative sustainability and resilience strategies, and this program invites attendees to see how their own communities can participate. Working closely with municipal partners in Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton, and beyond, the EPN aims to ignite interest in local climate plans, showcase practical tools for getting involved, and demonstrate how community‑rooted climate action can thrive when new voices are invited to the table.
To help attendees build the skills and relationships needed to advance climate initiatives in their own networks, the afternoon will feature a structured networking session and workshop focused on climate coalition‑building and communication. This interactive session is designed to help climate professionals, students, and community members broaden engagement beyond the “typical adopters," thereby empowering them to connect with residents, businesses, civic groups, and neighborhoods that have historically been underrepresented in climate discussions. Participants will explore strategies for fostering trust, expanding community buy‑in, and strengthening local capacity, with guidance drawn from the Central Ohio Climate Action Plan (COCAP) and real-world examples from across the state.
The evening culminates in a series of Pecha-Kucha story-telling presentations featuring inspiring tales of how Ohio communities are successfully engaging myriad partners in climate action. Speakers representing city sustainability offices, regional collaboratives, nonprofits, and the private sector will highlight programs that bring in corporations, faith communities, renters, neighborhood associations, youth groups, and residents who are not usually involved in climate planning.
Speaking of collaboration and partnerships, at this Earth Day celebration, we will also officially launch EPN Connect, a dynamic new platform designed to transform how Ohio’s environmental community collaborates. This debut marks a major milestone for the EPN, introducing a digital hub where professionals, students, community leaders, and partners across the state can share ideas, build relationships, discover local projects, jobs, events, and sustain the momentum inspired by events like this one.
What's more, the program will feature posters from nearly 25 Ohio State Environment and Natural Resource senior capstone projects as well as the induction of the Class of 2026 ENR Honorary 100!
Event speakers and agenda to be announced soon!
Agenda
3:30 p.m. Doors open.
3:45 p.m. Concurrent Workshops on Climate Action Coalitions
- Central Ohio Climate Action Plan (COCAP): Franklin-Hamilton Room
- Climate Action Communication Strategies: Hancock Room
4:45 p.m. Interactive exhibits, student capstone poster session, and general networking.
- Food and refreshments are served: Ballroom
- Climate Action Resources: Hancock Room
- SENR Senior Capstone Posters: Clinton and Delaware Rooms
5:45 p.m. Event transitions to Ballroom and guest are seated.
6:00 p.m. Welcome remarks in Ballroom; livestream service begins. Tim Haab, PhD, director, Ohio State’s School of Environment and Natural Resources (SENR) provides welcome remarks and ENR Honorary 100 Induction.
6:15 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Climate coalition-building success stories from leaders across cities and sectors in Ohio. The speakers will give “Pecha Kucha”-style presentations, which is a story-telling format where presenters share 18 photographs for 20 seconds each (6 minutes).
7:00 p.m. A moderated discussion with speakers focused on the future of climate action in Ohio.
7:20 p.m. Closing remarks from Harrison Fried, PhD, EPN Program Director, including the official launch of EPN Connect. Livestreaming service concludes for virtual attendees.