Thanks for coming to the 2024 Planet Forward Summit!

Joy Reeves, Duke University, is presented with her Storyfest Award by Dr. Imani Cheers and Frank Sesno.
Joy Reeves, Duke University, is presented with her Storyfest Award by Dr. Imani Cheers and Frank Sesno.

William Atkins

Related Topics:
Colleges & Education, Storyfest 2024

This year we had 300-plus in-person attendees, with students representing more than 50 universities from across the country and internationally, for an incredible two days of conversations around “Solutions for Survival: Storytelling and Creativity to Save the Planet.”

Our panel discussions brought together speakers, students, and creatives from Grist to National Geographic to discuss the power of harnessing creativity in storytelling and how to communicate complex data in compelling formats.

An exclusive screening of the CNN documentary film “Blue Carbon” told the inspiring story of how combining music and science is key in averting climate change, followed by an informative discussion with the director.

On Friday, attendees took part in workshops, followed by networking and lunch, generously sponsored by Chaia Tacos. The day was capped off with demonstrations from science and filmmaking students from Rutgers University as they presented their dynamic and impactful science stories, as well as a collaborative planning session for future Pillar and Consortium School programming.

The Summit brought together leading voices in environmental storytelling and provided two days of insightful discussions, inspiring stories, and innovative ideas to move the planet forward.

Katrina Nicole Green, of the Indigenous Youth Climate Resiliency Through Public Policy Program, gives a powerful Land Acknowledgement at the beginning of the Summit.
Katrina Nicole Green, of the Indigenous Youth Climate Resiliency Through Public Policy Program, gives a powerful Land Acknowledgement at the beginning of the Summit.
About Photo
William Atkins / GW
George Washington University President Ellen Granberg delivers a welcoming statement, celebrating the work of Planet Forward student contributors and correspondents.
George Washington University President Ellen Granberg delivers a welcoming statement, celebrating the work of Planet Forward student contributors and correspondents.
About Photo
William Atkins / GW
Planet Forward Founding Director Frank Sesno and Director of Academic Adventures Dr. Imani M. Cheers recount the experiential learning trips that students have taken with Planet Forward over the past year.
Planet Forward Founding Director Frank Sesno and Director of Academic Adventures Dr. Imani M. Cheers recount the experiential learning trips that students have taken with Planet Forward over the past year.
About Photo
William Atkins / GW
From left: Kaitlyn Yarnall, Chief Storytelling Officer, National Geographic Society; Farron Taijeron, University of Guam; Owen Volk, SUNY-ESF; and Libby Mohn, Middlebury Institute of International Studies; discuss storytelling from the field.
From left: Kaitlyn Yarnall, Chief Storytelling Officer, National Geographic Society; Farron Taijeron, University of Guam; Owen Volk, SUNY-ESF; and Libby Mohn, Middlebury Institute of International Studies; discuss storytelling from the field.
About Photo
William Atkins / GW
Dr. Imani M. Cheers onstage at the 2024 Planet Forward Summit.
Dr. Imani M. Cheers onstage at the 2024 Planet Forward Summit.
About Photo
William Atkins / GW
From left: Tyler Hickman, University of Colorado Boulder; Jessica Stahl, Editor for Creative Storytelling, Grist; Rachel Frazin, Energy & Environment Reporter, The Hill; and Jesse J. Holland, Associate Director SMPA; discuss the future of environmental journalism.
From left: Tyler Hickman, University of Colorado Boulder; Jessica Stahl, Editor for Creative Storytelling, Grist; Rachel Frazin, Energy & Environment Reporter, The Hill; and Jesse J. Holland, Associate Director SMPA; discuss the future of environmental journalism.
About Photo
William Atkins / GW
From left: Matt Scott, Project Drawdown, Director of Storytelling and Engagement, Project Drawdown; Juan Declet-Barreto, Union of Concerned Scientists; Dr. Neelu Tummala, Co-Director, Climate Health Institute, George Washington University; and Anna Shah, George Washington University discuss the use of data in storytelling.
From left: Matt Scott, Project Drawdown, Director of Storytelling and Engagement, Project Drawdown; Juan Declet-Barreto, Union of Concerned Scientists; Dr. Neelu Tummala, Co-Director, Climate Health Institute, George Washington University; and Anna Shah, George Washington University discuss the use of data in storytelling.
About Photo
William Atkins / GW
Frank Sesno; Jaime Perez-Bedmar Merello, New Venture Competition Semi-Finalist, center; and Liam Perry, New Venture Competition Semi-Finalist.
Frank Sesno; Jaime Perez-Bedmar Merello, New Venture Competition Semi-Finalist, center; and Liam Perry, New Venture Competition Semi-Finalist.
About Photo
William Atkins / GW
Frank Sesno and Cassandra Garber, VP, Corporate Sustainability & ESG, Dell Technologies; admire a Planet Forward Mug on stage and discuss the role of complexity and science in solving the world's most pressing problems.
Frank Sesno and Cassandra Garber, VP, Corporate Sustainability & ESG, Dell Technologies; admire a Planet Forward Mug on stage and discuss the role of complexity and science in solving the world’s most pressing problems.
About Photo
William Atkins / GW
Joshua Panganiban, Renewables Lead Project Manager, NextEra Energy Resources (center); and Artealia Gilliard, Environmental Leadership & Sustainability Communications & Advocacy, Ford Motor Company (far right); discuss corporate responsibility to sustainability.
Joshua Panganiban, Renewables Lead Project Manager, NextEra Energy Resources (center); and Artealia Gilliard, Environmental Leadership & Sustainability Communications & Advocacy, Ford Motor Company (far right); discuss corporate responsibility to sustainability.
About Photo
William Atkins / GW
Students and faculty from around the world gather together for a delicious vegetarian lunch provided by Relish DC.
Students and faculty from around the world gather together for a delicious vegetarian lunch provided by Relish DC.
About Photo
William Atkins / GW
Frank Sesno and Aparna Mukherjee, Executive Director, Society of Environmental Journalists, lead the lunchtime keynote discussion.
Frank Sesno and Aparna Mukherjee, Executive Director, Society of Environmental Journalists, lead the lunchtime keynote discussion.
About Photo
William Atkins / GW
From left: Ivey Camille Manybeads Tso, Mentor and Editor, Ilíiaitchik: Indigenous Correspondents Program; and Ilíiaitchik Indigenous Correspondents: Mickki Garrity, University of Minnesota; Nizhoni Tallas, University of Arizona; and Abby Burgess, Dartmouth College.
From left: Ivey Camille Manybeads Tso, Mentor and Editor, Ilíiaitchik: Indigenous Correspondents Program; and Ilíiaitchik Indigenous Correspondents: Mickki Garrity, University of Minnesota; Nizhoni Tallas, University of Arizona; and Abby Burgess, Dartmouth College.
About Photo
William Atkins / GW
Andrea Bruce, National Geographic Photojournalist, Educator, Artist & Writer; delivers a keynote speech on using photography for impact.
Andrea Bruce, National Geographic Photojournalist, Educator, Artist & Writer; delivers a keynote speech on using photography for impact.
About Photo
William Atkins / GW
From left: Michelle McCauley, Provost, Middlebury College; Mykah Scott, Tuskegee University; Joy Reeves, Duke University; and Chris Zatarain, University of Arizona.
From left: Michelle McCauley, Provost, Middlebury College; Mykah Scott, Tuskegee University; Joy Reeves, Duke University; and Chris Zatarain, University of Arizona.
About Photo
William Atkins / GW
From left: Danielle Nierenberg, Food Tank; Nicholas Brown, Director Blue Carbon; Jennifer Howard, Vice President, Blue Carbon Program, Conservation International; and Angela Fritz, Senior Climate and Weather Editor, CNN; discuss the CNN documentary, Blue Carbon.
From left: Danielle Nierenberg, Food Tank; Nicholas Brown, Director Blue Carbon; Jennifer Howard, Vice President, Blue Carbon Program, Conservation International; and Angela Fritz, Senior Climate and Weather Editor, CNN; discuss the CNN documentary, Blue Carbon.
About Photo
William Atkins / GW
From left: Dr. Imani Cheers; Joy Reeves, Duke University; Micah Seidel, Rutgers University; Delan Li, University of Connecticut; Mickki Garrity, University of Minnesota; Amy Berquist, Lindblad Expeditions; Isabella Lindblad, Director of Brand Advocacy, Lindblad Expeditions; and Frank Sesno.
From left: Dr. Imani Cheers; Joy Reeves, Duke University; Micah Seidel, Rutgers University; Delan Li, University of Connecticut; Mickki Garrity, University of Minnesota; Amy Berquist, Lindblad Expeditions; Isabella Lindblad, Director of Brand Advocacy, Lindblad Expeditions; and Frank Sesno.
About Photo
Alexandra Daley-Clark / Lindblad Expeditions
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Katrina Nicole Green, of the Indigenous Youth Climate Resiliency Through Public Policy Program, gives a powerful Land Acknowledgement at the beginning of the Summit.
George Washington University President Ellen Granberg delivers a welcoming statement, celebrating the work of Planet Forward student contributors and correspondents.
Planet Forward Founding Director Frank Sesno and Director of Academic Adventures Dr. Imani M. Cheers recount the experiential learning trips that students have taken with Planet Forward over the past year.
From left: Kaitlyn Yarnall, Chief Storytelling Officer, National Geographic Society; Farron Taijeron, University of Guam; Owen Volk, SUNY-ESF; and Libby Mohn, Middlebury Institute of International Studies; discuss storytelling from the field.
Dr. Imani M. Cheers onstage at the 2024 Planet Forward Summit.
From left: Tyler Hickman, University of Colorado Boulder; Jessica Stahl, Editor for Creative Storytelling, Grist; Rachel Frazin, Energy & Environment Reporter, The Hill; and Jesse J. Holland, Associate Director SMPA; discuss the future of environmental journalism.
From left: Matt Scott, Project Drawdown, Director of Storytelling and Engagement, Project Drawdown; Juan Declet-Barreto, Union of Concerned Scientists; Dr. Neelu Tummala, Co-Director, Climate Health Institute, George Washington University; and Anna Shah, George Washington University discuss the use of data in storytelling.
Frank Sesno; Jaime Perez-Bedmar Merello, New Venture Competition Semi-Finalist, center; and Liam Perry, New Venture Competition Semi-Finalist.
Frank Sesno and Cassandra Garber, VP, Corporate Sustainability & ESG, Dell Technologies; admire a Planet Forward Mug on stage and discuss the role of complexity and science in solving the world's most pressing problems.
Joshua Panganiban, Renewables Lead Project Manager, NextEra Energy Resources (center); and Artealia Gilliard, Environmental Leadership & Sustainability Communications & Advocacy, Ford Motor Company (far right); discuss corporate responsibility to sustainability.
Students and faculty from around the world gather together for a delicious vegetarian lunch provided by Relish DC.
Frank Sesno and Aparna Mukherjee, Executive Director, Society of Environmental Journalists, lead the lunchtime keynote discussion.
From left: Ivey Camille Manybeads Tso, Mentor and Editor, Ilíiaitchik: Indigenous Correspondents Program; and Ilíiaitchik Indigenous Correspondents: Mickki Garrity, University of Minnesota; Nizhoni Tallas, University of Arizona; and Abby Burgess, Dartmouth College.
Andrea Bruce, National Geographic Photojournalist, Educator, Artist & Writer; delivers a keynote speech on using photography for impact.
From left: Michelle McCauley, Provost, Middlebury College; Mykah Scott, Tuskegee University; Joy Reeves, Duke University; and Chris Zatarain, University of Arizona.
From left: Danielle Nierenberg, Food Tank; Nicholas Brown, Director Blue Carbon; Jennifer Howard, Vice President, Blue Carbon Program, Conservation International; and Angela Fritz, Senior Climate and Weather Editor, CNN; discuss the CNN documentary, Blue Carbon.
From left: Dr. Imani Cheers; Joy Reeves, Duke University; Micah Seidel, Rutgers University; Delan Li, University of Connecticut; Mickki Garrity, University of Minnesota; Amy Berquist, Lindblad Expeditions; Isabella Lindblad, Director of Brand Advocacy, Lindblad Expeditions; and Frank Sesno.
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