Elevating Columbus Climate Wins on the National Stage at NYC Climate Week

Columbus City Schools’ (CCS) commitment to green energy was spotlighted on a national stage during New York City Climate Week (September 21–28, 2025), the world’s largest climate convening. Tara Polansky, Safe Green Schools’ lead climate organizer, joined leaders from Chicago and Los Angeles as a panelist at the United for Green Schools event.

Tara highlighted how Columbus parents, students, and educators are fighting for healthier, climate-resilience schools. Thanks to this collective advocacy, the CCS Board committed the district to becoming carbon neutral by 2050, marking one of the most ambitious district-level commitments in the state. 

The panel made clear that districts nationwide are looking to Columbus as an example of what’s possible.  Cost-saving green infrastructure not only reduces pollution but also helps address school districts’ financial challenges — a win-win! To maximize those savings, it is critical that CCS begins solar projects before the end of the year, while the largest federal tax credits are still available.

This national recognition underscores how local victories in Ohio are shaping the national conversation on climate and public education. As Climate Week amplifies solutions from around the globe, Columbus is a part of that story.  The Safe Green Schools team will continue to work to see cost saving, climate solutions integrated and implemented into the future planning of the district.

The event was co-hosted by Building Power Resource Center and the Climate & Community Institute.