857: The Unofficial Playbook to NYC Climate Week | Silas Mähner & Steven Zhang

Sep 23, 2025

Silas Mähner, founder of EarthSearch and co-host of the Clean Techies podcast, joins Steven Zhang, creator of ClimateTechList, to provide an insider's guide to NYC Climate Week. They discuss its evolution and significance beyond the UN General Assembly. Expect tailored job-seeking strategies and tips on using digital tools like interactive maps to navigate the chaos of events. Silas reveals key personal events to attend, while Steven emphasizes the importance of LinkedIn for networking and visibility, ensuring attendees don't miss out on valuable opportunities.

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INSIGHT

Climate Week Is Decentralized Citywide

NYC Climate Week is a decentralized, city-wide collection of official and satellite events rather than a single conference.
Most events are free, spread across Manhattan, and attract diverse communities from founders to NGOs.

ANECDOTE

Late Booking Means Queens Or New Jersey

Nico's friend tried reciprocal club bookings and found Manhattan hotels booked a year in advance, with rooms ~ $1,000/night.
If you haven't booked early, expect to stay outside Manhattan and pay more for transport.

INSIGHT

Startup And Capital Focus Has Grown

The event has shifted from UN policy focus to a startup-and-capital-driven ecosystem over recent years.
Founders, investors, and job seekers now dominate many Climate Week gatherings.

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Planning to attend NYC Climate Week?

Already there!?

When Nico realized he had to make a last-minute trip to NYC this week during climate week, he reached out to two friends who could give him a solid education on what to expect (and where to focus) for this week’s NYC Week.

Whether you’re flying in from the West Coast or crossing borough lines, this episode is your essential survival guide to one of the most chaotic, inspiring, and decentralized climate events on the planet.

Nico did a live stream last week with Silas Mähner, co-host of the Cleantechies Podcast, and Steven Zhang, the resource genius behind ClimateTechList and Interconnection.FYI. Together, they unpack the who, what, where and of course the WHEN of Climate Week—from invite-only rooftop dinners to jam-packed founder meetups and satellite panels hosted in every corner of Manhattan.

Expect to learn:

🔹 Why NYC Climate Week is no longer just a “side event” to the UN General Assembly

🔹 Where job seekers and climate founders go to actually get hired or funded

🔹 The must-know digital tools and maps for navigating events (without losing your mind)

🔹 How to prep, pitch, and stand out—even if you don’t have a ticket to anything yet

If you’re attending—or just curious what all the LinkedIn buzz is about—this episode gives you the inside scoop you won’t find on any official agenda.

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