June 11 & 12, 2026
Atlanta, GA.
Our FIFTH annual Environmental Justice and Climate Protection Conference!
This conference brings together community leaders, concerned citizens, elected officials, academics, and industry experts to break information silos through information sharing focused on identifying solutions to heal and improve the health and environment of all Georgians.
Attendees receive solutions-oriented information on the dimensions of environmental health that impact Georgia residents. With sessions on environmental justice impacts, translating knowledge into action, and community coalition building, we discuss, and more importantly, actively brainstorm, what community work can be done right now to move the needle on improving environmental health.
Hosts
Individual contributors: Tasha Messer, DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs (DeKalb County RPCA) and Denise Reid.
Conference Content
Keynote Speaker: Daniel Blackman
Daniel Blackman is a global leader in climate, equity, and governance whose work bridges public policy, diplomacy, philanthropy, and capital. A former Presidential Appointee under the Biden–Harris Administration, he oversaw more than $6 billion in climate, infrastructure, and environmental justice investments as Regional Administrator of the U.S. EPA Region 4, serving eight states and six federally recognized tribes while advancing long-term economic resilience. Beyond federal service, he is a Board Trustee of Support + Feed and Vice Chairman and Advisor to Edelen Renewables, and as Founder of Renaissance94, he is recognized for aligning government, private capital, and ethical governance to build resilient, community-centered institutions that deliver lasting impact beyond political cycles.
Join Us!
Call for Speakers
Call for submissions is now open! We are seeking submissions for:
- 15-min talks
- 60-min panels
- 60-min workshops
Talks and panels should focus on what you accomplished, lived experiences, showcasing lessons learned, and sharing with others how then join you and/or use your knowledge.
Submissions due: Jan 31, 2026 Didn’t get it in on time? That’s okay – life happens – please submit by Feb 6. Please reach out with questions.
Workshops should be skill building, interactive, sessions.
Call for Unposters
This isn’t an academic conference and sometimes a poster is just not enough. We recognize there are multiple ways to share experiences and knowledge.
During the “unposter” session, presenters will present results or experiences from their work in whatever format most effectively gets the point across. You will have about 4 square feet of space to share your material. Your work must be able to be shared within a 10 minute timeframe.
Workshops should be skill building, interactive, sessions.
Submission due: Feb 28, 2026.
Call for Youth Showcase
Why a youth showcase? We want to highlight the contributions of the next generation of environmental stewards.
Who is a youth? Anyone high school age or below.
During the session, presenters will present results or experiences from their work in whatever format most effectively gets the point across. You will have about 4 square feet of space to share your material. Your work must be able to be shared within a 10 minute timeframe.
Submissions are due Feb 28, 2026.
Register
Please register for the conference using the form below. If you choose to attend via Zoom – we will send that link out a few days before the conference.
Travel Support
Sponsors
Sponsors enable us to provide travel stipends, keep ticket prices low, and keep the momentum going.
Climate Champions
Friends of Environmental Justice
