Climate Action for Busy People

Cate will sit down for a conversation about her book with Sasaki's Director of Sustainability, Tamar Warburg, AIA, LEED AP BD+C. Climate Action for Busy People is a hopeful and realistic roadmap for individuals and groups who want to boost climate preparedness and move the needle towards environmental justice. Their conversation will explore what we all can do to move towards more resilient futures.

Schedule (EST)

• 5:00 p.m. Registration opens
• 5:30 p.m. Meet the Author and networking
• 5:45 p.m. Welcome and introductions
• 5:50 p.m. Author conversation
• 6:30 p.m. Audience Q&A

This event is part of Resilient Futures, the Hideo Sasaki Foundation's 2026 theme connecting design and community-driven action. From climate change, to systemic inequities, to national and global political shifts, we are living in a time of increasing stress and change. How can the design community contribute to our collective resilience as we move into the future?

About the Book

Climate Action for Busy People is a hopeful and realistic roadmap for individuals and groups who want to boost climate preparedness and move the needle towards environmental justice. Drawing from her professional and personal success in climate adaptation and community organizing, Cate Mingoya-LaFortune begins with a brief history of why our communities look the way they do (spoiler, it’s not an accident!) and how that affects how vulnerable we are to climate risks. Each chapter will help readers scale up their actions, from identifying climate solutions that an individual or small group can pull off in a handful of weekends, like tree plantings or depaving parties, to advocating for change at the municipal level through coalition-building and data collection. It’s not too late for people of all ages and skill levels to create climate safe neighborhoods.

Climate Action for Busy People is an invaluable guide for anyone who wants to make lasting and equitable improvements that will make their communities climate resilient.

About the Author

Cate Mingoya-LaFortune is a people-centered climate adaptation planner, community organizer, educator, parent, and cautious optimist. Raised in an environmental justice neighborhood, she is committed to furthering a future where all people live in clean, thriving communities. She received a BA in biology from Reed College, a Master of Science Education from CUNY Lehman, and a Master of City planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She currently serves as the Chief Officer of Climate Resilience and Land Use at Groundwork USA. She lives with her family and community in New England.