About the Conference

11th Annual HBCU Climate Change Conference

The Bullard Center at Texas Southern University and the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice invite you to New Orleans from March 18–22, 2026.

This national gathering connects HBCU faculty, students, and climate professionals with environmental justice communities to bridge research and real-world action. Key focuses include:

  • Policy & Resilience: Climate justice, global policy, and adaptation.
  • Sustainability: Clean energy, green jobs, and sustainable transport.
  • Youth Impact: Hands-on climate science simulations for Gulf Coast high schoolers.

Join us to advance community-driven solutions and economic development.

our co-conveners

Our co-conveners are environmental and climate justice pioneers, Center and HBCU Consortium leaders, educators, social scientists, scholars, researchers, and award-winning authors.

dr. robert bullard
Founder & Executive Director, Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice, Texas Southern University
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dr. beverly wright
Founder & Executive Director, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
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conference details

2026 Conference recap

The 11th Annual HBCU Climate Change Conference concluded as a powerful convening of scholars, students, community leaders, and environmental justice advocates committed to advancing environmental justice and resilience in frontline communities. Co-hosted by the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice and the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice, the multi-day gathering in New Orleans reaffirmed the essential role of HBCUs in bridging research, policy, and community-driven solutions at a critical moment for environmental and climate action. Under the theme Legacy Rising: Charting Our Future at the Crossroads of Climate and Justice, the conference elevated youth and community leadership and reinforced a shared long-term commitment to protecting communities.

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11th annual HBCU Climate Change Conference Banner

video recap & photos

To revisit the memorable moments and inspiring sessions, explore our recap video & online photo galleries for a visual recap of the conference highlights.

2025 HBCU Climate Change Conference

HBCU Climate Change Conference: A Decade of Action and Impact

The 10th Annual HBCU Climate Change Conference successfully advanced its mission of merging science, research, and data with solution-driven actions to address climate vulnerabilities in frontline communities. With 481 attendees—including students and faculty from 16 HBCUs and seven predominantly White institutions—the five-day event featured six keynote speakers, five expert panels, seven student panels, three community panels, four breakout sessions, and 46 poster presentations, along with a book signing.

As the climate crisis continues to disproportionately affect Black communities and HBCU institutions, the HBCU Consortium remains committed to preparing the next generation of leaders to tackle these challenges. Through collaborative partnerships with EJ centers, green businesses, philanthropists, and concerned individuals, efforts are underway to secure long-term funding to sustain this vital work for the next decade and beyond. Now more than ever, climate solutions rooted in justice and equity are imperative.

HBCU Climate Change Conference recap video & Photo Galleries

To revisit the memorable moments and inspiring sessions, explore our recap video & online photo galleries for a visual recap of the conference highlights.