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Photos courtesy of Billings Climate Coalition
Billings Climate Week 2025
When it comes to climate change, the Billings Climate Coalition believes action starts at the community level. That belief is what drives Climate Week, a multi-day event series designed to spark local conversations, highlight community-led solutions, and inspire small but meaningful steps toward a healthier planet. As co-organizer Dr. Lori Byron often says, climate work is “the world’s greatest group participation project,” and this week is about helping people learn what that means, right here in Billings.
Now in its third year, Billings Climate Week 2025 will take place from September 14–18. Leading the charge are co-organizers Katie Harrison and Dr. Lori Byron. Katie is the founder of SustainaBillings, an Earth Week initiative, and owns the Billings ReFill Shoppe. Dr. Byron, a retired pediatrician with the Indian Health Service, chairs Montana Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate and is involved with Citizens Climate Lobby. Together, along with a dedicated group of volunteers, they work to ensure that Climate Week remains rooted in community needs and is accessible to everyone.
The Coalition comprises nonprofits from Billings and across Montana, as well as volunteers, businesses, and community members who share a concern for our region’s future. From healthcare and education to local advocacy and youth engagement, the co-organizers believe the group’s strength lies in its diversity and shared desire to create space for learning and action.
The Coalition believes that while Billings still has room to grow, the city is already demonstrating leadership in key areas, such as being one of just 21 cities in the country to receive LEED for Cities Gold certification, a recognition of energy efficiency and sustainability. Organizers also point to Montana’s constitution, which outlines environmental stewardship as a fundamental right and responsibility, serving as a reminder that caring for the land is deeply woven into the state’s heritage.
Here’s a look at what’s planned for this year’s Climate Week:
Sunday, September 14 – Ride for Their Lives
10:00 AM | Meadowlark Brewing
This free, family-friendly bike ride brings awareness to the health impacts of air pollution and climate change on children. Riders can choose a 10- or 20-mile route through Billings, with a fun midway stop downtown featuring snacks, brief speakers, and Bailey’s Ice Cream Truck. Prizes and drinks await at the finish line back at Meadowlark. Helmets are required, and registration is encouraged.
Sunday Evening – Understanding Eco-Anxiety & Channeling It into Action
5:00 PM Reception | 6:00 PM Keynote | MSU Billings, Petro Theater
Hosted by students from MSU Billings and Rocky Mountain College, this evening event features environmental advocate and author Heather White. Known for her compassionate, hopeful take on climate activism, White will explore how eco-anxiety can become a motivator for positive change. The evening will also include youth performances from NOVA’s Funky Bunch and Funky Bunch Jr., adding energy and creativity to a serious topic.
Doors open at 5:00 PM with a community reception in the Glacier Room, located next to the theater. Attendees can explore sponsor tables and meet others working toward similar goals. The keynote begins at 6:00 PM and will include a live youth-led discussion with White on stage.
Tuesday, September 16 – Single-Use Planet Screening + Skip the Stuff Launch
5:30 PM | Art House
This event features the screening of Single-Use Planet, a documentary exploring the upstream systems behind plastic production and why recycling isn’t enough. The evening also marks Billings’ official launch of the “Skip the Stuff” campaign, a statewide movement aimed at reducing single-use plastic accessories, including straws, cutlery, and condiment packets. Billings will become the third city in Montana to join this effort.
Admission is free, but seating is limited. This event has sold out in past years, so organizers recommend reserving a spot in advance to guarantee entry.
Wednesday, September 17 – Indigenous Sovereignty as a Climate Solution
5:30 PM | Art House
Led by Krystal Two Bulls of Honor the Earth, this forum and panel discussion will focus on Indigenous leadership and the importance of centering Native voices in climate conversations. The format blends presentation and education, with Indigenous speakers sharing their perspectives directly with non-Indigenous attendees on how to move forward together with respect and intention.
Stay Connected
While Climate Week only lasts a few days, the Coalition’s work continues year-round. Their website is being updated with more ways to get involved, and ongoing updates are available on social media. And because each group in the Coalition represents an active nonprofit or community effort, there are always new ways to plug in.
When asked what motivates Katie to keep showing up for this work, she shares, “Certain actions have certain effects. If we want to see change, we have to make change.” Her hope for this year? That more people walk away feeling empowered. “If we all do a little more each day, we’ll start to see results. We can’t give up hope.”
To learn more and reserve seats, visit:
