Sustainable Pittsburgh Summit To Bring Global Climate Finance Leader Peter Fusaro To Pittsburgh Nov. 18

What will it take to turn the enormous changes underway in energy, technology, and finance into opportunity here in Pittsburgh?

That question will take center stage on November 18, when Sustainable Pittsburgh hosts its annual Sustainable Pittsburgh Summit: Grounded Locally, Connected Globally at the Lexus Club at PPG Paints Arena.

The summit will feature a keynote address from Peter Fusaro, New York Times best-selling author and internationally recognized thought leader on climate-change investment, sustainable finance, and the global energy transition. 

Fusaro is the founder of the Wall Street Green Summit, now in its 26th year, which brings together leaders at the intersection of finance, technology, and climate. 

He also launched Wall Street Green Cap Intro, connecting investors with emerging ClimateTech companies, and has advised numerous ClimateTech startups.

For more than five decades, Fusaro has worked at the intersection of energy, finance, technology, and environmental policy, helping governments, corporations, and investors understand the challenges and economic opportunities created by major shifts in the energy system.

“Peter brings an extraordinary perspective to a conversation that Pittsburgh needs to be having right now,” said Sean Luther, chair of Sustainable Pittsburgh Board of Directors. 

“Our region has a long history of adapting to major economic and technological shifts. Today, we have an opportunity to think proactively about how Pittsburgh can lead in the emerging economy, and how we can make sure that innovation, investment and opportunity translate into lasting benefits for our communities.”

Moving From Solutions From Ideas To Technology

That question will be spotlighted with Funding What’s Next: Innovation, Investment and Impact, a featured conversation focused on one of the most important questions facing the sustainable economy.

The conversation will bring together perspectives from philanthropy, venture capital, and emerging technology, featuring:

-- Chris DeCardy, President, The Heinz Endowments

-- Joe Blair, General Partner, Bay Bridge Ventures

-- Colin Huwyler, CEO, Optimus Technologies

-- Dr. Reeja Jayan, Founder and CEO, SeaLion Energy

Together, the panelists will explore how capital, innovation, and investment can help bring the next generation of sustainable technologies to market.

The conversation reflects the summit’s broader focus on connecting global trends with practical opportunities in Southwestern Pennsylvania. 

Rather than viewing sustainability solely through an environmental lens, the summit will examine the systems increasingly shaping the region’s economic future, from energy and technology to capital, workforce, supply chains, and artificial intelligence.

Grounded Locally, Connected Globally

Pittsburgh sits at the center of these converging forces: a region built on industry, powered by world-class research and talent, and increasingly recognized as a hub for innovation and emerging technology.

The summit will bring together business and organizational leaders, sustainability professionals, executives and decision-makers, investors and funders, entrepreneurs, public-sector and civic leaders, university and research leaders, workforce professionals, nonprofit and community leaders, and emerging professionals.

“Pittsburgh doesn’t have to choose between being grounded in its history and looking toward the future,” said Bhavini Patel, executive director of Sustainable Pittsburgh. “We can do both. Our history gives us the experience, our institutions give us the knowledge, and our people give us the capacity to build something new. This summit is about connecting those strengths to the global forces that are shaping what comes next.”

To register and for more information, visit the Sustainable Pittsburgh Summit: Grounded Locally, Connected Globally webpage.

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[Posted: October 29, 2026]  PA Environment Digest