Isaias Hernandez’s Symbiocene brings together design, AI, and cultural activism at Symbiofutures during New York Climate Week, fostering a new kind of environmental movement.
Isaias Hernandez is busy. The creator behind the popular Instagram handle Queer Brown Vegan, Hernandez has made it his mission to bring intersectional environmental education to millions. His latest venture, Symbiocene, which launched at COP28, is an event series that’s redefining what it means to be an environmental activist. Along with co-founder Kalpana Arias, Hernandez is leading a new wave of ecological engagement that’s blending art, culture, and activism in a way that is both fresh and deeply necessary.
At the core of Symbiocene is a belief in symbiosis — a harmonious relationship between people and the planet. The event draws inspiration from the term “Symbiocene,” a concept coined by philosopher Dr. Glenn Albrecht. Instead of focusing on the doom-and-gloom narrative of the Anthropocene, Symbiocene embraces an era where species and ecosystems thrive together.
Hernandez and Arias first brought this vision to life during Climate Week in London. Symbiocene swapped stiff lectures for something far more immersive. Set in the lush, biodiverse Omved Gardens, a rewilded space that once served as a brownfield site, the event featured everything from sound healing workshops to mushroom foraging classes. Panels dug deep into the intersections of psychology, ecology, and cultural expression — subjects often left out of mainstream environmental conversations.
“We wanted to make sure the event was for everyone, no matter how you like to engage—whether you’re into workshops, music, or panel discussions,” Hernandez said over Zoom. “It’s about bringing different generations together and expanding what environmentalism looks like.”
That intergenerational focus is key. Symbiocene actively works to break down the divides between age groups in the climate movement. “We’re always trying to include elders, young people, parents, everyone,” Hernandez adds. “We want to show that environmental solutions come from a wide range of perspectives.”
Now, Symbiocene is bringing its unique blend of interdisciplinary activism to New York. As part of this year’s Climate Week NYC, the team will host Symbiofutures — a satellite event that delves into how design, artificial intelligence, and “more-than-human” thinking can help shape a world in transition. Set at Brooklyn’s Farm One, an innovative vertical farm and brewery, Symbiofutures will explore how adaptive intelligence and ecological design can drive the next generation of climate solutions. The event will feature a roster of speakers, including Hernandez, activist Aditi Mayer, and Tory Stephens, promising to bring a fresh energy to the Climate Week conversation.
But it’s not all panels and keynotes. True to Symbiocene’s ethos, the event will also offer opportunities to network, savor local bites, and get hands-on with discussions that push the boundaries of conventional environmentalism. Attendees can expect to explore everything from the role of AI in sustainability to how culture and technology can be leveraged for social good. “It’s about more than just talking — it’s about creating a space where people can make real connections,” Hernandez explains.
Farm One, the venue for Smybiofutures, is itself a reflection of the event’s mission. The urban farm is a hub of sustainability, known for its innovative vertical farming techniques and community-driven approach. With its brewery and taproom on-site, Farm One provides a setting that marries environmental action with culinary craftsmanship — an ideal match for the creativity and thought leadership Symbiocene seeks to foster.
As Symbiocene continues to evolve, Hernandez and Arias are looking toward the future with plans for more satellite events, including potential expansions in Los Angeles and other major cities. They are also developing a model to support young creatives in their own environmental projects, recognizing the role that art, culture, and storytelling play in shaping public consciousness around climate change.
This approach isn’t limited to the cultural realm — Symbiocene is also leaning into political advocacy, partnering with organizations to raise awareness around human rights issues and upcoming political decisions. With the U.S. election on the horizon, the team is focusing on mobilizing voters and addressing the intersection of environmentalism and social justice, with a strong emphasis on women’s rights and marginalized communities.
“We’re always evolving,” Hernandez says. “Our goal is to keep pushing boundaries and finding new ways to bring people into these conversations—whether that’s through art, technology, or politics. It’s all connected.”
Symbiocene takes place at Climate Week NYC.
Related on Ethos:
