The Sustainability Summit: An Immersive Climate Experience
July 18, 2026
Spend the day inside BurnerSphere with three groups doing real work, on the ground and in the ocean.
BurnerSphere takes you on an immersive journey of adventure and sustainability.
We’re inviting our global community to walk through the data, look at the science, and explore real environmental solutions together. Come spend the day inside BurnerSphere as your avatar, no headset needed, with three groups doing meaningful work at the intersection of environment and community:
- Earth Guardians, who steward the land beneath Black Rock City during Burning Man itself
- Dr. Marcus Eriksen of 5 Gyres, whose Junk Raft expedition across the Great Pacific Garbage Patch now lives on as a permanent exhibit inside BurnerSphere
- The Alternative Energy Zone team, who’ve built fossil-fuel-free energy systems for one of the largest temporary cities on Earth
Rather than a webinar, you’ll move through distinct virtual spaces, including a museum built from expedition materials, spending the day directly with the innovators doing the work.
Whether you’re a longtime Burner, a sustainability advocate, an environmental studies student, or just VR-curious, this one’s an open door: a chance to engage with climate action in a way passive video never could.
Be part of this shared moment in BurnerSphere.
Schedule
- 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM: Earth Guardians
- 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM: Junk Raft Exhibit with Dr. Marcus Eriksen
- 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM: Alternative Energy Zone (AEZ)
Events
Sustainability Event AM – Earth Guardians
Location:
BurnerSphere App
Sustainability Event: Panel: Junk Raft Exhibit with Dr. Marcus Eriksen – the Plastic Crisis
Location:
BurnerSphere App
Sustainability Event PM 2 – Alternative Energy Zone: Fossil Fuel Alternatives
Location:
BurnerSphere App
Speakers
Earth Guardians
Dave Cooper
1st BLM Manager of the Black Rock Desert - High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails NCA. Authorized and managed the BM permit for 8 years. This year marks 25 years playing with the BM event. Board member Friends of Black Rock High Rock. Retired from BLM and living in Gerlach for the past 17 years.
Katelyn Dalton
Katelyn has been helping Earth Guardians for a couple years now, mostly with LNT Outreach. After some time she was asked to help with dispatch. She loves helping to educate others about LNT practices, and how they can contribute to protecting the playa.
Martine Evans
Hi, I’m Marmaid. I’m an Earth Guardian ! I’ve been trying to help out the plant since I went out for Halloween in 1969 at age 11 and showed every house I trick or treated on how to recycle your garbage. I love helping others to help keep our home clean.
AEZ
Andrew Stiles
Andrew is a member of AEZ and has been building camping solar systems for 10+ years. He provides tech/repair support and workshops at Burning Man and Saguaro Man.
Bruce Rogow
Bruce is 22 year Burner, with every year as a member of the AEZ. He is the designer/builder of KAEZ Solar Powered Radio Station in Black Rock City and Camp Lead for Suntrakker Camp. His gifting includes Margarita Bar and on-playa Life Coaching Services. He retired in 2025 after 30 years as Broadcast Engineer and CTO for Southern California Public Meda Station.
Matt Seitzler
Matt Seitzler, aka Matteo, has helped build Black Rock City since 2007's "The Green Man." An electrical engineer since 2006, he directs engineering at Green River Engineering and technology at Summit Energy, building solar and battery storage projects. He lives in Petaluma with his wife and daughter, gifting welding skills to the Alternative Energy Zone.
