ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The New York State DEC is celebrating it 16th annual climate week and it's taking place September 22 through the 29. Brendan Woodruff, who is the director of sustainability at the DEC, says that this week is all about the government agency standing with its local, state and federal partners to tackle climate change, ensure sustainability and prioritize environmental justice for the benefits of all New Yorkers. “The main focus of Climate Week is really on combating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the entire state. And so, we’re bringing folks together, there’s conversations and we’re really raising awareness about climate change,” Woodruff says. This week is not only about the DEC and their involvement but rather the involvement of all residents of New York State.  "During climate week, we have this great event going on as well called Get There Green! This is an annual, sustainable transportation promotion event that we do. We’re encouraging all New Yorkers to join us in ‘getting there green’,” says Woodruff. This event encourages residents to walk, bike, carpool, use public transportation and so much more to get from place to place. It’s something that can be done every day, not just during climate week.  “It’s a way for everyday New Yorkers to participate in combating climate change. So while there will be a lot of announcements and other things coming out this week, we wanted to have there be a way that everyday New Yorkers can get inspired by that and take action on their own,” Woodruff says. Each year the agency hopes people can form better habits. “One of the things we’ve seen as we do this year after year is once people learn how to take a sustainable form of transportation, these things eventually become habits. So, a lot of times, it takes the nudge to learn how to do something differently," says Woodruff. Woodruff says there will be a number of announcements coming out this about ways that the state is taking action against climate change. His main focus, not just for this week, but for everyday, is to keep on raising awareness and the importance of clean air, clean water and the protection of our public health and environment through combating climate change. Click here to learn more about Climate Week.