New York City is currently hosting what could be the biggest climate gathering of the year, Climate Week NYC. This event coincides with the United Nations General Assembly and will feature hundreds of events across various venues in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and even Queens. Attendees include financiers, entrepreneurs, scientists, diplomats, corporate executives, and heads of state, all coming together to discuss sustainability and make important announcements. This unofficial climate summit is drawing in a diverse crowd, from world leaders to climate activists, all with a common goal of addressing the pressing issue of climate change.
While Azerbaijan is set to host a two-week UN climate summit in November, known as COP29, it is expected to attract fewer business executives and bankers compared to last year’s COP28 event in Dubai. The scale of the event in Baku may not match that of the previous year in Dubai, leading some corporate attendees to opt for Climate Week NYC instead. The summit in New York will take place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, providing a platform for discussions on climate action amidst ongoing global conflicts.
In past years, the UN General Assembly has seen significant climate moments, such as Chinese President Xi Jinping’s pledge to reach net zero emissions in 2020 and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s advocacy for climate finance priorities in 2022. This year, leaders like Mottley, former US climate envoy John Kerry, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be participating in various Climate Week events in New York. The summit will feature a wide range of activities, from panel discussions to showcases of climate tech startups.
Some notable events during Climate Week NYC include the UN’s Summit of the Future, the Emerson Collective Presents Climate Science Fair at the High Line park, and the 2024 InnSure Climate Week Forum focusing on climate resilience in the insurance industry. Other events will cover topics like AI for climate action, sustainable finance, and the future of green finance in the US. Attendees can also participate in activities like a 5K run, the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit, and Climate Night Live featuring John Kerry.
The summit will address pressing issues like decarbonizing heavy industry, biodiversity conservation, and the role of carbon markets in accelerating corporate climate action. With discussions on climate modeling, geothermal energy, and climate literacy, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts and policymakers in the climate space. The event will also include engaging activities like Climate Karaoke and the Zero Day Launch Party, offering a mix of informative sessions and interactive experiences for participants.
As Climate Week NYC continues, stakeholders from various sectors will come together to explore innovative solutions and strategies for combating climate change. The summit serves as a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and mobilizing action towards a more sustainable future. With a diverse range of events and activities, Climate Week NYC promises to be a dynamic and impactful gathering of global leaders and climate advocates working towards a common goal of addressing the climate crisis.
