Climate Week New York City is one of the largest global events dedicated to climate solutions and features over 900 different activities. Leaders from government, business, and civil society came together to deliver a clear message: we are at a crucial stage on the path to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. While optimism about the future remains, the need for swift and decisive action is more urgent than ever.
This year, the focus of discussions shifted from climate goals to concrete actions to pursue them. Helen Clarkson, CEO of the Climate Group, the organisation behind Climate Week, delivered a powerful call for change centred on five key principles:
1. It’s Time to put people first – the transition must be fair.
2. It’s Time to pay up – the Global North must deliver climate finance for vulnerable regions.
3. It’s Time to listen to citizens – globally, 80% of people want stronger, faster climate action.
4. It’s Time to be honest – we need clarity on the role of technology in climate solutions.
5. It’s Time to have difficult discussions – we must drive fossil fuel companies to change.
Building on these five principles, the Climate Group introduced a “Global To-Do List”: a set of seven key actions for governments and businesses to start now, with results expected within the next year to stay on track for 2030.
1. Support workers to power down coal
2. Unleash renewables
3. Ban relining of coal-based steel furnaces
4. Get serious on methane
5. Stop ignoring energy efficiency
6. Buy clean
7. Tax oil and gas companies to fund the transition
Companies were likewise urged to shift gears. The consensus among participants was that it is not enough to develop climate transition plans just for compliance. These plans must now demonstrate how cutting emissions creates tangible business value. Transparency and innovation are crucial for turning ambitious climate targets into reality.
One of the big talking points was nuclear energy. A deal between Microsoft and Constellation to restart a reactor at Three Mile Island signalled a potential revival of nuclear power as a clean energy option, especially in light of rising energy demand driven by technologies like artificial intelligence.
Companies were likewise urged to shift gears. The consensus among participants was that it is not enough to develop climate transition plans just for compliance. These plans must now demonstrate how cutting emissions creates tangible business value. Transparency and innovation are crucial for turning ambitious climate targets into reality.
One of the big talking points was nuclear energy. A deal between Microsoft and Constellation to restart a reactor at Three Mile Island signalled a potential revival of nuclear power as a clean energy option, especially in light of rising energy demand driven by technologies like artificial intelligence.
In short, the message from Climate Week was clear: the time for debate is over. It’s time for action, innovation, and tough decisions to make net-zero a reality. Now is the moment to turn climate promises into progress.
https://www.climateweeknyc.org/news/its-time-highlights-climate-week-nyc