Reflecting on Climate Week NYC 2023
A Week of Determination and Climate Action
Climate Week NYC 2023, organized by the Climate Group in partnership with the UN General Assembly and the City of New York, has just concluded, leaving us with a resounding message of determination and hope. With nearly 600 events held throughout the week, this year's Climate Week was the biggest ever, bringing together a diverse array of individuals and organizations committed to addressing the pressing issue of climate change.
The week unfolded against a backdrop of growing climate impacts worldwide, from extreme heat and wildfires to devastating floods. Vested interests continue to slow down progress in the fight against climate change. However, despite these challenges, the prevailing theme of the week was "We Can. We Will," encapsulating the optimism and unwavering determination of all those involved.
Let's dive into some of the major announcements, inspirational moments, and highlights from Climate Week NYC 2023:
Major Announcements:
1. California's Landmark Lawsuit: Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California is suing major fossil fuel companies in a groundbreaking lawsuit, "Hold Big Oil Accountable." He also pledged to sign a bill compelling major companies to disclose their emissions.
2. Renewable Energy Commitment: Over 250 major companies and non-profit organizations, including the Climate Group, called on world leaders to commit to tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030 ahead of COP28 in Dubai.
3. Maryland Joins the Under2 Coalition: The State of Maryland became the latest member of the Under2 Coalition, a group of subnational governments committed to accelerating climate action.
4. Support for Vulnerable Countries: Scotland First Minister Humza Yousaf announced new funding for countries most affected by the climate crisis.
5. L'Oreal's Disaster Risk Support: L'Oreal Groupe pledged €15 million for an endowment fund to support communities facing the greatest disaster risk.
6. Local Climate Action Summit: COP28 President-Designate Sultan Al Jaber and UN Special Envoy Michael Bloomberg announced the first COP-hosted "Local Climate Action Summit."
7. Fossil Fuel Phase-Out Campaign: The We Mean Business Coalition launched a new campaign urging businesses to lead the way in phasing out fossil fuels.
8. Tackling Climate Misinformation: A report by the Climate Action Against Disinformation Coalition accused "big tech" of not doing enough to combat climate misinformation.
9. Volvo's Electric Pledge: Volvo committed to ending all diesel production by early 2024 and laid out plans to become an all-electric automaker.
10. Climate Resilience in Health Clinics: Global health group Americares, supported by Climate Week NYC sponsor Johnson & Johnson, launched an initiative to boost climate resilience in health clinics for vulnerable patients.
11. Climate Policy Critique: Climate Group CEO Helen Clarkson and Chris Skidmore MP criticized UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's weakening of net-zero policy.
12. US Offshore Wind Goals: Despite challenges, the CEO of Orsted emphasized that US offshore wind goals are still achievable.
13. Climate Action at Scale: Climate Group and Oliver Wyman released a report, "Climate Action at Scale," exploring how companies can transition from reducing emissions to thriving in a decarbonizing world.
Opening Ceremony Highlights:
The Opening Ceremony set the stage for Climate Week NYC 2023, featuring prominent climate leaders:
- Helen Clarkson, CEO of the Climate Group, emphasized the collective responsibility and power in addressing the climate crisis.
- Governor Gavin Newsom of California announced the state's commitment to climate leadership and its lawsuit against major oil and gas companies for deceiving the public about the consequences of fossil fuels.
- Razan Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, stressed the integration of biodiversity and climate agendas.
- Bob Moritz, Global Chair of PwC, highlighted the importance of collaboration between businesses and organizations in driving effective climate policy.
- Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, co-founder of the Urban Ocean Lab, emphasized the need to consider the bigger picture in addressing the climate crisis.
- Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UNFCCC, urged businesses and governments to turn words into action.
The Hub Live:
Following the Opening Ceremony, The Hub Live offered two days of roundtables, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, focusing on four key themes:
1. The New Industrial Revolution: Exploring the changes required to deliver a net-zero industry and construction sector.
2. The Energy and Transport Transition: Accelerating the transition to zero-emission energy and transport systems.
3. Nature, Food Systems, and Health: Addressing a just transition in agriculture and nature, engaging food supply chains, and enhancing environmental health.
4. Financing the Green Economy: Driving equitable and fair investment growth.
Speakers and participants included influential figures from politics, business, and civil society, such as Simon Glynn, Mathias Lelièvre, Rukka Sombolinggi, Juan Manuel Santos, Jim Andrew, Rt. Hon. Humza Yousaf, Jane Fonda, Kate Brandt, and Professor Emily Shuckburgh.
Climate Week NYC Events Program:
Climate Week NYC extended beyond the central events, featuring nearly 600 events across all five boroughs of New York City. Some notable highlights included:
- A discussion on climate response, innovations, and STEM/sustainability career opportunities in the Navy, featuring the Assistant Secretary of the Navy and local Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) cadets.
- Designers had the opportunity to create posters encouraging businesses and governments to drive climate action in collaboration with One Minute Briefs.
- Junk Kouture hosted an event at Parsons School of Design, showcasing recycled couture designs and discussing sustainable fashion.
- A major outdoor advertising campaign, featuring climate leaders from around New York City, was supported by JCDecaux and NYC Tourism + Conventions.
Media Coverage and Recognition:
Climate Week NYC 2023 received widespread media coverage and recognition, with The New York Times describing it as "burning man for climate geeks" and "a showcase of human innovation." Our CEO, Helen Clarkson, conducted interviews with various media outlets, including Reuters, discussing this year's theme of "We Can. We Will."
Climate Week NYC continues to grow every year, garnering praise from climate leaders and enthusiasts. It serves as a platform for diverse voices and ideas, inspiring us all to take action and work collectively to combat climate change.
As Climate Week NYC 2023 draws to a close, the resounding message remains: We Can. We Will. The determination and commitment showcased throughout the week provide hope that, despite the challenges, we can and will make a difference in the fight against climate change.
Source: Climate Week