Helen Clarkson, CEO of the Climate Group, Opening Climate Week NYC
Like many others, I was averaging around 15-20,000 steps a day during Climate Week NYC, with over 900 events taking place both in the city and online — nearly double that of last year. This year however felt more inclusive, with a noticeable shift away from the exclusive, "Oscars" feel of some private events, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Aligning Climate Week with the UNGA is clearly important, and the city's bustling atmosphere mirrors the rapid evolution of the climate industry. New York was vibrant, but the pollution and overflowing waste highlighted the challenges cities face in balancing growth with sustainability. As Climate Week continues to expand, it would be great to see the city set an example, perhaps with the mayor working alongside the Climate Group to showcase sustainability in action.
It was however, truly inspiring to witness a wider diversity of voices and perspectives shaping the agenda. The participation of new companies broadened the conversation, moving beyond the usual echo chamber seen at COP events.
My Climate Week NYC Highlights:
Hon. Philip E. Davis, Prime Minister of the Bahamas, shared his personal experiences as a nation on the front line of climate change: “Each year, I see the tides rise higher, the storms grow stronger, and the relentless advance of a warming world. But nothing prepared me for the news that global warming has, for the first time, exceeded 1.5°C for an entire year.” He highlighted the urgent need for accountability and partnerships in addressing the climate crisis.
Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General, delivered a keynote address at the Climate Week NYC Opening Ceremony, calling on world leaders to turn their commitments into action—deliver climate finance, reform the financial system, and reduce emissions to protect the most vulnerable. Scotland introduced the Climate Finance Access Hub and the Universal Vulnerability Index.
U.S. Senator Brian Schatz emphasised the urgent need for direct loss and damage funds for Pacific nations affected by climate change. He criticised the current approach, advocating for funds to support existing programmes and infrastructure rather than being funnelled through intermediaries. Senator Schatz concluded that polluters should bear financial responsibility, stating, “It should be front and centre—the polluters should be the ones paying.”
Live Recording of Outrage + Optimism with Mission 2025 featured hosts Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson, who were joined by key voices from government, business, and climate science. The conversation centred on the push for “positive tipping points” across three key themes: energy, nature & food, and finance.
Live recording of the Global + Optimism Podcast
PwC Interview with Will Jackson-Moore highlighted a significant corporate commitment to reducing energy consumption by 30% by 2030. Notably, South Australia is leading the way, with 75% of its energy already sourced from renewables.
Mike Rann, Chair of Climate Generations and former Premier of South Australia, detailed how the state achieved 75% renewables largely due to a cleared regulatory environment that encourages private investment in sustainable energy initiatives. Looking ahead, the state aims to reach 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Mark Patel, McKinsey Senior Partner, spoke about the rapid scaling of technology and falling costs in addressing climate challenges.
Colombian Environment Minister discussed the importance of biodiversity in the climate solution and announced plans for publicising a $10 billion funding initiative from international financial institutions and developed countries.
Jessica Anderen, CEO of the IKEA Foundation, addressed industry change and the power of small businesses, stressing IKEA’s sustainability commitments. She remarked, “We can only do this together. Putting people at the heart of transition and local leaders at the forefront is crucial. We have one home, one planet that we all share. We can only win this race together.”
Luc Triangle, ITUC Secretary-General, stressed the importance of workers’ rights and social protection in the climate conversation, stating, “No one should be left behind, but also no region should be left behind.”
Michael Regan, EPA, discussed the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, emphasising the significance of forming environmental justice partnerships and the need for regulatory action as a catalyst for innovative climate solutions.
Sonia Guajajara, Minister of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil, highlighted the role of indigenous peoples in the climate fight, as they manage at least one quarter of the world’s lands. She suggested that listening to nature can help connect us with the energy of the Earth, animals, and people, warning that prioritising profit over harmony leads to environmental destruction.
Jacinda Ardern, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand, opened Climate Week with a powerful call for swift action, stressing that protecting the planet outweighs politics. She urged delegates to reject the notion that optimism is naive, stating, “I believe things not only can, but must improve. Politicians, policymakers, the private sector, and financial institutions will act—driven by the magnitude of the consequences if they don’t.”
The Right Honourable Dame Jacinda Ardern, Speaking at Climate Week NYC
CAFA’s Key Moments from Climate Week NYC
Monday: The week kicked off with the launch of the Catalysing Climate Action: Aligning Professional Services with Net Zero report. CAFA was part of the working group for the report, and I had the privilege of facilitating the launch event.
We also attended a panel hosted by Shana Gallagher of BSI, which focused on scaling the net-zero transition. The panel emphasised the vital role of international standards in building clarity, trust, and accountability.
Tuesday: We marked the 10th anniversary of the Hub, where leading corporations shared their efforts to align with the 1.5°C climate target.
Wednesday: We participated in the We Mean Business Influence Map Event, featuring keynote speeches by Maria Mendiluce and closing remarks from Nigel Topping. The event brought together leaders from the corporate, investment, and civil society sectors to explore challenges and opportunities in corporate climate policy.
'How do we scale and accelerate the net zero transition? The Crucial Role of International Standards', panel facilitated by Shana Gallagher, BSI.
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