Leaders from around the world have converged on midtown Manhattan for Climate Week and the United Nations (UN) Climate Action Summit, highlighting the urgency of the climate crisis. This year, the world is on track to break the record for the hottest year in history, making discussions on climate change even more critical.
Climate Week, which coincides with the United Nations General Assembly, brings together heads of state, top government officials, business leaders, celebrities, and activists. The main event is scheduled for Wednesday when UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will host the Climate Action Summit. The summit aims to reverse the backsliding on the goals of the Paris climate agreement and encourage governments to adopt serious new actions to combat climate change.
According to Selwin Hart, special adviser on climate to the secretary-general, there are concerns about the ability to meet climate goals and growing backtracking on commitments. The summit is seen as an opportunity to inspire governments and individuals to take bold measures to address the climate crisis.
While the UN has not announced the list of speakers for the summit, over 100 countries have expressed their interest in speaking at the event. The UN's team is prioritizing countries that plan to present new actions to advance their previous climate targets.
The Climate Action Summit is a crucial meeting ahead of the upcoming COP28 climate summit in the United Arab Emirates. It is one of the last high-profile gatherings where countries can present their new climate actions and plans to transition away from fossil fuels after recent meetings fell short of phasing out fossil fuels.
The Alliance of Small Island States, comprised of nearly 40 members, will use Climate Week as a platform to call on developed countries to make stronger moves to end the use of fossil fuels and support the global transition to renewable energy sources like wind, geothermal, and solar power.
Amidst the high-level speeches and glossy events, Climate Week has also become a focal point for climate activists demanding urgent action and highlighting governmental inaction and corporate greenwashing. Thousands of activists marched through Manhattan, and more protests are planned, including disruptive actions near Wall Street to demand an end to fossil fuel financing.
While the attendance at Climate Week events remains limited due to the ongoing pandemic, over 2,600 people have registered for in-person attendance. The event features over 200 speakers from the private sector, governments, and NGOs, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across all sectors to address the climate crisis effectively.
Overall, the Climate Week and the UN Climate Action Summit provide a crucial platform for global leaders to discuss strategies, inspire action, and renew commitments to combat climate change and protect the planet for future generations.