Climate Week NYC 2025: Uniting Global Leaders for Climate Action

Climate Week NYC 2025 is set to take place from September 21 to 28 in New York City, bringing together global leaders from business, government, and civil society to advance climate action. Organized by the Climate Group, this annual event coincides with the United Nations General Assembly, providing a platform for discussions and initiatives aimed at accelerating the transition to a sustainable future.

This year's theme, "Power On," emphasizes the urgency of implementing climate solutions and scaling up efforts to combat climate change. The week will feature over 900 events, including high-level discussions, networking opportunities, and initiatives focused on climate finance, renewable energy, adaptation, and resilience.

One of the notable sessions is "Scaling Carbon Pricing and Trading for Global Decarbonization," scheduled for September 23. This panel will explore how carbon pricing and international coordination can accelerate global emissions reductions. Moderated by Amruta Kelkar and John Colas of Oliver Wyman, the session will feature speakers such as Lord Adair Turner, Chair of the Energy Transitions Commission; Tom Montag, CEO of Rubicon; David Moore, Senior Director at Anew; Ariel Hayward, Senior Program Manager at Microsoft; and Hannah Hauman, Global Head of Carbon Trading at Trafigura.

Another key event is "Nourishing People, Planet, and our Future," taking place on September 25. Hosted by Food Tank and The Rockefeller Foundation, this summit will focus on innovative solutions to nourish people and build climate resilience. Confirmed speakers include Elizabeth Yee, Executive Vice President of Programs at The Rockefeller Foundation; Aulo Gelli, Senior Research Fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute; and Carmen Burbano de Lara, Director of School-Based Programmes at the World Food Programme.

Additionally, on September 25, Wood Mackenzie's Energy Gang podcast will host a live recording titled "AI, Innovation, and the Future of Energy." The discussion will delve into how artificial intelligence and innovation are transforming the energy sector. Panelists include Amy Myers Jaffe, Director of Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab at NYU; Craig Sundstrom, Head of Energy and Sustainability Public Policy at Amazon Web Services; Ed Crooks, Vice-Chairman of Energy, Americas at Wood Mackenzie; and Xizhou Zhou, Executive Vice President at Wood Mackenzie.

Since its inception in 2009, Climate Week NYC has served as a critical platform for showcasing global climate action. The event has grown significantly, with the 2024 edition featuring 212 speakers and over 6,000 in-person and virtual attendees. The week included over 900 events, making it the largest Climate Group summit to date.

In previous years, the event has been a stage for significant announcements. For instance, in 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a lawsuit against major fossil fuel companies for decades of misinformation. Additionally, Volvo pledged to end all diesel production by early 2024, aiming to become an all-electric automaker.

Angela Barranco, Executive Director of Climate Group North America, emphasized the event's importance:

"In September 2025, Climate Week NYC will be the place for top decision-makers in business and government to dig into the most pressing issues, explore clean energy investments, and look at how finance, innovation, supply chains, community resilience, and policy are all shifting."

Despite political challenges in the United States, Climate Week NYC 2025 aims to foster collaboration between public and private sectors. The event will address practical solutions to current climate challenges, such as decarbonizing heavy industries, securing clean electricity, and addressing AI-driven energy demand.

As the world grapples with escalating climate challenges, Climate Week NYC 2025 stands as a pivotal event in the global climate action calendar. With its comprehensive agenda and diverse participation, it aims to drive meaningful progress toward a sustainable and resilient future.