We’re very excited to be attending New York Climate Week and look forward to building new connections within the sustainability community that will drive meaningful progress in climate action.
What is New York Climate Week?
New York Climate Week (Climate Week NYC) is the largest annual climate event in the world, drawing thousands of leaders, innovators, and advocates to the heart of New York City. Hosted by the Climate Group, a prominent international nonprofit, Climate Week NYC spans September 22-29, 2024, and features over 600 events held in-person, hybrid, and online.
The event runs concurrently with the United Nations General Assembly, creating a unique platform that brings together a diverse array of stakeholders, including world leaders, business executives, climate experts, local government officials, and civil society activists to this significant climate event.
The week-long initiative provides an opportunity for participants to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and collectively accelerate climate action on a global scale. This year’s theme, “It’s Time,” underscores the urgency to ramp up climate progress, especially as 2024 continues to break global temperature records.
The stakes have never been higher, and Climate Week NYC 2024 is poised to address the most critical challenges and opportunities facing our planet today, with influential leaders driving the discussions.
Which events are worth attending at Climate Week NYC 2024?
The NYC opening ceremony on September 22 will kick off Climate Week NYC 2024, featuring keynote speeches and major announcements from influential leaders in the climate sector.
Climate Week NYC offers a wide range of events for both experts and the general public. Here are some of the standout sessions that promise to inspire, educate, and drive meaningful progress:
1. How to navigate EU climate rules: insights for US companies
Online
Date: September 17, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM (ET)
Join Sweep and Arcadia as they explore how US companies should navigate the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and implement best practices for managing sustainability data. With over 3,000 US companies expected to comply with CSRD over the next few years, this webinar will offer valuable insights into reporting timelines, compliance strategies, and the importance of accurate data management. Speakers include Julien Denormandie, Chief Impact Officer at Sweep and former French government minister, alongside Laura Xu, Senior Product Manager at Arcadia. Together, they will provide actionable insights to help US companies stay ahead of regulatory requirements and gain a competitive edge.
2. CSRD for US companies: European learnings and their impact on American business
In-person
Date: September 23, 2024
Time: 2:00-4:00 PM (ET)
ERM and Sweep invite you to attend an exclusive roundtable event during New York Climate Week, focused on how US companies can learn from European experiences with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This event will provide a platform for sustainability leaders to share insights on the evolving landscape of sustainability data reporting. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with peers, discuss European trends impacting the US, and uncover strategies for staying ahead of regulatory requirements while exploring new business opportunities. This session is particularly designed for senior professionals and executives from US-based companies operating on a global scale.
3. Business to Planet Connect
In-person
Date: September 25, 2024
Time: 10:00 am – 7 pm (ET)
As part of Climate Week NYC 2024, Capgemini is proud to host an event on how companies can adopt a ‘Business to Planet’ mindset, which embraces sustainability as an enabler, not a blocker, of value. Exploring the ways different organizations are transforming operations to join the clean energy revolution – from building sustainable supply chains to leveraging Gen AI. Corporate executives, thought leaders, and change-makers across sectors will explain how they are reimagining business as usual and charting a path toward a greener future.
Keep an eye out for our Co Founder & CEO, Rachel Delacour, speaking on a panel about “Generative AI: Accelerating Sustainability through Responsible Innovation”. In addition to our team of experts giving platform demos throughout the day.
4. International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD) 2024
Online
Date: September 19-21, 2024
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (ET)
Hosted by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), this three-day virtual conference will bring together policymakers, researchers, and sustainability leaders to discuss practical solutions for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants will have the opportunity to engage with global experts on sustainability, climate action, and policy innovation. The event is free and accessible to all, making it a must-attend for those interested in the global climate agenda.
5. WBCSD Council Meeting 2024
In-person
Date: September 23, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (ET)
On September 23, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) will convene its annual council meeting. This private, in-person event will bring together leaders from business, policy, and academia to discuss business-led initiatives for a net-zero and nature-positive future. With a focus on accountability and corporate performance, this gathering promises to advance collective impact ahead of COP 30 in Belem.
6. Environmental justice x climate tech
In-person
Date: September 23, 2024
Time: 5:00-7:00 PM (ET)
Held in Brooklyn, this public event will examine the intersection of environmental justice and climate technology. The discussion will focus on how emerging technologies such as carbon capture, solar, and wind can benefit frontline communities while mitigating the impacts of climate change. This two-hour event is ideal for those interested in the social dimensions of climate action and the equitable distribution of technological advancements, contributing to the broader climate conversation.
Key themes of Climate Week NYC 2024
At the heart of Climate Week NYC are several key themes, each designed to address different facets of climate action and sustainability, engaging leaders from the climate sector:
Energy
The Energy program focuses on reducing emissions from the energy sector, which accounts for two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions. Emphasizing renewable energy and efficiency, the program seeks to cut emissions from high-impact areas like buildings, which alone contribute nearly 40% of global emissions.
Environmental justice
The Environmental Justice program highlights the voices of communities most affected by climate change but often excluded from decision-making. It emphasizes the need for equitable climate policies led by those on the frontlines, ensuring that vulnerable populations shape the solutions.
Finance
The Finance program addresses how public and private financial institutions can support climate action. By redirecting financial flows toward sustainable projects, this theme explores how finance can mitigate climate risks and drive green innovation.
Food
The Food program looks at reducing the significant emissions generated by global food systems. It focuses on sustainable agriculture, land restoration, and promoting climate-conscious diets to reduce the impact of food production on the planet.
Health
The Health program examines the intersection of climate and health, highlighting the unequal impacts of climate change on different communities. It explores how addressing climate change can lead to healthier societies, framing the crisis as a public health issue.
Heavy industry
The Heavy Industry program tackles the challenges of decarbonizing sectors like steel, cement, and shipping. This theme brings together industry leaders to explore technologies and policies needed to reduce emissions in these energy-intensive sectors.
Nature
The Nature program emphasizes protecting and restoring ecosystems to combat climate change. It explores how nature-based solutions, such as reforestation and habitat restoration, can support both biodiversity and climate resilience.
Driving climate progress through collaboration
As the largest event of its kind, Climate Week NYC 2024 serves as a global hub for climate action, innovation, and international leadership. Whether through virtual conferences, in-person panels, or community events, this year’s Climate Week offers something for everyone dedicated to driving climate progress.
From renewable energy breakthroughs to decarbonizing heavy industries, from empowering vulnerable communities to leading corporate climate action, this year’s themes and events provide a comprehensive roadmap for a sustainable future. As the world gathers in New York to discuss these pressing issues, one message resonates loud and clear: It’s Time to act, innovate, and lead toward a brighter, more sustainable future.
