At first glance, it may seem paradoxical to host the world’s most prominent climate event in New York City at a time when U.S. federal climate momentum appears to be stalling. Yet, that very tension is precisely why Climate Week NYC matters more than ever in 2025. Despite the political headwinds, the urgency for coordinated, multi-level climate action continues to grow and this annual gathering offers a rare and powerful opportunity to harness it.

A Strategic Moment in the Global Climate Calendar

Climate Week NYC is intentionally timed to coincide with the opening of the United Nations General Assembly each September. As global leaders arrive in New York for diplomatic talks, the city becomes a magnet for policymakers, business executives, scientists, investors, and civil society actors. The idea, first conceived in 2009, was to capitalize on this moment to elevate climate as the defining issue of our time and create a dedicated space to focus on solutions.

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More than just an event, Climate Week NYC has evolved into a trusted platform that consistently brings together key decision-makers across sectors to accelerate climate progress. By leveraging the presence of so many influential figures in one place, the forum facilitates high-impact announcements, bold commitments, and meaningful collaborations that might otherwise take years to materialize.

Real Results, Not Just Headlines

The influence of Climate Week NYC goes well beyond optics. In 2023 alone, the event saw California Governor Gavin Newsom use the stage to announce a landmark lawsuit against major oil companies for decades of climate misinformation. Volvo declared its plan to end diesel vehicle production and shift entirely to electric. L’Oréal committed €15 million to support communities most vulnerable to climate-related disasters. Meanwhile, leading institutions such as the International Energy Agency and Environmental Defense Fund introduced new frameworks for monitoring oil and gas sector emissions.

These announcements did not emerge in isolation. They were made possible because Climate Week NYC convened the right mix of stakeholders from corporations and NGOs to local governments and multilateral agencies creating a collaborative environment that spurs action across borders and industries.

A Crucial Bridge to COP

Positioned just two months ahead of the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP), Climate Week NYC now serves as a key inflection point in the international climate calendar. While COP focuses on national governments and formal negotiations, New York's climate week amplifies the voices of businesses, cities, states, and grassroots organizations whose contributions are often overshadowed on the global stage.

It is in these diverse, non-state arenas where some of the most innovative and scalable climate solutions are emerging. Climate Week NYC ensures they are heard, validated, and, most importantly, acted upon.

This Year, the Stakes Are Higher

In 2025, the need for such a gathering is even more acute. Political divisions in the United States and other major economies have created uncertainty around climate policy. But corporations, subnational governments, and financial institutions cannot afford to wait for perfect political conditions. They are navigating shifting regulatory environments, rising stakeholder expectations, and escalating climate risks.

That urgency is reflected in the calibre of participants attending this year. Already confirmed are two heads of government, three national ministers, and over 20 CEOs from global companies all eager to share insights, forge partnerships, and drive the energy transition forward.

A Global Platform for Local Solutions

Climate Week NYC continues to thrive because it recognizes that climate action is not solely the domain of international treaties or national legislation. It is driven by cities electrifying their transit systems, by companies rethinking their supply chains, by farmers adopting regenerative practices, and by communities demanding resilience and equity.

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With over 900 events organized last year across the city from panel discussions and workshops to exhibitions and performances this forum serves as a living blueprint for collaborative climate leadership. It bridges the local and the global, the policy-oriented and the grassroots, the scientific and the creative.

A Time and Place for Action

New York may be a symbol of economic power and political complexity, but it is also where the world gathers when it’s time to talk and act.on climate. In 2025, as the world contends with both intensifying climate impacts and fragmented political resolve, Climate Week NYC offers a vital arena for progress.

It is not just another conference. It is where strategies crystallize, partnerships emerge, and the road to COP takes shape. And that is why, this year more than ever, it matters.

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