Latest news with #NewYorkClimateWeek
Time Magazine
27-06-2025
- Business
- Time Magazine
Climate Action Isn't Dead. It's Just Not Focused on the U.S.
Greetings from London. A week of interviews, events, and meetings—both on the record and behind closed-doors—at the city's Climate Action Week has left me with many reflections, but one stands out: the climate work goes on, but the U.S. is no longer at the center of the universe. That reality is evident almost just from the scale. The organizers tout 700 events and 45,000 participants spread across the sprawling London metropolis. This was the biggest London climate week yet, and the first time for many (myself included). But it was also evident in the meat of the conversations. Investors talked about opportunities outside the U.S., particularly in Asia and Europe. Climate focused executives waffled about how much of a presence they wanted to have at this year's iteration of New York Climate Week, usually an important moment on the climate calendar each September. And British officials emphasized their ability to serve as a global hub for sustainable finance. 'As investors look around the world and they look for places to put capital, I think we sit in a very good position because of what's happening geopolitically,' says Chris Hayward, policy chairman of City of London, the historic center of London, now best known as a financial hub. To get from event to event in London required dashing around the city in the quickest fashion: typically the tube subway system, consistently overheated given the unseasonably hot London temperatures. But the geographic center of the week was undeniably the City of London, the one square mile that hosts the country's premier banking and financial institutions. There's a reason for that: organizers in London see an economic opportunity in supporting the energy transition. And that's at the core of the global shift visible here in London. The companies that gathered this week have, for the most part, doubled down on efforts to make or save money with climate and sustainability initiatives—whether that's an industrial company cutting bills with energy efficiency or a financial firm creating new products to allow companies to invest in renewable power. The reality of this profit-oriented approach means the U.S. will fall behind given the policy uncertainty. The observation was underscored by data released throughout the week. A survey of business executives globally, released by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and Bain & Company to coincide with the event, found that large global companies are continuing to invest in green solutions—but are shifting those investments away from the U.S. toward Europe and Asia. Three quarters of surveyed companies said they were increasingly interested in focusing on those regions. Even still, that's not to say that climate work in the U.S. is dead. The report from WBCSD found that 50% of companies now have less interest in investing in climate work in the U.S. That's a striking figure when contrasted with the global picture. At the same time, it means a significant fraction of global companies continue to see potential. In background chats I had, many American business and financial sector leaders were quick to share that they continue to find opportunities to cut emissions in a way that saves them money—though several expressed fear that talking about it publicly could prompt scrutiny from the administration. 'Businesses are not giving up on the decarbonization journey,' says Peter Bakker, president and CEO of WBCSD, 'depending on where businesses are stationed, they are more or less willing to talk about it.' And I was surprised by the response to my informal, totally anecdotal poll about this year's New York Climate Week. In conversations, I asked sustainability executives how they planned to approach the gathering this year. While many said they had considered pulling out, the vast majority said that they have ultimately decided they still plan to show up—perhaps with a smaller footprint than in years past. The calibration of the message in New York this fall will be interesting, to say the least. In more than a decade on this beat, I have never felt more of a reluctance from business leaders to speak on the record. Many long standing sources preferred to talk without attribution, wary of the political consequences of speaking truthfully even while they eagerly highlighted their work to me. While that makes it more challenging to clearly tell the full story of what's happening, I suppose it's somewhat good news if your biggest concern is whether companies are still focused on capping emissions. To get this story in your inbox, subscribe to the TIME CO2 Leadership Report newsletter here.
The Star
27-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
London climate week receives boost as Trump policies weigh on New York event
LONDON (Reuters) -London's climate week attracted record attendance, bolstered by the cloud hanging over its sister event in New York in September as the U.S. government turns its back on efforts to stop global warming and tightens entry requirements. The annual London Climate Action Week (LCAW), which ends on Sunday, more than doubled in size compared to the 2024 edition, hosting 700-plus events and more than 45,000 attendees. That was helped by the UK's more robust stance on climate action and support for visitors from developing countries, two dozen business, political and civil society sources told Reuters. "We have gone much bigger on LCAW this year - we are hosting several events and putting considerably more effort (in) than in the past. If we do send someone to New York, it will almost certainly just be an American citizen member of our team," said Alexis McGivern, Head of Stakeholder Engagement at Oxford Net Zero. Under President Donald Trump, the United States has left a global deal to lower climate-damaging carbon emissions, cut development aid, rowed back on environmental standards and moved to slash support for green technologies. By contrast, the British government was present across multiple events during LCAW, with energy secretary Ed Miliband saying he wanted Britain to be a "clean energy superpower" and to "get off the roller coaster of fossil fuel markets". 'YOU CAN TALK FRANKLY' Given the U.S. pushback, Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, a U.N. Indigenous Peoples representative and climate change expert, said London offered more freedom to discuss climate change, diversity and human rights. "You can talk frankly with the government of the UK or any government here in London without being afraid of how you get treated, or targeted," she said. Philanthropists and private investors, too, are able to speak more openly without being targeted politically, or risking damaging business interests, she said. "This year the New York Climate Week is going to be very challenging," she said. "Not only to indigenous peoples, but even to governments. There are so many barriers that are making people say, let's act now in London." Among steps taken in London was a push by governments for indigenous peoples' land rights to be better protected and a plan to encourage companies to buy more carbon credits. Chief among the concerns about New York, particularly for civil society representatives, was whether they could even get in. TRAVEL BANS This month, the U.S. banned travellers from countries including Afghanistan, Congo Republic and Somalia - many exposed to rising extreme weather events and in need of the most help - and may yet add more. Ibrahim, whose home country Chad is also on the list, said she would travel using her diplomatic passport but was uncertain if she would be allowed in - a concern flagged by half a dozen other LCAW attendees. Helen Clarkson, CEO of Climate Group, which runs New York Climate Week, said she understood it would be harder for participants from certain countries to attend but that many businesses, governments and civil society were planning to come and were "super up for New York." " is shaping up similar to other years," she said. "This is a critical moment before COP." COP30 will take place in Brazil in November. (Reporting by Virginia Furness and Simon Jessop; Editing by Aidan Lewis)
Forbes
15-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Forbes Sustainability Leaders 2025: Nominations Are Open
The climate movement today is defined by contradiction: Technologically advanced, but politically fractured; globally urgent, but logistically stalled. In the U.S., landmark environmental policies are being reversed even as climate-fueled disasters intensify and cost the economy billions. Globally, companies that once led on net-zero are walking back their ambitions, revising timelines, softening disclosures, and retreating from public pledges. New reporting requirements are being introduced and immediately challenged in legislatures and boardrooms. Capital is flowing into climate solutions at record levels, but it's not always aligned with need, particularly in the Global South. Disinformation about sustainability is rising just as fast as public concern over the environment. And while AI promises breakthroughs, it's also accelerating demand for energy and infrastructure. We know what must be done, but putting solutions into practice seems more difficult than ever. Even so, progress is being made by those willing to keep building. In its second year, the Forbes Sustainability Leaders list will spotlight people turning ambition into scalable action, building solutions in an economic and political climate of uncertainty. In this moment, we're looking to honor leaders with clarity of purpose and the resolve to act when conditions are far from perfect. Forbes Last year's honorees reflected the full breadth of what climate leadership looks like today: entrepreneurs reimagining how industries operate, artists reshaping culture, and scientists reporting from the front lines. Among them were Indigenous activist Nemonte Nenquimo, whose legal and community-led efforts helped protect vast tracts of Ecuador's Amazon rainforest; Joy Belmonte, mayor of Quezon City, who advanced one of Southeast Asia's most ambitious urban climate agendas; Peter Kalmus, a NASA climate scientist whose advocacy bridges research and public communication; RJ Scaringe, founder and CEO of electric vehicle company Rivian; and Catherine Coleman Flowers, whose environmental justice work confronts sanitation inequality in underserved U.S. cities. Their work was evaluated by a global panel of judges spanning science, finance, advocacy, and policy—including Laurene Powell Jobs, founder of Emerson Collective and the Waverley Street Foundation; Bill McKibben, author and founder of the global climate networks and Third Act; and Nnimmo Bassey, Nigerian poet, environmentalist, and longtime advocate for ecological justice and Indigenous rights. Forbes This September, the list will return—launching in concert with the Forbes Sustainability Leaders Summit during New York Climate Week. We're seeking nominations from founders, policymakers, investors, organizers, artists, scientists, and others driving impact around the world. Whether you're building technology, restoring ecosystems, financing adaptation, or rethinking entrenched systems—we want to hear from you. See the guidelines below, and read more about our methodology here. The deadline to submit all nominations for the list is 9:00am ET on Friday, June 13, 2025. Some honorees may be widely recognized names; others may be rising leaders doing critical work behind the scenes. What unites them is not status or tenure, but forward motion—they are not being honored for legacy, but for current contributions. We're looking for individuals who are driving impact now: ambitious, inventive, and actively shaping the future. As we evaluate candidates for this year's Forbes Sustainability Leaders list, we're considering the following: Our cohort's work is authentic and delivers proven, discernible positive impacts—no greenwashed efforts. Nominees are proactive, not passive. They stand up, engage in dialogue, lead teams, and pave new paths forward. They are risk-takers. Our leaders focus on exploring new frontiers, challenging existing limits, and solving problems in unique ways. They are pioneers in their field. We look for visionaries who not only have smart solutions but also possess viable plans and the drive to scale their impact. We prioritize candidates who have made significant contributions to environmental sustainability in the last few years. Our nominees strive to create solutions that benefit everyone, recognizing that sustainability is inseparable from social justice. The process to create the annual list begins with an open call for nominations. There is no application fee. Candidates are initially reviewed by Forbes staff, and finalists may be asked to provide additional information. The selection is further refined by panels of industry experts, and Forbes editors ultimately compile the most compelling candidates into the final Forbes Sustainability Leaders List, which will be presented alphabetically, not ranked.
Cision Canada
07-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
THE GLOBAL CAPACITY BUILDING COALITION LAUNCHES ACCELERATOR AT ECOSPERITY TO SPOTLIGHT AND SCALE CLIMATE FINANCE CAPACITY BUILDING INITIATIVES
The inaugural GCBC Accelerator will provide high-potential projects with access to expert advisory, networks, and resources to scale solutions that work to accelerate investment in the transition in EMDEs SINGAPORE, May 6, 2025 /CNW/ -- Today at the Ecosperity Week 2025, Mary L. Schapiro, Chair of the Global Capacity Building Coalition (GCBC), announced the launch of the GCBC Accelerator, a global initiative that will identify, celebrate, and support high potential capacity building projects that mobilize sustainable finance to help bridge the investment and capacity gap in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). The Accelerator, open to organizations, partnerships, or programs dedicated to building capacity in or for EMDEs, presents an exciting new opportunity for applicants to showcase their efforts supporting the development of climate finance needed to scale the energy transition. Applicants will be able to enter across three distinct categories: mobilizing sustainable finance, building climate capabilities, and fostering innovation. EMDEs, excluding China, face a nearly $2.5 trillion annual financing gap for sustainable development. Around half of this finance is expected to come from domestic resource mobilization, presenting a transformative opportunity for growth. Strengthening the capacity of financial institutions and professionals in local economies is a critical lever to unlock investment potential. Today, capacity building resources needed to scale the energy transition and sustainable development can often be fragmented, difficult to access, and unevenly targeted. The Accelerator seeks to address these barriers by spotlighting and supporting the world's most innovative and impactful capacity building initiatives that help channel capital where it's needed most. Mary Schapiro, Chair of the Global Capacity Building Coalition and Vice Chair of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) said,"Emerging markets and developing economies need access to the tools, resources, and support necessary to accelerate the clean energy transition. This Accelerator program is designed to identify and scale innovative efforts that support capacity-building, drive economic opportunity, and help build more resilient, sustainable economies. The GCBC is excited to elevate financial institutions, civil society organizations, and others that are engaging in this critical work." The GCBC will provide tailored support for selected Accelerator initiatives, including expert advisory, communications and marketing support, partnership facilitation, as well as practical and operational support for capacity building activities. The GCBC will announce selected applicants at New York Climate Week in September 2025. By recognizing these capacity building efforts within the climate finance ecosystem and supporting them to scale and replicate, the Accelerator aims to help organizations and individuals unlock opportunities and accelerate investment in the transition across EMDEs. Full information on the Accelerator is available here. Applications close at 11:59 PM ET on July 4, 2025. About the Global Capacity Building Coalition (GCBC) The Global Capacity Building Coalition (GCBC) is an unprecedented global initiative. It brings together many of the world's leading climate finance organizations to accelerate and scale climate and transition finance capacity building for financial institutions and finance professionals, particularly in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). The Coalition is designed to enhance collaboration and respond to growing requests for capacity building support from financial institutions in EMDEs to meet the aims of the UN and the G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG). The GCBC was launched by the U.N. Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions Michael R. Bloomberg, alongside senior leaders of multilateral development banks, finance, and international organizations at COP28 in December 2023.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Sarah Ferguson's Double Cancer Diagnosis Influences Her Daughters To Fight For Young Victims
Sarah Ferguson's double cancer diagnosis has only fueled her desire to help others in similar situations, with her two daughters joining the noble cause. The Duchess of York, nicknamed Fergie, is famous for her philanthropic efforts, including a decades-long dedication to the Teenage Cancer Trust. The foundation resonated deeply with the British Royal Family member, who continues to raise awareness for young people with cancer. Sarah Ferguson gained her title following her then-marriage to Prince Andrew, Duke of York. She welcomed two daughters with her ex-husband, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who now support the cancer charity foundation. Ferguson addressed her double cancer diagnosis in a recent interview, noting the heartbreaking news "felt like a death sentence." She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and underwent a single mastectomy before receiving a diagnosis of malignant melanoma six months later in January 2024. However, the Duchess of York did not let her double diagnosis break her and channeled the negative energy into something positive. She focused on supporting young cancer victims through the Teenage Cancer Trust, which influenced her two daughters to support the charity. She addressed her children's move to join her noble cause ahead of a joint outing with them to raise awareness for young people with cancer. "I was 63 when I was diagnosed with cancer for the first time, and cancer at any age is traumatic," Ferguson told The Times, adding: "But as adults, we have maturity and life experience to help us advocate for ourselves and cope with challenges. We can seek help if we need it, and most importantly, your voices are, sadly, often taken more seriously." Ferguson, Princess Beatrice, and Princess Eugenie shall visit teenage cancer victims at a facility in London on Wednesday, April 23. The proud mother noted the outing held a special place in her heart, not only because her children supported her goal but to raise awareness for the young souls suffering. "It's incredibly important to me to seek to amplify the voices and experiences of people with cancer who receive less attention, whose voices are not listened to, and who can be overlooked," Ferguson explained. She noted these young victims were "consistently neglected by those developing health plans and policies." Ferguson stressed that young people, especially teenagers and young adults, were disadvantaged. "This is because they are more likely to experience rare cancers or are too old to take part in pediatric trials and too young for adult trials," she explained. "We must find solutions to these challenges and save more young lives." While launching the new Youth Impact Council at New York Climate Week in September 2024, Ferguson opened up about her feelings following her double cancer diagnosis. At the time, she told PEOPLE, "I think that you never really get rid of the worry about health." Confessing further, she said: "For every sort of melanoma, you never really know where it is. You look at everything, and you're certainly more aware. It's been an extraordinary journey to have gone through a mastectomy, and then you have to keep having checks, and then you think you're going to get it again. It's a lot of very fragile mind work." She doubled down on her health battles, paving the way for understanding the struggles of younger victims, saying: "I think that also gives me empathy to understand the fragility of the mind. A lot of young people have fragile, vulnerable times, with cyberbullying and chronic cruelty from other people." A year before her cancer awareness efforts with her daughters, The Blast covered Ferguson's reaction to King Charles and Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis. She applauded the duo for being honest about their experiences, noting: "They are an example to all families going through their own journeys of health." Kate's chemotherapy video struck a chord with Ferguson, who hailed the Princess of Wales for her moving words. "I love how the Princess reassured everyone, saying, I'm always there for you. I love that video. It was a beautiful video with beautiful words," the Duchess of York chimed. Additionally, Ferguson reflected on King Charles' first public appearance after revealing his cancer diagnosis. He visited the Macmillan Cancer Centre at University College Hospital in London, with the Duchess labeling his move "very brave" and "very courageous." Ferguson's sweet comments about King Charles and Kate might stem from the support she received following her second cancer diagnosis. After announcing her malignant melanoma, the monarch reportedly supported the Duchess of York by sending her a heartfelt letter. At the time, a source claimed the move strengthened the bond between Ferguson and the King, saying: "The King and Sarah are incredibly fond of one another, and now they have bonded over their respective cancer diagnosis with an exchange of letters." "Cancer is a wicked disease that affects so many individuals and their families, and it's clear that extra support from loved ones and the extended cancer community can help immeasurably," the source added. Will more members of the Royal Family join Sarah Ferguson's efforts to raise awareness for young people with cancer?
