World Leaders, Celebrities, and Activists Converge in Manhattan for Urgent Climate Week and UN Summit

World leaders, business leaders, celebrities, and activists have gathered in midtown Manhattan for Climate Week and the U.N.'s Climate Action Summit, drawing attention to the urgent climate crisis and the need for immediate action. As the world is on track to break the record for the hottest year in history, this annual climate gathering coincides with the start of the United Nations General Assembly, bringing together heads of state, government officials, and private-sector leaders to address climate change. The main highlight of the event will be the Climate Action Summit hosted by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

\This high-profile event aims to reverse the backsliding on Paris climate agreement goals and urge governments to adopt serious new actions to combat climate change. There is a growing concern that the world may not meet its climate goals, as there has been significant backtracking. The summit is seen as an opportunity to inspire leaders and countries to take decisive actions.

The U.N. has received over 100 requests from countries' officials to speak at the summit, but the speaking slots have yet to be announced. The selection process is prioritizing countries that plan new actions to advance their previous climate targets, aiming to highlight those who are actively working towards meeting their commitments. However, the assignment of speaking slots is not intended to embarrass any leaders or countries but rather to showcase those who are making progress. This gathering comes ahead of the COP28 climate summit in the United Arab Emirates, which is one of the last major events aimed at encouraging countries to unveil new climate actions and plans to transition away from fossil fuels.

Previous high-profile meetings of the G7, G20, and BRICs countries fell short of achieving consensus on phasing out fossil fuels. The Alliance of Small Island States, consisting of nearly 40 members, will utilize Climate Week as a platform to call on developed countries' leaders to take stronger measures to end the use of fossil fuels and support the global expansion of renewable energy sources like wind, geothermal, and solar power. The Alliance emphasizes that emissions from fossil fuels continue to be a major threat and urges the international community to demonstrate unequivocal support for Small Island Developing States.

Climate Week has also become a significant moment for climate activists to raise their concerns about government inaction and corporate greenwashing. Thousands of activists marched through midtown Manhattan, demanding an end to fossil fuels, while others planned disruptive actions near Wall Street to protest fossil fuel financing. They stress the importance of countries delivering clear plans to end oil and gas expansion and implement policies for a swift and equitable phase-out of all fossil fuels.

Climate Week events feature over 200 speakers from the private sector, governments, and non-governmental organizations, with around 2,600 people registered for in-person attendance at various venues across Manhattan. This convergence of prominent figures and passionate individuals aims to drive momentum and create actionable solutions to combat the climate crisis.