This week, New York City is abuzz with the UN General Assembly meetings and Climate Week events. As the world continues to face extreme climate disasters, such as heatwaves, floods, fires, and storms, the need for urgent action on the climate crisis has never been more apparent.
World leaders gathering at these events will provide insights into their commitment to addressing the climate crisis, leading up to the COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan in November. Civil society groups are also present at Climate Week to advocate for action and remind leaders of their responsibilities. Business leaders, too, have the opportunity to show whether they are genuinely committed to being part of the solution or merely engaging in greenwashing for short-term profits from carbon-intensive activities.
Three key international climate priorities are at the forefront this year:
1. Raising the ambition of national emissions reduction commitments, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):
The latest data from NOAA and the EU’s Copernicus climate service confirm that 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record. Global emissions are far from meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. Countries need to enhance their NDCs to reflect the highest possible ambition, especially wealthier nations like the United States. The U.S. must significantly increase its emission reduction targets to align with the Paris Agreement goals and accelerate the transition to clean energy while phasing out fossil fuels.
2. Increasing international climate finance:
At COP29, nations must agree on the amount of climate finance that wealthier countries will provide post-2025 to assist lower-income nations in reducing emissions and adapting to climate change. More funding is crucial to accelerate the clean energy transition, support climate adaptation, and address climate loss and damage in vulnerable countries. The U.S. and other wealthy nations should commit to providing one trillion dollars per year in climate finance starting in 2025, with a focus on grant-based funding and innovative sources of finance.
3. Defending against bad-faith actions from fossil fuel interests:
Fossil fuel interests continue to pose a threat to climate progress, and policymakers must resist their influence. Nations need to phase down fossil fuels, ramp up renewable energy, and hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in climate change through litigation efforts.
In 2024, climate ambition must be driven by science and justice, ensuring that policies align with the needs of the most vulnerable communities. The U.S. must prioritize cutting emissions, investing in climate resilience, and increasing commitments to international climate finance, regardless of political outcomes. The urgency of the climate crisis demands bold and immediate action from leaders worldwide to safeguard the future for all.
