NEW YORK —
As global temperatures rise and extreme weather becomes more frequent, world leaders and business executives are gathering in New York to reaffirm their commitment to combating climate change. Despite these efforts, the U.S. appears to be moving in the opposite direction. However, amidst these challenges, there is still a focus on progress and optimism.
A special U.N. climate summit on Wednesday will feature more than 110 world leaders discussing the need for nations to enhance their plans to reduce dependence on coal, oil, and natural gas, which are major contributors to climate change. Meanwhile, numerous business leaders will engage in conferences aimed at promoting greener and cleaner energy solutions.
“We’re here to power on. In the end, we either will have a livable planet or we won’t,” stated Helen Clarkson, CEO of The Climate Group, as she initiated New York City Climate Week, which includes over 1,000 events. “It’s an uphill struggle, but we know we don’t have a choice. It’s up to us to protect what we love.”
As discussions on stronger national plans and reducing fossil fuel emissions commence, the Climate Action Tracker, a group of independent scientists who evaluate climate change pledges, announced that the United States had experienced the most significant policy reversal in history.
“This is the most aggressive, comprehensive and consequential climate policy rollback the CAT has ever analyzed,” remarked Niklas Höhne from the New Climate Institute, who is involved in the tracker.
Global Advancements in Clean Energy
Meanwhile, leaders from around the world are showcasing their transition to cleaner renewable energy sources like solar and wind, largely because they are now more cost-effective. “The economic case is clear,” stated European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Global Renewables Summit, noting that 90% of new renewable projects are cheaper than fossil fuels. Solar energy has become 41% cheaper than the least expensive fossil alternatives, she added. “So yes, the momentum is real.”
According to several leaders, global investment in renewable energy reached $2 trillion last year, which is twice the amount invested in fossil fuels. A decade ago, projections indicated that global warming could reach 5 degrees Celsius (9 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels. However, current estimates suggest a rise of 3 degrees Celsius (5.4 degrees Fahrenheit), as noted by United Nations climate chief Simon Stiell. Although this is a step forward, it still falls short of the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit).
“We will have inched forward so progress is being made,” Stiell said, acknowledging the challenges of international negotiations but emphasizing their effectiveness.
Challenges and Calls for Action
Despite progress, some leaders feel the pace is insufficient. Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s climate change minister, highlighted plans by small island nations to appeal to the U.N. General Assembly to act on climate change, following an International Court of Justice ruling. This resolution, however, will be proposed after the Brazil climate negotiations in November.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda voiced concerns about the impact of climate change on his nation, which has faced multiple severe hurricanes. “Every degree of warming is an invoice, literally a demand sent to small islands that we cannot afford to pay.”
While countries were expected to submit new five-year plans for reducing carbon emissions by February, only 47 of 195 nations have complied. U.N. officials urge submissions by the end of the month for an assessment of global emission-reduction efforts.
China, the world’s largest emitter, and the European Union are anticipated to outline their plans this week. The U.N. session on Wednesday aims to encourage further commitments from nations.
Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest encouraged leaders, stating, “Despair is not leadership. Fear has never built anything. We’re here today to lead by your very example.”
Borenstein writes for the Associated Press.
Original Story at www.latimes.com