New York: New York City is bracing to host the largest-ever edition of Climate Week, with more than 1,000 events scheduled across the city, even as the U.S. federal government under President Donald Trump continues to roll back climate protections and criticize global green initiatives.
Organizers expect participation to exceed previous years, with climate-focused companies, civil society groups, and philanthropic foundations converging for discussions, networking sessions, and announcements. From major panel talks to grassroots events, the scale reflects a growing demand for action outside traditional government channels. Swiss carbon removal firm Climeworks, for instance, will expand its presence fourfold after securing major investments, underscoring how private companies are taking center stage in climate innovation.
Despite the momentum in New York, the backdrop remains politically fraught. The Trump administration has consistently weakened climate policies, prioritizing fossil fuel development over emissions reduction. Yet many see Climate Week as proof that climate action is no longer the sole domain of governments. Former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres, an architect of the Paris Agreement, stressed that today’s push is largely driven by “market forces and real economy players,” even as national leadership falters.
Coinciding with Climate Week, the United Nations General Assembly will host a special climate summit spearheaded by Secretary-General António Guterres. While the U.S. and European Union are not expected to unveil new targets, countries like Brazil set to host COP30 are emerging as more vocal players in the global climate arena. The European Union, meanwhile, faces its own internal challenges as it scales back ambitions, projecting a 54% reduction in emissions by 2030, just short of its earlier pledges.
A striking contradiction looms: while most multinational corporations have committed to net-zero goals by 2050, only a fraction have aligned their investments with those pledges. A study by the TPI Global Climate Transition Centre suggests as much as 98% of companies lack clear, actionable pathways. This disconnect raises concerns that corporate climate promises remain more symbolic than structural, leaving civil society to press for accountability.
Beyond boardrooms and parliaments, citizens around the world continue to call for stronger climate collaboration. A survey conducted by the Rockefeller Foundation among 36,000 respondents found that 86% believe international cooperation is essential to addressing climate change. Climate Week, therefore, offers both a symbolic and practical stage to translate public demand into commitments, financial mechanisms, and partnerships.
This year’s Climate Week carries weight not only for its record scale but also for what it signals: a shift of momentum from federal governments to cities, businesses, and civic actors. As the world looks toward COP30, the developments in New York could shape whether global climate efforts regain traction after years of uncertainty. For many, the city has become the unlikely epicenter of climate ambition, at a time when Washington appears to be stepping back.