Climate Giants Discuss 1.5C Target at Climate Week NYC

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The 16th annual Climate Week NYC
A panel at Climate Week NYC sees global leaders discussing the strategies and hurdles in limiting global warming to 1.5C

At the 16th annual Climate Week NYC, global experts took the stage to address a central concern: how to achieve the crucial 1.5C global warming target.

The event brought together influential figures, moderated by Stephanie Abrams of The Weather Channel, to discuss the pressing need for action.

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Opening the session, Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, wasted no time in highlighting the vital importance of accurate data in understanding and mitigating the impact of climate change.

Saulo made it clear that the rising temperatures and extreme weather events we're witnessing aren’t just random anomalies — they are a direct result of human actions.

“It’s not only about the aggregate temperature. Every single indicator has set a new record,” she explained, reinforcing the growing urgency.

“That includes sea level rise, sea surface temperature, ocean acidification. The science is there – the question is what we do.”

Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization

Her emphasis was on the sheer scale of what’s at risk if the world continues down its current path, warning: “The cost of inaction by 2100 is estimated to be US$1,266tn.”

This stark figure serves as a wake-up call for governments and industries around the globe. Yet, Saulo remains hopeful, with the World Meteorological Organization focusing on "translating science numbers into action."

Innovation and the fight against emissions

Ezgi Barcenas, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer of L'Oréal Groupe, brought the conversation to the role that businesses, especially large multinationals, play in tackling the climate crisis. She honed in on Scope 3 emissions — those indirect emissions that occur throughout a company’s value chain, from sourcing raw materials to the disposal of products.

“The majority of emissions are Scope 3," she explained.

"It may seem outside our area and not in our control, but a high proportion of it comes from product design."

One of the areas L'Oréal is innovating is with packaging, moving toward more sustainable options that encourage reuse.

Ezgi Barcenas, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer, L'Oréal Groupe

“Today a consumer buys their favourite perfume, then tosses the bottle away when it is finished and buys another,” Barcenas said, pointing to a wasteful cycle.

“The work we are doing on primary packaging means they can go back and refill the bottle. It’s cheaper for the consumer and lowers emissions.”

Her solution may seem small in the face of a massive global crisis, but Barcenas' point is clear, innovation at the product level can ripple outwards, creating more significant change and inspiring other companies to follow suit.

Balancing energy needs with climate goals

Norway, a country renowned for its renewable energy initiatives, was represented by Espen Barth Eide, the nation's Minister of Foreign Affairs.

However, even Norway, a leader in climate action, grapples with the conflict between climate responsibility and economic reliance on fossil fuels.

Acknowledging Norway’s dual role as both a climate advocate and a natural gas exporter, Espen explained: “We have a fully renewable electricity system. Yes, we still export gas, but we export to our European partners, who are committed to reducing emissions.”

Espen Barth Eide, Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs

He also mentioned Norway’s significant investment in carbon capture and storage, technologies that could play a critical role in managing emissions during the transition to renewable energy.

Espen’s pragmatic approach highlights the difficulties even the most progressive countries face as they balance economic realities with environmental commitments.

Eamon Ryan, Ireland’s Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, followed Espen’s remarks by addressing the fluctuating political will surrounding climate policies.

Reflecting on challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic strain, Ryan highlighted the difficulty in maintaining momentum for climate action.

Eamon Ryan, Ireland’s Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications

Yet, Ryan remains optimistic, saying: "It is time to ride the wave," referring to the rising public awareness and support for climate initiatives. He also stressed the success of Ireland's carbon tax, a policy that has garnered both praise and criticism.

“It really works. It is agreed outside the budget and raised one billion euros in the last year,” Ryan said. “30% of this is spent on social welfare protection.”

His point emphasised that climate policies can not only mitigate environmental impacts but also provide economic benefits, especially for those most vulnerable.

The discussions at Climate Week NYC showcased a combination of urgency and pragmatism. Whether through leveraging data, innovating within industries, or navigating the tricky balance between energy production and emissions, the panellists stressed that meeting the 1.5C target requires collaboration and bold action across sectors.

Though the challenges ahead are immense, the shared message was clear: while time is running out, the solutions are within reach if leaders, businesses and the public act decisively.


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