On September 26, 2022, E3G hosted a discussion of key takeaways from the many events taking place in New York City and Pittsburgh in the previous week, including the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), New York Climate Week (NYCW) and the Global Clean Energy Action Forum (GCEAF) – which also encompassed the Clean Energy Ministerial and Mission Innovation meetings.
The purpose was to take stock of this multitude of events and distil the bigger picture before the World Bank and IMF annuals in October and ultimately COP27 in November.
This informal conversation brought fresh impressions from New York and Pittsburgh to the table in DC, with:
- Shane Tomlinson, Acting CEO, E3G
- Claire Healy, Director Washington DC Office, E3G
- Madhura Joshi, Senior Associate for India’s energy transition, E3G
- Alden Meyer, Senior Associate for US and international climate policy and politics, E3G; US country-lead, International Climate Politics Hub; and Principal, Performance Partners
Key takeaways from UNGA, NYCW & GCEAF
- Denmark broke the glass ceiling in New York by announcing the first ever – if only nominal – funding for Loss & Damage. This will make it easier for others to follow.
- Climate was not the main topic at UNGA and understandably so, with many countries fighting multiple crises at the same time. The global community missed out on an opportunity to step up on the path to COP27.
- The divisions caused by the war in Ukraine were felt throughout the General Assembly. While threats and challenges were named, the space did not allow for finding solutions.
- Pittsburgh’s Global Clean Energy Action Forum provided an optimistic counter-point to a world in crisis. Yet, there was too much focus on natural gas, future clean hydrogen and too little emphasis on ramping up renewable energy roll-out.