November 19, 2024

Chrinnah Torres 

11th Grade

John F. Kennedy High School 

As the Earth goes through its changes, New York as well is taking the initiative. Every year since 2009, the annual New York Climate Week hosted by the Climate Group assisted by the United Nations General Assembly occurs to ensure our globe is being taken care of by discussing climate change, striking an acceleration of good deeds in these issues. 

This year, the significant long week event of discussion was set to take place from September 22-29, 2024. It had official leaders from inside and outside of New York such as business, government, scientists, and most especially the climate community. The theme was, “It’s Time,” by the CEO, Nickolas Meyer, marking the opening yet urgent move to have ideas move quickly as our world and times fly by through its changes. This reminds the citizens of our world to immediately take action because there is no time as there is a temperature rise present. There were 10 interrelated topics which are energy, environmental justice, finance, heavy, industry, and policy.

During the occurrence of the New York Climate Week, the Gulf of New Mexico was fraught with hurricanes making it the most disastrous of the most. As each wind was twirling, this emphasizes the action the press takes and everyone beside has to be. The New York Climate Week discussion ended up with three components coming from Dr. Harvey Locke at the World Climate’s Foundation Biodiversity Summit:

1. “Disturbing nature leads to an increase in emissions.”

2. “Disturbing nature reduces nature’s capacity to sequester carbon.”

3. “We cannot meet Paris Agreement temperature goals unless we protect ecosystems that serve as carbon storehouses and sinks.”

The Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research Professor John Rockstrom had submitted his most recent research and concluded it with the reiteration of, “land use change reduces the ability of natural systems to take up carbon.” The soil’s capability of securing carbon being stored decreases as land degradation happens over time. In 2018, the United Nations had published a report that “deforestation alone contributed about 10 percent of all human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.” 

Goals were made for shielding further air quality, protection of water, and community empowerment all leading to an enhanced future by 2030. According to ZDHC, some plans include securing water recycling systems that’ll decrease the consumption of freshwater by 70%, requiring Air EmissionsGuidelines attempting to follow and end up with clean air and reduction of air pollution, and collaborating with brands, suppliers, and such to strengthen the community.