Reflecting on Climate Week NYC 2023: A Week of Collaboration, Innovation, and Sustainable Visions
Climate Week NYC 2023 recently concluded, marking the fourteenth annual gathering of climate activists, experts, and global leaders. With over 500 events held across the vibrant city of New York, it was a week of unprecedented action, transformative discussions, and shared commitment to a sustainable future.
Despite having distinct climate goals and strategies shaped by their unique challenges and priorities, the United States and the United Kingdom share recurring themes that are relevant to both.
Carbogenics, a company dedicated to sustainable solutions, was invited to and actively participated in numerous events and discussions during Climate Week NYC. This year's theme was “We can. We will”. The events provided a blend of insights and practical learnings underscoring the idea that "we can" address the climate challenges of our time. These experiences served as a powerful reminder that with collective dedication and determination, "we will" make a meaningful difference in building a more sustainable and greener future.
Collaboration and Partnerships: Driving Climate Solutions Forward
One resounding message from Climate Week NYC was the paramount importance of collaboration and partnerships in advancing climate solutions. These alliances empower us to leverage strengths and move more rapidly towards decarbonisation.
The Urgent Need for Scaling Investment in Climate Solutions
While innovative climate solutions abound, the clear call is for substantial new investment for ideas and solutions at all stages of development to drive their realisation. Insufficient funding especially at the pre-seed and seed stage remains a roadblock to achieving our climate goals with solid ideas and great enterprises being ‘parked’ and stranded at this roadblock.
Incentives and Regulations: A Must for Decarbonizing the Economy
The transition to a net-zero economy requires effective incentives and regulations to encourage sustainable practices and guide industries toward a cleaner, greener future. Currently, regulatory barriers are inhibiting innovation, notably when it comes to the utilisation of specific waste materials within the biochar industry. Europe through its ‘REPowerEU’ strategy is leading the world in driving for secure and sustainable biogas by investing $100Bn in new grid connected Anaerobic Digestion facilities to displace primarily Russian fossil-fuel gas.The UK recently launched its Biomass strategy declaring the likely need of a five-fold increase in biogas to grid to meet its 2050 net-zero targets, but support is needed to facilitate this growth.
Equitable and Accessible Climate Solutions
A recurring theme during Climate Week NYC was the importance of equitable and accessible climate solutions. Achieving climate goals involves all stakeholders, from research to implementation, because it’s more than any one government or company can do on its own. Conversely a hotel room at a 3 star hotel during Climate week was north of $750 a night- this would have acted as a deterrent to many NGO/public sector attendees- venue cost control, along with effective online access (not simply an add on) and a process of how best to continue discussions, partnership and action between NYC climate week events is well worth consideration.
Challenges and Opportunities of Climate Week NYC
The week offered a variety of experiences, from high-profile corporate speakers to smaller, more effective events. While the exclusivity of certain events had its advantages, it also presented challenges for those without invitations. In the future it would be nice to see the conversation extending to those beyond the invite. Costs, as mentioned, were a challenge as well as the need for discussion and debate beyond presentations and high level panels-audience engagement was limited in many events with speakers unavailable.
Biochar and Biogas: Vital Elements of the Sustainability Landscape
One notable aspect of the week, from Carbogenics perspective was the complete lack of any event dedicated to biogas as a resource and the use of biochar. These are crucial elements of our energy and circular economy transition with most energy transition discussions focusing on renewables, hydrogen and some, but not much focus on efficiency. This was an opportunity lost and perhaps an opportunity for next year.
Costs: a potential barrier to participation
For the attendees, Climate Week NYC proved to be both exhilarating and taxing, providing a distinctive amalgamation of experiences and challenges. The city's vibrant atmosphere, diverse venues, and culinary delights rendered the week truly memorable, despite the substantial expenses for accommodation and costs of dining.
Continuing the Sustainability Journey
Carbogenics had the privilege of presenting their vision during the Scottish Government/Development International Climate Week NYC event. We also had the opportunity to meet other talented businesses, brokers and investors who share the same passion for sustainability. These pre-arranged events and meetings were invaluable and created other opportunities for meetings, event attendance and potential partnerships which continue today.
At present, Carbogenics is in live conversation with three venture capital firms, one accelerator and the largest Steel manufacturer in North America regarding investment and market access. Our knowledge of the US market is greatly enhanced as well as our knowledge of how to access and become established in the market- thanks to our hosts at SG/SDI.