New York Climate Week Builds Momentum for the Movement

Dear Friends,

After the whirlwind of New York Climate Week, I have been reflecting on the powerful voices and inspirational advocates that came together from around the globe, united by a shared sense of urgency, outrage, and responsibility. This unique gathering underscores how important our collective efforts are in confronting the fossil fuel industry—and how much more work remains to be done. 

Each year, New York Climate Week is an opportunity to amplify the conversation around fossil fuels, and to remind the world that we cannot meet our climate goals without confronting the root cause of this crisis: oil, gas and coal. The insightful and passionate conversations that unfolded throughout the week reflect the movement’s growing momentum. From former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s support of the Fossil Fuel Treaty, to endorsements from Federated States of Micronesia and the City of Philadephia, this week has made it clear that the call for action is undeniable. 

Yet, New York Climate Week is not an endpoint, it is a springboard for the action we must continue to take in the months ahead. The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is more than an idea—it is the framework for a fossil-free, equitable future, and this past week has shown that this vision is resonating more than ever before.

 I’m honored to step into the role of President of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative at this pivotal time. Thank you for standing with us and raising your voices in support of the Fossil Fuel Treaty. Together, we can turn this momentum into lasting change. 

 Kumi Naidoo President, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative

THE PACT FOR THE FUTURE REAFFIRMS WE MUST TRANSITION AWAY FROM FOSSIL FUELS

The Pact for the Future reaffirms the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels, but the real battle is happening behind the scenes at the UN. As fossil fuel giants try to block progress, vulnerable nations are rallying behind the Fossil Fuel Treaty for a just, fossil-free future. 

TZEPORAH BERMAN TALKS CLIMATE FINANCE AT THE HUB LIVE WITH LONDON MAYOR SADIQ KHAN

At the Climate Group’s flagship session on climate finance, Tzeporah Berman called out the global contradictions in climate policies. “Subsidising, planting trees, carbon capture and storage, while expanding drilling—it’s like drinking carrot juice in the morning and smoking a pack a day. They don’t cancel each other out.”

BAN KI-MOON CALLS FOR A FOSSIL FUEL TREATY

History was made at New York Climate Week as former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon endorsed the Fossil Fuel Treaty. Speaking at the Global Citizen Summit, he urged global leaders to unite against the root cause of the climate crisis—fossil fuels. Ban Ki-moon’s call for a fast, fair, and financed transition adds momentum to the growing movement for a fossil-fuel-free future.

THE FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA ENDORSES THE FOSSIL FUEL TREATY

The Federated States of Micronesia has become the 14th nation to endorse the Fossil Fuel Treaty during the UN General Assembly! President Wesley Simina urged global unity in the fight for a just and equitable transition away from fossil fuels. Small island nations like FSM are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, and their call to end fossil fuels is loud and clear: the time to act is now.

THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA ENDORSES THE FOSSIL FUEL TREATY

The United States City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has officially endorsed the Fossil Fuel Treaty, becoming the second major U.S. city, after Los Angeles, to call for negotiations to phase out fossil fuels. This victory comes after almost two years of advocacy by Fridays For Future Philadelphia. Momentum for a fossil-fuel-free future is growing!