Climate Week NYC, Part 1: Salvaging Sustainability in a Turbulent World

Climate Week kicked off in New York City on September 21, 2025. Billed as the world’s largest non-COP (Conference of the Parties) gathering of global sustainability leaders, the event featured more than 1,000 events around the city dedicated to renewable finance, technology innovation, climate justice, and other critical issues on the sustainability agenda. This year’s theme of “Power On” focused on helping the global community remain ambitious and hopeful in the face of a challenging geopolitical environment.

This is the first in a short series of articles that will look at some of the major themes that arose during the streamed sessions on The Hub Live on September 22 and 23.

Needs of Developing Countries and Importance of Finance

The impact of climate change is not felt the same way across the globe. When climate-driven weather creates monster storms that roar through vulnerable communities, the resilience of infrastructure and the ability to recover have a significant impact on the consequences of that weather event.

“When hurricanes go through the U.S., most of the U.S. is fine,” said Climate Envoy from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Dr. James Fletcher. “When it happens in the Caribbean, the whole region is devastated on a regular basis.”

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne highlighted that while his region produces less than 0.01% of carbon emissions, it suffers a disproportionate impact from climate change.