# Climate Week survives the backlash

> New York Climate Week rebounded despite political headwinds, but the conversation has shifted from climate action to energy security.
- Title: Climate Week survives the backlash · TIME | Shortify
- Summary: New York Climate Week rebounded despite political headwinds, but the conversation has shifted from climate action to energy security. New York Climate Week…
- Keywords: new york climate week, climate change, energy security, business engagement, trump administration, emissions, climate policy, Climate, Week, survives, backlash, TIME
- Source: TIME — https://time.com/article/2026/09/25/new-york-climate-week
- Author: Justin Worland
- Published: 2026-09-25T14:54:15.697+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: new york climate week, climate change, energy security, business engagement, trump administration, emissions, climate policy
## Climate Week faces uncertain future
Last year, Trump administration policies made business leaders question whether New York Climate Week could survive. Many worried about attending.
## This year, doubts vanished
Company leaders engaged in serious discussions about AI-driven electricity demand, energy markets, and climate policy. Protesters also showed up to demand faster action.
## Economic reality drives engagement
Climate change now creates real economic damage through storms, heat waves, and fires. Energy disruption from geopolitical conflict also demands attention.
## Companies connect the dots
Sarah Kapnick, head of climate advisory at JPMorgan, said firms are linking geopolitics, sustainability, climate, and AI together in their thinking.

> They're putting geopolitics together with sustainability, climate, and AI.
## The language has shifted
Climate action and net zero dropped from discussions. Energy security, competitiveness, and affordability took their place. European participation also declined.
## Progress without climate talk
Companies reduce emissions while avoiding climate language, but experts question whether sidestepping the core issue can sustain long-term change.
## Key takeaway

New York Climate Week thrived despite Trump administration skepticism, though the focus shifted from climate language to energy and economic concerns.