World leaders prepare for UN summit

World political leaders descend on New York for the UN general assembly as they address the climate crisis during Climate Week.

Record El Niño events intensify

This year’s Climate Week follows months of extreme heat in Europe and the US, wildfires in Africa, flash flooding in Asia, and a record-breaking El Niño.

Australia’s climate response

Prime minister Anthony Albanese highlighted efforts to support Pacific nations in fighting the climate crisis and transitioning away from fossil fuels.

“Global weather has always been treacherous. But the science told us unmistakably that as the world warms these events will become more frequent and intense. And those scientific forecasts have come to be”

Iceland’s renewable shift

Iceland switched to geothermal energy after the 1970s oil crisis, now heating 90% of homes with renewable energy.

“Household budgets were hit and a small island nation, far from every market, every supplier, learned the hard way to depend on something you cannot control”

Iceland’s renewable success

Iceland now uses geothermal energy for nearly all homes, with 90% of heating coming from renewable sources.

“This took unwavering political support. Financial support mechanisms that helped ordinary households make the switch without ruinous upfront costs”

US climate policy delays

The US government blocked climate action, including paying $4bn to stop offshore wind projects and weakening emissions standards.

Military climate adaptation

Military leaders warn of climate impacts on operations, urging hybrid vehicles for stealth and reduced noise.

“A really good example of that is the sea in the gulf is getting so hot and is predicted to get so hot that the water won’t cool the engines of our ships”

Climate security risks

The UK’s foreign minister links climate action to national security, warning of supply chain disruptions from fossil fuel reliance.

“Climate and nature must be embedded in national security systems, in threat assessments, and contingency planning”

Business climate action

Ikea’s sustainability chief reports energy efficiency savings and a new solar park in South Carolina with 178,000 panels.

“So regardless of what’s happening from a political point of view I think it’s in fact making good business sense”