Climate Week NYC kicks off this Sunday amidst a significant shift in U.S. climate policy. Recent actions by the Trump administration have dismantled federal support for clean energy, reduced climate research funding, and rolled back several environmental regulations. This change has placed fossil fuels at the forefront of U.S. energy policy, leading many to worry about the consequences for the planet.
Helen Clarkson, CEO of the Climate Group, which organizes Climate Week, highlights that the U.S. is lagging behind other nations in climate action. “What’s happening globally is moving at a rapid pace,” she says, pointing to advancements in countries like China that are investing heavily in renewable technologies.
According to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, we are at the “dawn of a new energy era,” where cheaper and cleaner power can solve climate issues. He’s urging world leaders to take decisive action and update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for the upcoming COP30 climate talks.
During Climate Week, over 1,000 events are planned in New York, showcasing a strong commitment to climate goals despite federal setbacks. While federal support may be waning, local leaders and communities are stepping up. For example, Gina McCarthy, former EPA administrator, emphasizes the influence of state and city leaders who are mobilizing resources and setting climate initiatives independently.
One noteworthy initiative is the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a collaboration that has spanned nearly two decades among several states to cap and reduce emissions. This initiative has demonstrated the effectiveness of localized efforts in achieving significant emissions reductions.
Phoenix’s Mayor Kate Gallego underscores the importance of local action, stating that the city aims to lead in both reducing emissions and adapting to climate change impacts like extreme heat. Arizona has attracted nearly $8 billion in clean tech investments recently, showcasing a promising shift toward renewable energy. However, economic pressures have led to project cancellations, highlighting the complicated landscape of clean tech investments in the U.S., especially under current policy shifts.
Nationally, $5 billion worth of clean tech investments were canceled in just one quarter this year, according to the Rhodium Group. Despite these challenges, clean tech investments over the past five years have seen substantial growth, making up around 5% of total private U.S. investment.
This year’s Climate Week theme is “Power On,” representing determination to advance climate progress globally and domestically. As McCarthy aptly puts it, even in the face of challenges, there’s a collective push to maintain momentum towards a sustainable future.
For more information on climate policy and initiatives, you can visit the [Climate Group](https://www.theclimategroup.org) or read more from the [Rhodium Group](https://rhg.com/research/clean-investment-monitor-q2-2025-update).
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Climate Change,Clean Energy,Newsweek Climate Week 2025 Event,Environment
