Climate Giants Strategise on 1.5C Target at Climate Week NYC

During the 16th Climate Week NYC's opening ceremony, a distinguished panel addressed the urgent need to meet the global 1.5C warming limit. The panel was moderated by Stephanie Abrams from The Weather Channel.

The insightful discussion featured:

• World Meteorological Organization's Secretary General, Prof Celeste Saulo
• L'Oréal Groupe's Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer, Ezgi Barcenas
• Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide
• Ireland's Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, and Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan

The power of data in climate science

Initially, Celeste underscored the pivotal role of data in understanding climate change's impacts.

She said: “It’s not only about the aggregate temperature. Every single indicator has set a new record.

“That includes sea level rise, sea surface temperature, ocean acidification. The science is there – the question is what we do.”

Celeste added: “We’ve heard already how these numbers translate to floods, droughts and wildfires.

“The cost of inaction by 2100 is estimated to be US$1,266tn.”

She said the World Meteorological Organization is “translating science numbers into action”.

Addressing Scope 3 emissions

Ezgi shared L'Oréal Groupe's commitment to innovation and reducing carbon emissions through its product design.

Highlighting the crucial nature of innovation and carbon reduction, she said: “The majority of emissions are Scope 3. It may seem outside our area and not in our control, but a high proportion of it comes from product design.

“Today a consumer buys their favourite perfume, then tosses the bottle away when it is finished and buys another.

“The work we are doing on primary packaging means they can go back and refill the bottle. It’s cheaper for the consumer and lowers emissions.”

Balancing energy production and climate goals

Confronted with a difficult query on balancing Norway's status as a climate action leader with its natural gas production, Espen said: "We have a fully renewable electricity system.

"Yes, we still export gas, but we export to our European partners, who are committed to reducing emissions."

“We also firmly believe in carbon capture and storage and we want to be part of the transition.”

Eamon then reflected on the fluctuating political commitment to climate action, influenced by various factors including the COVID-19 pandemic and economic challenges.

Advocating for a resilient approach, he noted "it is time to ride the wave," acknowledging the growing public consensus on the importance of climate initiatives.

Eamon also spoke up for Ireland’s carbon tax, saying: “It really works. It is agreed outside the budget and raised one billion euros in the last year.

“30% of this is spent on social welfare protection.”

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