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At the New York Times “Climate Forward” event held on September 25, 2024, global leaders, activists, scientists, and policymakers gathered for a day long exploration of our climate’s growing threats and potential solutions. The event featured prominent figures like Jane Goodall, Muhammad Yunus, and R.J. Scaringe, each contributing perspectives on tackling climate challenges.

Jane Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and United Nations Messenger of Peace, reflected on her life’s work in conservation and the increasing pressures the planet faces due to population growth and resource depletion. Despite her warnings about the severity of the environmental crisis, she expressed optimism about the “indomitable human spirit” and its capacity for positive change.

Muhammad Yunus, Nobel laureate and adviser to Bangladesh’s government, highlighted the devastating effects of climate change on his country, which is highly vulnerable to rising sea levels and extreme weather. Yunus called for wealthy nations to take responsibility for the damage they’ve caused to the global South, asserting that “you are the cause. We are the result.” He emphasized that drastic changes in global climate action frameworks are necessary, particularly regarding net-zero emissions and reducing extreme wealth inequality.

The event kicked off with Ali Zaidi, President Biden’s national climate adviser, who reassured that the U.S. was on track to meet its 2030 climate goals, crediting the Biden administration’s policies for their progress. However, he acknowledged the risk of potential rollbacks in the event of a future Republican administration. In contrast, Kevin D. Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, criticized the current administration’s climate policies and downplayed global temperature records, promoting an alternative plan, Project 2025, aimed at rolling back regulations under a conservative agenda. He defended the proposal despite former President Donald Trump distancing himself from it, pointing to the political divide over climate action.

The event’s proceedings were briefly interrupted by protesters who disrupted a panel featuring Vicki Hollub, CEO of Occidental Petroleum. Despite the disruption, Hollub returned to discuss the role oil companies like Occidental could play in reducing emissions. She emphasized that climate change is “the greatest crisis the world has ever faced” but shifted the blame from fossil fuels themselves to carbon emissions. Hollub highlighted Occidental’s investment of over $1 billion in carbon capture technology as part of their strategy to reduce emissions.

The event also featured insights from R.J. Scaringe, founder and CEO of electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Rivian, who stressed the importance of depoliticizing the EV industry. He noted the partisan divide surrounding electric vehicles but argued that there was no inherent reason electrification should be a political issue. Scaringe spoke about Rivian’s vision for the future of transportation and the need for continued advancements in clean energy technologies.

Wopke Hoekstra, the European commissioner for climate action, weighed in on Europe’s commitment to phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035, despite declining EV sales. Hoekstra stressed the importance of maintaining ambitious climate targets and indicated that automakers have encouraged the European Union to stick with the ban.

The event also spotlighted veteran broadcaster Al Roker, who discussed how covering climate change had become a critical part of his role as a weather and feature anchor on Today. Roker highlighted the increasing frequency of climate-related events, such as hurricanes and heatwaves, and explained how these events have shaped his coverage over the years. He emphasized that reporting on the changing climate is essential not just for the present but for future generations as well.

Throughout the day, speakers shared a common goal: addressing the immense challenge of climate change and fostering collaboration across sectors to push forward meaningful solutions. Despite differing opinions on the best path forward, the event underscored the urgency of collective action to mitigate the impact of global warming and adapt to a rapidly changing environment.