Climate Week NYC: Experts Tackle Climate Crisis Goals
During the opening ceremony of the 16th Climate Week in New York, a high-profile panel was assembled to delve into strategies for meeting the crucial 1.5C global target.
Meteorologist Stephanie Abrams of The Weather Channel moderated the engaging discussion, with the panel made up by:
- Prof Celeste Saulo, Secretary General, World Meteorological Organization
- Ezgi Barcenas, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer, L'Oréal Groupe
- Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway
- Eamon Ryan, Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, Minister for Transport for Ireland.
Deciphering climate data
Celeste kicked off the discussion with an emphasis on the critical role of climate data, highlighting its complex and overwhelming nature.
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.
“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”.
Focusing on Scope 3 emissions
Ezgi brought to the fore L'Oréal Groupe's science-based origins and its global cadre of 4,000 scientists. These experts are pioneering innovative products geared towards carbon footprint 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.”
Navigating the climate-energy paradox
Espen, answering a probing question on reconciling Norway's gas production with its climate initiatives, 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.”
Espen also highlighted Norway's contribution to climate finance, assisting middle-income countries in their own carbon reduction efforts.
Meanwhile, Eamon reflected on the fluctuating nature of commitment to climate action, attributing it to various personalities and external factors like the Covid-19 pandemic and financial challenges.
He said it is time to “ride the wave”, understanding that the “level of public consensus continues to rise”.
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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