One Earth at Climate Week 2024: Key Takeaways and Event Highlights

Climate Week NYC 2024 was a whirlwind of inspiration, bringing together leaders from around the world to drive meaningful action on climate and nature. One Earth was thrilled to be part of these transformative discussions, championing solutions and collaborating with others who share our vision. Our Deputy Director, Karl Burkart, shared his five key takeaways from Climate Week in a recent LinkedIn post. 

1. It's Now Climate & Nature Week

The integration of nature into climate action has truly taken center stage. As many people have noted, what was once "Climate Week" has evolved into "Climate & Nature Week." This shift reflects the growing understanding that climate and biodiversity are inextricably linked—and we must act on both fronts. One Earth has long been advocating for this message.

2. Wall Street Embraces Nature

At the "Climate & Capital" conference at the New York Stock Exchange, it was clear that nature dependencies are now a part of the conversations. The data science team at ICE, in partnership with Space Intelligence, is working to understand the nature-related risks of publicly traded companies—an encouraging step toward making finance a driver of environmental change.

3. Nature-Based Carbon Markets Face a Crossroads

While voluntary nature-based carbon markets face challenges, several major initiatives launched at Climate Week signal hope for the future. The Symbiosis Coalition and LEAF Coalition are building credibility and driving high-quality carbon removal, while the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market and Bezos Earth Fund are working to support a “reboot" of the voluntary carbon market next year.

4. Biodiversity Credits are Gaining Traction

As an alternative to carbon credits, new approaches to conserving critical habitats while honoring Indigenous rights and knowledge are emerging. HIFOR, developed by the Wildlife Conservation Society, offers credits that support high-carbon forests, though they cannot be used as offsets. Additionally, Sarayaku Indigenous leaders presented an innovative "climate justice" funding model that covers the cost of safeguarding Amazonian ecosystems.

5. Scaling Indigenous and Local Community Conservation

A powerful session focused on scaling community-led conservation in Africa, led by Maliasili and Synchronicity Earth, highlighted the need for funders to shift support directly to community organizations instead of large international NGOs—ensuring resources reach where they're most needed and can have the greatest impact.

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These takeaways reflect the growing momentum in climate and nature action. Themes such as the integration of nature into financial decision-making and the rise of community-led conservation initiatives were evident throughout the week. But beyond the ideas and lessons, we also had the opportunity to participate in several impactful events that helped move these concepts forward.

Climate Week Event Highlights

Techonomy Climate NYC: Driving Sustainable Innovation

Our Executive Director, Justin Winters, joined Tenzin Seldon, One Earth board member and Founder of Pulse Fund, and Megan Pollock of Panasonic North America to discuss shifting perspectives on climate finance. Together, they explored how innovation can drive sustainable solutions and reshape climate financing.

Framing the ReAssembly

One Small Planet's Bradley Smith joined Justin Winters for a fireside chat on reimagining systems that can drive positive change for biodiversity, climate, and industry. The discussion highlighted innovative ways to foster harmony between people, industries, and planetary health.

Climate and Capital Conference

Our Deputy Director, Karl Burkart, participated in a panel discussion on the role of private markets and philanthropy in addressing climate risk. Karl underscored the importance of basing investment decisions on rigorous scientific data to ensure capital flows to the most effective climate and nature solutions. One Earth’s work provides the scientific foundation needed to make informed investment choices. Watch a recording of the full panel > 

Unlocking Climate Finance for Social Impact

This inspiring event on climate and social finance, co hosted by Empower Co. and Eunoia Group, explored how the intersection of climate change, social equity, and women's leadership can be a powerful catalyst for positive transformation—especially with the expected generational wealth transfer to younger women. Read more about the event > 

Rainforest Reception

One Earth was proud to co-host a reception, hosted by our partners at Rainforest Action Network and Amazon Watch, to honor Indigenous leadership and solutions for protecting the world’s rainforests. The event featured powerful speeches from extraordinary women leaders from Ecuador and Brazil, including One Earth Advisor Nemonte Nenquimo, who emphasized the urgent need for global action to protect and support Indigenous peoples in their vital role as stewards of the planet’s remaining biodiversity.

The Great Elephant Migration

During its migration across the US, the global art installation made a stop in NYC to raise awareness for wildlife protection and habitat restoration at Climate Week. Two elephants in the herd were dedicated to our Executive Director, Justin Winters, and Board Member, Rick Ridgeway. Kamini the Matriarch, representing Justin, and Arun the Tusker, symbolizing Rick, embody the leadership and commitment to the planet that both individuals have demonstrated throughout their careers. Read more about the Great Elephant Migration > 

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