Sustainability: It's time to accelerate action

It’s time to accelerate action

During the 79th UN General Assembly (UNGA) and Climate Week NYC, global leaders, businesses, and civil society came together to push for urgent climate action. Sustainability was a key focus, but discussions were shaped by broader global challenges, highlighting the need for solutions that address interconnected issues.

Despite limited progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in vulnerable regions, there was optimism about collective action, commitment, and entrepreneurial drive. The global focus has shifted from striving to limit warming to 1.5°C to ensuring it stays well below 2.0°C, marking a more realistic approach to climate targets. With over 600 events, the emphasis was on practical solutions and partnerships, recognising that net zero cannot be achieved in isolation, nor can we afford the financial cost of inaction.

Key outcomes included the launch of the Pact for the Future, which commits countries to phasing out fossil fuels, and the introduction of the Taskforce on Inequality and Financial Disclosures (TISFD), aimed at helping companies measure their social and human rights impacts. New partnerships were also announced to finance clean energy in developing nations and integrate nature-based solutions into climate strategies.

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Salterbaxter specialises in sustainability strategy, reporting, and communication challenges across a range of sectors. Their end-to-end approach covers everything from materiality assessments to goal setting, supported by bold, inspiring communications designed to drive the transformational change businesses and society need to thrive.

Published on 1 November 2024

This piece is part of our In My Humble Opinion content series in partnership with Publicis Groupe UK