Latest Insights from Climate Forward
The Climate Forward live event is currently in session, bringing together leading world figures, policymakers, business leaders, and activists for critical discussions throughout the day. A central theme on everyone’s mind this year is, undoubtedly, the Trump administration’s approach to climate policy and its global repercussions.
In an early session, André Corrêa do Lago, the Brazilian diplomat steering this year’s United Nations climate negotiations, confirmed that U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright would be welcomed at the conference, despite the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement. Mr. Wright is scheduled to speak at the Climate Forward event later today.
Having recently positioned itself as a climate leader under the previous administration, the United States has now reversed course. Under President Trump, the nation is actively downplaying climate change threats and aggressively promoting fossil fuels. The stakes are profoundly high. Following another year of unprecedented global temperatures and climate-fueled disasters, world leaders are grappling not only with a rapidly changing planet but also with a dramatically altered political landscape. This critical juncture coincides with escalating energy demand, partly driven by the rise of artificial intelligence, and China’s accelerating lead in clean energy technologies like batteries and solar power.
The event agenda includes dialogues with California Governor Gavin Newsom and Bob Mumgaard, CEO of Commonwealth Fusion Systems, a company striving to build the world’s first commercial fusion power plant. For a deeper dive into the full program, including the speaker lineup and panel details, please refer to the event schedule.
Additional insights and resources include:
- Diverse Perspectives: World leaders have offered their viewpoints on navigating global climate action in the wake of the United States’ withdrawal from international efforts.
- The Climate Forward Podcast: A recent episode features an interview with former Vice President Al Gore, exploring the current state of the climate movement two decades after his influential documentary, ‘An Inconvenient Truth.’
- Audience Questions: Many thoughtful climate-related questions submitted by the public will be addressed on stage.
- Newsletter Access: Information on how to subscribe to the Climate Forward newsletter is also available.
Does the Environmental Movement Need a New Strategy?
During a panel discussion on the future of climate activism, environmental leaders strongly contended that the 2024 presidential election was not solely a referendum on climate issues. However, they acknowledged the necessity for environmental activists to refine their communication strategies. Manish Bapna, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, stated, "An important lesson from 2024 for us is, I think, we can do a better job in connecting the dots between climate, between clean energy and the kitchen-table issues that people do care about."
Activist and author Bill McKibben argued that President Trump’s energy policies, which favor expanded fossil fuel use and obstruct renewable energy projects, will put the United States at a significant strategic disadvantage globally, especially compared to China. "The Trump administration is doing its best to slow down this transition in the U.S., even as it rockets around the rest of the world," Mr. McKibben commented. He added grimly, "If he succeeds in doing it for very much longer, then, you know, a decade hence, the U.S. will be the Colonial Williamsburg of internal combustion, where foreign visitors come to gawk at how things happened in the olden times."
The U.S. environmental movement saw a peak during the previous administration with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, a landmark federal law for climate action. However, Congress recently passed President Trump’s extensive domestic policy bill, which repealed many of the Inflation Reduction Act’s tax incentives for renewable energy. Mr. Bapna labeled this a "Trump energy tax," asserting, "This legislation, basically, is Robin Hood in reverse." Furthermore, Mr. Trump has escalated efforts to dismantle environmental regulations beyond his first term, openly advocating for coal and pressuring other nations to purchase American oil and gas. In a recent interview, Mr. McKibben described this period as "the darkest moment." These recent setbacks have prompted environmental leaders to consider if a radical shift in strategy is now essential.
Can Global Climate Action Proceed Without the U.S.?
André Corrêa do Lago, Brazil’s diplomat overseeing global climate negotiations in November, reiterated that U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright would be welcomed at the upcoming COP30 conference, despite the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Mr. Corrêa do Lago noted Mr. Wright’s stance, saying, "He denies the economics of the fight against climate change," and believes climate mitigation is too costly. "I think this is what we want to discuss," Mr. Corrêa do Lago stated, highlighting the need to engage with oil companies and other economic sectors wary of the energy transition.
Mr. Corrêa do Lago also defended the long-standing rule requiring unanimous consensus for key climate targets among nations. Yet, he recognized that this consensus requirement has often led to considerable frustration, as a few countries can effectively block climate progress. COP30, this year’s climate conference, will take place in Belém, Brazil, near the Amazon, marking a decade since the Paris Agreement. The meeting occurs amidst a global decline in climate political ambition. Beyond the U.S. withdrawal, policies aimed at cutting emissions and shifting to renewable energy face challenges across Canada, Europe, and South America. A United Nations report from last fall indicated no progress in reducing emissions or addressing global warming in the preceding year. Such trends have led critics to question if the current system of climate diplomacy should be entirely reevaluated.
Al Gore on the Future Direction of the Climate Movement
Listen to Climate Forward, “Al Gore on Trump and the Future of Climate Action”
The former vice president speaks to David Gelles about how the climate movement can move forward after President Trump’s rollback of key environmental regulations and where he finds hope as the planet continues warming.
As a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and environmental activist, former Vice President Al Gore has been instrumental in bringing climate change into public consciousness. His Oscar-winning 2006 documentary, ‘An Inconvenient Truth,’ significantly galvanized global action on the issue.
However, President Trump’s administration has rapidly steered the U.S. away from international climate efforts. In a recent interview, Mr. Gore shared his perspective on the ongoing struggle to protect our warming planet. This discussion is part of a special series from The New York Times, where global leaders, business executives, and policymakers address the escalating threat of climate change live at the annual Climate Forward conference in New York City.
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In a candid conversation, Al Gore reflected on why, despite decades of effort, rapid climate action has remained elusive. He pointed to the "massive, decades-long campaign of denial and obstruction from the fossil fuel industry" as a primary factor, alongside the inherent inertia of global systems heavily reliant on fossil fuels and the financial sector’s deep ties to this economy.
Gore, who began his climate work 30 years before ‘An Inconvenient Truth,’ acknowledged the immense difficulty of societal change. Yet, he remains a proponent of "Dornbusch’s Law"—that things take longer to happen than you think, but then happen faster than you thought possible—believing an inflection point for climate action is still to come. He emphasized that public understanding and concern about climate change have dramatically increased over the past two decades, largely due to "Mother Nature’s participation" in the discussion, evidenced by the alarming frequency of extreme weather events worldwide.
When asked about the Trump administration’s impact, Gore confirmed his earlier predictions, stating that the situation had worsened, particularly within the U.S. He highlighted the administration’s increasing subsidies and policy favors for fossil fuels, coupled with efforts to undermine renewable energy, calling it a "complete destruction" of encouragement for the energy transition. Gore drew a striking parallel: the $4.4 trillion annual global fossil fuel subsidies almost exactly match the $4.5 trillion estimated as necessary to finance the energy transition, suggesting that eliminating harmful subsidies could unlock vital resources for a sustainable future.
Addressing the question of sincerity regarding climate denial, Gore referenced Upton Sinclair: "It’s difficult to get a man to understand something if his income depends upon him not understanding it." He sees this as a broader explanation for the world’s slow response to the widely understood climate crisis. While progress is being made, he cautioned it’s "not yet at a scale that matches the need."
Gore expressed particular concern about potential "tipping points," such as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and mysterious ocean phenomena like the disappearance of cold water upwellings off South America. He likened the scientists’ astonishment to that surrounding the sudden opening of the ozone hole decades ago, anticipating more such unexpected developments.
Looking to the future, Gore praised the "skill and excellence" of grassroots activists, calling the burgeoning global climate movement the largest in history. He views their active engagement with elected officials and candidates, pushing for climate action as a priority, as a key driver of change. For those feeling despair, he offered Joan Baez’s wisdom: "the antidote to despair is action." He urged individuals to realize that active participation, joining movements, and advocating for positive policy choices can counteract feelings of hopelessness and build a vision for a hopeful future with less pollution and more opportunities.
2025 Climate Forward Conference: Speaker Highlights and Schedule
The 2025 Climate Forward conference is taking place on Wednesday, from 9:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Eastern time. A livestream of the event is available, offering access to the full schedule and detailed panel descriptions:
9:15 a.m. – The High Stakes of COP30
André Corrêa do Lago, president of the COP30 climate talks in Brazil, will discuss "economic denial" as a new challenge in the climate fight. With the U.S. retreating from climate action and COP30 approaching, global climate policy faces a precarious moment.
9:40 a.m. – The Future of Climate Activism in the Trump Era
As President Trump rolls back climate regulations, environmental groups are rethinking their strategies. This panel features Abigail Dillen (Earthjustice), Manish Bapna (Natural Resources Defense Council), and activist Bill McKibben, discussing evolving tactics.
10:15 a.m. – How to Bring Power to the World
Jacqueline Novogratz (Acumen) and Damilola Ogunbiyi (Sustainable Energy for All) will explore solutions to provide reliable and affordable energy to the millions worldwide who currently lack it.
10:49 a.m. – Will the A.I. Revolution Put Climate Goals at Risk?
Google’s Kate Brandt and Microsoft’s Melanie Nakagawa, chief sustainability officers, will examine how AI’s growth impacts sustainability and energy demands, and what’s needed to power AI without compromising climate objectives.
11:13 a.m. – When Climate Change Is a National Security Threat
Former national security adviser Jake Sullivan will discuss how the U.S. and its allies are preparing for security threats posed by rising global temperatures, including the growing rivalry with China in clean energy development.
11:36 a.m. – Has the World Turned Against Climate Politics?
David Wallace-Wells will present remarks based on his recent article, "It Isn’t Just the U.S. — The Whole World Has Soured on Climate Politics." He will question what values might replace the solidarity once central to the Paris Accord.
11:45 a.m. – The Billionaire Betting on a Fossil-Free Future
Andrew Forrest, executive chairman of Fortescue and a global billionaire, shares his ambitious vision to transition his vast mining company to net-zero emissions by 2030.
12:05 a.m. – The Nation That Is Sinking Into the Sea
Hilda Heine, president of the Marshall Islands, will detail her nation’s urgent struggle for survival against rising sea levels, the limitations of adaptation, and the responsibilities of wealthier nations in this crisis.
1:31 p.m. – Actor Rainn Wilson on Climate Change and Spirituality
Actor Rainn Wilson (‘The Office’) will discuss his spiritually informed approach to the climate crisis, drawing from a recent fire ceremony with Indigenous elders and King Charles III in Britain, featuring a live performance with orchestral music and animations.
1:42 p.m. – The Big Power Shift
Scott Strazik, CEO of GE Vernova (gas infrastructure and wind power), will discuss his company’s unique position amidst President Trump’s energy agenda, which targets offshore wind while promoting oil and gas.
2:05 p.m. – Gavin Newsom on Mr. Trump, California and Climate
California Governor Gavin Newsom will highlight his state’s leadership in climate policy, efforts to counter Trump’s environmental policies, and the challenges for state leaders without federal funding.
2:52 p.m. – Secretary Chris Wright on Energy Politics Under Mr. Trump
Energy Secretary Chris Wright will discuss the impact of his department’s deregulation and fossil fuel expansion policies under the Trump administration, and its approach to energy demand and climate change.
3:18 p.m. – Are We on the Brink of a Fusion Breakthrough?
Bob Mumgaard, CEO of Commonwealth Fusion Systems, will provide an update on the progress toward building the world’s first commercial fusion power plant, a long-hoped-for clean energy solution.
3:44 p.m. – Climate Change and Congress
Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) will address the complexities of translating climate ambition into sustainable policy and the effort required to build political consensus in a divided Congress.
4:14 p.m. – Australia on the Forefront of Climate Change
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia will discuss his country’s challenges in reducing emissions, given its reliance on fossil fuels, and his commitment to positioning Australia as a global leader in renewables.