23 September 2014: Climate Summit 2014 has concluded with countries committing to domestic action on climate change and pledging a total of US$2.3 billion to the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

The UN Climate Summit was held on 23 September 2014, in New York, US, hosted by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The aim of the Summit was to mobilize the political will necessary to reach a global agreement on climate change in 2015. It was attended by over 100 Heads of State, together with government ministers and leaders from international organizations, business, finance, civil society and local communities.

During the Summit, government representatives committed to a series of national actions on climate change, including phasing out fossil fuel subsidies and the use of coal, increasing the use of renewable energy source and reducing deforestation. In addition, private sector representatives announced initiatives, such as that by the insurance industry of the industry’s intention to create a climate risk investment framework by 2015 in Paris. Other initiatives, coalitions and commitments announced included the adoption of a New York Declaration on Forests, which contains commitments to halve the loss of natural forests by 2030, and the launch of a new Global Mayors Compact.

The Summit also featured a private sector forum high-level luncheon, as well as thematic discussions on: climate science; voices from the climate front lines; climate, health and jobs; and the economic case for action.

Speaking at the Summit, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon emphasized the role of both governments and the private sector in addressing climate change, adding that “as we walk the road to Lima and Paris, let us look back on this as the day we decided as a human family to put our house in order and make it liveable for future generations.” [IISD RS Meeting Coverage] [Summit Website]