Global Climate Action Summit

The 2018 Summit will bring together leaders from state, tribal, and local governments, business, and citizens from around the world, to demonstrate how the tide has turned in the race against climate change, showcase climate action taking place around the world, and inspire deeper commitments from each other and from national governments — in support of the Paris Agreement.

2018 is a turning point: countries and all of us must step up the commitments that were made in Paris and do more. The momentum we generate this year must lead to a climate turning point by 2020 in order to prevent the worst effects of climate change. It must be the beginning of a new phase of action and ambition on climate change.

At the Summit, leaders and citizens from around the world will share what they have achieved to date and will commit to doing more to improve our world and usher in a new era of decarbonization and prosperity.  

Besides showcasing what cities, regions, territories, businesses, investors, civil society groups and citizens are already doing on the ground and every day to address the climate crisis, this will also send a strong signal to the international community, which we need to harness to make sure this is catalyzed and translated into increased ambition by governments.

The Summit will culminate in a call to action to nations to step up their ambition under the Paris Agreement, and cut emissions on a science-based trajectory that limits warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.

The Summit seeks to change the climate conversation, broaden and depoliticize the issue, and activate everyone to call for change to preserve our future. 

The 5 challenge areas around which the summit will be articulated are:

1. Healthy Energy Systems – A quantum leap toward clean and equitable energy and mobility systems will spur climate progress and health economies and communities.
2. Inclusive Economic Growth – The clean technology and energy transition will generate high-quality employment and inclusive, resilient economic growth.
3. Sustainable Communities – Sustainable cities and communities will lead the way to green building and infrastructure that improves quality of life.
4. Land Stewardship –  Stewardship of lands will enable climate resilience and mitigation while ensuring sufficient food supplies for a growing population.
5. Transformative Climate Investments – Investments on the scale needed to achieve the Paris Agreement will spur innovation and accelerate a clean and resilient economy