Climate Week NYC: Getting It Done in 2021

Climate Week 2021 comes at a time of both great distress and great promise. Despite Paris Agreement pledges, emissions continue to rise globally. The impacts of climate change are coming faster than predictions say, evidenced by stronger storms, increased flooding and year-round wildfire seasons. It is apparent that more immediate action is needed.

With increasing commitments and assurance made by businesses, governments and organizations, many wonder, "Can they walk the talk?"

Climate Week is the time and place where the world gathers annually to showcase leading climate action, attend events, listen and meet with thought leaders, and discuss how to do more and fast.

Hosted annually by international non-profit, The Climate Group in conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly and in partnership with the COP26 and the City of New York, here's what to expect from the 2021 week-long summit:

##What's on the Climate Week 2021 lineup? This year's events program is organized into 10 themes: built environment, energy, industry, food, environmental justice, transport, finance, sustainable living, nature and policy. We've combed through the agenda and selected what we believe are "can't miss" events in some of our favorite sectors: energy and sustainable living — all of which you can attend virtually.

The Circular Carbon Economy Towards Clean, Reliable, and Inclusive Energy for All Tuesday, September 21, 2021 | 10:00 AM EST - 11:30 AM EST | Speaker: Panel

Climate change demands a global response that brings any and all solutions to the table. Experts and scientists will gather to discuss the enabling policies and technologies and a pragmatic approach to clean energy, and how it can support sustainable development goals, including a circular economy. If you're interested in where renewable energy is headed, this one is for you.

Change We Want: Just Energy Transitions Around the World Thursday, September 23, 2021 | 01:15 PM EST - 03:15 PM EST | Speaker: Panel

The renewable energy transition is a global challenge. For energy transitions to be climate-friendly and effective, countries and their people need to work and learn together. This event will (re)think and (re)formulate practical approaches towards a clean energy transition. Hmm, sounds pretty similar to what we're up to at Inspire! We'll see you there.

Bringing Sustainable Living Into the Workplace Tuesday, September 21, 2021 | 04:00 PM EST - 05:00 PM EST | Speaker: Annalee Bloomfield, CEO, Sustain.Life

Events of the past year, from extreme weather to the recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on the climate crises, have exposed the need for everyone to pitch in and reshape the planet's future. More people are focused on making sustainable decisions in both their personal lives and their workplaces. Join Annalee Bloomfield, CEO of Sustain.Life for an in-depth discussion about how individuals can take their passions and drive for sustainability and incorporate them into their places of work. You can bet our People team is showing up for this one.

Live With Nothing to Waste: A Circular Lifestyle Workshop Tuesday, September 21, 2021 | 04:00 PM EST - 04:30 PM EST | Speaker: Tatiana Gomez

The history of plastic, "greenwashing," and the failing waste management systems and retail infrastructure keeps us from advancing into a circular economy. This event will touch on actions you can take to drastically reduce your carbon footprint, budget for an eco-friendly lifestyle, and heal your body while you're doing it. If you’re looking for an event that gets straight to the point on taking climate action and avoids all the science jargon — this one's it.

Global Women's Assembly for Climate Justice: Solutions From the Frontlines and the Protection and Defense of Human Rights and Nature Saturday, September 25-30, 2021 | 01:00 PM EST - 05:30 PM EST | Speaker: Panel

The Global Women's Assembly for Climate Justice is a free, six-day, gender-diverse public forum including 20 panels, climate justice leaders, keynotes, and the arts, to take place virtually every day from September 25-30, 2021. During the Women's Assembly for Climate Justice, grassroots Indigenous, Black, Brown, and women leaders, global advocates, and policy-makers will join together to speak out against environmental and social injustice.

Of course, Climate Week is also a time to feel empowered to look at your carbon footprint and take action to help protect our planet's future. Here are ways to act that we find to be the most beneficial and accessible:

1. Keep talking about climate change Whether it's Climate Week or not, the first and most important thing you can do is keep talking about the issue – to everyone. The greatest challenge in the history of humanity should not be a political or taboo subject. We need new solutions, social structures and economics to solve this crisis. Keep talking about and demanding them.

2. Switch to a renewable energy supplier It's a simple change – and it won't even cost you anything extra. If everyone started switching their homes to a clean energy provider, nonrenewable companies would have to generate more renewable energy to meet demand. Check out Inspire's homepage to learn more.

3. Create an energy-efficient home Save energy by making your home as energy-efficient as you can. Make sure windows and doors are correctly fitted or insulated to avoid drafts. Turn the thermostat down in winter or up in the summer, reduce your usage of home appliances, wash dishes and laundry at a cool temperature, and replace halogen light bulbs with LED bulbs. All of this also saves money, and who doesn't love that?

4. Resist the need to consume We buy, use, and discard, ultimately causing more waste that then leads to pollution. Rule of thumb? Buy less and buy smarter. The fashion industry is one of the world's top polluters. Your online shopping habit? Consider all the plastic the item comes packaged in and maybe opt for shopping secondhand instead. Everything you purchase has some environmental impact. Think carefully about what you want and need to live a sustainable, low-carbon lifestyle.

5. Protest and vote At Inspire, we believe in the power of choice — reusables over plastic, secondhand over new, renewable over nonrenewable, etc. But mostly, we believe in the power to choose a better future for everyone. Climate protests are having an impact, and change is slowly but surely beginning to happen. Voting in new leaders and demanding that they implement action immediately is making a difference. Your voice matters! Use it.

Are you looking to discover more events during Climate Week 2021 or get involved with The Climate Group? Click here.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get started with making an impact, sign up for a 100% clean energy supply plan for your home.

Not sure if renewable energy is right for you? Read some of Inspire Energy’s reviews to see how we've helped customers make the switch.