World leaders address climate crisis before UN meet amid record-breaking El-Niño

World leaders gathered in New York for the UN general assembly, addressing the climate crisis at the beginning of the city's annual Climate Week. This year's Climate Week takes place alongside UNGA, following months of extreme weather events worldwide. Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, opened the event, while Iceland's Prime Minister, Kristrún Frostadóttir, closed it.

Both highlighted the effects of climate change on their respective countries and shared their progress in transitioning away from fossil fuels. Australia has supported Pacific nations in combating the climate crisis, while Iceland's shift to geothermal energy began during the global oil crisis of the 1970s. Now, nearly every home in Iceland is heated with renewable energy, with over 90% relying on geothermal power.

Despite discussing political stalling and backsliding on climate action, speakers emphasized the security and economic reasons that underscore the urgency of the transition. The UN assistant secretary general for climate action, Selwin Hart, noted that the Iran war has served as a wake-up call, accelerating the need to cut reliance on fossil fuels.

British retired army officer Lt Gen Richard Nugee stressed the importance of climate adaptation technologies for military operations due to changing environmental conditions. The UK's foreign minister, Ed Miliband, warned of the inherent instability posed by continued dependence on fossil fuels, particularly in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the US's war in Iran.

Meanwhile, private sector firms like Ingka Group, the largest Ikea retailer, are adopting renewable energy to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Iceland's Prime Minister urged leaders to start transitioning before facing the impending disruptions, emphasizing the need for resilience today.