Eight things we learned at New York Climate Week

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What does climate resilience really mean for business, and how do we turn ambition into action?

That was the big question at New York Climate Week 2025 (NYCW), where members of our ESG team – Ben Stansfield, Nath Curtis and Graham Reeder – joined a wide spectrum of business leaders, academics, investors and innovators from many nations to explore the answers. As we highlighted in our recent insight article ahead of NYCW, the shift is already happening: ESG is no longer a reporting exercise, and sustainability isn’t just about risk. It’s about strategy, value and long-term resilience.

From infrastructure and investment to nature and storytelling, the conversations in New York showed just how fast things are moving, and how important it is for businesses to stay ahead.

Here are eight things that stood out for us from the week’s events and why they matter.

1. Collaboration is driving climate solutions

We saw some brilliant examples of cities and companies working together, from AI-powered flood prediction to stormwater parks that double as community spaces. The message was clear – when sectors collaborate, things move faster. Investment is flowing both ways, and it’s unlocking real innovation.

2. Resilience is a competitive edge

Businesses that plan ahead – for heatwaves, floods, supply chain shocks – aren’t just ticking boxes, they’re setting themselves up to adapt and thrive. Whether it’s housing developers or insurers, those weaving climate resilience into their strategy are better placed to grow with change. It’s not just about risk mitigation, it’s about unlocking opportunity and long-term value. And there is a win-win for business and the environment.

3. The energy transition is gaining traction

US investment is now backing solutions already tried and tested elsewhere, like heat pumps and energy-efficient buildings. It’s a familiar pattern, and a reminder that good ideas often take time to scale. The fundamentals are strong, even if development takes time and requires the right balance of support through collaboration and funding.

4. Investment momentum is building

Private and flexible capital is flowing into low-carbon infrastructure, and specialist funds are emerging to support it. It feels like we’re at a tipping point. Once the early movers show it works, others will follow. The UK has already seen huge growth in this area of capital finance, and we expect to see the trend continue in the US in the coming years, with more specialist funds emerging.

5. Nature is being reframed as infrastructure

Forests and oceans were described as “too big to fail” and you could tell people really meant it. Nature-based solutions are gaining traction, and businesses are being urged to look closely at their supply chains. Gradually we’re seeing a re-framing of nature as infrastructure and small changes can make a big difference.

6. Storytelling needs a rethink

One thing we kept hearing: sustainability communications need to be clearer and more human. Less jargon and more honesty. There’s a real appetite for stories that show progress and acknowledge where things haven’t gone to plan. Humility goes a long way. At the same time, it’s important that communications are embedded in robust governance – ensuring transparency and authenticity.

7. Climate infrastructure must work for everyone

Electric Vehicles (EV) infrastructure is being used in everyday settings, rare earth recycling is gaining attention, and modular real estate is emerging as a flexible solution. We’re seeing these ideas show up in everyday decisions. Drivers using ride-hailing apps who don’t have access to home charging are increasingly relying on public EV infrastructure. It’s a reminder that climate solutions need to reflect real-world needs, not just ideal scenarios.

8. Businesses aren’t waiting for COP30

With some major players stepping back, there’s talk about who’ll lead the charge at the UN Climate Change Conference, COP30. But what’s clear is that businesses aren’t sitting still. The momentum is real and growing.

What’s next for businesses?

New York Climate Week showed just how fast things are changing and how urgently businesses need to respond. The focus is shifting from ambition to execution, with ESG now shaping strategy, investment and long-term value.

We’ll be continuing the conversation at COP30 next month, where members of our ESG team will be on the ground and reporting back on developments. If you want to stay informed, sign up to receive ESG updates from us. We’ll keep you posted on the trends, policies and opportunities that matter and what they mean for your organisation.