Business Leaders Push Climate Action as Trump Calls Policies a “Green Scam”

At Climate Week NYC, US business leaders and environmentalists launched the American Abundance and Innovation Program to accelerate bipartisan climate solutions. The initiative comes as President Donald Trump told world leaders at the UN General Assembly to “get away from the green scam,” dismissing renewable energy policies as harmful to economies.

Despite Trump’s remarks, speakers at Climate Week emphasized urgency and cooperation. Activist Jane Fonda reminded leaders that climate “affects everything that matters,” while British Columbia premier David Eby noted that rising challenges don’t make climate action less important.

International Business Leaders Advocating for Greener Cities

Benjamin Backer, a conservative environmentalist, lamented the politicization of climate issues, pointing out that in 1990 over 80% of Americans identified as environmentalists, compared to less than 40% today. He urged communities to move beyond election cycles and culture wars.

Elsewhere, London deputy mayor Mete Coban announced the city had achieved legal air pollution levels for the first time in history, praising the construction industry’s role in cutting emissions. Arcadis’ global sustainability director Mark McKenna warned of soaring energy demand from AI, calling for balanced policies to ensure security, affordability, and sustainability.

Meanwhile, EU President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted record renewable investments, $2 trillion globally in 2024, but said more must be done to triple renewables by 2030.

Why it matters: Even as skepticism persists, global cities and industries, including construction, are proving climate action is both necessary and achievable.