World leaders descended upon New York last week for the Climate Summit, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's attempt to establish far-reaching policies that would reduce emissions and curb the rate of global warming.
Recent studies forecast a global average sea level rise of more than 3.3 feet by the end of the century, and new research shows a record rise in greenhouse gas emissions. These statistics, along with extreme weather in recent years, have spurred world leaders into widespread recognition of climate change, along with an increasing desire to take action.
The Summit was preceded by the People’s Climate March in Manhattan on Sunday September 20, which was attended by 300,000 people.