Greentally at Climate Week NYC 2025

Last week, Greentally’s CEO and Co-Founder, Ning Na, spent four days at Climate Week NYC 2025, an annual event organized by Climate Group that has become a global gathering point for leaders in sustainability, technology, research, and policy.

Bringing together innovators, policymakers, academics, and investors, the week provided not just discussions, but deep insights into how climate tech and sustainability are reshaping industries across the globe. For Greentally, it was an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with the community shaping the future of climate solutions—and to draw inspiration from bold innovations and landmark regulatory changes.

Regulatory Milestones: California Leading the Way

One of the most defining moments of Climate Week NYC was hearing directly from U.S. lawmakers on California’s groundbreaking climate regulations, SB 253 (the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act) and SB 261 (the Climate-Related Financial Risk Act).

These policies position California as one of the first jurisdictions to mandate both corporate carbon measurement and climate risk disclosures. The scale of their impact will be profound—not only setting a precedent for businesses operating in California, but also influencing corporate reporting standards worldwide. For a company like Greentally, which empowers organizations to measure, manage, and reduce emissions, these developments reaffirm the essential role of precise, actionable data in driving compliance and resilience.

Academia Driving the ESG and Finance Conversation

The intersection of policy, finance, and sustainability also stood out when visiting Cornell University and Columbia University. Faculty and experts shared pioneering ideas on integrating ESG strategies with financial transparency and using sustainable finance practices to better manage climate risks.

The conversations reflected a powerful shift happening across global markets: investors, regulators, and companies are no longer treating climate risk as peripheral but are embedding it into the heart of long-term value creation strategies. Greentally’s work directly aligns with this trend, enabling companies to link ESG roadmaps with operational and financial strategies.

Image Credit: Columbia Engineering

Innovation Spotlight: AI and Climate Resilience

Another highlight was exploring cutting-edge research at Columbia University on the use of Generative AI and large language models for climate risk management. From predicting extreme weather scenarios to detecting early-warning signals, these tools show immense promise in strengthening corporate resilience strategies.

This innovation resonates with our own mission at Greentally, where AI plays a central role in helping companies simplify carbon measurement, accelerate compliance processes, and uncover decarbonization opportunities that would otherwise remain invisible.

Climate Tech Entrepreneurship at Newlab

The trip also included a visit to the Newlab accelerator, a hub for groundbreaking climate entrepreneurs. Startups presented transformative solutions spanning geothermal technologies, recycled materials for sustainable construction, and AI-powered platforms that connect hardware and software for more effective climate risk management.

The energy and collaboration at Newlab reflect a broader momentum taking place: climate challenges are unlocking a new wave of entrepreneurship and cross-sector innovation, creating solutions that not only reduce emissions but also build resilience and opportunity for future generations.

Accounting for the Climate Transition

A final key learning came from the visit to U.S. CPA headquarters, where discussions focused on the vital role of accounting professionals in the global climate transition. As regulations increasingly demand carbon disclosures and ESG integration, accountants will be the people ensuring that sustainability data aligns with financial reporting standards, creating trust and accountability across markets.

Looking Ahead

Climate Week NYC was far more than a series of events—it was a clear statement about the direction of global climate action. 

From regulators setting ambitious precedents, to universities advancing knowledge, from entrepreneurs building disruptive solutions and to financial leaders embedding ESG into corporate strategy, the momentum is undeniable.

At Greentally, these insights reinforce our commitment to supporting companies at every stage of their sustainability journey. Whether through our upcoming product innovations or our hands-on advisory support, we aim to make ESG integration not just a compliance obligation but a driver of growth and resilience.

The road to a sustainable economy isn’t straightforward and features a lot of twists and turns along the way, but gatherings like Climate Week NYC showcase that collective effort, innovation, and consistency are already shaping a stronger, more sustainable future—and Greentally is proud to be part of this global movement and new economic frontier.