Why it matters: The New York event is aimed at encouraging countries to increase their pledges to the Paris deal, in the face of rising global carbon emissions, falling investment in renewable energy and an American president who denies there’s a problem at all. The United Nations will host the most high - profile summit on climate change since the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement from 21 to 23 September this year . The summit , which will be held in New York , is expected to encourage countries to increase their pledges under the Paris deal . The day before the summit , millions of people , led by students , are expected to participate in a worldwide hunger strike calling for an end to fossil fuel use . On 23 September , the world ’s largest oil and natural gas companies will attend an invitation - only forum where CEOs will face questions from environmental experts .
The United Nations will host the most high - profile summit on climate change since the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement from 21 to 23 September this year . The summit , which will be held in New York , is expected to encourage countries to increase their pledges under the Paris deal . The day before the summit , millions of people , led by students , are expected to participate in a worldwide hunger strike calling for an end to fossil fuel use . On 23 September , the world ’s largest oil and natural gas companies will attend an invitation - only forum where CEOs will face questions from environmental experts .