15 Net Zero Speakers To Hire Ranked by Popularity
There is no questioning that more needs to be done to tackle climate change and humans' effect on the planet. In recent years, the Annual Climate Report showed that land and ocean temperatures had increased by 0.14 degrees per decade since 1880, with the average rate of increase more than doubling that rate since 1981 – showing the shocking rate at which climate change is increasing.
To combat such horrifying changes in the Earth’s temperatures, many environmental plans have been put into place – including Net Zero for 2050. But the question is, what does it mean to be net zero?
Contents:
- What is Net Zero?
- Why is Net Zero so important?
- What is Net Zero 2050?
- Where can I learn more about becoming Net Zero?
- Who are the best Net Zero speakers?
What is Net Zero?
It is consensus that to prevent the worst effects of climate change, we must reduce the human-caused carbon dioxide emissions. In order to do this, the term net zero has been conceptualised as an ideal scenario to reduce the rate of climate change.
Net zero is defined as the state in which the greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere are balanced with the level of greenhouse gases being removed from the atmosphere.
Why is Net Zero Important?
Net zero is important because if we are to balance the level of gases being released and removed from the atmosphere, then this is a state at which global warming is minimised or stops. The ‘net’ in net zero is also important, as it will be difficult to reduce all emissions to completely zero on the designated timescale.
Source: University of Oxford Net Zero
What is Net Zero 2050?
Net Zero by 2050 is a designated timescale that officials across the globe are hoping to reach, setting out the desire to become net zero by the year 2050.
Source: IEA
How can I learn more about becoming Net Zero?
Hiring an informative keynote speaker is A fantastic way to learn more about becoming net zero. After conducting a short survey with thousands of our clients to determine a selection of the best speakers for becoming net zero, we have made a selection of the top 15 international net zero speakers ranked on popularity!
Hire a Net Zero Speaker Today!
Learn more about our most popular net zero speakers below.
Kate Brandt – 10/10
Forging her success as the Chief Sustainability Officer of Google, Kate Brandt is a preeminent speaker on what must be done to protect Earth from further global warming. Appointed as the CSO of Google in 2018, Kate has revolutionised sustainability policies for Google worldwide and ensured that the company is capitalising on opportunities to advance sustainability. Before her time with Google, Kate also worked as the Federal Chief Sustainability Officer at the White House, responsible for promoting sustainability across the Federal Government.
Awarded the Distinguished Public Service Award for her commitments, Kate is now an authoritative speaker on how we can reduce the rate of global warming and become net zero. Emphasising the importance of being sustainable and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, don’t miss out on the expertise of Google’s Chief Sustainability Officer Kate Brandt, today.
Henry Tricks – 8.8/10
Currently Schumpeter Columnist for The Economist, Henry Tricks has enjoyed a successful career as a journalist and editor for over three decades. Building his career with The Economist, Henry formerly worked as the Energy & Commodities Editor, Mexico City Bureau Chief, Tokyo Bureau Chief and Finance Editor before taking on his own column surrounding global business. Over the course of his career, Henry has become an expert on countless topics, such as energy geopolitics, new energy technologies and the future of oil.
As an expert on such topics, Henry is perfectly positioned to speak on the journey to becoming net zero. Highly knowledgeable on energy geopolitics and new energy, Henry speaks on how new energy will help us reach a net zero state, with new energy sources releasing fewer greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Hire Henry Tricks today to learn more about reaching a net zero state.
Steve Howard – 9.9/10
Currently the Chief Sustainability Officer of Temasek, Steve Howard is best known as the former Chief Sustainability Officer of the IKEA Group. Appointed to the role in 2011, Steve spent several years pioneering sustainability at IKEA, encouraging action to combat climate change and innovation for a better future. After leaving IKEA, Steve became the Co-Chair of the Environment and Natural Resource Global Future Council of the World Economic Forum and an Advisory Board Member of Sustainable Energy for All.
Now the Co-Founder and Chair of the We Mean Business Coalition, a global collective of the most influential businesses committed to tackling climate change, Steve is a powerful speaker on reaching a net zero state and how businesses can reach such a state. Committed to tackling climate change one step at a time, don’t miss an informative speech on how you can be an environmental pioneer from Steve Howard.
David Mayer de Rothschild – 9.8/10
British adventurer, ecologist and environmentalist, David Mayer de Rothschild is renowned as the Founder of the Sculpt The Future Foundation. Reigniting the hope that the future of our planet can be rewritten, David is leading a new generation of environmental enthusiasts and climate change action catalysts. Having explored some of Earth’s most challenging landscapes, David knows first-hand the damage that humans are causing – from forest fires to melting ice caps. Having travelled to the heart of Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest to discover the effects of the Belo Monte Dam Project, David is now perfectly positioned to speak on the importance of tackling climate change and becoming net zero.
Having experienced the great wonders of the world, David is highly passionate about preserving the world for future generations to see – something that can only be done by tackling climate change now. Enlightening audiences on how they can become net zero and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, David Mayer de Rothschild is guaranteed to motivate the next generation of sustainability champions.
Lucas Joppa – 10/10
Professor Adjunct at Yale University and Honorary Fellow of the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Lucas Joppa is a distinguished expert on sustainability policies. Famed for his role as the Chief Environmental Officer of Microsoft, Lucas is dedicated to enhancing the sustainable practices of the global technology company. Having also developed Microsoft’s AI for Earth Project, Lucas has spearheaded a geo-spatial search engine capable of climate decision-making and averting environmental disasters.
With a PhD in Ecology, Lucas is an expert when it comes to the environment and the effect that humans are having on the world around us. Awarded the 2014 Society for Conservation Biology Distinguished Service Award and the 2016 USERN Prize in Formal Sciences, Lucas is an authority on sustainability whose expertise on reaching a net zero state was documented in the TED talk How To Fix The Bugs In The Net-Zero Code. With decades of expertise in environmental sustainability, hire Lucas Joppa as a net zero speaker today.
Alexandra Palt – 9.9/10
A leading authority on corporate responsibility and sustainability, Alexandra Palt has led a successful career working as the Executive Vice President of the L’Oreal Foundation and the Chief Sustainability Officer of L’Oreal. Working to ensure that L’Oreal is an industry leader in sustainability, Alexandra has pioneered their Sharing Beauty With All Commitment and the L’Oreal For The Future Campaigns – encompassing the company’s sustainability targets to achieve by 2030. From reducing L’Oreal’s carbon footprint by 60% to making 100% of its products have an environmental or social benefit, Alexandra’s impact on L’Oreal has been exemplary.
Establishing a reputation as a powerful authority on sustainability, Alexandra is the perfect speaker on reaching a net zero state – detailing her expertise on how she is reducing L’Oreal’s carbon footprint and emissions. Having launched the Women4Climate events, Alexandra is guaranteed to ignite the passion in future generations to continue protecting the planet against climate change.
Dr Jane Goodall – 9.8/10
The world’s foremost chimpanzee expert, Dr Jane Goodall has forged a respectable career as a primatologist and anthropologist. Revered for her research of wild chimpanzees, Jane is best known for her studies at the Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, tirelessly campaigning for increased awareness of environmental and animal welfare crises. Founder of the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre and the Lake Tanganyika Catchment Reforestation and Education Project, Jane knows first-hand the devastation that climate change is having not only the Earth, but its endangered species and animals.
Awarded the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement and the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Life Sciences, Dr Jane Goodall is one of the most sought-after environment and sustainability speakers to date. When hired to speak on reaching net zero, Jane emphasises the importance of balancing greenhouse gas emissions in order to protect our planet from further destruction. Named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by TIME, don’t miss your opportunity to learn all there is to know on net zero and climate change from expert primatologist Dr Jane Goodall.
Chris Hines – 9.7/10
Driving positive change, Chris Hines is a passionate environmentalist best known for his work as the Founding Director of Surfers Against Sewage and former Sustainability Director of The Eden Project. Described to be one of ‘the Governments most sophisticated environmental critics’, Chris is dedicated to finding a solution to problems, providing evidence to European Parliament, Commons and Lords Select Committees. Having also been selected as special advisor to Rt. Hon. Michael Meacher MP Minister for the Environment, Chris is a respected communicator on sustainability and the need for action against climate change.
Now the Owner of A Grain Of Sand, Chris is also regularly sought to appear on Panorama, BBC World Service and BBC Newsnight to share his revered expertise on the environment. Having taken a stand against various environmental issues, Chris is hired to speak on becoming net zero to emphasise the importance of paying attention to carbon emissions and personal impact on the planet.
Dorthe Scherling Nielsen – 9.6/10
Emphasising that sustainability should be the ‘lifeblood of any company seeking to exist and thrive in the next 5-10 years’, Dorthe Scherling Nielsen has spent her career adopting a sustainability mindset to create thriving businesses. Formerly the Director of Global Sustainability Policy, Government & Public Affairs for Nike, Dorthe has impacted the sustainability practises of some of the world’s biggest organisations. Having also formerly worked as the Chief Sustainability Officer & EVP of Corporate Affairs for BESTSELLER and the VP of Sustainability & Government Affairs for Hempel A/S, Dorthe is an expert in creating cutting-edge sustainability initiatives and delivering them successfully.
Having also been a part of the We Mean Business Climate Coalition Steering Committee and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Dorthe is determined to see the move toward a more sustainable future. With a profound experience in developing sustainability strategies, Dorthe is the perfect speaker to educate audiences on the importance of reaching a net zero state – making people take responsibility for their impact on the planet.
Gina McCarthy – 9.5/10
Renowned as the first White House National Climate Advisor, Gina McCarthy is a driving force behind climate change action. A respected individual in American politics, Gina served as the National Climate Advisor during President Biden’s administration and also as the 13th Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from 2013 to 2017. Other prominent roles of Gina’s include being the CEO of the Natural Resources Defense Council, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and Environmental Advisor to the Governor of Massachusetts. During the course of her career, Gina has also established a reputation as an influential expert on air quality.
As a leading expert on sustainability, the environment and air quality, Gina is perfectly positioned to educate audiences on the importance of tackling climate change and becoming net zero. As we continue to release more harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, Gina expertly advises audiences on the detrimental impact the human race has on the planet. If you are looking for an authoritative speech on the importance of living sustainably, hire Gina McCarthy today.
Christiana Figueres – 9.4/10
A globally-renowned climate change campaigner credited for leading the 2015 Paris Agreement, Christiana Figueres is leading definitive change for the environment. Famed as the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Christiana targeted the many industries accelerating climate change – from coal and gas to deforestation. Alongside this role, Christiana also co-founded The Global Optimism Group and published ‘The Future We Choose: Surviving The Climate Crisis’.
Awarded The Grand Medal of the City of Paris and honoured as the only female Latin American in the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders 2016 by Fortune, Christiana is a preeminent authority whose expertise on climate change and net zero is revered worldwide. With other experience as the Vice President of the Bureau of the Climate Convention and Vice-Chair of the Rating Committee of the Carbon Rating Agency, there are few as passionate about the move to a net zero state as Christiana Figueres.
Helen Clark – 9.3/10
Widely respected for her tenure in New Zealand politics, Helen Clark was the second female Prime Minister of New Zealand, renowned for her passion to ensure gender equality in positions of power. Making history when she elected women to roles such as Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief of Justice and Governor-General, Helen was also revered for her passion to make New Zealand a clean and green country. In 2007, Helen issued a challenge to the nation, encouraging New Zealand to become a sustainable nation and sharing her aspirations for the country to become carbon neutral.
With the best interests of New Zealand at heart, Helen solidified her reputation as one of the most respected New Zealand politicians. Having also worked as the first female Administrator of the UN Development Programme, Helen is looked to as an authoritative figure whose expertise is respected worldwide. With knowledge that extends to sustainable development and tackling climate change, Helen Clark is a perfect choice when looking to encourage the move towards a net zero society.
Maja Göpel – 9.2/10
Political economist and sustainability scientist, Maja Göpel is determined to accelerate the move to a more sustainable future. Currently the Research Director of The New Institute, Maja formerly worked as the Head of the Berlin Office for Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy and the Director of Future Justice at the World Economic Forum. Keen to change people’s mindsets and actions toward climate change, Maja has been commended for her contributions to sustainability with the Adam Smith Prize and the Erich Fromm Prize.
Also revered for co-founding Scientists for Future, Maja is a foremost authority on the importance of living sustainably and paying attention to our impact on the planet. Having specialised in climate change, energy and the environment, Maja is an expert on the impact that energy production has on the planet, and how people can consciously try to balance their emissions and become net zero.
Rebecca Marmot – 9.1/10
Chief Sustainability Officer of Unilever, Rebecca Marmot leads the newly merged Global Sustainability, Global Advocacy & Policy and Global Partnerships Team at Unilever. Working with external stakeholders, Rebecca builds optimal strategic and commercial partnerships with sustainability at its core. Formerly the Global External Affairs Director for L’Oreal and the External Affairs Manager of the UK Department of Trade & Industry, Rebecca is an expert in building relationships with the most influential figures for public benefit.
Introducing the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, Rebecca has revolutionised the sustainable practices of the multinational company and helped reduce its carbon footprint considerably. Having also tackled Unilever’s energy usage, Rebecca is now sought-after to speak on achieving net zero, emphasising what can be done to reduce CO2 emissions and impact on the planet. Supplying audiences with a toolbox for sustainable practises, Rebecca encourages audiences to take onus for their contributions to global warming.
Kate Wylie – 9/10
Sitting at the helm of a leading retailer of consumer goods, Kate Wylie has championed sustainability as the Chief Sustainability Officer of Chanel since 2021. Formerly the Global Vice President of Sustainability for Mars, Kate has detailed expertise on sustainable supply chains and social impact. Highly passionate to see increased responsibility for sustainability and climate change action, Kate has also formerly acted as a member of the DEFRA Council for Sustainable Business and was named one of the Top 100 Environmentalists by Forbes.
As a pivotal advocate for sustainability, Kate is now hired to speak on the concept of becoming net zero – driving home her passion for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to protect the planet from further warming. Having also pioneered sustainability at eBay and Etsy, Kate is a prominent choice when looking for guidance on corporate sustainability and how you too can become net zero.
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If you are interested in hiring one of our sustainability and net zero speakers, don’t hesitate to contact one of our dedicated booking agents by calling directly on 0207 0787 876 or by completing our online contact form.
