Voices & Interviews

As part of the Climate Champions’-led Ocean Breakthroughs, the Edges of Earth team spent time in Belize to learn from and spotlight the incredible efforts of local leaders, including Tara Scarborough. Through interviews dives, and deep conversations, Tara shared her commitment to uniting her community to safeguard Belize’s precious marine ecosystems.

Meet Gator Halpern, Co-founder and President of Coral Vita, who’s scaling coral restoration to combat ocean warming. By cultivating resilient corals in high-tech farms, Coral Vita restores damaged reefs in the Bahamas and beyond, safeguarding biodiversity and supporting local economies.

Meet Dr. Allen Hershkowitz, whose work is transforming how sports and culture can contribute to a more sustainable world. As the environmental adviser to the New York Yankees, NBA, and Broadway, Allen is helping iconic institutions engage millions in the climate conversation, setting new standards for environmental action in these influential spaces.

Meet Rajesh Shah, Managing Trustee of VIKAS Centre for Development, championing community-led climate resilience through the Great Green Wall of Gujarat. Rajesh’s initiative empowers marginalized communities to restore coastal ecosystems while creating sustainable livelihoods.

Over the last 20-years, my sustainability career has intersected three industries at the centre of climate action: policy, finance, and technology. Much like a team, these sectors work together, each with their unique strengths to drive climate progress at scale. But before I entered the field professionally, I began learning about sustainability and environmental protection […]

Meet Deepa Lama, Co-founder and President of Kalpavaatika Society Nepal, who is championing urban sustainability by transforming kitchen waste into compost and using rooftops for farming in Kathmandu. Her project, “Enhancing Urban Sustainability through Nature-based Solutions,” empowers over 500 community members to address waste management and food security challenges by composting organic waste and cultivating rooftop gardens.

Meet Nduka Miracle, Co-founder and Director at Kitovu Technology Company, who’s transforming Africa’s agriculture sector through climate-smart solutions for smallholder farmers. Kitovu’s innovations empower farmers to boost productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and cut emissions – paving the way for resilient, sustainable farming across Africa.

Meet Zeinaba Narabene, President of Réseau des Jeunes Sahéliens pour le Climat au Mali (RJSCLIM), who is leading the Green Schools Project to embed environmental education in schools across Mali. Through her GreenKids initiative, Zeinaba is empowering young students to understand and act on climate issues in their communities.

Meet Angela Chaudhuri, CEO & Chief Catalyst of global health organization, Swasti, who is redefining how communities, especially the most vulnerable, respond to climate-driven health risks through real-time data insights.

Meet Miguel A. Torres, President of Familia Torres, who’s redefining winemaking with bold climate action – from slashing CO₂ emissions to powering vineyards sustainably, he’s proving that great wine and a healthy planet go hand in hand.

Meet Franny Collingham, founder of Wild Clouds, a sustainable fashion brand dedicated to reimagining design and production with sustainability at its core. Driven by a commitment to ethical practices, Franny ensures every detail – from compostable fabrics to plastic-free trims – reflects her vision of thoughtful, low-impact fashion.

Meet Impact Maker Ragy Ramadan Ahmed Shehata, Founder & CEO of NoorNation in Cairo, Egypt. Discover his journey to deliver innovative climate solutions like LifeBox, bringing clean energy and safe water to underserved communities across Africa.

Meet Shelly Jarina Kerketta, who’s empowering rural India through clean energy. With her project, the Clean Energy-based Micro Enterprise Development project, Shelly’s helping build resilient businesses, enhance agricultural productivity, and reduce reliance on harmful fuels like kerosene.

Meet Khaled Noby Mohamed, Executive Director of Nature Conservation Egypt (NCE), where he’s working to balance renewable energy growth with biodiversity protection in Egypt. As renewable energy projects expand, Khaled is leading critical efforts to safeguard Egypt’s unique ecosystems, from migratory birds to vulnerable native species.

Meet Gilberto Ribeiro, Partner and CIO of VOX Capital, leading climate finance innovations for sustainable energy and land use in Brazil. Gilberto’s work mobilizes funds to address Brazil’s environmental challenges, from deforestation to sustainable agriculture.

Meet Lynn von Koch-Liebert, Head of Climate, Energy & Infrastructure at Lendistry, who is championing equitable access to climate finance. Lynn is dedicated to ensuring underserved communities and small businesses have the capital to lead in the clean energy transition.

Meet Ramil Azmammadov, CEO of Dr. Agro, who’s empowering Azerbaijani farmers to make data-driven decisions for sustainable yields. Dr. Agro’s platform equips farmers with tools for crop planning, budgeting, disease alerts, and climate insights – helping them navigate challenges and increase productivity.

Distinguished economist and finance expert Vera Songwe has been instrumental in shaping discussions on Africa’s economic future, and the global climate finance agenda at large. On the eve of COP 29 in Baku, Songwe discusses the role of climate finance, green industrialization, and the need for global cooperation to combat the climate crisis.

Meet Pablo Castellanos Ramelli, Co-founder and COO of BATx, who’s transforming energy sustainability in Latin America by giving EV batteries a second life. Through repair, refurbishment, and repurposing, his initiative is reducing waste, creating economic opportunities, and advancing a circular economy in Colombia and beyond.

Meet Fany Kuiru, General Coordinator of COICA and the first woman to lead the Amazon’s largest Indigenous coalition. Fany spearheaded the Amazon for Life Fund to empower Indigenous communities by supporting sustainable, self-determined projects across the Amazon Basin.

Meet Michael Kakande, Founder & Chairperson of Resilient40 and champion for climate justice, mobilizing African voices to drive action at local and global levels. Through Resilient40 and initiatives like the African Citizen’s Climate Caravan, Michael is amplifying African youth and community perspectives in the global climate conversation.

Meet Helmy Abouleish, CEO of SEKEM, promoting biodynamic farming for sustainable agriculture in Egypt. Through the Economy of Love (EoL) standard, Helmy is transforming agriculture, supporting smallholder farmers to adopt sustainable practices while generating new income streams through carbon credits.

Meet David Henry – Co-founder of ReThink Youth and CEO of Strategy Reloaded, and a dedicated advocate for sustainable agriculture in Saint Lucia.
Through the Vetiver Smart Farms initiative, David is equipping local farmers with regenerative agriculture techniques to strengthen land resilience, increase crop yields, and empower communities in the face of climate challenges

Meet Sellah Bogonko, Co-Founder & CEO of Jacob’s Ladder Africa who’s on a mission to empower Africa’s youth through green jobs.

Driving the transition to cleaner, greener transport solutions in Bangladesh

Building climate resilience for the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians

With the global Biodiversity Conference, COP 16, getting underway, we recently spoke with Manuel Pulgar-Vidal on the origins of the action agenda, Manuel’s hopes for COP 16, the synergies between climate and nature, and the potential to engage all stakeholders in the decisive decade.

Sony’s Senior Executive VP Shiro Kambe outlines how the company is rethinking innovation to confront the climate crisis. With a target of net zero by 2040, Kambe discusses the challenges and breakthroughs shaping Sony’s approach to sustainability.

As countries prepare to share their post-2030 climate commitments, so-called ‘Nationally-Determined Contributions (NDCs)’, we spoke to Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40, the global network of nearly 100 mayors from the world’s leading cities united in  confronting the climate crisis, on the massive potential for regions and cities to boost the ambition and effectiveness of […]

As part of an ongoing series to support the Climate Champions’ Ocean Breakthroughs, the Edges of Earth expedition team spoke with Connie Crocker (Xwulslim). Connie shared her journey from a childhood immersed in fishing to leading efforts to restore vital kelp forests in British Columbia.

Discover the inspiring journey of Chuen in our latest Edges of Earth series, as she navigates the challenges of coastal tourism — one of five key sectors for the Ocean Breakthroughs — while upholding her deep commitment to community and nature.

Jennifer Morris, CEO of The Nature Conservancy, addresses the urgent need for more innovative climate adaptation strategies. Morris emphasizes transforming stakeholder engagement and enhancing financial support mechanisms, advocating for governance by Indigenous Peoples and local communities. She calls for radical collaboration across governments, businesses, and civil society to address the climate crisis and close the adaptation finance gap swiftly and fairly.

An interview with Professor Thomas Hale, University of Oxford Dr Thomas Hale is a Professor at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, where he focuses on how societies can manage global problems effectively and fairly, with a particular emphasis on environmental, economic and health issues. To mark the 4th anniversary of the Race […]

Discover how VMI is leading the charge in the TV industry’s Race to Zero. From solar panels to electric fleets, learn how the cameral rental company’s sustainability mission is revolutionizing business practices, inspiring its team, and shaping a fairer and healthier future.

Wild Clouds, a sustainable fashion brand founded by Franny Collingham, has committed to achieving net zero emissions as a member of the Race to Zero campaign. Here, Collingham explores the company’s motivations, actions, and progress in the pursuit of environmental sustainability.

Frog Bikes, a company dedicated to creating sustainable children’s bicycles, is on a mission to achieve net zero emissions. Anna Drew, the Head of Strategy & Sustainability, explains how Frog Bikes has embarked on an ambitious journey, as part of the SME Climate Hub and the Race to Zero campaign.

As part of a new series to support the Ocean Breakthroughs, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions and the Edges of Earth expedition explore how a community is adapting to and combating the impacts of climate change in the capital of Sri Lanka. The Edges of Earth team had the opportunity to spend two weeks living alongside Hafsa Jamel (pictured), learning about their work supporting local nature-based solutions that aim to mitigate climate challenges in their home country.

Bogolo Kenewendo is a global leader in Pan-African development, specialising in sustainable trade and investment, and accelerating innovation across the continent. Until recently, Bogolo was the Special Advisor to the UN Climate Change High-Level Climate Champions, and Africa Director, where she played a leading role in implementing the Champions’ plans for accelerating ambition and action […]

Discover how members of the Scotch Whisky Association, partners to the Race to Zero, are working hard to secure a sustainable future for the Scotch Whisky industry – ensuring its products are produced sustainably, traded globally and enjoyed responsibly.

To celebrate International Day for Women in Maritime 2024, the Climate Champions with Lloyd Register Foundation interviewed women steering maritime onto a cleaner and fairer future. In this interview, Jaeda Simone Sutherland, Project Officer at the Belize Port Authority explains why she’s committed to shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for generations to come.

To celebrate International Day for Women in Maritime 2024, the Climate Champions with Lloyd Register Foundation interviewed women steering maritime onto a cleaner and fairer future. In this interview, Aideé Saucedo Dávila, Technical Officer at the UN International Maritime Organization discusses her work in reducing emissions from international shipping and examining their potential impacts on States.

As part of our leadership series, discover how CSO of JLL is driving the real estate giant’s Race to Zero and setting the stage for wider adoption in the industry.

Elizabeth Hausler, founder of Race to Resilience partner Build Change, reflects on two decades of pioneering resilient housing solutions worldwide, from retrofitting homes in Haiti to influencing global policy, and setting ambitious goals for the future.

Chris Skidmore guest Q&A   Chris Skidmore OBE speaks at New York Climate Week, September 2023. Copyright: Climate Group.   As a former UK energy minister, Chris Skidmore OBE signed into law the country’s commitment to curtail emissions to net zero by 2050. Chris went on to lead an independent Net Zero Review, Mission Zero, […]

  Indigenous Peoples and local communities live on and manage more than half of the world’s land, yet they only have legal ownership of 10% of these territories. Robust Indigenous and local land rights are vital for managing forests, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preserving biodiversity, and improving livelihoods.  Nonette Royo, Executive Director, Tenure Facility, has […]

Google Chief Sustainability Officer, Kate Brandt explains why a CSO’s daily work is no longer simply confined to decarbonizing a businesses. For Google this means empowering individuals, businesses, organizations and governments with quality information through products and platforms, and by helping drive systems change to accelerate climate action.

Isobel Mitchell, a Responsible Investment Analyst at the Church Commissioners for England, explains why tackling deforestation is not just an environmental imperative but a critical component of their strategy to achieve net zero and safeguard biodiversity.

British fashion designer and founder of Fashion Revolution, Carry Somers discusses the fashion industry’s significant impact on climate change and explores pathways towards achieving net zero emissions.

Climate Champions’ Global Ambassador Sheela Patel outlines her vision for the Roof Over Our Heads campaign designed to help women leaders from informal settlements to advance resilient, low carbon and affordable homes and solutions for their urban communities thereby advancing the overall climate resilience of their cities.

Sean Kidney, CEO of the Climate Bonds Initiative, underlines transformative role of climate bonds in catalysing our race to a net zero, nature-postive and resilient world and what needs to happen to unlock its dramatic potential. 

We spoke to Irene Ojuok, Ambassador, Global Evergreening Alliance and specialist in FMNR (Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration) about our failure to recognise the true value of nature for both people and planet and how this needs to be overcome.

Stephanie Holthaus, lead of The Nature Conservancy’s Women in Climate (WIC) initiative, discusses the indispensable role women play in climate action. How do you see women’s unique perspectives and skills contributing to more effective climate action and conservation efforts?  Women challenge existing power structures and traditional notions of what climate action entails. Crucially, women take […]

Daraja, an early warning system for informal resident systems, has been awarded Bronze in a World Habitat competition to demonstrate exceptional work in providing or promoting access to adequate housing.

Guest interview: Emma Howard Boyd CBE, Chair of the London Climate Resilience Review In January, the London Climate Resilience Review, an independent review commissioned by the Mayor of London, published an interim report. Emma Howard Boyd CBE, the chair of the Review and Race to resilience Global Ambassador shared her insights on the urgent need […]

Three members of the Frontline Community Delegation (FCD), Maria Pedro de Pedro, Briseida Iglesias Lopez de Guerrero, and Maricela Fernández Fernández, shed light on the urgent realities faced by those most directly impacted by climate change. Their stories reveal not only the challenges but also the resilience and solutions found within frontline communities.

Andrew Dumbrille & Elissama Menezes from maritime solutions organization, Equal Routes discuss the 2030 Shipping Pact for People and Nature (2030 SPPaN) which envisions a future where sustainable shipping practices benefit nature, people, and the planet, overcoming hurdles through partnerships, accountability measures, and a holistic approach to governance.

If we fail to address the crucial links between the climate crisis and nature loss, we jeopardize the future wellbeing and prosperity of people and planet, argues Dr Kirsten Schuijt, Director General, WWF International.

Sarah Darcie, Policy & Stakeholder Youth Fellow, explains how the Climate Champions are working to elevate the needs of Indigenous Peoples, highlighting their solutions and helping change the narrative of climate finance.

Business leader and campaigner Paul Polman discusses his role as a Global Ambassador to the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, the transformation of food systems to benefit nature ecosystems, and his hopes for the upcoming COP. What does the Race to Zero mean to you? “The Race to Zero is a unique initiative that works […]

As Latin America and Caribbean Climate Week gets underway, youth activist and UN Women National Gender Youth Advocate, Julieta Martinez discusses today’s most challenging issues and the region’s role in global climate action.

With Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Climate Week opening on 23 October, Racquel Moses, Chief Executive of the Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator (CCSA) and High-Level Champions Ambassador, discusses the the region’s climate challenges, transformative investments, groundbreaking innovation, and the indomitable spirit of the region to thrive in the face of adversity. 

The global food system has the power to nurture the world’s growing population, boost livelihoods and jobs, and help us achieve our climate and nature goals, says Gonzalo Muñoz, High-Level Champion for COP25 and Chair of the Non-State Actors Pillar of the COP28 Presidency’s Food Systems & Agriculture Agenda.

At Climate Week NYC, Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, calls on all actors to step up to transform food systems ahead of Climate Summit in UAE.

Ahead of Africa Climate Week, Dr. Susan Chomba, Director of Vital Landscapes for Africa at WRI, discusses Africa’s unique position in the climate dialogue, the potential for transformative food systems, and the urgent need for regenerative practices.

To mark World Oceans Day, we delve into the maritime industry’s net zero transition. CMB CEO Alexander Saverys explains how the company is helping propel the change through their advocacy for green hydrogen.

To mark World Environment Day, Houdini’s Sustainability Coordinator, Malva Carlsson, highlights the company’s aim to go beyond net zero and become regenerative, benefiting ecosystems and societies.

Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, former Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, issues a resolute call to state and non-state actors alike to safeguard ecosystems, emphasizing the dire consequences of inaction.

Plans being drawn up to incentivise low carbon shipping must be inclusive and equitable, warns Tuvalu government official Asela Peneueta.

From significantly increased financial resources to engaging Indigenous peoples, Ms. Juliette Biao, Director of the UN Forum on Forests, explains what’s needed to protect these critical ecosystems.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Synthesis Report under the Sixth Assessment Cycle will be released on 20 March. Working Group II lead author and Technical Lead of Race to Resilience, Paulina Aldunce explains its significance.

UMAS Principal Consultant, Jean-Marc Bonello explains what impact a science-based framework will have on the sector’s Race to Zero.

We need to make a critical mindset shift to build capacity for justice and regeneration, says Dr Sally Uren, Forum for the Future CEO.

Climate Champions’ Global Ambassador, Dr. Agnes Kalibata is President of AGRA, an African led and Africa based institution that puts smallholder farmers at the centre of the continent’s growing economy. In this interview, Dr Kalibata discusses why urgently transforming our food systems is not only critical for our environment and the climate, but for the economy – creating opportunities for urgent growth in a time of compounded crises.

CEO of Resilience Rising, Seth Schultz explains why and how the maritime sector is putting resilience on an equal footing with mitigation.

Former Mayor of Quito, Mauricio Rodas explains why action to confront extreme heat is nowhere near where it needs to be.

Founder and Director of Valence Solutions, Dr Gabrielle Walker helps us imagine, in parallel with rapid reductions, how we can take CO2 out of the air at the scale needed to achieve net zero in an effective, affordable and equitable way and start reversing climate change.

“In the last 12 years, nine of the 13 oldest and five of the six largest baobabs on continental Africa have died. And it looks like climate change is one of the reasons for this,” award winning filmmaker and naturalist Cyrille Cornu.

Burberry has announced a strategy to protect, restore and regenerate nature, which includes expanding support for farming communities, in line with its commitment to become climate-positive by 2040.

“Both Natura and The Body Shop have worked for the last two decades with traditional and indigenous communities on how we can generate a business model that gives more value to the Amazon and other countries around the world.” Keyvan Macedo, Natura & Co. Sustainability Director, explains why the company is aiming for net positive.

Legendary marine biologist, Chair and President of Mission Blue, and National Geographic Explorer, Dr Sylvia Earle explains what it will take to restore the health of our oceans after decades of deep decline.

Recognizing the ocean-climate connection and the need for youth calls for ocean and climate action to be amplified, Sustainable Ocean Alliance’s Youth Policy Advisory Council solicited video submissions from young, regional environmental leaders.

“The opportunities for adapting, while shifting our economy to be prosperous, sustainable and equitable, are plenty – we just have to have the will and the courage to seize these opportunities” – Camille Manning Broome, President and CEO of the Center for Planning Excellence (CPEX) explains why a happy ending for Louisiana is possible.

International climate change and human rights lawyer, Tessa Khan discusses the law’s role in holding governments and companies to account, the limitations of the legal process, and the eroding social license of the fossil fuel industry.

“To the leaders of the developing countries, including my own, I would like to say: be bold! Show to the world your vision of how you want to transform your communities in order to survive AND thrive post-pandemic and amid continuous and exacerbated climate threats” — Vladislav Kaim, UN Secretary General’s Youth Advisor on Climate Change.

“Climate change isn’t about countries: it’s about people. It’s about the world we want to live in for generations to come and the species we share it with. In other words, it’s far too important to leave just to world leaders – this crisis requires all of us to step up” – Governor of California, Gavin Newsom explains what’s at stake.

Formula One World Champion and winner of 23 Grands Prix, Nico Rosberg on the power of sport, gender equality and the future of e-mobility.

“We have to address who is leading, and how we are leading, to usher in transformation more quickly and more fully than we’re seeing right now,” Dr Katharine Wilkinson on gender inequality, culture, imagination, and the good and the bad of net zero commitments.

“We are building commitment to a whole economy transition because we know we won’t get to net zero in a niche” – Mark Carney, UK Prime Minister’s Finance Advisor and UN Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance, speech at the Venice International Climate Conference.

The heathcare sector has a responsibility to train, educate, advocate and influence decision and policy-makers, collaborate widely through its research work, and engage the youth in inclusive programmes, according to Dr Claire Bayntun, Vice President of the Royal Society of Medicine.

“Our big opportunity to look beyond what has always been and build a world that we can all thrive in.” A poem by Kumi Naidoo.

World leading shark expert Cristina Zenato explains that if we are to mend our broken relationship with the natural world then first we have to fix our disconnect with the ocean.

Adventurer, conservationist, writer and photographer Cristina Mittermeier discusses the role of storytelling in the protection of the ocean with COP25 High Level Champion for Chile, Gonzalo Muñoz.

“As the world around us is changing, both in terms of the green energy revolution and in terms of the climate conditions we will have to operate in, if we do not change, adapt and add our ability to reduce emissions, then we will be left behind technologically, operationally and socially,” Lieutenant-General Richard Nugee CB CVO CBE.

With science demanding that in order to stay below 1.5C we must reach “net zero” greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 at the absolute latest, how do we get there? Tom Rivett-Carnac in conversation with Dr. Thomas Hale, Associate Professor in Global Public Policy at Oxford University.

“The current pandemic is a great opportunity to come back better and have a green recovery that is good for people, for nature and for the climate. And it’s entirely possible” – Tim Christophersen, UNEP

Chilean social entrepreneur and COP25 High-Level Climate Champion Gonzalo Muñoz on how the Race to Zero can be won. And he’s on a mission to bring a big list of business pledges to Glasgow in 2021.