Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to consumers, with many preferring businesses that prioritise eco-friendly practices. In fact, 34% of consumers now choose brands that demonstrate environmental sustainability. Therefore, your business must contribute to the protection of the planet.
A fantastic way to delve into sustainability within your business is by hiring a sustainability keynote speaker. Few individuals possess the knowledge, experience and passion to inspire change like sustainability speakers do. Whether they are adventurers, politicians, humanitarians or business owners, our roster of sustainability speakers share a common goal - to save our planet.
Who Are The Top 15 Sustainability Speakers to Hire?:
This exclusive selection of the Top 15 Sustainability Speakers on Climate Change & Corporate Responsibility is a result of extensive market research and official data collected from surveys conducted at 327 sustainability-themed events between 2021 and 2024. These speakers have been carefully vetted and selected through rigorous scrutiny from event audiences and then listed in this exclusive post, written by Jack Hayes and Lucy Berry.
- Nigel Topping - High-Level Champion for Climate Change COP26
- Christiana Figueres - Former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
- Tom Rivett-Carnac - Founding Director of Global Optimism Ltd
- Alexandra Palt - Chief Sustainability Officer of L'Oreal
- Lucas Joppa - Chief Environmental Officer of Microsoft
- Chris Hines - Former Sustainability Director of the Eden Project
- Liz Bonnin - Presenter of Big Blue Live, Countrywise and Bang Goes the Theory
- Kate Brandt - Sustainability Officer for Google
- David Howell - Former Secretary of State for Energy
- Chadden Hunter - TV Producer for Frozen Planet, One Planet & Planet Earth
- Sally Uren - Chief Executive Director of Forum for the Future
- Göran Carstedt - Former Senior Director of the Clinton Climate Change Initiative
- Jessica Sansom - Former Head of Sustainability for Innocent Drinks
- Jonathon Porritt - Founder of Forum for the Future
- Pia Heidenmark Cook - Former Chief Sustainability Officer for IKEA
1. Nigel Topping
"The climate crisis has deep roots in the industrial revolution and stems from an outdated mode of value creation that puts an unsustainable drain on the world’s natural resources and vastly exceeds the planetary boundaries." - Nigel Topping
In January 2020, Nigel Topping was appointed the UK High-Level Climate Champion, where he works with global leaders to drastically reduce carbon emissions. As the former CEO of We Mean Business, he has dedicated his life to saving the planet, one business at a time.
Such commitment makes Nigel a key figure at sustainability conferences, as he supplies vital guidance on ethical business operations. He can talk on topics ranging from ESG to renewable energy and has the passion to inspire long term change in his corporate audiences.
2. Christiana Figueres
"This is the decade in which, contrary to everything humanity has experienced before, we have everything in our power. We have the capital, the technology, the policies. And we have the scientific knowledge to understand that we have to half our emissions by 2030." - Christiana Figueres
Christiana Figueres was an architect of the 2015 Paris Agreement, a vital global agreement between countries to save the planet. She was also the Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change for five years, during which Christiana pioneered sustainable development like renewable energy.
A powerful force of good, Christiana is regularly booked for corporate events, conferences and interviews to share her unique understanding. With first-hand experience tackling climate change, her advice for business owners is transformational.
3. Tom Rivett-Carnac
“Don’t underestimate the impact and influence you have… wherever you sit in the seniority chain, there is now a very meaningful push from leadership because they understand that this is a major concern." - Tom Rivett-Carnac
Serving alongside Christiana as her Senior Advisor, Tom Rivett-Carnac was also instrumental to the Paris Agreement in 2015. The author and political lobbyist is qualified in Environmental Economics and Holistic Science, which allows Tom to talk on a wide range of topics with confidence.
As a sustainability speaker, Tom leaves audiences with a newfound optimism in the face of climate change. His powerful message teaches the importance of action, and how we are not too late the save the planet from global warming. For business leaders, Tom's impact leads to long term change.
4. Alexandra Palt
“L’Oréal has embarked on a fundamental transformation towards a more sustainable model.” - Alexandra Palt
Alexandra Palt is the Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer of L’Oréal and Executive Vice President of the L’Oréal Foundation. With experience leading one of the biggest beauty brands in the world, she understands the importance of corporate responsibility on a global scale.
At events, Alexandra shares with audiences how she transformed L’Oréal's impact on the planet, across their supply chain. She is passionate about human rights, and her campaign, 'Sharing Beauty With All', is committed to driving sustainability. The ideal speaker for corporate conferences, Alexandra is a booking opportunity not to be missed.
5. Lucas Joppa
"By 2030, what Microsoft is committed to doing is to be a carbon-negative water-positive zero-waste company, that’s protecting more land than it uses and is building the foundations of what we’re calling a Planetary Computing Platform." - Lucas Joppa
Combining data science and sustainability, Lucas Joppa is at the forefront of the technological revolution. He is the Chief Environmental Officer at Microsoft, making him responsible for the global brand's sustainability strategy, tracking the data and actioning any required changes.
When booked for events, Lucas shares with audiences the insight that led to Microsoft's transformation. His results-driven solutions are practical and powerful in equal measure, to ensure corporate audiences receive actionable guidance. Lucas is an essential figure in the fight for our planet.
6. Chris Hines
"We have known about climate change for a long time, but we have done very little." - Chris Hines
Former Sustainability Director of the Eden project, Co-Founder and former Director of Surfers Against Sewage, Chris Hines, is an authoritative voice on climate change. Opened in 2001, the biggest greenhouse in the world attracts thousands of tourists each year, reconnecting humans with the natural world. As a speaker, Chris can offer an insight into his business' environmental methods.
Chris doesn't sugarcoat the situation. His speeches are a warning of the mass flooding, starvation and dehydration guaranteed if we do not face up to climate change. He calls on everyone to embrace the planet and take the necessary steps to protect it.
7. Liz Bonnin
"It’s time we sit up and take note of the toxic impact plastic is having on our bodies." - Liz Bonnin
Liz Bonnin has dedicated her career to wildlife conservation. The biochemist and biologist has presented on BAFTA award-winning shows, like Big Blue Live and Galapagos. Using her knowledge, Liz opens her audience's eyes to the climate disaster happening right now.
She has appeared at numerous events, hosting the likes of ET Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards and the Natural History Museum Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award. Recently, she interviewed Sir David Attenborough at the University of Cambridge, to highlight the need for more sustainable methods of living.
8. Kate Brandt
"Going back to 2015, [Google] made a commitment [to] embed circular economy principles into our infrastructure, our operations, our products and our culture." - Kate Brandt
Better known as Google's Sustainability Officer, Kate Brandt has worked with both businesses and governments to promote circular principles. She is passionate about a circular economy, the idea that resources can be repurposed to lessen the strain on our planet.
From AI to recycling, Kate is at the forefront of business sustainability. As a speaker, she can offer and insight into circular economies, providing advice on how businesses can reduce, reuse, recycle and repurpose. Kate boasts years of experience, making her a truly influential thought leader.
9. David Howell
"We are looking at a world which has been governed for a hundred and fifty years by the hydrocarbons, by their refineries, by their finances, by their pipelines." - David Howell
Lord David Howell, the Baron of Guildford, is a Conservative politician and former Secretary of Energy Sustainability. David invests in the youth and believes that they are key to the recovery of hydrocarbons.
While in Government, David faced the responsibility of reducing our carbon footprint. From his position within parliament, he took a stand against climate change. His presentations are realistic and factual, inspiring people to embrace sustainability head-on.
10. Chadden Hunter
”It’s really never the animals that are dangerous, I would say that almost every time that we’re in danger, it’s either another human or some physical situation” – Chadden Hunter
Chadden Hunter has forged a respectable career as a producer and director, working behind the cameras on programmes such as Planet Earth, Frozen Planet and One Planet. Filming for the BBC and National Geographic, Chadden has followed the lives of many endangered species and is passionate about sharing the importance of action against climate change and destroying habitats.
Booked as a speaker, Chadden shares stories of his experiences on major nature documentaries, having explored the four corners of the world. He has great faith in younger generations to continue activism for climate change and pushes the importance of everyone doing their bit to tackle the problems of global warming.
11. Sally Uren
"Consumers aren't yet demanding demanding sustainability, but their awareness of these issues is much greater than it was five or ten years ago because we live in this connected world." - Sally Uren
Sally Uren is widely known as the Chief Executive of Forum for the Future, accelerating change towards a sustainable planet. Catalysing transformational change, Sally has been instrumental in sustainability projects such as Net Positive, Tea 2030 and Cotton 2040. She was also the founder of Casella Stanger, a sustainability group now known as Bureau Veritas.
When booked as a speaker, Sally touches on a variety of important issues relating to climate change and sustainability- including sustainable food, agriculture, brands and retail as well as mainstreaming sustainability in business.
12. Göran Carstedt
"New thinking is about cross-border collaborations. Most of today’s problems can only be approached by cross-industry, cross-sector, cross-country, cross-company and cross-generational collaborations." - Göran Carstedt
Former President of IKEA North America, Göran Carstedt played a significant role in ensuring that the company abided by sustainable practices. He also acted as the Senior Director of the Clinton Climate Change Initiative, a role in which he collaborated with 40 countries to accelerate action to combat climate change.
A seasoned speaker, having delivered the TEDx talk Leadership for a Sustainable Future, Göran helps clients to create future-proofed strategies with environmental consciousness at the heart. Covering topics such as creating a sustainable future, the leadership challenge as our time and empowerment, book Göran for an informed speech on sustainability.
13. Jessica Sansom
”I think if businesses realised that if you don’t actually look after your social and environmental impact then you might not necessarily have a business” – Jessica Sansom
Working alongside Richard Reed and Jon Wright, Jessica Sansom helped to make the Innocent Drinks company the international sensation it is today, as their Head of Sustainability. Formerly the Environment Manager and Sustainable Supply Manager for McDonald’s, Jessica has ensured that major corporations abide by sustainable practices.
Working with supply chains to ensure ethical environmental practices, Jessica is now booked as a speaker to share her environmental expertise. Also formerly the Greenhouse Action Plan Programme Officer for the Australian Government, Jessica is an advocate for combatting climate change.
14. Jonathon Porritt
”Peace, non-violence, human rights and the environment- of only everybody saw these as the seamless whole that they are”- Sir Jonathon Porritt
One of the most prominent names in sustainability, Sir Jonathon Porritt is famed as the Founder of Forum for the Future. Awarded a CBE in 2000, Jonathon is highly regarded for his environmental advocacy and has also acted as the Chair of the Sustainable Development Commission. A long-standing supporter of the Green Party, Jonathon is passionate about accelerating change to save our planet.
A seasoned speaker, Jonathon was invited to deliver the TEDx talk Sustainability for All, and is booked by high-profile clients to share how they can take action to tackle climate change. From promoting eco policies in politics to sustainable strategies for business, book Jonathon for an authoritative speech on sustainability.
15. Pia Heidenmark Cook
"We have a huge responsibility – and opportunity – to be a part of tackling the climate crisis. But we can’t do it alone. Governments must step up and make a difference. Brands and companies have to take a stand for the things we care about. And as individuals, we have the power to contribute to real change in our daily lives." – Pia Heidenmark Cook
Pia Heidenmark Cook is famed for her time as the Chief Sustainability Officer at IKEA. Responsible for setting achievable sustainable strategies for the company, Pia helped accelerate IKEA in its mission to be planet positive by 2030. In reward of her commitment to sustainability, Pia was honoured with the Sustainable Leader Award 2020.
An accomplished speaker, Pia was previously invited to deliver the TEDx talk How IKEA is Growing its Business Whilst Shrinking Emissions and is booked by high-profile clients to accelerate climate change action.
Hire a Sustainability Speaker Today!
To hire any of the sustainability speakers mentioned in this exclusive selection, contact us by completing our online contact form or by calling a booking agent directly on 0207 1010 553.
This exclusive article on the Top 15 Sustainability Speakers on Climate Change & Corporate Responsibility was written by Jack Hayes and Lucy Berry, using official data collected from surveys conducted at 327 sustainability-themed events, between 2021 and 2024.
