Net Zero Festival 2024 Set to Boost UK Decarbonisation Efforts
The UK’s decarbonisation agenda will be in sharp focus at the Net Zero Festival 2024, taking place this week from October 22 to 23 at the Business Design Centre in London. The event promises to bring together 2,000 business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and campaigners dedicated to accelerating the country’s transition to a net-zero economy.
As the new government prioritises net zero goals, the festival aims to address the implications of a potential Trump presidency on global climate action. With over 150 expert speakers lined up, the festival will feature keynotes, panel discussions, and workshops aimed at showcasing the best of the UK’s green economy and exploring strategies for effective decarbonisation.
Notable speakers include Polly Billington, a Labour MP and environmental campaigner; Dale Vince, a green entrepreneur and Labour donor; and Adam Elman, Google’s sustainability lead. The festival has attracted high-profile figures such as Baroness Brown of Cambridge, chair of the Adaptation Sub-Committee at the Climate Change Committee; climate activist Clover Hogan; author and TV presenter Simon Reeve; and Mike Biddle, executive director of Innovate UK.
Now in its fifth year, the CPD-accredited festival remains free to attend and will feature presentations, discussions, and workshops across four thematic stages: Inspiration, Action, Engage, and Showcase. Attendees can also opt for an upgrade to access the new BusinessGreen Intelligence Stage, which will host deep-dive sessions providing exclusive insights into developing a leading net-zero strategy.
James Murray, co-founder of the Net Zero Festival and editor-in-chief of BusinessGreen, expressed optimism about this year’s event. “Action on climate change is more critical than ever, so this year’s Net Zero Festival promises to be our most impactful yet,” he stated. Murray noted a significant surge in interest for this year’s festival, reflecting the urgency of the net zero agenda and the seriousness with which it is being treated by the new government.
Highlighted sessions will include discussions on key topics such as the net zero priorities for the new parliament, featuring Shaun Spiers, executive director at Green Alliance. Another important session will examine how a Trump presidency could impact global climate action, presented by Dustin Benton, managing director at Forefront Advisers.
Practical strategies for adapting to climate change in the UK will also be a major focus, with contributions from Baroness Brown and Emma Howard Boyd, chair of the London Climate Resilience Review. Additionally, a panel discussion will explore the role of artificial intelligence in the net zero transition, featuring Adam Elman from Google.
The festival will also cover topics like the five pillars of nature-positive business with experts from the RSPB and personal resilience in the face of climate chaos with climate change coach Claire Osborne.
With an emphasis on actionable collaboration, the Net Zero Festival 2024 is poised to catalyse essential discussions and foster partnerships necessary for a sustainable future in the UK and beyond.