The New York Times Climate Forward at The Conduit

The Conduit was delighted to host The New York Times Climate Forward conference for three days of focused, productive and forward-thinking programming. From internationally recognised scientists, to influential politicians, New York Times journalists, to creative entrepreneurs, each word spoken was worthy of its place on the stage. Here’s our debriefs from each notable day…

Words:

Rosie Fletcher

DAY ONE

Mayor Sadiq Khan opened the conference by encouraging us to see increasing urbanisation as an opportunity, with London leading the way. Two years after the implementation of the capital’s rapidly expanding ultra-low emissions zone, nitrogen oxide production has been reduced by 50%.

On The Conduit’s Solution Stage, in collaboration with Systemiq, and powered by Salesforce and The Crown Estate, we engaged with the power of the forest to reduce emissions, restore biodiversity and enhance livelihoods for communities. We swum into the depths of the oceans in our Solution Circle, to address the need for a forward looking set of metrics and language that will allow stakeholders to solutionise in a more practical and productive way.

Journalist and commentator George Monbiot, explored systems transformation with a particular emphasis on the future of food. There was a debate on whether environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) is a distraction from climate action and The New York Times closed the day with a panel on how public spaces can inspire change.

This was just the start… What would day two hold?

DAY TWO

From harnessing the agency and entrepreneurial zeal of the African continent, to creating positive tipping points towards a plant-based future, day two on The Conduit Solution Stage was full of powerful innovations and thoughtful actions.

Highlights from the day also included a heated debate on whether there can be societal transformation without climate reparation? Expertly judged by founder of Systemiq, Jeremy Oppenheim, and James Mwangi, founder of Climate Action Platform for Africa – a diplomatic ‘tie’ was concluded!

There was Nick Watts, Chief Sustainability Officer at the NHS, who inspired the audience with the new legislation from the NHS that directly addresses healthcare’s response to climate change – the first of its kind in the world.

Monom took us on an all-sensory, immersive journey into nature with a spatial sound installation – forging a bridge between art, climate action and ecology. Whilst Mark Campanale, founder of Carbon Tracker Initiative, buoyed us with insight into the rapid growth and expansion of the renewable energy system.

Day two at The New York Times Climate Forward conference really gave us space to feel inspired and hopeful for the future, whilst underscoring some of the urgent actions and investment required today.

DAY THREE

Day three, the final day of The New York Times Climate Forward conference at The Conduit, gave us some of the most powerful moments of the programme.

The Conduit’s Solution Stage on Curbing Plastic Pollution gave us insight into the powerful potential of seaweed and presented a world that turns waste plastic into the currency of the future – trash is inevitable, action is not.

‘We need to unite the concerns of people worried about getting to the end of the week, with those worried about the end of the world.’ Words from Ed Miliband, Shadow Secretary of State for Climate Change and Net Zero and Labour M.P., that pertinently pinpointed what had been echoing across the three days – people are at the heart of the change.

Whether you were for or against the motion at the NYT debate on whether social media is damaging to the environment, it was clear that both sides agreed on the significance of unifying voices, through a screen or not.

There is a new narrative emerging and Felipe Calderon, Former President of Mexico, advocated for each individual to become their own politician – ‘Never lose hope. Keep hopes and dreams and fight for them with all you have in your heart.’

Yes, there are reasons to despair but what we have learnt throughout The New York Times Climate Forward is that we have the solutions in our back pockets – from science, to finance, technology to youth leadership, the power is there to be unleashed.

The Talmud states, ‘Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly now, love mercy now, walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.’

If you weren’t able to attend the conference, or tune-in live, you’ll find recordings of all of our sessions on The Conduit’s YouTube channel, and linked below.