Welcome to our live coverage of the Climate Forward event, kicking off today at 9:15 a.m. Eastern time. We’ll be engaging with influential world leaders, policymakers, business innovators, and dedicated activists throughout the day.
A dominant theme this year is undoubtedly the Trump administration’s approach to climate policy. The United States, which only recently aspired to global climate leadership under the previous administration, has now significantly withdrawn from these efforts. Under President Trump, the nation is downplaying the severe threats of climate change and actively promoting the expansion of fossil fuels.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Following another year of unprecedented global temperatures and devastating climate-driven disasters, leaders worldwide are grappling not just with a rapidly changing planet, but also a dramatically altered political landscape. This critical moment is further complicated by rising energy demands, partly fueled by the growth of artificial intelligence, and China’s significant lead in developing clean energy technologies like advanced batteries and solar power.
Our event will feature insightful conversations with figures such as U.S. energy secretary Chris Wright and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, among many others. Below, you can find details on our comprehensive speaker lineup, the day’s schedule, and a brief overview of each panel.
Here’s what else to know:
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Diverse Perspectives: We’ve spoken with global leaders about how they are navigating climate action after the United States’ withdrawal from international efforts. Insights from these conversations will be highlighted.
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Climate Forward Podcast: Our inaugural podcast episode features an in-depth discussion with former Vice President Al Gore. He reflects on the climate movement’s journey nearly two decades after his pivotal documentary, ‘An Inconvenient Truth,’ which sparked a worldwide conversation on climate change.
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Your Questions Answered: We’ve received numerous excellent climate-related questions from our audience, some of which will be addressed live on stage.
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Stay Informed: Discover how to subscribe to the Climate Forward newsletter for ongoing updates and analysis.
Few people in the world are more responsible for climate change being part of the public discourse than former Vice President Al Gore, a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for his environmental activism.
He also starred in the Oscar-winning 2006 documentary “An Inconvenient Truth,” which helped drive a wave of global action on climate change.
[Video Placeholder: A video discussing Al Gore’s perspective on Trump’s climate policy and the future of climate action]
Listen to Climate Forward, “Al Gore on Trump and the Future of Climate Action”
The former vice president speaks to David Gelles about how the climate movement can move forward after President Trump’s rollback of key environmental regulations and where he finds hope as the planet continues warming.
Former Vice President Al Gore, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and influential environmental activist, discusses the future of the climate movement amidst significant policy shifts under President Trump. He reflects on the impact of his 2006 documentary ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ and addresses the ongoing challenges in galvanizing global climate action.
Gore spoke with David Gelles about the critical moment our rapidly warming planet faces:
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Why hasn’t it worked? Gore attributes slow progress to the fossil fuel industry’s decades-long campaign of denial and obstruction, coupled with societal inertia. He cites ‘Dornbusch’s Law’—things take longer than expected, then happen faster—as a pattern he anticipates for climate action.
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Public Awareness: Public understanding of climate change is vastly different today, intensified by ‘Mother Nature’s participation’ through frequent and severe extreme weather events, which Gore vividly describes as like ‘a nature hike through the Book of Revelation.’
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Trump’s Impact: Gore views the Trump administration’s biggest impact within the US, particularly its increased subsidies for fossil fuels and efforts to dismantle clean energy incentives. He highlights that the annual $4.4 trillion in fossil fuel subsidies nearly matches the $4.5 trillion estimated to finance the global energy transition, suggesting a clear path for reallocation.
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Denial and Understanding: Referencing Upton Sinclair, Gore notes the difficulty of understanding something when one’s income depends on not understanding it, applying this to those who deny climate threats.
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Tipping Points: While cautious about delving into specifics, Gore expresses concern over various climate tipping points, mentioning the critical role of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and a mysterious disappearance of cold water upwelling off South America, alarming scientists.
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Hope in Activism: Gore finds immense hope in the ‘largest global grassroots movement in history’ of climate activists, whose ‘skill and excellence’ are beginning to have a significant impact worldwide. He emphasizes engaging with elected officials to prioritize climate action, distinguishing this from disruptive forms of protest he doesn’t personally endorse.
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Antidote to Despair: For those feeling overwhelmed by dire climate warnings, Gore champions action as the antidote to despair. He points to the economic benefits of a sustainability transition, which creates three times more jobs than the fossil economy, offering a hopeful vision of a future with less pollution, more jobs, and greater optimism.
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The Path Forward: Gore believes increased activism and international pressure will drive necessary rapid change. He remains optimistic that the world can solve the climate crisis, provided there’s enough political will to guide wavering officials toward the ‘hard right’ choices over the ‘easy wrong.’
The 2025 Climate Forward conference will take place today, Wednesday, from 9:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Eastern time. A livestream is available for those unable to attend in person. Below is a summary of the panels and featured speakers:
9:15 a.m. The High Stakes of COP30.
André Corrêa do Lago, president of COP30, will discuss ‘economic denial’ as the new frontier in the climate fight. With the U.S. withdrawing from climate action, global climate policy faces a precarious future as governments prepare for COP30 in the Amazon this November.
9:40 a.m. The Future of Climate Activism in the Trump Era.
This panel features Abigail Dillen (Earthjustice), Manish Bapna (Natural Resources Defense Council), and activist author Bill McKibben. They will explore how environmental groups are adapting their strategies, including retrenchment and cutbacks, as President Trump rolls back climate regulations.
10:15 a.m. How to Bring Power to the World.
Jacqueline Novogratz (Acumen) and Damilola Ogunbiyi (Sustainable Energy for All) will address the challenge of providing reliable, affordable energy to millions globally who currently lack it.
10:49 a.m. Will the A.I. Revolution Put Climate Goals at Risk?
Google’s Kate Brandt and Microsoft’s Melanie Nakagawa, both chief sustainability officers, will examine how AI’s rapid growth impacts industries and innovation, while also posing significant challenges for sustainability and energy consumption, asking what it will take to power AI without jeopardizing climate targets.
11:13 a.m. When Climate Change is a National Security Threat.
A conversation with Jake Sullivan, former national security adviser, focusing on how the U.S. and its allies are preparing for a world with increasing threats due to rising temperatures, and the escalating rivalry with China in clean energy development.
11:36 a.m. Has the World Turned Against Climate Politics?
David Wallace-Wells will present remarks adapted from his recent New York Times Magazine article, discussing a global disillusionment with climate politics. He will explore how progress continues despite this shift, and what new values or interests might drive future climate action in the absence of past solidarity.
11:45 a.m. The Billionaire Betting on a Fossil-Free Future.
Andrew Forrest, executive chairman of Fortescue and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, shares his ambitious vision to transform his massive mining company to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.
12:05 a.m. The Nation That is Sinking into the Sea.
President Hilda Heine of the Marshall Islands will vividly describe her nation’s existential struggle against rising sea levels, the limitations of adaptation, and the moral obligations of wealthier nations facing climate catastrophe.
1:31 p.m. Actor Rainn Wilson on Climate Change and Spirituality.
Rainn Wilson, known for his role in ‘The Office,’ will share his journey toward a spiritually informed approach to the climate crisis. This summer, he attended a fire ceremony with Indigenous elders and King Charles III in rural Britain, an experience that profoundly linked climate change and spirituality for him. His story will be presented live with orchestral music and original animations.
1:42 p.m. The Big Power Shift.
Scott Strazik, CEO of GE Vernova (a leader in gas infrastructure and wind power systems), will discuss his company’s unique position amidst the Trump administration’s energy agenda, which champions oil and gas while opposing offshore wind. He will cover the complexities of navigating this changing landscape.
2:05 p.m. Gavin Newsom on Mr. Trump, California and Climate.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom will highlight California’s pioneering role in climate policy, his state’s efforts to counter President Trump’s environmental policies, and the viability of state-led climate initiatives without federal funding.
2:52 p.m. Secretary Chris Wright on Energy Politics Under Mr. Trump.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright will detail the Trumpian energy agenda, characterized by deregulation and fossil fuel expansion. He will discuss the implications of these policies on energy, rising electricity demand, and the broader climate challenge.
3:18 p.m. Are We on the Brink of a Fusion Breakthrough?
Bob Mumgaard, CEO of Commonwealth Fusion Systems, will provide an update on the quest for fusion energy. Long considered the ultimate clean, limitless power source just beyond reach, he will discuss how close we are to integrating this technology into the grid.
3:44 p.m. Climate Change and Congress.
Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) will delve into the difficulties of translating climate ambitions into lasting policy and the strategies required to build political will within a divided Congress.
4:14 p.m. Australia on the Forefront of Climate Change.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia will discuss his country’s challenge in reducing emissions, given its reliance on fossil fuels. He will share Australia’s vision to become a global leader in lowering emissions and embracing renewable energy.