The Climate Forward live event kicks off today at 9:15 a.m. Eastern time, bringing together influential world leaders, policymakers, business innovators, and dedicated activists for a day of crucial discussions.
A central theme dominating this year’s agenda is undoubtedly the Trump administration’s shifting stance on climate policy. After positioning itself as a global climate leader just last year under the previous administration, the United States has now scaled back its environmental commitments, opting instead to downplay climate change threats and champion fossil fuels.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Following another year of unprecedented global temperatures and severe climate-driven disasters, leaders worldwide face the dual challenge of a rapidly changing planet and a dramatically altered political landscape. This critical moment is further complicated by rising energy demand, partly fueled by the expansion of artificial intelligence, and China’s commanding lead in developing clean energy technologies like batteries and solar power.
The event will feature engaging conversations with key figures, including U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and California Governor Gavin Newsom, among many others. A comprehensive speaker lineup and the day’s schedule will be shared, offering insights into each panel discussion.
Here’s a brief overview of additional highlights:
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Six points of view: Discover how world leaders are adapting and navigating their climate strategies following the United States’ withdrawal from global climate action.
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Climate Forward is also a podcast. Our inaugural episode features a compelling discussion with former Vice President Al Gore, reflecting on the climate movement’s journey nearly two decades after his groundbreaking documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth,” ignited a global conversation on climate change.
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Your questions: We received numerous insightful climate-related questions from you, many of which will be addressed live on stage.
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The 2025 Climate Forward conference will be livestreamed today, Wednesday, from 9:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Eastern time. Below is a detailed schedule and overview of each panel:
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9:15 a.m. — The High Stakes of COP30. As president of COP30, the upcoming U.N. climate talks in Brazil this November, André Corrêa do Lago identifies “economic denial” as the latest battleground in the climate crisis. With global governments convening in the Amazon and the U.S. retracting its climate commitments, international climate policy faces a precarious future.
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9:40 a.m. — The Future of Climate Activism in the Trump Era. With President Trump reversing climate regulations, environmental organizations are adapting, some scaling back, others shifting strategies. This panel features Abigail Dillen (President of Earthjustice), Manish Bapna (President of the Natural Resources Defense Council), and renowned activist and author Bill McKibben.
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10:15 a.m. — How to Bring Power to the World. Jacqueline Novogratz (CEO of Acumen, focused on global poverty) and Damilola Ogunbiyi (CEO of Sustainable Energy for All) will explore solutions for delivering reliable, affordable energy to the millions worldwide who currently lack access.
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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 discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming industries and accelerating innovation, yet also creating new sustainability and energy consumption challenges. The conversation will address how to power the AI revolution without jeopardizing global climate objectives as emissions from big tech companies rise.
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11:13 a.m. — When Climate Change is a National Security Threat. A discussion with Jake Sullivan, former National Security Adviser, will analyze how the U.S. and its allies are preparing for a future where rising temperatures amplify global threats. This includes examining the growing rivalry with China, a nation significantly ahead in clean energy development.
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11:36 a.m. — Has the World Turned Against Climate Politics? David Wallace-Wells will present insights adapted from his recent New York Times Magazine cover story, “It Isn’t Just the U.S. — The Whole World Has Soured on Climate Politics.” He will reflect on ongoing progress in climate harm reduction but challenge what might replace the solidarity once central to the Paris Accord — and which nations or interests will define this new chapter of climate action.
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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, perhaps unexpected, vision to transition his massive mining company to net-zero emissions by 2030.
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12:05 a.m. — The Nation That is Sinking into the Sea. The Marshall Islands face the grave reality of rising sea levels threatening to submerge the entire nation. President Hilda Heine will passionately articulate their urgent fight for survival, the limitations of adaptation, and the responsibility wealthier nations bear towards countries on the brink of climate catastrophe.
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1:31 p.m. — Actor Rainn Wilson on Climate Change and Spirituality. This past summer in rural Britain, “The Office” star Rainn Wilson participated in a fire ceremony with Indigenous elders, also attended by King Charles III, organized by Grounded, an environmental group he supports. This experience profoundly shaped Mr. Wilson’s spiritual perspective on the climate crisis. He will share his unique view on the interconnectedness of climate change and spirituality through a live performance featuring orchestral music and original animations.
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1:42 p.m. — The Big Power Shift. Scott Strazik, CEO of GE Vernova (a leader in gas infrastructure and wind power systems), finds himself at the nexus of Mr. Trump’s energy and climate agenda. Despite Mr. Trump’s “war” on offshore wind, he champions oil and gas. Mr. Strazik will discuss his company’s unique position amidst these dynamic policy changes.
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2:05 p.m. — Gavin Newsom on Mr. Trump, California, and Climate. California Governor Gavin Newsom will highlight his state’s leadership in climate policy and his efforts to counteract President Trump’s environmental agenda. The discussion will also address whether state leaders can effectively implement climate policies without federal financial support.
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2:52 p.m. — Secretary Chris Wright on Energy Politics Under Mr. Trump. Energy Secretary Chris Wright will elaborate on the Trumpian energy agenda, characterized by deregulation and expanded fossil fuel use. He will discuss the implications of these policies and his department’s strategies for energy policy, increasing electricity demand, and the broader challenge of climate change.
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3:18 p.m. — Are We on the Brink of a Fusion Breakthrough? Fusion energy has long been considered the ultimate clean, limitless power source, perpetually just out of reach. Bob Mumgaard, CEO of Commonwealth Fusion Systems, which is developing the world’s first commercial fusion power plant, will provide an update on how close this revolutionary technology is to joining the grid.
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3:44 p.m. — Climate Change and Congress. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) will address the formidable challenges of transforming climate ambitions into lasting policy and the complexities of building political consensus in a deeply divided Congress.
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4:14 p.m. — Australia on the Forefront of Climate Change. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia will discuss his nation’s efforts to curb emissions. Despite Australia’s continued reliance on fossil fuels, with coal generating nearly half its electricity, Albanese remains a vocal advocate for Australia to lead globally in emission reduction and renewable energy adoption.