Better Worlds Ahead: Realizing our Brighter Climate Future

The New School Tishman Auditorium
63 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY

To navigate our current climate reality, we must imagine a better climate future. Marcene Mitchell (Senior Vice President of Climate Change at WWF), will provide a 5-minute keynote address about envisioning a better climate future. This will set the stage as Stacey Abrams (Rewiring America) and Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (Urban Ocean Lab) join the stage for an in-depth conversation about imagining better futures, finding hope and motivation for continued action, and where climate solutions are already taking root.

The Importance of Saving Grasslands to Combat Climate Change

The Nest Climate Campus (Javits Center)
Livestream Accessible

Nature is the world’s best defense against climate change, and grassland conservation is leading that fight in the United States. As a carbon sink, grasslands provide critical resilience in the face of climate change, including drought, heat and wildfire. Grazing by ruminant species like cattle, bison, and sheep plays a crucial role in managing plant diversity, soil health, and nutrient cycling, which enhances the carbon sequestration capacity of grasslands. WWF and our partners are conserving American grasslands and creating benefits for climate, nature, and people, all while supporting corporate climate and sustainability goals. During this panel event, learn from WWF’s Ranch Systems and Viability Planning (RSVP) Program and Private Sector Engagement teams about grasslands and the importance of this ecosystem, the integration with business sustainability targets, and impacts on the ground.

Confirmed Speakers

• Sheila Bonini, Senior Vice President for Private Sector Engagement, WWF
• Amber Smith, Executive Director for Women in Ranching, Women in Ranching
• Mikel Hancock, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, Walmart
• Carlos Saviani, Beef Sustainability Director, Cargill
• Alexis Bonogofsky, Director, Sustainable Ranching Initiative, Northern Great Plains, WWF

Leadership in Action: Insights from a Climate Champion

The Nest Climate Campus (Javits Center)

Join Washington Governor Jay Inslee and Marcene Mitchell, Senior Vice President of Climate Change at WWF, as they discuss Washington state’s rise as a national climate leader, what we can all learn from Washington State’s Climate Commitment Act and other ambitious climate laws, and the future of climate leadership. This event will take place on the main stage at The NEST Climate Campus.

Strengthening Climate Resilience: Integrated Watershed Management in the Indus Basin

The Nest Climate Campus (Javits Center)
Livestream Accessible

WWF is at the forefront of tackling complex climate and water risks within global supply chains and landscapes. Join us as we, along with our corporate partners and WWF Pakistan, present our transformative Integrated Water Resource Management work in three critical areas of the Indus River basin. This basin is essential for Pakistan's 160 million people, its rich biodiversity, and the irrigation of 80% of the country's 21.5 million hectares of agricultural land. Our collaborative efforts aim to bolster climate resilience and adaptation in supply chains through innovative nature-based solutions, infrastructure rehabilitation, women's empowerment, and community livelihood improvements. Also, by implementing locally relevant water stewardship and biodiversity policies, we're creating a ripple effect of positive change, benefiting both the environment and local communities.

Confirmed Speakers

• Morgan Schneider, Senior Program Officer for Water Stewardship and US Technical Water Lead, Textiles, WWF-US
• David Kuhn, Lead for Corporate Resilience, WWF-US
• Sohail Ali Naqvi, Director of Freshwater Programme and Lead Stewardship and Sustainability, WWF-Pakistan

Moving Faster Without Breaking Things (Pt. 2): Accelerating Renewables Deployment with Meaningful Benefits for Communities and Ecosystems

The Nest Climate Campus (Javits Center)
Livestream Accessible

The U.S. aims for 100% clean electricity by 2035, committing to curb greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. To meet this goal, the U.S. and global partners must quadruple the annual deployment of clean energy resources. Despite challenges like eroding social license, supply chain pressures, and biodiversity crises, there are significant opportunities to foster economic opportunity and social equity for communities most affected by climate and historically impacted by the fossil fuel industry. This session will offer insights on leveraging these opportunities for communities, ecosystems, and the domestic workforce in a responsible transition to clean energy. Our panel will discuss strategies to accelerate a just and sustainable transition at national, regional, and local levels. Join us to explore how we can overcome barriers and drive progress in clean energy deployment. This event is a follow up to Moving Fast Without Breaking Things Accelerating Just and Sustainable Renewables Development (Pt. 1).

Confirmed Speakers

• Colin Meehan, Director for Renewable Energy Transitions, WWF
• Yinka Bode-George, Founder and CEO, Sustain Our Future Foundation
• Sarah Friedman, Community Benefits Advisor for the Undersecretary of Infrastructure, Department of Energy
• Becky Campbell, Senior Director of External Affairs, Leeward Renewable Energy
• Carlos Claussell Velez, Manager, Climate and Environmental Justice, WWF

Unlocking the Future: Success Stories in Decarbonizing Industrial Thermal Energy

The Nest Climate Campus (Javits Center)
Livestream Accessible

Join us for a dynamic session as Renewable Thermal Collaborative members share industrial decarbonization success stories. Discover how forward-thinking companies are leading the thermal energy transition, as presenters dig into the details and key learnings of recent, real-world renewable thermal energy projects. You will also learn how the Renewable Thermal Collaborative is bringing global companies together to share case studies like these to help address technology, market and policy barriers and accelerate the industrial thermal energy transition. Don't miss this opportunity to hear directly from leaders who are transforming industry!

Confirmed Speakers

• Daniel Riley, Director for Climate and Renewable Energy, WWF
• Arun Gupta, Founder and CEO, Skyven
• Ian Knight, Sustainability Director Renewables and Water, Mars
• Umesh Goswami, Sustainable Operations Enabler, Roche

From the Ground Up: How a Multilayered Approach to Forest Conservation Benefits People, Nature, and Climate

As more and more companies commit to societal net zero—demand is growing for investment-ready nature-based solutions that reduce deforestation and land conversion, improve natural resource management, and support landscape restoration.

To succeed, these solutions must reflect the complexities of a specific landscape, addressing myriad threats with a multilayered approach. So, what does this look like in practice? Join WWF and partners to learn about their collective efforts in Tapajos in the Brazilian Amazon. Together, they strive to drive lasting impact at scale in this critical forest landscape for people, nature, and climate.

Confirmed Speakers

• Josefina Brana Varela, Vice President and Deputy Lead for Forests, WWF-US
• Meg Symington, Vice President of Global Integrated Programs – Amazon, WWF-US
• Mariana Napolitano Ferreira, Director of Strategy, WWF-Brazil
• Margaret Spears, Deputy Assistant Administrator, USAID
• Julie Gehrki, Vice President of Philanthropy, Walmart Foundation

High-level Event on Biodiversity: Leveraging Ambition for 30x30 and Beyond -- the Road to CBD COP16

Invitation only
Plaza Hotel and Central Park Zoo

By convening ministerial/high-level roundtables with the themes of finance for biodiversity as well as challenges and progress on the KM-GBF and more specifically 30x30, we will build on the group’s previous experience in organizing high-level events for 5 previous UNGAs and on the growing interest from governments and partners to efficiently and swiftly implement the KM-GBF throughout all levels of government and society. These events will be the first in a series of extended high-level gatherings and provide a half day opportunity to focus on biodiversity and the crisis caused by its unprecedented loss. This afternoon will provide a critical opportunity to focus on biodiversity against the background of the three Rio Conventions COPs taking place in the fall and hot off the heels of the Summit of the Future.

Codex Planetarius: A New Approach to Reducing Climate Impacts of Food Production

The Nest Climate Campus (Javits Center)
Livestream Accessible

Food production has the biggest impact on the planet of all human activities, causing one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions. The Markets Institute at WWF is leading the way forward with the launch of Codex Planetarius, a proposal for environmental standards to improve the sustainability of globally traded food. Join us to learn more and discuss how this game-changing opportunity could reduce global carbon emissions while ensuring the sustainability of the world’s food production.

Confirmed Speakers

• Jason Clay, Senior Vice President for Markets, WWF
• Sabine Miltner, Program Director, Conservation and Markets, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
• Carlos Klink, Former Secretary of Climate Change, Brazilian Ministry of the Environment, Coordinator of the Cerrado Initiative, Universidade de Brasilia
• Mohamed Bakarr, Manager, GEF Secretariat, Global Environment Facility
• Valerie Hickey, Global Director for Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy, The World Bank

The Future of Nature and Climate-Related Disclosure in the US

The Nest Climate Campus (Javits Center)
Livestream Accessible

Climate change and nature loss are inextricably linked – we can't solve one without addressing the other. Business disclosure is a key sustainability building block for changing the trajectory of both the climate and nature crises. The SEC's climate disclosure rule will require US companies to disclose climate risks. However, there's no equivalent for nature-related risk in the US, despite the high economic dependence on nature. The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework offers guidance on assessing and reporting nature-related risks and opportunities. Join us for a forward-looking discussion on ESG disclosure evolution in the US and the related business challenges and opportunities.

Confirmed Speakers

• Elizabeth Aceituno, Finance Private Sector Lead, WWF-US
• Tony Goldner, Executive Director, The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosure
• Esther An, Chief Sustainability Officer, City Developments Limited
• Judson Berkey, Managing Director, Chief Sustainability Officer, UBS
• David Croft, Global Sustainability Director, Reckitt

Solving the Great Food Puzzle

Pier Sixty, Pier 60 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011
In-person only

Climate change and nature loss are inextricably linked – we can't solve one without addressing the other. Business disclosure is a key sustainability building block for changing the trajectory of both the climate and nature crises. The SEC's climate disclosure rule will require US companies to disclose climate risks. However, there's no equivalent for nature-related risk in the US, despite the high economic dependence on nature. The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework offers guidance on assessing and reporting nature-related risks and opportunities. Join us for a forward-looking discussion on ESG disclosure evolution in the US and the related business challenges and opportunities.

Confirmed Speakers

• Brent Loken, WWF Global Food Lead Scientist, WWF
• Suzy Friedman, Senior Director of Food Policy, WWF

Freshwater Challenge: Restoring and Protecting the Frontlines of the Climate and Nature Crises

BCG Corporate Office; 10 Hudson Yards, Sunset Park Room
Invitation only

The Freshwater Challenge is the largest global initiative to restore and protect rivers and wetlands. 46 countries and the EU are members of the Challenge. We are inviting you to join this roundtable event in New York during Climate Week to co-shape the collective action by countries and private-sector actors that is critical to restore 300,000km of degraded rivers and 350 million hectares of degraded wetlands by 2030, as well as conserve intact freshwater ecosystems.

For more information or to request to attend, please email Frank Mols at [email protected].

Fixing Food: Impacting Investing & Entrepreneurship to Solve Market Failures

The Nest Climate Campus (Javits Center)
Livestream Accessible

What technologies will reimagine our food system for people and the planet?

The global food system is responsible for 80% of deforestation, 70% of freshwater usage, and over 25% of CO2 emissions. Innovations and technologies play a crucial role in reducing the food system’s use of global resources. Early-stage companies with these innovations and solutions often face a myriad of barriers including low funding, unwelcoming policy environments, and lack of access to markets. Impact investing and catalytic capital provide invaluable access to resources that these companies need to accelerate their growth and bring their solutions to market. This conversation will highlight players in the impact investing and catalytic capital space to discuss the importance of supporting innovations and technologies to build a more sustainable, just, and equitable food system.

Confirmed Speakers

• Raj Kundra, Managing Director, WWF Impact
• Jorge Correa, CEO and Founder, EatCloud
• Haley Russell, Founder and CEO, Chippin
• Sara Farley, Vice President, Global Food Portfolio, The Rockefeller Foundation

From Inequity to Impact: Solutions to Elevate Women’s Climate Action

The Nest Climate Campus (Javits Center)
Livestream Accessible

The world is finally waking up to the power and potential of women to address the climate crisis - and still, barriers persist. Hear from innovative climate leaders who have been developing and implementing programs that elevate women's climate leadership around the world. Their solutions not only tackle systemic barriers facing women today - like inequitable financing and gender-based social constraints - they are delivering measurable progress in the fight against climate change that benefit both people and the planet.

Confirmed Speakers

• Loren Mayor, COO, WWF
• Mona Sherpa, Country Director, CARE Nepal
• Iris Mwanza, Deputy Director, Women in Leadership, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
• Madhu Deshmukh, Vice President, Program Strategy, CARE USA
• Robyn James, Global Director of Gender Equity, The Nature Conservancy

America Is All In Experts Hub

The Nest Climate Campus (Javits Center)

Join America Is All In and invited experts for interactive, small group discussions on how to effectively access Federal, investor and other resources critical to project implementation. Whether you are responsible for a climate or clean energy project or providing support to others, these sessions will offer space to have your questions answered and connect with colleagues on topics of green finance, community benefits, and more. NOTE: This event will be hosted at the NEST Climate Campus in the Garden Eatery Private Lounge, Level 3, in-person only, and will not be livestreamed or recorded.

Are Science-Based Targets Compatible with Market-Based Solutions?

The Nest Climate Campus (Javits Center)
Livestream Accessible

Stakeholders across the climate ecosystem, including the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and the Science Based Targets initiative, are reconsidering the appropriate use of market instruments in greenhouse gas mitigation. Join WWF and corporate partners from the WWF Climate Business Network as we discuss the most impactful strategies to incorporate market instruments into GHG accounting, target setting, and implementation. WWF experts and leading companies will share perspectives on how high-integrity market instruments can drive system change and market transformation, and what updates to accounting and target setting rules can increase the flexibility and feasibility of scope 3 action.

Confirmed Speakers

• Marty Spitzer, Senior Director of Renewable Energy, WWF
• Jack McAneny, Vice President of Global Sustainability, Procter and Gamble
• Kim Carnahan, CEO, Center for Green Market Activation
• Hampus Friberg, Head of Sustainability Controlling & Investment, H&M Group
• Elaine Strunk, Sr., Director, Global Sustainability, McDonald’s

Financial Times Live at Climate Week

Andaz 5th Avenue @ E, 485 5th Avenue, E 41st St, New York, NY 10017
Livestream Accessible

Carter Roberts, CEO of WWF-US, will join a mainstage panel moderated by Financial Times journalist Simon Mundy to discuss the future of the global energy transition. While significant progress has been made in renewable energy deployment, corporate action, and investment, the path to net zero faces growing headwinds. The panel will discuss how we can we maintain momentum towards net zero, communicate the long-term benefits of a green economy, and reflect on emerging technologies that can accelerate the transition.

Championing African Local Conservation: Unlocking Climate Finance for Community-Led Solutions

The Nest Climate Campus (Javits Center)
Livestream Accessible

Local organizations are at the heart of community-led conservation efforts, offering critical solutions to global climate challenges. Despite their vital role in climate adaptation, they are often marginalized in climate finance discussions. This panel will spotlight these unsung climate and conservation heroes and explore innovative strategies to channel more funding to their initiatives. Join us to hear their stories, celebrate their successes, and learn how these champions enhance global climate resilience and sustainability.

Confirmed Speakers

• Nikhil Advani, Senior Director of Wildlife and Climate Resilience, WWF
• Linet Misiko, Chief Operating Officer, Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association
• Jose Monteiro, Executive Director, ReGeCom - Mozambique
• Nicky McLeod, General Director, Environmental and Rual Solutions - South Africa

Building a Climate-Ready Nation

The Nest Climate Campus (Javits Center)
Livestream Accessible

Join Marcene Mitchell, WWF's Senior Vice President of Climate Change, and Dr. Richard Spinrad, NOAA Administrator, for an engaging discussion on the federal government's approach to climate adaptation and how NOAA is supporting communities in building climate resilience. They will explore the latest insights from NOAA on adaptation strategies for communities and how other partners, including the private sector, should be involved. They will also highlight exciting developments in NOAA's suite of resources, from actionable information and tools to funding opportunities.

Leading Local Climate Action: U.S. Success Stories

The Nest Climate Campus (Javits Center)
Livestream Accessible

America Is All In encourages cities, states, businesses, and more to capitalize on the clean energy opportunities provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Learn more about the exciting success stories from our America Is All In members this event that features climate leaders from across the U.S., highlighting the economic, health, and equity benefits of climate projects.

Confirmed Speakers

• Gina McCarthy, Managing Co-Chair, America Is All In
• Dr. Ryna Cui, Interim Director, University of Maryland Center for Global Sustainability
• Justin Bibb, Mayor, City of Cleveland
• Dr. Robert Bullard, Executive Director, Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice
• Emily Shapira, President and CEO, Philadelphia Energy Authority

All In for 2035: A Roadmap for Ambitious Climate Action in the U.S.

The Nest Climate Campus (Javits Center)
Livestream Accessible

Discover how the United States can achieve substantial emissions reductions by 2035 at the release of the pivotal report, “All-In for 2035: A Roadmap for Ambitious Climate Action in the U.S.,” from America Is All In's analytical team at the Center for Global Sustainability at the University of Maryland. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates how the United States can achieve substantial emissions reductions by 2035 by leveraging an all-of-society approach—rooted in both federal and subnational efforts—to increase economy-wide ambition, implement climate-smart solutions, and realize equitable benefits for all. The event will feature experts who will delve into the report's findings and discuss how an All In pathway can be implemented at the federal, state, city, and corporate levels.

Confirmed Speakers

• Dr. Ryna Cui, Interim Director, University of Maryland Center for Global Sustainability
• Elizabeth Lien, Senior Director, Federal Climate Policy and Subnational Programs, WWF and America Is All In
• Caroline Simmons, Mayor of Stamford, Connecticut
• Peter Templeton, CEO, U.S. Green Building Council

Building a Subnational Movement: Strategies and Insights from the International Community

The Nest Climate Campus (Javits Center)
Livestream Accessible

Subnational actors can set ambitious and inspiring climate goals that drive momentum for greater climate policies at different scales. Join us for a dynamic panel discussion on what it takes to build a subnational climate movement, featuring experiences and strategies from representatives from around the world who are leading sub-national climate action. This event will showcase the necessity of grounding economy-wide climate action in strong analysis, robust stakeholder engagement, and sub-national leaders stepping up to lead.

Confirmed Speakers

• Marcene Mitchell, Senior Vice President for Climate, WWF-US
• Ambassador Nina Hachigian, U.S. Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy, U.S. Department of State
• Marjorie Kaufmann, Secretary of State for Environment and Infrastructure, State of Rio Grand do Sul, Brazil
• Sergio Shigeo Kato, Co-Representative, Japan Climate Initiative
• Wang Shi, Founder, Vanke Group, Real Estate Developer, China

Bridging the Climate and Nature Divide: Practical Guidance for Implementing SBTi FLAG

The Nest Climate Campus (Javits Center)
Livestream Accessible

To keep the world on a path to a 1.5C future, we must rethink how we produce food and fiber. Businesses are essential partners in the solution. With the SBTi FLAG guidance, companies now have the framework to reduce the 22% of global greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, forestry, and other land use. Join us for a conversation with leading companies about lessons learned about setting a FLAG target and implementing the FLAG guidance. Hear perspectives from companies about how their transition plans put them on a path to reduce climate emissions, enhance carbon removals, and double down on their deforestation commitments.

Confirmed Speakers

• Martha Stevenson, Senior Director, Research and Strategic Initiatives, WWF
• Autumn Fox, Global Sustainability Director, Mars
• Robert Bonnie, Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Nicolas Clerget, Global Director Net Zero Strategy, The HEINEKEN Company

Mainstage Conversation with Carter Roberts and Lisa Jackson

Mainstage at The Nest Climate Campus (Javits Center)
In-person only

Join us for a conversation with Lisa Jackson, All In Co-Chair and Apple's Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, and Carter Roberts, the President and CEO of World Wildlife Fund.