The Best Climate Change & Climate Policy Keynote Speeches 

1. Melati Wijsen & Isabel Wijsen: Our campaign to ban plastic bags in Bali | Melati and Isabel Wijsen
2. Tiza Mafira: The Story of Plastic: Webinar: Tiza Mafira and the Plastic Bag Diet
3. Graham Weale: The Availability of Hydrogen for the Energy Transition with Professor Graham Weale
4. Gerd Leonhard: The Future of Technology, Leadership and Business: Insights and Foresights for the next 10 years
5. David Van Reybrouck & Roger Berkowitz: Is It Too Late to Revitalize Democracy? With David Van Reybrouck and Roger Berkowitz
6. Sophia Kianni: Language Shouldn’t Be a Barrier to Climate Action | Sophia Kianni | TED Countdown
7. Jemilah Mahmood: UNDP Azerbaijan podcast episode 3: Dr. Jemilah Mahmood on Planetary Health
8. Dan Buettner: Extended interview: Dan Buettner discusses the secrets to living longer

As climate change becomes an increasingly pressing issue globally, keynote speeches on climate change and policy have taken centre stage at conferences, forums, and corporate events. 

The best climate change speakers bring expertise, passion, and unique perspectives, inspiring audiences to understand the complexities of environmental challenges and empowering them to take actionable steps toward sustainability.

This article explores some of the top keynote speeches and speakers who are shaping the conversation around climate change and influencing policy at all levels. 

Whether through data-driven insights, firsthand experiences from the frontlines of climate activism, or forward-thinking policy solutions, these speakers educate, inspire, and call for change. 

From environmental scientists to youth activists, each speaker’s message resonates differently but contributes to the same goal: fostering a global response to one of humanity’s greatest challenges. With that, let’s explore some of the best keynote speeches on climate change. 

Melati Wijsen & Isabel Wijsen: Our campaign to ban plastic bags in Bali | Melati and Isabel Wijsen

Melati Wijsen and her sister Isabel Wijsen are environmental activists from Bali, Indonesia, best known for their efforts to reduce plastic pollution through their campaign Bye Bye Plastic Bags, which they co-founded in 2013 when they were just 12 and 10 years old, respectively.

Key Achievements

• Bye-Bye Plastic Bags: The movement initially aimed to ban the use of plastic bags in Bali. Their advocacy gained international attention and played a pivotal role in Bali’s government passing a law in 2019 that banned single-use plastics.
• Youth Empowerment: Melati and Isabel are strong advocates for empowering young people to take action. Their organisation has inspired youth-led environmental movements globally.
• Speakers & Global Advocates: They have spoken at prestigious platforms like the United Nations, TED Talks, and World Economic Forum.

Melati has also founded YOUTHTOPIA, a platform designed to provide tools and training for young changemakers, while Isabel continues to advocate for environmental sustainability and youth leadership.

They’ve both been recognised in various international awards for their contribution to environmental conservation and youth activism. 

In the below talk, Melati Wijsen & Isabel Wijsen discuss their lifelong campaign to ban plastic bags in Bali, and their commitment to a plastic-free world. 

Tiza Mafira: The Story of Plastic: Webinar: Tiza Mafira and the Plastic Bag Diet 

Tiza Mafira is an Indonesian environmental lawyer and activist best known for her efforts to combat plastic pollution. 

She co-founded the Indonesia Plastic Bag Diet Movement (Gerakan Indonesia Diet Kantong Plastik) in 2013, aiming to reduce single-use plastic bags and raise awareness about plastic waste in Indonesia. Her advocacy led to the 2019 national ban on single-use plastics in several Indonesian cities. 

Key Achievements

• Plastic Bag Levy: Tiza’s push for policy changes resulted in a plastic bag fee in Jakarta and other cities, which significantly reduced plastic use.
• National Plastic Ban: She played a pivotal role in Indonesia’s decision to ban single-use plastics, contributing her expertise in environmental law.
• Public Campaigns: Through her movement, she led public awareness campaigns about plastic waste and marine pollution, inspiring many Indonesians to reduce their plastic consumption.

Tiza frequently speaks at global platforms like the United Nations and World Economic Forum, advocating for systemic change in plastic waste management. 

She continues to work with both the public and private sectors to promote sustainable practices and reduce plastic waste.

In the below interview, the Indonesian lawyer discusses her work striving to stem the tide of single-use plastics in her country, a noble and difficult feat. 

 

Graham Weale: The Availability of Hydrogen for the Energy Transition with Professor Graham Weale

Graham Weale is a British energy expert and economist, recognised for his expertise in the energy industry and sustainability. He has over four decades of experience, particularly in energy policy, forecasting, and market analysis.

Key Contributions

• Energy Economics Expert: Graham has worked as the Chief Economist at RWE, one of Europe’s leading energy companies, where he was responsible for energy market forecasts, strategic planning, and advising on policy matters.
• Policy Advocacy: He has been an active advocate for sustainable energy policies, focusing on the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
• Academic and Advisory Roles: Graham holds a position as a Professor of Energy Economics at the Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany, where he contributes to academic discussions on energy and climate change. He also serves as a consultant and advisor to various energy-focused organisations.

His work has influenced energy policy decisions at national and European levels, helping shape the future of energy markets toward sustainability and decarbonisation.

In the below talk, Graham Weale discusses the availability of Hydrogen as an energy source, and how we can transition towards it going forward. 

 

Gerd Leonhard: The Future of Technology, Leadership and Business: Insights and Foresights for the next 10 years 

Gerd Leonhard is a well-known futurist, author, and keynote speaker specialising in the future of technology, digital transformation, and humanity. His work centres on how technological advancements will impact society, businesses, and ethics.

Key Contributions

• Futurist and Author: Gerd is the author of several books, including “Technology vs. Humanity,” which explores the ethical challenges and societal impacts of emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, and big data.
• Keynote Speaker: He is a prominent speaker at global conferences, where he discusses topics like digital transformation, future trends, and the human-machine relationship, advocating for responsible innovation.
• Human-Centric Technology Advocacy: Gerd emphasises the need for human values to be at the centre of technological development and often discusses the balance between progress and ethics in a rapidly evolving digital world.

His insights have influenced leaders in various industries, encouraging them to think critically about the long-term effects of technology on society and human interaction.

In the below keynote speech, Gerd explores the technological advancements that are both already here as well as coming towards us and their impact on our daily lives.

David Van Reybrouck & Roger Berkowitz: Is It Too Late to Revitalize Democracy? With David Van Reybrouck and Roger Berkowitz

David Van Reybrouck is a Belgian historian, author, and advocate for democratic reform. He is best known for his work on democracy and history, especially concerning decolonisation and civic engagement.

Key Contributions

• Author and Historian: Van Reybrouck’s most notable work, “Congo: The Epic History of a People,” is a critically acclaimed historical account of the Democratic Republic of Congo from colonisation to the present. It won several awards for its depth and storytelling.
• Democratic Reform Advocate: He is the founder of the G1000 movement, which advocates for citizen participation in decision-making processes and experiments with deliberative democracy (citizens’ assemblies). His aim is to address the shortcomings of modern representative democracy by promoting more direct involvement of citizens.
• Public Intellectual: Van Reybrouck regularly speaks and writes about the intersection of history, democracy, and political reform, emphasising the importance of inclusive political processes to tackle contemporary challenges.

Roger Berkowitz is an American academic, author, and the founder of the Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and Humanities at Bard College. He specialises in political philosophy, law, and ethics, often exploring themes of justice, democracy, and human rights.

Key Contributions

• Political Philosophy Expert: As an expert on Hannah Arendt, one of the 20th century’s most influential political theorists, Berkowitz’s work often delves into totalitarianism, freedom, and ethics in politics. He has written extensively about how Arendt’s ideas apply to contemporary political dilemmas.
• Founder of the Arendt Center: Berkowitz established the Hannah Arendt Center to promote critical thinking about the state of democracy and political life in the modern era. The centre hosts conferences, lectures, and publications that examine the ethical and moral dimensions of politics.
• Public Engagement: He is an active public intellectual, frequently contributing essays and lectures that explore the philosophical implications of current political events, particularly the challenges facing democracy and the rule of law.

Both Van Reybrouck and Berkowitz are influential thinkers, advocating for deeper democratic engagement and reflection on the state of political systems in the modern world.

In the below discussion, David and Roger discuss democracy in-depth, covering if and how we can revitalise it in an incredibly fast-paced world. 

 

Sophia Kianni: Language Shouldn’t Be a Barrier to Climate Action | Sophia Kianni | TED Countdown

Sophia Kianni is an Iranian-American climate activist and a prominent voice in the global fight against climate change, particularly in amplifying youth and marginalised voices.

Key Contributions

• Founder of Climate Cardinals: Sophia founded Climate Cardinals, an international non-profit organisation that translates climate change information into over 100 languages. The goal is to make climate education more accessible to non-English speaking communities, addressing the language barrier in environmental activism.
• Youth Activist: She is one of the youngest members of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change, where she advises global leaders on climate issues and advocates for meaningful youth participation in decision-making processes.
• Global Climate Advocacy: Sophia has represented youth voices at major climate summits, including COP (Conference of the Parties) and other international platforms. She consistently speaks about the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, particularly in the Global South.

Sophia is known for her passion for climate justice, pushing for both environmental policy reforms and greater inclusion of youth and underrepresented communities in climate discussions.

In the below keynote speech, Sophia discusses language as a barrier to climate action and how we can overcome these obstacles to reach a better future. 

 

Jemilah Mahmood: UNDP Azerbaijan podcast episode 3: Dr. Jemilah Mahmood on Planetary Health

Jemilah Mahmood is a Malaysian physician, humanitarian, and global health expert known for her work in crisis response and disaster management. She has played a significant role in shaping international humanitarian efforts and public health policies.

Key Contributions

• Founder of MERCY Malaysia: In 1999, Jemilah founded MERCY Malaysia, a non-governmental organisation providing medical relief and humanitarian assistance in disaster and conflict zones worldwide. Under her leadership, MERCY Malaysia became one of the leading humanitarian organisations in Southeast Asia.
• Global Health Leadership: Jemilah has held senior positions in various international organisations, including being the Under-Secretary-General for Partnerships at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). She has worked on improving global health infrastructure, particularly in responding to pandemics and natural disasters.
• Government Advisor: In Malaysia, she served as the Special Advisor on Public Health to the Prime Minister during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to coordinate the country’s public health response and recovery efforts.
• Advocate for Women in Humanitarian Work: Jemilah is also a strong advocate for the role of women in humanitarian response and disaster management, promoting gender-inclusive approaches in global humanitarian efforts.

Her work has earned her global recognition for her leadership in both humanitarian aid and public health, significantly impacting global policies on disaster relief and health crisis management.

In the below discussion, Jemilah discusses the future of Planetary Health, climate change and what we can do to combat it. 

Dan Buettner: Extended interview: Dan Buettner discusses the secrets to living longer

Dan Buettner is an American explorer, author, and researcher best known for his work on longevity and healthy living. He is the founder of the Blue Zones Project, which focuses on understanding the habits and lifestyles of the world’s longest-living people.

Key Contributions

• Blue Zones Project: Dan Buettner coined the term “Blue Zones” to describe regions of the world where people live significantly longer than average, often surpassing 100 years of age. He identified five such regions—Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece), and Loma Linda (California). His research highlights the common lifestyle habits—such as diet, social connections, and physical activity—that contribute to longevity in these areas.
• Best-Selling Author: Buettner has written several books, including “The Blue Zones” and “The Blue Zones Solution”, which explore how people can apply the lessons of Blue Zones to their own lives to live healthier, longer lives.
• Health and Wellness Advocate: Through the Blue Zones Project, Buettner works with communities, businesses, and governments to help them implement the principles of Blue Zones to improve public health and well-being. His work focuses on creating environments that naturally encourage healthier lifestyles, reducing chronic diseases and improving life expectancy.
• National Geographic Explorer: As a National Geographic Fellow, Buettner has led various expeditions, focusing on cultural and scientific exploration to uncover the secrets of longevity and happiness around the globe.

Dan Buettner’s research has had a widespread impact on public health, helping people around the world adopt healthier lifestyles by applying the longevity principles from the world’s Blue Zones.

In the below talk, Dan discusses healthy living and how to live longer in general, offering powerful insights into a range of important matters. 

How To Book Climate Change Speakers with CWG

At CWG Speakers, we make booking keynote speakers a breeze. With us, you can quickly connect with some of the most prominent climate speakers in the world. 

Steps to Book Climate Change Speakers with CWG:

1. Visit CWG’s Website: Start by visiting the CWG Speakers website to explore the range of climate change and environmental speakers they represent. They often list prominent figures such as activists, scientists, and thought leaders in climate and sustainability.
3. Browse Climate Change Speakers:
   • CWG typically categorises speakers by topic, including climate change, sustainability, and environmental advocacy. Browse their selection of climate change speakers to find someone whose expertise aligns with your event’s focus.
   • Some notable climate change speakers may include activists like Sophia Kianni or Melati Wijsen, and professionals like scientists or environmental policymakers.
4. Select a Speaker: Once you find a speaker that suits your event, review their profile for more details, including their background, areas of expertise, and types of events they typically participate in.
5. Submit a Booking Inquiry:
   • On the speaker’s profile page, there will be an option to submit a booking inquiry. This will generally involve filling out a form where you provide information about your event, such as:
     • Event date and location (virtual or in-person)
     • Audience size and demographics
     • Event theme and objectives
     • Budget considerations
     • Speaker role (keynote, panellist, moderator, etc.)
6. Contact CWG Directly:
   • If you need more assistance in selecting a speaker or have specific requirements, CWG typically provides contact details, such as phone numbers or email addresses, to speak with a representative directly. This can help you get personalised advice or speaker recommendations.
7. Discuss Logistics: Once you have selected a speaker and CWG confirms their availability, discuss important details like:
   • Speaker fees: CWG will provide fee details, including travel, accommodation, and honorarium requirements.
   • Logistics and contracts: This includes the speaker’s schedule, any additional requirements, and the terms of the contract.
8. Final Confirmation: Once all logistics and contractual terms are agreed upon, CWG will confirm the booking, ensuring the speaker is prepared for your event.

Benefits of Booking Through CWG

• Wide Range of Expertise: CWG offers access to a diverse group of experts in climate change, ranging from activists to scientists and policymakers.
• Professional Management: CWG manages all aspects of the booking, from scheduling to contract negotiations, making the process smoother for event organisers.
• Custom Recommendations: CWG can provide tailored speaker recommendations based on your event’s theme and goals.

By following these steps, you can efficiently book a climate change speaker for your event through CWG, ensuring their expertise aligns with your objectives and audience.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the best climate change and climate policy keynote speeches offer more than just information, they inspire action, shape public opinion, and influence policy on a global scale. 

These talks, delivered by world-renowned experts, activists, and policymakers, provide crucial insights into the complexities of climate change while motivating individuals and organisations to contribute to a sustainable future. 

Whether addressing the science behind the crisis or advocating for systemic change, each speech plays a pivotal role in pushing forward the global dialogue on climate solutions.

At CWG Speakers, we make it easy to find and connect with thought leaders around the world.