The Top 20 Sustainability Speakers Trending in the World – Official List

With greenhouse gases expected to increase the Earth’s temperature by a staggering 4.4°C by the end of the century, the debate surrounding sustainability and climate change surges on. At the forefront of this debate are passionate sustainability speakers, and there are few people with the knowledge, experience and passion to inspire change as these speakers. Whether they are adventurers or politicians, humanitarians or business owners, these speakers have a single goal; to save our planet. With 86.5% of adults in Great Britain having reported making lifestyle changes to tackle environmental issues, it is now becoming increasingly important to listen to what these sustainability speakers have to say.

How Can I Hire a Sustainability Speaker?

Hiring a speaker with The Sustainability Speakers Agency could not be easier! Firstly, browse our roster of passionate sustainability speakers and consider the budget you have to spend. Once you have narrowed down your selection, contact one of our dedicated booking agents by calling 0203 9355 587 or by completing our online contact form!

How Much Do Sustainability Speakers Cost?

The price of a sustainability speaker varies considerably, so the best way to discover what your budget accommodates is to contact one of our dedicated booking agents! With their decades of industry-leading experience, they are able to comprehensively select the sustainability speaker that perfectly suits not only your budget but the overall goal of your event. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss your budget and requirements for a sustainability speaker.

Who are the Best Sustainability Speakers in the World?

Having organised hundreds of speaking engagements over the years, The Sustainability Speakers Agency are experts at recommending the perfect sustainability speaker for your event. Having orchestrated many successful events throughout 2022 and into 2023, we conducted an official survey based on feedback, ratings out of 10, and client testimonials across over 750 corporate events to determine who the most popular sustainability speakers were. Take a look at our selection of the 10 best inspirational sustainability speakers to hire in 2024 ranked by popularity, below!

The Top 20 Sustainability Speakers to Hire in 2024:

1. Pia Heidenmark Cook
2. Kate Brandt
3. Mike Barry
4. Sue Garrard
5. Roger Ballentine
6. Dorthe Scherling Nielsen
7. Håkan Nordkvist
8. Christiana Figueres
9. David Howell
10. Richard Reed
11. Chris Hines
12. Charles Perry
13. Nigel Topping
14. Steve Howard
15. David Mayer De Rothschild
16. Sally Uren
17. Tony Seba
18. Melissa Sterry
19. Liz Bonnin
20. Pen Hadow

1. Pia Heidenmark Cook

Official Evaluation – 9.9/10

Pia Heidenmark Cook is an influential sustainability expert and a prominent keynote speaker. With a stellar background including being IKEA’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Pia has championed a people and planet-positive vision for 2030. She’s known for her strategic approach to ethical sourcing and has led IKEA to win prestigious awards for sustainability. Pia shares her extensive expertise by advising on implementable, sustainable business practices at conferences and corporate events, inspiring action towards an eco-responsible future.

OFFICIAL FEEDBACK FOR PIA HEIDENMARK COOK:

“I just wanted to thank you both for the idea of Pia as our guest presenter on sustainability for Earth Day. She was truly outstanding and a real pleasure to work with. Many thanks for the recommendation” – GSK

2. Kate Brandt

Official Evaluation – 9.9/10

Better known as Google’s Sustainability Officer, Kate Brandt has worked with both businesses and the government to promote circular principles. She is passionate about a circular economy, the idea that resources can be repurposed to lessen the strain on our environment. From AI to recycling, Kate is at the forefront of business sustainability. As a speaker, she can offer insight into circular economies, providing advice on how businesses can reduce, reuse, recycle and repurpose. Kate boasts years of experience, making her a truly influential thought leader.

3. Mike Barry

Official Evaluation – 9.8/10

Focussing on sustainable action leadership, Mike Barry is widely known as the former Director of Sustainable Business for Marks and Spencer and the Director of Mikebarryeco. Growing start-ups and scale-ups, Mike is on a mission to spread the importance of sustainability and climate change action for a better society. Named Sustainable Business Innovator of the Year by the Guardian Group, Mike has also committed his time as the Co-Chair of the Steering Group for The Consumer Goods Forum, a Strategic Advisor for Clim8 Invest and the Chair of the World Environment Center. Having developed the ground-breaking Plan A sustainability initiative for Marks and Spencer, Mike is a revolutionary pioneer of sustainable business whose expertise should not be missed when looking to take a stance against climate change.

OFFICIAL FEEDBACK FOR MIKE BARRY:

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mike for speaking at the Go Green Conference earlier this month. We had great feedback from the delegates online and in person about the level of content that was delivered on the day. We appreciate Mike taking time out of his busy schedule to highlight the benefits of sustainability, to businesses across the North. We hope to welcome him back to one of the events we host in the future.” – Helen, Events Executive, Department for Business & Trade

4. Sue Garrard

Official Evaluation – 9.8/10

Sue Garrard is a distinguished sustainability keynote speaker and expert consultant. Her illustrious background includes pioneering Unilever’s sustainability agenda as the SVP of Global Communications, leading to significant brand growth through sustainable practices. As the Founder of Sue Garrard Consulting, she advises top-tier companies like Mars and Danone on sustainability strategy. Sue generously shares her expertise and contributes to various expert panels, underlining her dedication to driving sustainable change. Her approach, blending corporate experience with public sector insight, makes her presentations rich with actionable knowledge.

5. Roger Ballentine

Official Evaluation – 9.8/10

Roger Ballentine is a renowned energy and sustainability strategist, who is currently working as the Founding President of Green Strategies Inc. Providing management consultation to corporate clients, Roger expertly advises companies on sustainability strategies, clean energy procurement strategies, decarbonisation and the integration of energy and environmental policies into business strategies. With a decorated history in sustainability, Roger is famed for his former roles as the Chairman of the White House Climate Change Task Force and Deputy Assistant to the President for Environmental Initiatives. Pioneering the climate and clean energy policy of The White House, Roger is a preeminent authority on making organisations conscious of their impact on the environment. When booked as a sustainability speaker, Roger details all there is to know about sustainability, the environment and clean energy.

6. Dorthe Scherling Nielsen

Official Evaluation – 9.7/10

Dorthe Scherling Nielsen is a distinguished sustainability professional, who has over 20 years of experience working in government affairs and communicating the urgency of sustainability. An impact-driven executive, Dorthe has previously worked as the Director of Global Sustainability Policy for Nike and as the Chief Sustainability Officer & VP of Corporate Affairs for Bestseller. Helping clients navigate systems and stakeholders to become more sustainable and tackle climate change, Dorthe encourages businesses to invest in sustainability to ensure that their organisation thrives. Sharing her expert knowledge on sustainability, communication and government affairs, don’t miss your opportunity to learn how to tackle climate change and make the changes needed for a sustainable future with Dorthe Scherling Nielsen.

7. Håkan Nordkvist

Official Evaluation – 9.7/10

A leader with a human-centric vision and innovative solutions, Håkan Nordkist is revered for his former role as the Head of Sustainability Innovation for the IKEA Group. Initially joining IKEA as a Quality Manager, Håkan proved his worth at the company, pioneering countless ground-breaking sustainability projects that prioritised technology and innovation for a sustainable future. One of his most prominent projects at IKEA was titled IKEA Clean Energy Service, a pioneering initiative that is highly successful and continues to be used in 13 countries today. When looking for a passionate sustainability speaker to combat climate change, hire Håkan Nordkvist to speak on circularity, entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation today.

8. Christiana Figueres

Official Evaluation – 9.6/10

Christiana Figueres is an esteemed sustainability keynote speaker and architect of the Paris Agreement, advocating for global climate action. Her career began in Costa Rica’s public service, advancing to roles in international environmental policy. As Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, she spearheaded the historic Paris Climate Accord, galvanising global efforts to curb climate change. Post-UN, she collaborates with organisations to bolster sustainability. Awarded globally, her talks inspire action towards a greener future, melding environmental acumen with practical solutions.

9. David Howell

Official Evaluation – 9.5/10

Lord David Howell, the Baron of Guildford, is a Conservative politician and former Secretary of Energy Sustainability. David invests in the youth and believes that they are key to the recovery of hydrocarbons. While in Government, David faced the responsibility of reducing our carbon footprint. From his position within parliament, he took a stand against climate change. His presentations are realistic and factual, inspiring people to embrace sustainability head-on.

10. Richard Reed

Official Evaluation – 9.5/10

Richard Reed believes that when business owners are ethically responsible they don’t just protect the environment, but inspire trust in their consumers. Along with two friends, Richard founded Innocent Drinks, a smoothie company that prioritises ethics over profits. From picking the fruit to packaging the product, Richard’s legacy is built on sustainability. The company is 100% Rainforest Alliance certified, an achievement that Richard discusses at length as a sustainability speaker. Richard is at the forefront of the eco-friendly business revolution.

11. Chris Hines

Official Evaluation – 9.4/10

Former Sustainability Director of the Eden Project, Chris Hines, is an authoritative voice on climate change. Opened in 2001, the biggest greenhouse in the world attracts thousands of tourists each year, reconnecting humans with the natural world. As a speaker, Chris can offer insight into his business’ environmental methods. Chris doesn’t sugarcoat the situation. His speeches are a warning of the mass flooding, starvation and dehydration guaranteed if we do not face up to climate change. He calls on everyone to embrace the planet and take the necessary steps to protect it.

OFFICIAL FEEDBACK FOR CHRIS HINES:

“On the day, Chris did a fantastic job of building on previous presentations and sharing his experiences and inspiring our delegates” – Co-Op Risk & HSE Conference

12. Charles Perry

Official Evaluation – 9.4/10

Charles Perry is a luminary in sustainability and climate action, with a career spanning over 25 years in high-impact roles. As a sustainability keynote speaker, Charles brings unmatched experience from his experience as the Founder of SecondNature and leading roles at RISE, COP26 and as a Senior Consultant for URS Corporation. His work with BP, GreenOrder and Good Energy showcases his commitment to renewable energy. Charles, a voice for change, inspires with his dedication to sustainability as a foundation for future prosperity.

13. Nigel Topping

Official Evaluation – 9.4/10

Nigel Topping is a prominent sustainability speaker and climate action advocate, renowned for his role as High-Level Champion for Climate Action for COP26. His dedication to halving emissions by 2030 and his significant contributions, particularly in the Paris Agreement, have distinguished him as an authoritative voice in climate change discourse. He has held influential positions, including CEO of WE MEAN BUSINESS, driving forward environmental agendas. He will continue his impactful work as a Global Ambassador for Race To Zero and Race To Resilience, fostering zero-carbon initiatives and resilience against climate challenges. Awarded the Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Nigel’s expertise is sought-after by organisations aiming to integrate sustainable practices into their operations.

14. Steve Howard

Official Evaluation – 9.3/10

Steve Howard is a renowned sustainability officer with over twenty years of experience catalysing environmental progress in the corporate world. As the former Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA, he developed and implemented strategies such as the People and Planet Positive Scheme and led significant investments in renewable energy. Now, as the Chair and Co-Founder of WE MEAN BUSINESS, and in roles with the Environment and Natural Resources Global Future Council and Sustainable Energy for All, Steve continues to drive impactful initiatives. His persuasive speaking engagements, including a notable TED talk, are characterised by tailored advice and actionable strategies for sustainable corporate transformation.

OFFICIAL FEEDBACK FOR STEVE HOWARD:

“The event went really well and Steve was great, so well received. His presentation was great, and to stand up for 45 minutes with no slides or notes isn’t easy! Please pass on my thanks and appreciation to him”– PwC

15. David Mayer De Rothschild

Official Evaluation – 9.3/10

David Mayer De Rothschild has worked tirelessly to transform global perceptions of the environment, done through his exploits as an adventurer and his business ventures. From expeditions around Ecuador as part of his ARTiculate series to developing Plastiki, a boat made entirely from recycled materials, David is highly commended for his commitment to environmental sustainability. Named an Emerging Explorer by National Geographic and a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, David has also been sought to deliver TEDx Talks and founded Adventure Ecology to further his influence on sustainability. When looking for a distinguished sustainability speaker, David Mayer De Rothschild is an exemplary choice.

16. Sally Uren

Official Evaluation – 9.3/10

Sally Uren, a renowned sustainability speaker and CEO of Forum for the Future, is a leading voice in advocating for systematic change towards a sustainable future. With a PhD in Environmental Science, her journey began with grassroots activism, evolving through founding a sustainability consultancy to guiding global organisations on sustainability practices. Honoured with an OBE for her services, Sally’s commitment to environmental issues spans the food, energy, clothing and travel sectors. She is driven to inspire others towards impactful environmental change.

OFFICIAL FEEDBACK FOR SALLY UREN:

“Sally was incredible. We have had phenomenal feedback on her speech. Everyone was impressed with her knowledge and personality. Not only was she inspiring but holding a room in the level of heat we had that day was incredible.” – GiffGaff

17. Tony Seba

Official Evaluation – 9.2/10

Tony Seba is a prominent Silicon Valley entrepreneur and investor, recognised for his expertise in environmental sustainability. As the author of “Clean Disruption of Energy and Transportation” he’s a sought-after sustainability speaker, sharing insights into the significant shifts in the energy and transport sectors. Co-founding RethinkX, Tony specialises in forecasting tech disruptions and their impacts on society. His work spans a range of topics from technological innovation to the evolution of civilizations. With a career rich in advising top-tier firms and lecturing at Stanford, Tony’s visionary contributions to clean energy and sustainability have earned him numerous accolades.

OFFICIAL FEEDBACK FOR TONY SEBA:

“It was an amazing experience and one that I won’t forget anytime soon. Your passion, caring, and deep industry knowledge are simply astonishing” – Oracle

18. Melissa Sterry

Official Evaluation – 9.2/10

Melissa Sterry is renowned for her expertise in design science, biofuturism and sustainability innovation. As the founding Director of Bioratorium and other ventures, she’s a pivotal force in advancing sustainable practices within businesses and academia globally. Her compelling keynotes on sustainable architecture, utilities and ethics showcase her ability to challenge norms and present cutting-edge insights. Recognised internationally with awards and media presence, Melissa’s influence spans executive boards, media campaigns and academic forums, where her voice guides and inspires a future-oriented corporate industry.

OFFICIAL FEEDBACK FOR MELISSA STERRY:

“Nothing but good things to say! Melissa arrived promptly, delivered a great talk, stuck around after and mingled with the clients and was generally a lovely person! Thank you very much for everything and hope to work with you again in the future!” – Antigone, Events Manager, Akin Group LLP

19. Liz Bonnin

Official Evaluation – 9.1/10

Liz Bonnin has dedicated her career to wildlife conservation. The biochemist and biologist has presented on BAFTA award-winning shows, like Big Blue Live and Galapagos. Using her knowledge, Liz opens her audience’s eyes to the climate disaster happening right now. She has appeared at numerous events, hosting the likes of the ET Young Woman Engineer of the Year Award and the Natural History Museum Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award. Recently, she interviewed Sir David Attenborough at the University of Cambridge, to highlight the need for more sustainable methods of living.

20. Pen Hadow

Official Evaluation – 9/10

Pen Hadow has one message; business owners need to be environmentally sustainable. With so many environmental researchers discovering more sustainable methods, Pen wants businesses to embrace these opportunities and change the course of climate change. As a speaker, he explores these methods. This world-renowned explorer has spearheaded research into our ecosystem, specialising in water pollution and wildlife conservation. His speeches are highly insightful, a true glimpse into the environmental damage we may not see from the warmth of our homes. For business owners, Pen’s advice is invaluable.

OFFICIAL FEEDBACK FOR PEN HADOW:

“I wanted to pass on to each of you my great admiration and congratulations for such a tremendous achievement in your expedition to the North Pole – a world first. The whole country is delighted, and your courage and fortitude is a marvelous example to us all. You all have a most deserving place in history and we are very proud of you” – Tony Blair

Book a Sustainability & Environment Speaker

To book any of the environmental and sustainability speakers mentioned in this post, contact us by filling in our online contact form or by calling a booking agent directly on 02039355587.