Alex Steffen

Alex Steffen is widely recognised as one of the most influential sustainability futurists of our time. With a career spanning over three decades, Alex has become a trusted advisor, thought leader, and speaker, helping organisations, governments, and communities envision and build a sustainable, low-carbon future. Known for his engaging storytelling and actionable insights, Alex’s work empowers audiences to confront the challenges of the climate crisis head-on while embracing the opportunities presented by innovation and foresight.

Alex began his career as a journalist covering environmental and sustainability issues but rose to prominence as the Executive Editor of Worldchanging, one of the world’s leading sustainability publications. During his tenure from 2003 to 2010, the platform reached millions of readers globally, won numerous awards, and was instrumental in shaping the narrative around solutions-based sustainability. He edited the widely acclaimed book Worldchanging: A User’s Guide for the 21st Century, which won the Green Prize for Sustainable Literature and was translated into multiple languages. In 2013-2014, Alex served as Planetary Futurist in Residence at IDEO, where he explored global trends and emerging possibilities, combining design thinking with climate foresight.

Alex has written extensively on urban resilience and the transition to a low-carbon economy. His seminal book Carbon Zero: Imagining Cities That Can Save the Planet (2012) explores how innovative urban design, technology, and policy can create thriving, sustainable cities. Through his project The Snap Forward, Alex continues to provide thought leadership, offering strategies to navigate the rapid and unpredictable changes brought by the planetary crisis. His advisory work has influenced more than 100 organisations, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to philanthropic foundations and environmental advocacy groups.

A sought-after keynote speaker, Alex has addressed audiences at some of the world’s most prestigious forums, including TED, PopTech, the Royal Geographical Society, and leading universities such as Oxford, Harvard, and Stanford. His engaging talks leave audiences inspired and equipped with actionable solutions to address the climate crisis, rethink urban futures, and embrace sustainability-driven innovation. Alex’s unique ability to translate complex challenges into compelling narratives ensures his lasting impact on organisations and individuals worldwide.