Claire O’Neill stands out as a preeminent speaker and leader in sustainability, environmental stewardship, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies. Her experience spans two decades in consultancy and finance before she entered UK politics in 2010, where she took on pivotal roles that shaped the country’s green policy landscape and impacted global sustainability initiatives. As the UK’s Minister for Energy and Clean Growth, she made landmark strides, such as spearheading the Clean Growth and Green Finance Strategies and establishing the UK’s Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) task force.
Claire is best known for her visionary role in creating and co-leading the Powering Past Coal Alliance with Canada, a groundbreaking coalition aimed at accelerating the transition from coal to cleaner energy sources. She also negotiated the world’s first public-private Offshore Wind Sector Deal, positioning the UK as a leader in offshore wind and renewable energy. Furthermore, she championed the Net Zero legislation in 2019, committing the UK to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, which influenced similar targets globally. Her leadership in securing the UK as the host for COP26 underscores her influence on the international climate stage. As the first President-Designate of COP26, she initially helped to lay the foundation for what would become one of the most important climate conferences in recent years.
Beyond government, Claire continues to drive global sustainability efforts through influential roles across various organisations. She co-chairs the Global Imperatives Advisory Board at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, where she collaborates on initiatives to support sustainable business practices worldwide. Her board positions at Occidental Petroleum, the Singapore Stock Exchange, and Windward AI underscore her expertise in integrating ESG principles within diverse industries, from energy to technology. As Board Chair of Climate Impact X, she champions market solutions to climate challenges, pushing for impactful carbon reduction efforts on a global scale. Since 2023, she has been Director of Oxy, an international energy company.
In addition, Claire is a Senior Global Advisor at McKinsey & Company and actively invests in emerging low-carbon technologies, demonstrating her commitment to fostering innovation for a sustainable future. Her affiliations with the UK Privy Council, the Royal Geographic Society, and the UK Energy Institute, coupled with her role as a Business Fellow at Oxford University’s Smith School of Enterprise and Environment, further underscore her credentials as a thought leader in climate and environmental policy. With her extensive background, strategic vision, and global influence, Claire O’Neill delivers impactful insights as a keynote speaker, inspiring action and innovation for a sustainable future, for which she has received commendations & a rating of 9.5/10 from audiences. Hire Claire O’Neill today!
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