David Carlin

David Carlin is a globally recognised sustainability expert, climate finance authority and keynote speaker who helps organisations understand the risks and opportunities created by climate change, the energy transition and economic disruption. As Founder and CEO of D.A. Carlin and Company, David works with governments, financial institutions and senior executives to turn complex sustainability challenges into practical strategies. His expertise encompasses climate and transition risk, sustainable finance, environmental regulation, net zero, nature, artificial intelligence and the changing geopolitical landscape, making him a valuable speaker for organisations seeking clarity on the forces reshaping business and investment.

David has built his career at the intersection of sustainability, finance and risk. He is currently a Senior Associate at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, contributing expertise in sustainability, finance and innovation, alongside his leadership of D.A. Carlin and Company. Previously, David served as Head of Risk at the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative, where he co-founded the UNEP FI Risk Centre, a centre dedicated to developing practical resources for financial institutions managing environmental risks and sustainable opportunities. Through his work, David has supported more than 100 banks, investors and insurers worldwide on climate scenarios, climate risk assessments and climate governance. He has also advised major international initiatives including the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero, Net-Zero Banking Alliance, UK Transition Finance Council and Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative.

David’s influence on sustainability extends across business, policy, academia and the media. He was named among the Reuters Events Climate Future Leaders 2024, recognising his contribution to climate and ESG strategy within the global financial system. David has also held academic positions at King’s College London and taught sustainability strategy at University College Dublin. An established writer on environmental and economic issues, his insights have appeared in the Financial Times, Reuters, Forbes and TIME. He is the author of ‘Accelerating Transition’ and ‘The Customer is the Planet’, exploring how governments, businesses and financial institutions can respond effectively to the transition towards a more sustainable economy.

As a keynote speaker, David combines technical expertise with an engaging ability to make complicated sustainability issues understandable and actionable. He has spoken at COP summits, London Climate Action Week and major international sustainability and financial forums, addressing audiences of executives, investors, policymakers and sustainability professionals. David speaks on climate change, sustainable finance, ESG, energy and renewable energy, transition planning, geopolitics and the relationship between AI and sustainability. Known for colourful analogies and accessible explanations, he helps audiences understand how environmental change translates into financial, strategic and operational consequences, leaving leaders better equipped to manage risk, identify emerging opportunities and make informed decisions in the transition to a sustainable future.