Dr Parag Khanna

Founder & CEO of Climate Alpha, Managing Partner of FutureMap & Renowned Author

  • Managing Partner at FutureMap
  • Director of Global Governance Initiative at the World Economic Forum
  • 5x TED Speaker
  • Served as a senior Geopolitical Advisor for the US Special Operations Forces deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan
  • Named one of Esquire’s 75 Most Influential People of the 21st Century

Discover Dr Parag Khanna’s biography of published work below.

Move
Move: How Mass Migration Will Reshape the World – and What It Means for You
The Second World
The Second World: Empires and Influence in the New Global Order
The Future Is Asian
The Future Is Asian: Commerce, Conflict, and Culture in the 21st Century
Connectography
Connectography: Mapping the Future of Global Civilization
How to Run the World
How to Run the World: Charting a Course to the Next Renaissance

Parag Khanna is a leading voice on sustainability and climate adaptation, offering a fresh perspective on how societies, economies, and governments can respond to environmental challenges. In his recent book “MOVE: The Forces Uprooting Us”, Parag explores the pressing issue of climate-driven migration, emphasizing that shifting populations due to climate stress is a critical aspect of our future. He underscores that adaptation must be prioritised, as the impact of climate change will not only reshape geographies but will also alter the dynamics of global human settlements. Parag believes that while mitigating emissions is essential, it’s equally important to prepare for the societal shifts and new demographic landscapes that climate change will inevitably create.

As the Founder of Climate Alpha, Parag applies his expertise in location analytics to assess the economic viability and climate resilience of different regions. The platform uses data to predict how areas may be affected by environmental changes and aims to help investors, policymakers, and planners make informed, sustainable choices. This approach aligns with Parag’s view that resilience and adaptability should be core principles in economic development, moving beyond traditional sustainability metrics to incorporate predictive insights into planning for climate impacts.

Parag is also a strong advocate for meaningful ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) integration in corporate practices. Acknowledging the mixed reception ESG has received globally, he argues that companies should focus on clear, effective communication of their sustainability goals, linking these efforts to broader themes of responsibility and purpose-driven business. Rather than diluting these goals under vague terminology, Parag calls for accountability and clarity, ensuring that both consumers and stakeholders can align with companies’ commitments to sustainability and social impact.

Through public talks, including his popular TED Talks such as Where On Earth Will People Live in the Future?, Parag has highlighted how interconnected challenges such as urbanisation, resource management, and climate adaptation require a cohesive global approach. He advocates for investing in infrastructure and technology that can withstand climate pressures and foster sustainable growth. By promoting these ideas, he emphasises the need for a shift in mindset—from reactive to proactive adaptation strategies—to build societies resilient to climate risks.

Parag’s work overall serves as a guidepost for sustainable development that harmonises economic resilience with social responsibility. His contributions underscore the need for adaptive strategies that not only address current environmental challenges but also anticipate and prepare for future shifts. Named one of Esquire’s 75 Most Influential People of the 21st Century, Parag is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers, commanding a client rating of 9.7/10 as a sustainability speaker & expert. If you are looking for a seasoned keynote speaker to address your next sustainability event, look no further than Parag Khanna!

To enquire about Dr Parag Khanna for your event or corporate function, simply contact us via agent@sustainability-speakers.com or call a booking agent on 0207 1010 553.