Solutions HouseSeptember 18-22

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Can we build a new Solutions Economy?

Last year we made a great start, in 2023 we're going even further.

Last Climate Week, something very special happened. Leaders, experts, entrepreneurs, youth activists, storytellers, innovators and influencers gathered with one objective: drive exponential climate solutions.

The motto of Solutions House is ‘Answers Only’. Every one of our debates, showcases, ideation sessions and workshops will be held in that spirit.

*solutions that help halve emissions before 2030
Sessions

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2023

Answers Only: Opening of Solutions House 2023

9:30 – 10:30 AM ET

How can we accelerate climate solutions and actions exponentially to halve emissions by 2030? This is what Solutions House is all about.

The theme of Solutions House is 'Answers Only.' We have the evidence, the knowledge, the technology, and the creativity to transition to a sustainable future for all, and we can do so in a way that benefits people and the planet.

Together, we can unleash the potential of exponential solutions to transform the way we all live, work, and thrive in a sustainable world. We are excited to bring together world leaders in science, policy, and business to explore solutions to the greatest challenges of our time: reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.

Kate Brandt
Chief Sustainability Officer
Google
Leah Thomas
Author and Environmental Justice Advocate
Intersectional Environmentalist
Johan Falk
CEO
Exponential Roadmap Initiative
Solitaire Townsend
Co-Founder and Chief Solutionist
Futerra

Greening Cash: Spotlight on Emissions From Corporate Finance

11.30 AM -12.30 PM ET

Many companies would see a notable surge in their total greenhouse gas emissions if they were counting emissions from how their cash holdings are used by banks. Currently, these emissions indirectly financed by companies escape reporting. But the new Greening Cash Action Guide provides actionable advice for how climate-leading companies can be frontrunners in recognizing, measuring and reducing these emissions. What’s more: By acting on the recommendations and engaging with their banks about climate performance and transition plans, companies support the wider decarbonization of the financial system

Paul Moinester
Founder and Executive Director
Topo
Johan Falk
CEO
Exponential Roadmap
Allison Fajans-Turner
Managing Director
BankFWD
Ingmar Rentzhog
CEO and Founder
We Don't Have Time
Quinn Williams
Director, Equitable Bank Standards Program
Beneficial State Foundation
Lucy Shea
CEO
Futerra

Hollywood's Starring Role in the Climate Economy

1:30 - 2:30 PM ET

Earlier this year, the Hollywood Climate Summit gathered entertainment and media leaders in Los Angeles to investigate the cultural industry’s role in climate action. We’re continuing this debate in NYC. Can soap-operas, blockbusters, reality shows, dramas, comedy and children’s content inspire action? Does climate make compelling content?

Session hosted by Futerra, in partnership with CAA Foundation and Hollywood Climate Summit

Heather Fipps
Co-founder
Hollywood Climate Summit
Solitaire Townsend
Co-Founder & Chief Solutionist
Futerra
Adam Umhoefer
Foundation Executive
CAA Foundation
Emma Stewart
Chief Sustainability Officer
Netflix
Mark Chambers
Director
Earth Alliance

How Storytelling Advances Solutions

3:00 - 4:00 PM ET

How can we put solutions in the story? Writers, filmmakers and creators spin up magic out of thin air. They make us laugh. They make us cry. They terrify us. But most of all they make us care about the worlds they create. Solutions House will host a unique session with very special guests who can weave the stories that change the world. Come to learn what makes a good story, and why storytelling matters.

Session hosted by Futerra, in partnership with CAA Foundation and Hollywood Climate Summit

Kat Coiro
Director and Filmmaker

Tory Stephens
Climate Fiction Creative Manager
Grist
Ali Weinstein
Co-Founder/EP, TV Writer
Hollywood Climate Summit
Solitaire Townsend
Co-Founder & Chief Solutionist
Futerra

Scaling Climate Ambition into Action with EDF’s New Net Zero Action Accelerator

5:00 - 6:00 PM ET

Bridging the gap between corporate climate ambition and action is one of the most pressing challenges ahead. This pioneering tool was designed to meet the demand for practical, actionable resources - backed by science. The Accelerator offers net zero pathways and training, featuring resources from EDF, Deloitte, Race to Zero, Transform to Net Zero and more.
(INVITE ONLY)

Elizabeth Sturcken
Managing Director
Environmental Defense Fund
Kathleen McLaughlin
Chief Sustainability Officer
Walmart
Peggy Brannigan
Director of Global Environmental Sustainability
LinkedIn
Roberta Barbieri
VP Global Sustianability, Climate and Water
Pepsico
Crystal Upperman
Senior Manager
Deloitte Consulting LLP
Joel Makower
Chairman
GreenBiz Group



EDF’s Net Zero Action Accelerator Launch Reception

6:00 - 8:00 PM ET

EDF’s Net Zero Action Accelerator Launch Reception
(INVITE ONLY)

Lea Borkenhagen
Senior Vice President
EDF+Business
Andrew Winston
Author of Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

Fashion Solutions Breakfast

7.45 – 8:45 AM ET

In the Fashion Solutions Breakfast session, we will delve into the transformative potential of fashion to tackle pressing global challenges. With its unique ability to connect with every individual, we know that fashion can be a powerful force for good. Our discussion will revolve around critical themes, including achieving circularity at scale, decarbonizing fashion, ensuring a just transition for workers, harnessing fashion's marketing engine for consumer behavior change. Additionally, we will explore innovative funding solutions as key drivers of sustainable progress, paving the way for a more sustainable and responsible future.

Devon Leahy
Global Head of Sustainability
Ralph Lauren
Ngozi Okaro
Executive Director
Custom Collaborative
Isabella Marras
Senior Programme Officer Interagency Affairs
UNEP
Lindita Xhaferi-Salihu
Sectors Engagement in Climate Action, Lead
UNFCCC
Ulrika Leverenz
Head of Green Investment
H&M Group
Lucy Shea
CEO
Futerra
Samata Pattinson FRSA
CEO
Black Pearl

Transition Plans as a Driver for Transformation and Disruption

9:00 – 10:30 AM ET

Transition plans are front and center of the credible 1.5°C aligned net-zero commitments that the UN Secretary-General wants to see at his Climate Ambition Summit on 20 September. Plans that include short-, medium and long-term absolute emissions reductions targets across all scopes and that demonstrate actions to meet the targets.

In this session, policy experts will explain why transition plans matter, and how they can drive the needed transformation to a net-zero world. Leading companies will share their lessons learned from developing such transition plans. And the Exponential Roadmap Initiative will present how the 1.5°C Business Playbook supports companies in setting business strategies that integrate climate and achieve their Transition Plans.

Johan Falk
CEO
Exponential Roadmap Initiative
Katarina Wrangler Björk
Chief Climate Policy Officer
Doconomy
Mats Pellbäck Scharp
Head of Sustainability
Ericsson
Lars Lundström
Head of Product Sustainability
H2GreenSteel

Mobilizing the Private Sector for Action on Climate and Health

11:00AM – 12:00 PM ET

The climate crisis is also a health crisis and it must be approached as one. At a critical juncture like this, the world is once again looking at the private sector to come together and use its expertise, influence and resources to combat this complex dual crisis.

This session, hosted by the Climate and Health Coalition, will explore the impact of climate change on human health and build the case for private sector to take action to drive co-benefits for climate and health.



This is a closed-door session. To request an invitation, please email Kavya Uchil at k.uchil@forumforthefuture.org

David Croft
Global Director Sustainability, Environment and Human Rights
Reckitt Benckiser
Teri (Hall) Lyng
SVP, Transformation and Sustainability
Haleon
Adriana Zupa-Fernandez
Director Global Sustainability Strategy, Culture and Engagement
Bristol Myers Squibb
Glyn Richards
Group Director of Sustainability
Bupa
Dr. Sally Uren
Chief Executive
Forum for the Future

Working Together to Address Lifestyle Emissions

2:00 – 3:30 PM ET

In this two-part session, we will delve into the secret power of lifestyle emissions. The IPCC report offers a detailed and practical plan for societal emissions reduction, complementing the critical action required by governments, policymakers, and organizations to decarbonize energy, transport, and material systems. The report also calculates the significant well-being and economic benefits that will result from these actions, including for individuals.

Part 1 of this session will explore how consumers are increasingly seeking out more sustainable options and seeking assistance from businesses, governments, and nonprofits to do so. Part 2 will showcase some of the products and services that can help consumers live more sustainable lives and reconnect to nature.

Kate Brandt
Chief Sustainability Officer
Google
Johan Falk
CEO
Exponential Roadmap Initiative
Solitaire Townsend
Co-founder and Chief Solutionist
Futerra
Douglas Sabo
Chief Sustainability Officer
Visa Inc.
Glyn Richards
Group Sustainability Director
Bupa
Ashley Allen
CSO
Oatly
Eva Karlsson
CEO
Houdini
Anthony Leiserowitz
Yale Program on Climate Change Communication

The Race To The Top: Scaling Climate Solutions Globally

4:00 – 5:00 PM ET

To diverge from fossil fuels, we must exponentially scale climate solutions on an unprecedented scale. Disruptive companies will play a pivotal role in driving this transformation, but also established companies which are radically shifting their business. We will discuss a framework for solutions, how companies can set Key performance indicators and highlight company examples in the front-line. Join us in this momentous ‘Race to the Top,’ where we redefine success, innovation, and progress by placing climate and nature at the core of business strategy and explore the ripple effects to cities, countries and financial institutions.

Johan Falk
CEO
Exponential Roadmap Initiative
Kaya Axelsson
Head of Policy & Partnerships
Oxford Net Zero
Lars Lundström
Head of Product Sustainability
H2GreenSteel
Varun Sivaram
Group Senior Vice President for Strategy and Innovation
Ørsted
Susannah Calvin
Director, Environment & Supply Chain Innovation
Apple

Surviving Sustainability: Navigating Global Responsibility And Personal Well-Being

5:30 – 6:30 PM ET

Join our 'Surviving Sustainability' panel as youth activists and solutionists explore the often-overlooked realm of self-worth, burnout, and coping under the weight of global responsibility. Gain practical insights and resilience strategies to thrive while shaping a sustainable world. Discover the intersection of personal well-being and global impact, and learn how to navigate these challenges with grace and strength.

Kristy Drutman
Founder
Green Jobs Board
Wawa Gatheru
Founder
Black Girl Environmentalist
Tori Tsui
Author
It's Not Just You
Saad Amer
Climate Justice Activist
UN Consultant

B Corp Reception

7:00 – 9:00 PM ET

B Corps have emerged as driving forces in the realm of climate action, channeling a collective commitment to steer industries toward greener practices. Join us at Solutions House for an exclusive session sponsored by Sanofi. Exclusively for certified B Corps (two individuals per organization), let’s explore and celebrate the pivotal role of B Corps in forging a sustainable future.

Andrew Loucks
Head of North America Consumer Healthcare
Sanofi
Kylie Nealis
Senior Program Manager, Climate Justice
B Labs
More names TBA





WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2023

Sustainable Energy for All presents: 24x7 Carbon-Free Energy

8.00-9.00AM ET

The 24/7 Carbon Free Energy Compact, a UN and SEforALL initiative, aims to decarbonize electricity consumption worldwide. Join this session to learn about their new study analysing global policies and citizen engagement in reshaping the electricity industry. Discover the role of cities and consumers in the transition to 24/7 Carbon Free Energy, crucial for addressing climate change.

Shirley McAlpine
Founder
Shirley McAlpine and Associates
Dr. Jorge Rivera Staff
National Energy Secretary of Panama
Government of Panama
Fiona Tiller
CEO
TraceX Powerledger
Irina Lazzerini
Principal Specialist Clean Energy
SEforALL
Annette Chau
Associate Partner
Dalberg
Arnold Kiel Loughman
Attorney General
Republic of Vanuatu
Jemima Gordon-Duff
Deputy Director for International Climate Change
Government of Scotland
Paul Freedman Executive Vice President
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
The AES Corporation
Bruce Douglas
CEO
Global Renewables Alliance
Miguel Viana
EDP’s Head of Sustainability and Investor Relations
EDP
Irene Skoula
Director of Energy and Buildings Program
C40 Cities

Reinventing Value Chains to Reach Net Zero

09.30-10.30AM ET

In order for the globally connected value chains to reach Net Zero, we need to ask, how can we transform the way we produce, transport and consume goods and services? This session brings together leading companies and organizations to explore how we can work to decarbonize through our global value chains and scale up viable sustainable solutions.

Mats Pellbäck Scharp
Head of Sustainability
Ericsson
Jenny Ahlen
Managing Director of Net Zero
We Mean Business Coalition
Laura Perez Casado
Senior Project Manager
Exponential Roadmap Initiative
Lars Holmquist
Chief Sustainability Officer
Tetra Pak
Andreas Ahrens
Head of Climate
Inter IKEA Group AB
Maria Outters
Chief Impact Officer
SBTi
Lucy Shea
CEO
Futerra
Enrique Alvarado Hablutzel
Co-founder and CIO
Chi Impact Capital

Renewable Energy and Efficiency to Halve Emissions in Supply Chains

1:30 - 2:30 PM ET

There is potential to halve emissions in millions of factories by combining energy efficiency solutions with renewable energy access.
 How can we now ignite its exponential scaling?

Join us in this session to:

- Get an overview of best practices to drastically cut emissions in supply chains

- Learn about the potential of radical energy efficiency

- Participate in the discussion on what is required to scale solutions exponentially

Andreas Ahrens
Head of Climate
Inter IKEA Group AB
Maria Virginia Dundas
Acting Head of Global Sustainability
Ørsted
Bessma Aljarbou
Head of Supplier Carbon Solutions
Apple
Anna Celsing
Chief Sustainability Officer
Alfa Laval Group
Laura Perez Casado
Senior Project Manager
Exponential Roadmap Initiative

Creators: The Secret Solution to Decarbonizing Lifestyles

3:00 – 4:00 PM ET

With three in four people* more likely to take up behaviors to help save the planet after watching social media content about sustainability, we ask - have we overlooked the most powerful force for sparking sustainable choices?

Join us as our panel of experts, including Unilever’s Chief Sustainability Officer, popular lifestyle creators and behavioral experts unveil new findings from a Unilever study of creators on the topic of sustainable lifestyles. We will explore the unique role creators (on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and more) can play in encouraging individuals to adopt low-carbon behaviors, igniting a mass movement towards sustainable living.

*Unilever study, March 2023

Rebecca Marmot
Chief Sustainability Officer
Unilever
Şükrü Dinçer
Global Head of Digital - Sustainable Choices
Unilever
Jaya Adapa
SVP Media and Content
Futerra
Eric Levine
Co-Founder
Count Us In
Dr. Adanna Steinacker
Founder
House of Adanna

Meet the YouTube Creators Democratizing Access to Climate Information

4:30 – 5:30 PM ET

Sharing credible sustainability information is central to addressing global climate change. That is why many YouTube Creators use their platform to democratize access to authoritative information about climate change and bolster awareness of climate solutions. In this panel, we’ll feature several YouTube creators to discuss how they make climate information more accessible online. From featuring more sustainable products, to breaking down complex sustainability topics, these individuals help raise awareness and understanding of climate considerations across countless topics from thrifting to EV’s to renewable energy.

Mark Vins
Wildlife Conservation Content Creator

Prajakta Koli
Content Creator

Max Klymenko
Creative Director
Klym&Co
Alice Aedy
Co-Founder and CEO
Earthrise
Kate Brandt
Chief Sustainability Officer
Google

YouTube Creator Reception

5.30 - 6.30 PM ET

Join us for an informal gathering with the YouTube creators at the forefront of democratising access to climate information. Please enjoy light snacks and beverages and the opportunity to discuss how these Creators are using their platforms to make climate information more accessible.

Celebrating the Solutions Party

7:00 - 9:00 PM ET

Please join us to celebrate Solutions House with an introductory speech and key insights from one of the most influential climate scientists of our time: Johan Rockström. Come and celebrate the solutions of our time! Refreshments provided.

Johan Rockström
Director
Potsdam
Johan Falk
CEO,
Exponential Roadmap Initiative
Solitaire Townsend
Co-founder/Chief Solutionist
Futerra
Kate Brandt
Chief Sustainability Officer
Google

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

Disruptive Energy Solutions

8.00 – 9.15 AM ET

Energy stands for over 70 % of the global emissions. As the energy landscape evolves and becomes more complex, collaboration and integration across industries are crucial for accelerating the adoption of innovative solutions and achieving significant reductions. We will, in this session, explore how disruptive energy technology innovations can accelerate the energy transition with cross-industry ecosystems and ensure exponential reduction of emissions. Join us to learn how you can take action already today to significantly reduce your emissions!

Patrik Nylander
CEO
Accenture Sweden
Andreas Ahrens
Head of Climate
Inter IKEA Group
Emil Damgaard Grann
Head of Global Positioning
Ørsted
Enrique Alvarado Hablutzel
Co-Founder
Managing Partner Chi Impact Capital
Gabriella Oken Wilbur
Global Energy Lead
Accenture
Anna Throne-Holst
President
Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, New York

Thriving Politicians for a Thriving Planet: Why politicians’ mental wellbeing and inner development matter for climate policy

9:30 – 10.30 AM ET

Addressing climate change is a challenge public leaders will only achieve if they are performing at their best. The Apolitical Foundation, Inner Development Goals and Leadership Now Project invite you to hear new research insights and learn why the inner well-being and development of our leaders are so important for citizens, policy outcomes and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.
(INVITE ONLY)

Christina Haswood
State Representative
Kansas
Kimberly McArthur
COO
Apolitical Foundation
Jamie Bristow
Policy and Advocacy
Inner Development Goals
Daniella Ballou-Aares
Co-founder and CEO
Leadership Now Project
Jan Artem Henriksson
Executive Director
Inner Development Goals
Lisa Witter
Co-founder and CEO
Apolitical Foundation

Driving Decarbonization Through Accurate Carbon Accounting

11:00 AM – 12.00 PM ET

The way companies account for their carbon emissions drives the strategies and activities they undertake to address them. Today’s leading carbon accounting standard, the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP), is used by thousands of companies across the world. The GHGP’s Scope 2 Guidance has facilitated growing voluntary markets for clean energy, but its inaccuracies have also led to criticisms of greenwashing. The solution is not to get rid of market-based accounting, but to modernize it to make it more accurate and therefore drive greater decarbonization impact. Come to learn from experts about the importance of Scope 2 carbon accounting and how it can be modernized in this critical decade for decarbonization.

Wilson Ricks
PhD candidate in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Princeton University
Killian Daly
Executive Director
Energy Tag
Ciril Wakounig
Policy Lead
Electricity Maps
Katherine Dixon
Expert Partner
Bain & Company
Sarah Penndorf
Senior Program Manger
Google
Nathan Iyer
Senior Associate
RMI

The Cutting Edge of Digitalization and AI for Climate Impact

2:30 – 3.30 PM ET

As the realities of climate change and its impacts become ever more pronounced, the urgency for action grows. Technological innovation, such as the advance of digitalization and artificial intelligence, can help accelerate solutions to tackle climate change and improve the resilience of ecosystems and communities. This panel will explore how digital technologies can be leveraged to meet the challenge of climate change, and how the public and private sectors can facilitate the required innovation.

Mats Pellbäck Scharp
Head of Sustainability
Ericsson
Antonia Gawel
Director of Sustainability and Partnerships
Google
Sophia Kianni
Founder and UN Advisor
Climate Cardinals
Thomas Crowther
Founder/Professor
Restor/ETH Zürich
Hamid Maher
Managing Director & Partner
BCG

Living (And Even Laughing) In a Changing Climate

4:00 – 5.00 PM ET

Climate change is here, and we’re going to live with it, even in the best scenarios. So are we destined for a future devoid of humor, joy, and connection? Nope, and we’re here to prove it. Join leaders from the climate literacy initiative Probable Futures and Climate Comedy Cohort comedians for a unique presentation blending science, comedy, and meaningful discussion as we explore detailed climate maps and discuss our future, minus the anxiety.

Spencer Glendon
Founder
Probable Futures
Alison Smart
Executive Director
Probable Futures
Esteban Gast
Comedian-in-residence
Generation180

Co-ops as a Pathway to Lead an Equitable and Regenerative Transition

5.30 – 6.30 PM ET

This panel session is an opportunity to explore the scope of the role – often unnoticed -- that cooperatives across all sectors play in the world. As the world grapples with a climate emergency and scores of related challenges, co-ops and other community-owned businesses, offer a potential pathway to lead an equitable & regenerative transition away from our current extractive economy and unlock humanity’s best version of itself. The panelists will share stories of the successes and challenges of the cooperatives movement and discuss ways that investment in a new era of flourishing cooperatives can drive more global inclusivity and equity, better serve people and communities, contribute solutions to the world’s most pressing problems, and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Jayne Engle
Mission Co-Holder
Dark Matter Labs
Alexandra van der Ploeg
Global Head of Social Responsibility
SAP
Yash Ranga
Director, Strategy & Innovation
Pyxera Global India
Chantal Line Carpentier
Chair
UN Task Force on Social & Solidarity Economy
Deirdre White
CEO
Pyxera Global

Climate-Competent Professionals: Rethinking & Accelerating Climate Literacy in Influential Professions

7:00 - 8:15PM ET

Professional services providers play a pivotal role in accelerating the transition to a just, low-emission and climate-resilient world. As clients increasingly seek help to shape sustainability policies and practices, providers’ ability to support them is also good for business.

How then can we best incorporate current science and knowledge into professional financial, legal and other advice? How might mindsets and attitudes in professional services need to shift to advise, influence and support key decision-makers to build resilient systems and achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement?

Join this roundtable to explore together what climate literacy means for professional services – and how we might accelerate it at scale. The event will be the first part of an ongoing conversation and collaboration towards a climate-literate professional services sector.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2023

The Power of Music to Drive Change

8:00 – 9:00 AM ET

A panel discussion brought to you by Climate Live, on ‘The Power of Music to Drive Change’ with panellists leading the way in the climate/music space.

Frances Fox
Global Founder & UK Director
Climate Live
Tori Tsui
Advisor
Climate Live & Earth Percent
Wawa Gatheru
Founder
Black Girl Environmentalist
Dominique Palmer
Coordinator
Climate Live
Eleanor Anderson
Director
Music Sustainability Association
Li-Ya Mar
Fellow
Planet Reimagined

Pathways to Planetary Health: Integrating Inner and Outer Roadmaps for Systems Transformation

9:30 – 10.30 AM ET

In this session, we will explore complimentary roadmaps for system transformation. The Earth4All report features 5 key Turnarounds for outer transition in political, economic, and industrial systems. The Reconnection report frames inner relationships and connections that are central to addressing global climate change. Integrating these insights is essential for going beyond shallow leverage points and enabling deeper shifts in mindsets.

Solitaire Townsend
Co-Founder and Chief Solutionist
Futerra
Sandrine Dixson-Declève
Co-President
Club of Rome
Jamie Bristow
Public Narrative and Policy Development Lead
Inner Development Goals
Stephen Posner, PhD
Director of Pathways to Planetary Health
Garrison Institute
Dr M.K. Dorsey
Director and Chair, Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Service
Arizona State University

We would also like to give special thanks to