Eden at London Climate Action Week: Our key takeaways

This year Eden was in London for two days, attending 5 events during London Climate Action Week and thought it would be good to share some of the takeaways.

‘At a Crossroads – Pathways to a Net Zero Future’: the next few years are critical

It was great that the launch was held at some prestigious venues: an evening drinks event at The Institute of Mechanical Engineers in Westminster and then a morning panel discussion at The Conduit Club where The Mission Zero Coalition unveiled its pivotal ‘At a Crossroads’ report, highlighting critical junctures in the UK's journey to achieving net zero.

The launch event was hosted by Rt Hon Chris Skidmore OBE, former Energy Minister and chair of the Net Zero Review & Dan McGrail, Chief Executive of Renewables UK. They facilitated a fascinating panel discussion about the report and actions that need to be taken by a new Labour Government. The report is really insightful and underscores the urgency for decisive action to meet the UK's 2050 climate goals, notably the need for enhanced policies and accelerated implementation across sectors.

Chris Skidmore stressed the importance of maintaining momentum, noting that the next few years are crucial for setting the course towards a sustainable future. The ‘At a Crossroads’ report serves as a call for policymakers, businesses, and communities to collaborate, take action and steer the UK towards its net zero aspirations, ensuring a resilient and environmentally sustainable economy. Eden Sustainable have been one of the stakeholders contributing to the report via the Power Generation Network over the last few months.

The ‘At a Crossroads – Pathways to a Net Zero Future’ report 

Climate Innovation Forum: collaboration is key

Next up was the Climate Innovation Forum held at the Guildhall in the City. There were over 2000 delegates including leaders from industry, policymakers and innovators all discussing sustainable solutions. It is the main flagship event of London Climate Action Week and sees a lot of networking and idea-sharing.

A highlight of the event was the flagship speech delivered by John Kerry, the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. As with the Mission Zero report, Kerry emphasised the urgent need for accelerated action to combat climate change, highlighting the critical role of technological innovation and international collaboration. He underscored the potential of clean energy advancements and called for increased investment in renewable energy sources. He also stressed the importance of policy frameworks that support climate resilience and reduce carbon footprints. His speech resonated with the forum's theme of fostering innovative approaches to achieve net-zero. The forum concluded with a renewed commitment from global stakeholders to harness technology and policy for a sustainable future, reflecting Kerry's call to action and leadership in climate diplomacy. The whole team at Eden is committed to advancing renewable energy solutions as part of a more sustainable future. Over the past three years, Eden has seen its turnover increase by nearly 6 times as we commit our resources to helping the UK’s energy transition.

Rt Hon, Chris Skidmore, Secretary John Kerry & Nick Henry

Ashden Awards

Finally, that evening we hot-footed it across town to the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), Savoy Place where the annual Ashden Awards took place. The event celebrates innovative solutions in sustainable energy and recognises seven global pioneers driving climate solutions and social impact through green energy initiatives.

The winners were all very inspiring - Salpha Energy (Nigeria) who provide renewable electricity to a range of customers; Gogo Electric, (Uganda) who are converting petrol to electric motorbike taxis; Tepeo (UK) who have an innovative zero emissions boiler (ZEB); Energise Barnsley (UK) who are tackling fuel poverty through solar and battery solutions; Patapia (Uganda) who provide loans to help refugee women launch and grow businesses powered by clean energy; Wild Haweswater (UK) who are restoring landscapes in the Lake District; and finally Ujamaa (Tanzania) who are securing rights to their lands and creating sustainable living from the land.

The awards are always very moving and inspiring, and it was followed by networking drinks and nibbles with hundreds of people, as well as a chance to meet the winners.

Key Takeaways from London Climate Action Week

The movement is very much alive and well and growing. The climate sector is one of the fastest growing parts of the UK economy with plenty of jobs continuing to be created.

A key theme is that now is the time for action. We have the solutions so now the need is to focus on taking actions to implement these solutions to get to net zero as fast as possible.

There was a lot of talk about a new Labour government in the UK having a ‘mission’ focus on energy. This includes accelerating the national electricity grid infrastructure changes that are required; partnering with private finance to deliver solutions; growing the green economy and creating more jobs; changing the planning system to make it function far more efficiently and reduce decision times.

Overall, we came away energised, with plenty of new connections, and ready to push our renewable energy business, Eden Sustainable, forward to the next phase and continue to be part of the much needed energy transition here in the UK.