London Climate Action Week shines a spotlight on the people turning climate ambition into action
We showcase our brilliant guests on The Decarbonisation Dialogue who reveal the solutions, partnerships and innovations already making a difference across the UK and beyond
As London Climate Action Week brings together thousands of people committed to tackling the climate crisis, one message is emerging loud and clear: climate action is no longer just about targets and policies - it is about people, ideas and practical solutions already making a difference.
London Climate Action Week (LCAW), now in its eighth year, is one of the world’s largest independent climate events. More than 75,000 people take part across over 1,000 events, from community projects and school activities to international conferences and government roundtables. It is a moment when climate action becomes visible across an entire global city.
The event has become a key fixture in the global climate calendar, creating space for collaboration between governments, businesses, public sector organisations, researchers and communities. It demonstrates how climate action happens not only through international agreements but through local leadership, innovation and collective effort.
At Salix, those conversations continue throughout the year through The Decarbonisation Dialogue podcast. This year during London Climate Action Week, we’re taking the opportunity to revisit the stories from some of our incredible podcast guests.
This is where we chat to experts from a wide range of disciplines to explore the challenges and opportunities of the transition to net zero. From climate scientists and engineers to filmmakers, campaigners, artists, business leaders and sustainability professionals, the podcast showcases the people helping shape a lower-carbon future.
Taking climate responsibility
Across more than 50 episodes, we have seen one theme consistently emerge: meaningful climate action is already underway.
Among those helping shape solutions is Professor Emily Shuckburgh, director of Cambridge Zero and one of the UK’s leading climate scientists.
After years of climate research, including more than a decade at the British Antarctic Survey studying the Southern Ocean’s role in global climate systems, she now focuses on accelerating practical climate solutions and bringing together expertise from across society.
In episode 27 of The Decarbonisation Dialogue, she said: “There’s only so much impact you can have describing the scale of the crisis.
“At some point, you have a responsibility to help shape the answers.”
Emily believes progress depends on collaboration between universities, businesses, governments and communities.
“We have to accelerate solutions - technological, social and local. Some will come from universities, others from communities on the ground. It’s about recognising that all have a role to play.”
Her message reflects one of the key themes emerging from London Climate Action Week: that climate action succeeds when different sectors work together.
Innovation is also at the heart of the work being carried out by Gavin Johnston from BE-ST (Built Environment – Smarter Transformation). In episode 49, he outlined how Scotland is pioneering new approaches to retrofit and net-zero construction through its groundbreaking Living Lab project.
As buildings account for a significant proportion of emissions, improving existing homes, schools and public buildings remains one of the biggest opportunities to accelerate decarbonisation. Gavin’s work demonstrates how testing and scaling innovative solutions can help transform the built environment while supporting economic growth and skills development.
We can stop climate change in a generation
Meanwhile, internationally renowned climate scientist Professor Myles Allen offered a message of optimism in episode 47.
The Oxford University professor believes climate change is not an unsolvable problem. Instead, he argues that society already has many of the tools needed to stop global warming.
He said: “What it implies very simply, is if we want to stop global warming getting any worse, we have to stop dumping carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.”
Myles advocates what he calls “geological net zero”, where fossil fuel producers take responsibility for permanently storing the carbon emissions generated by the fuels they extract.
Despite the scale of the challenge, his conclusion is hopeful.
He said: “There is something positive. We could stop climate change within a generation.”
Our podcast also showcases how major institutions are turning climate ambitions into practical action.
One example is Catherine Ross, sustainability manager at the British Library. Speaking on episode 50, Catherine explained how one of the UK’s most iconic cultural institutions is embedding sustainability into everything from its operations to its collections.
The British Library holds more than 170 million items, including scientific research, weather records, nature recordings and historical documents that can help society better understand environmental challenges.
“Within our collections we have so much knowledge that can speak to climate change and nature loss,” Catherine said.
Alongside sharing that knowledge, the library is reducing its own environmental footprint through energy efficiency measures and renewable technologies supported by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
“We’ve installed one of the largest solar thermal installations in the country on the roof at St Pancras,” she said.
Her story demonstrates how public institutions can use both their assets and influence to support climate action.
Technology and innovation
Technology and innovation are another recurring theme throughout our podcast series. We’ve tackled heat networks, geothermal and carbon capture.
In episode 38, Nick Chadwick, chief executive of Mission Zero Technologies, discussed the potential of direct air capture systems that remove carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere.
“Science for science’s sake is interesting, but science for human benefit - that’s what drives me,” he said.
His company is helping develop technologies that could play a vital role alongside emissions reductions, demonstrating how British innovation is contributing to global climate solutions.
The importance of business leadership also features prominently. Andrew Prag, managing director of the We Mean Business Coalition, argues that companies are increasingly recognising both the environmental and economic opportunities presented by the transition to net zero.
He said: “I wanted to make sure the most progressive business voices are being heard and that they’re helping to lead the transition and push governments in the right direction.”
His work highlights the powerful relationship between policy and business action, where ambition from one helps drive progress from the other.
How storytelling is key
Beyond technology and policy, several guests have emphasised the importance of communication and storytelling.
In episode 44, filmmakers Morgan Cartlidge and Oliver Couch of Here, Now Films explained how visual storytelling can connect people emotionally with environmental issues and inspire action.
“Our goal is to create a strong company that allows us to keep telling important environmental and social stories,” Morgan said.
Oliver added: “I needed something more tangible, something that connected with people more directly and film became that medium.”
Entrepreneur and creative pioneer Jess Hines echoed that sentiment in episode 23, describing storytelling as one of the most powerful tools available for helping people understand what is happening to the planet and inspiring positive change.
Others have focused on ensuring the climate conversation is inclusive and accessible. Campaigner Zarina Ahmad believes climate action must connect with people's everyday lives.
In episode 24, Zarina he told us: “Change happens from an emotional place. We need to use language that connects with people’s lives - not jargon that shuts them out.”
Her perspective highlights the importance of ensuring climate action is something people can see themselves in and contribute to.
That focus on people and communities is also reflected in the work of charity leader Graham Duxbury, who has spoken about the disproportionate impact climate change can have on society’s most vulnerable groups.
“This is one of the biggest issues impacting communities and our quality of life,” he said in episode 15.
Whether discussing climate justice, public health or resilience, his message is clear: climate action is fundamentally about improving lives.
Art as a catalyst for change
The podcast has also explored the role of creativity in shaping public understanding. In episode 12 Artist Katherine Boland argues that art can make climate change more personal and relatable. “Art can be a catalyst for change,” she said.
By creating emotional connections with complex issues, she believes artists can help spark conversations and encourage action.
As London Climate Action Week demonstrates, climate action is happening in laboratories, libraries, schools, businesses, construction sites, universities, community organisations and public institutions across the UK and beyond.
The stories shared through The Decarbonisation Dialogue show that while the challenges are significant, people from every sector are already developing solutions, changing behaviours, building partnerships and finding new ways to reduce emissions and create more sustainable communities.
Whether through scientific research, public sector leadership, technological innovation, creative storytelling or community action, the common thread is clear: meaningful progress happens when people come together and turn ideas into action.
We believe that is exactly what London Climate Action Week - and the voices featured on The Decarbonisation Dialogue - continue to inspire.
Listen to The Decarbonisation Dialogue and catch up with the fascinating people committed to making a difference.
We would like to thank all our guests for their time and contributions.
