The Leading Speakers Bureau

Director of the Earth Institute

Jeffrey Sachs is the Director of The Earth Institute, Quetelet Professor of Sustainable Development, and Professor of Health Policy and Management at Columbia University. He is also Director of the UN Millennium Project and is Special Advisor to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the Millennium Development Goals, the internationally agreed goals to reduce extreme poverty, disease, and hunger by the year 2015. In 2015, Professor Sachs was awarded the Blue Planet Prize, a prize presented each year to two individuals or organizations worldwide to recognize major efforts to solve global environmental problems.

“One of the 100 most influential people in the world” Time Magazine

[expand title=”In detail”] Jeffrey is a Research Associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research. He has been an advisor to the IMF, the World Bank, the OECD, the World Health Organization and the UN Development Program. During 2000-2001, he was Chairman of the Commission on Macroeconomics and Health of the World Health Organization and was a member of the International Financial Institutions Advisory Commission.
[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Professor Sachs is widely considered to be the leading international economic advisor of his generation. For more than 20 years he has been at the forefront of the challenges of economic development, poverty alleviation and enlightened globalization, promoting policies to help all parts of the world to benefit from expanding economic opportunities and wellbeing. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]An enlightening and engaging speaker, Prof Sachs’ presentations are well researched and filled with a wealth of useful actionable information.[/expand]

Continue Reading »

Renowned Keynote Speaker, Campaigner, Writer and Corporate Sustainability Advisor

Tony Juniper is an independent sustainability and environment adviser, a Special Advisor with the Prince’s Charities International Sustainability Unit, Fellow of the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and as President of Society for the Environment. He is a founder member of the Robertsbridge Group that advises international companies. For the last 25 years Tony has spent his time seeking change toward a more sustainable society at local, national and international levels; from providing ecology and conservation experiences, to making the case for new recycling laws, to orchestrating international campaigns for action on rainforests and climate change.

“One of the UK’s best known environmentalists”

[expand title=”In detail”] Tony began his career as an ornithologist, working with Birdlife International. From 1990 he worked at Friends of the Earth and was the organisation’s executive director from 2003-2008 and Vice Chair of Friends of the Earth International from 2000-2008. He was the first recipient of the Charles and Miriam Rothschild medal (2009) and was awarded honorary Doctor of Science degrees from the Universities of Bristol and Plymouth (2013).[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Tony speaks on how having good environmental policy makes sense for businesses in the short and long term – from our soil supply and fish numbers, to the cost of living and the value of nature to the economy. Backed up by the data, Tony firmly believes we can do things more cheaply, in a way that makes us more secure and drives economic growth.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Tony is a very charismatic and sophisticated speaker who clearly knows what he is talking about and communicates it with passion and clarity. [/expand]

Continue Reading »

Explorer, Social Entrepreneur and Environmental Advocate

Philippe Cousteau is an award-winning television host, producer, author, speaker, philanthropist and social entrepreneur. He is the son of Philippe Cousteau Sr. and the grandson of Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau. His personal mission is to help people find hope and recognize their power to change the world. He pursues that mission in three main ways, through media, education, and social entrepreneurship. He is a special correspondent for CNN International where he hosts the Going Green series and Expedition Sumatra. Philippe is also regularly featured on television, radio and online programs.

“Philippe is a prominent leader in the environmental movement”

[expand title=”In detail”] Philippe is also a successful social entrepreneur. In 2013 he founded Voyacy Group: Voyacy Communications which help corporations and NGO’s successfully implement their marketing and communications efforts; Voyacy Destinations which designs and operates eco-themed entertainment and eco-resort projects; and Voyacy Productions through which he develops television projects. His efforts are focused on solving global social and environmental problems. In 2004 he founded EarthEcho International, a leading environmental education organization. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]A globally recognized environmental advocate, Philippe will inspire his audience to explore fresh solutions that will change the planet. His mission to empower people to take action and his efforts to fund environmental conservation and social entrepreneurship offer a superb example of the forward-thinking collaborations so vital for solutions today. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Philippe is a very charismatic and sophisticated speaker who clearly knows what he is talking about and communicates it with passion and clarity. He is a sought after speaker at conferences and events around the world.[/expand]

Continue Reading »

Geoscientist and Authority on Natural Resources

Iain Stewart is a Senior Lecturer in Geodynamics, School of Earth, Ocean and Environmental Sciences in the Department of Geology at the University of Plymouth. He is best known as the inspirational presenter of BBC TV series such as Earth: The Power of the Planet, How Earth Made Us, and How to Grow a Planet. He is currently President of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society and an Honorary President of the Scottish Association of Geography Teachers. He was awarded MBE in 2013 for services to geology and science communication.

“Iain believes the secret to sparking public interest in geology is to tell compelling stories with a human element”

[expand title=”In detail”] Iain graduated in 1986 with a degree in Geology & Geography from Strathclyde University in Glasgow and moved to the University of Bristol to carry out doctoral research on the geology of earthquakes in Greece and Turkey. His main research interests are in the broad area of Natural Hazard and how to cope with them while he is an authority toward technologies being used in extraction of Oil, Gas and Shale gas. He has researched fundamentals associated with extraction and shows deep concerns towards environmental degradation.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his presentations, Iain tells what he has learned, what has surprised him and what he thinks of the challenges now facing us. His presentations focus on how societies through history have responded to the challenges thrown up by earthquakes and floods.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Ian will become audiences’ guide on a journey back into the mists of time, explaining how geologists unravel the truth about events that took place many millions of years ago with his compelling narrative skills.[/expand]

Continue Reading »

Expert on the Environment and Sustainable Development

Prof. Dr. Klaus Töpfer is the recently appointed founding director of the Institute for Advance Sustainability Studies (IASS) which will perform research between climate problems and sustainable economics. The institute funding will be provided by the Federal Government of Germany Federal Ministry of Education and Research. He is known internationally for his personal commitment to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. He actively contributed to the success of the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and was a forerunner in the negotiations for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the establishment of the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

“Widely recognized as having spearheaded environmental policy as Minister of Environment”

[expand title=”In detail”] Klaus Töpfer became Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and Director-General of the UN Office at Nairobi (UNON) in 1998. He was also appointed Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements from 1998 to 2000. Before joining the United Nations, Klaus Töpfer held several posts in the Federal Government of Germany. In 2007 he was appointed Professor for Environment and Sustainable Development at Tongji University Shanghai. [/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Prof. Töpfer explains in detail his vision of a social market economy and his strategies to make the environment work to improve the lives of present and future generations. He explains how the environment is not a hindrance for economic development and how protection of natural resources and regulations on the use of harmful substances trigger technology development and create exciting new opportunities, markets and jobs.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]An experienced teacher and engaging speaker, Prof. Töpfer challenges audiences with his hard hitting, yet inspirational presentations.
[/expand]

Continue Reading »

Primatologist and Anthropologist

Jane Goodall DBE is an internationally recognized authority on the primate world. She has written books for adults and children, contributed to documentaries and serves as a National Geographic explorer-in-residence, a United Nations peace messenger, and the president of Advocates for Animals. For her efforts to observe and preserve all species, she has received honors and accolades from governments, nonprofits, universities, and professional organizations, including a medal from UNESCO and the French Legion of Honor in 2006.

“One of the best-known and most highly respected scientists and educators in the world”

[expand title=”In detail”] Dr. Goodall’s involvement in tropical forests and conservation has led her to be actively involved in a number of environmental issues, and to found the Roots & Shoots youth group. She has also endorsed the Forests Now Declaration, calling for new market based mechanisms to protect tropical forests. One of her major contributions to the field of primatology was the discovery of tool-making in chimpanzees.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Dr. Goodall takes the audience on an ecological journey, discussing highlights and low points of her experiences in the jungle. She shows how progress is helping research (DNA analysis) and hurting the environment (clear-cutting). She draws a dozen parallels between primate and human behaviour, making the point that we really aren’t all that different. She also speaks about the messages of hope that form the basis for her educational programme, ‘Roots and Shoots’.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Dr. Goodall lifts the audience to new heights, inspiring them to reach above and beyond through compassion, consumer action, and education.[/expand]

Continue Reading »

Expert in the Steel Industry

Dr. Paul Brooks is an expert in the international steel industry. He is Group Director, Environment for Tata Steel Limited, covering Asia as well as Europe. In addition to his role at Tata he is a Director of the Business Council for Sustainable Development UK and a Director of Ravenscraig Ltd. He is currently also Chairman of various committees and working groups, including the World Steel Association Environment Committee.

“An expert in the global steel industry who focuses on the environment and climate change”

[expand title=”In detail”] He has a B.Eng (Hons) in Biochemical Engineering from Swansea University, a Ph.D in Energy Conservation/Heat Transfer from the University of the West of England in Bristol and an MBA from Warwick. Paul started his career in the steel industry in 1987 with British Steel R&D at Welsh Laboratories, where he became Energy Department Manager, before moving to Scunthorpe in 1994 as Site Environmental Manager. He was appointed as the Long Products Division Environmental Manager in 1996, Corporate Environmental Manager within Head Office in 1999 and Director Environment for Corus Group in 2005, Director Environment & Climate Change for Corus/Tata Steel Europe in 2007 and Group Director Environment for Tata Steel Limited in 2009.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his presentations Paul speaks about the steel industry and the importance for companies around the world to recognise and adapt to climate change. He helps decision makers to find the appropriate business strategies, always with a focus on sustainable development.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]His outstanding international working experience and insightful presentations make Dr. Paul Brooks a highly sought after speaker at conferences around the globe.[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Lean & System Thinking Expert

KeivanZokaei is a lean and system thinking expert, management consultant and well published author.He is currently the Head of Lean and Green Practice at SA Partners. Keivan has years of experience at the cutting edge of leanthinking specialising in operations management and supply chain optimisation.Previously Keivan was a Director at the Lean Enterprise Research Centre and before that he was a Manager in the Oil & Gas

“Things that are good for the planet are also good for business”

[expand title=”In detail”] Keivan has also been an advisor to the Auditor General in Wales on how to improve public services and has advised different European governments on the principles of lean and systems thinking as well as publishing a number of key reports commissioned by governmental or industrial bodies. He is a regular speaker at different international conferences and engages with both lean professionals and general business executives through public media including appearances on BBC.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Keivan draws from his vast expertise and in-depth experience in the area of environmental issues and sustainable development. He is a leading expert in showing decision makers how to make their businesses more sustainable.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]A sought-after speaker at international events,Keivan’s messages are powerful and effective, delivered in his personal, yet highly professional style.[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Expert on Environmental, Sustainability & Social Issues in Business

Alan Knight OBE has nearly 20 years’ experience of working with global and national organisations advising them at board level on global sustainable development issues which affect business, society and individuals. He is the independent advisor to the Virgin Group, ensuring a single co-ordinated approach to Sustainable Development. He has also worked for SAB Miller, the Kingfisher Group and B&Q and currently consults for companies as diverse as Coca-Cola, Prudential and Calgary City.

“One of the real heroes of the corporate responsibility movement in this country” – David Cameron, Leader of the Conservative Party

[expand title=”In detail”] Alan has served on the UK Sustainable Development Commission, authoring ‘I will if you will’ and ‘you are what you sell’. He co-chaired the UK Government’s Roundtable on Sustainable Consumption and was chair of the Ethical Trading Champions Group of the UK Government’s Food Industry Sustainability Strategy. He was for six years chair of the Government’s Advisory Committee on Consumer Products and the Environment (ACCPE). In 2006, Alan founded Single Planet Living. Previously, he was Head of Corporate Sustainability at SABMiller, Head of Social Responsibility for the Kingfisher Group, where he co-ordinated social and environmental policies for over 590 stores and Head of Sustainability at B&Q plc.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]With 20 years’ experience of working on the interface between everyday products and global environmental and social issues, Alan Knight has spent the vast proportion of his working life leading the debate on a number of environmental and social issues. He helps top level management and policy makers involved in the global retail and consumer products arena develop the confidence, tools and inspiration to embed Sustainable Development within their corporate strategies product range and brand. His specialty is to work with businesses and policy makers to ensure they are profitable in business, but within our planetary means.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Working with Alan is never dull. His style is refreshing and occasionally irreverent, and can provide a welcome jolt to organisations that think they have got it right. He delivers powerful and thought-provoking messages.[/expand]
Continue Reading »

Economist & Deputy Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research

Prof. Dr. Ottmar Edenhofer is professor of the Economics of Climate Change at the Technical University Berlin and Co-Chair of the Working Group III of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC which won the Nobel Peace Price in 2007. He is deputy-director and chief economist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and is currently leading Research Domain III – Sustainable Solutions at PIK, which focuses on the research on the Economics of Atmospheric Stabilisation.

“Ottmar Edenhofer regularly features in international media”

[expand title=”In detail”] Ottmar Edenhofer has a degree in economics (Honours degree) and in philosophy (summa cum laude) from the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich. He currently writes in the German national newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. He was a lead author for the Fourth Assessment Report of the IPCC from 2004 until 2007. His research interests are the Economics of Atmospheric Stabilization, Social Cost-Benefit Analysis, Sustainability Theory, Economic Growth Theory, Environmental Economics, Welfare Theory and General Intertemporal Equilibrium Theory. Until 2009 he was key climate change advisor to federal foreign minister and deputy-chancellor, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Ottmar Edenhofer explores the impact of induced technological change on mitigation costs and mitigation strategies. The design of instruments for climate and energy policy is another focus. In addition to his teaching and research, he is actively involved in public policy and in the public debate in Germany and at EU level and his input is much sought-after at prestigious events worldwide.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Ottmar Edenhofer is a highly experienced orator and his presentations are rich in content and expertly delivered.[/expand]
Continue Reading »