Reuters has released its ‘Future Leaders in Climate 2024’ list to testify to the growing importance of climate leadership, highlighting individuals who have made significant contributions to addressing climate challenges. Selected from a diverse pool of industry nominations, the honorees have been recognised for their exceptional influence, leadership, and remarkable professional achievements in promoting sustainability across various sectors.
Nominated by peers within their respective industries, the individuals on this year’s list have consistently demonstrated strong leadership and an impressive track record of professional accomplishments. Their work has positioned them at the forefront of global efforts to tackle climate change and create sustainable futures. The report is available online and offers deeper insights into the achievements of these remarkable individuals. In addition to the list, the report includes key takeaways that aim to inspire organisations and industries to cultivate the next generation of climate leaders.
The report highlights the importance of engaging with educational systems and providing platforms for young voices to be heard. By doing so, it calls on businesses and governments alike to play a crucial role in nurturing future leaders who can further contribute to solving the world’s pressing environmental challenges.
Among this year’s prominent honorees is David Carlin, a globally acknowledged authority on sustainable finance and the financial system’s role in addressing climate change. Carlin, the founder of D.A. Carlin and Company, advises governments, corporations, and financial institutions on climate and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) matters.
Sandra C. Chukwudozie, the founder and CEO of Salpha Energy, a trailblazing company focused on providing clean energy solutions to underserved populations in Nigeria and across Africa I also on the list.
Anya Doherty, another standout leader, is the founder and director of Foodsteps, a UK-based food sustainability platform. Her company provides critical data and insights for the food industry to better measure, reduce, and report its environmental impact.
Furthering innovation in the carbon market, Maria Eugenia Filmanovic, who is also on the list, has co-founded Abatable, a leading provider of end-to-end carbon market solutions.
Youth activism is also represented on the list, with Sophia Kianni recognised for her groundbreaking work as the founder of Climate Cardinals, the world’s largest youth-led climate nonprofit.
New to the climate leadership space, Xavi Laguarta, co-founder of Mitti Labs, is helping farmers transition to lower environmental impact and higher productivity rice cultivation.
London-based Alex Lombos, a lawyer working with ClientEarth, leads the organisation’s efforts within the commercial banking and transition finance sectors. His work focuses on reducing the climate impact of the banking industry while directing finance flows toward a more sustainable future, positioning financial institutions as key players in global decarbonisation efforts.
Nonprofit advocacy for climate transition is another key area of focus, with John Tyler McCullough co-leading strategy for the nonprofit Ceres, being on the list.
Also featured is Boyan Slat, a Dutch inventor and entrepreneur whose passion for solving planetary problems has led him to create The Ocean Cleanup. This nonprofit, headquartered in Rotterdam, is developing and scaling innovative technologies to rid the oceans of plastic, with the ambitious goal of tackling one of the planet’s most pressing environmental crises.
Finally, Dr. Anastasia Volkova is recognised for her pioneering work in shaping the future of agricultural resilience.
These Future Leaders represent the cutting edge of climate action and innovation, driving change across multiple industries and regions. As their work continues to inspire and influence, the report serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to support emerging leaders who can help navigate the path toward a sustainable and resilient future.