London Climate Action Week: Momentum, markets, and meaningful action 

London Climate Action Week (LCAW) is in full swing. This year, it’s making a clear bid to live up to its name, placing action firmly at the heart of the agenda. In a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical and economic instability - seemingly shifting every single hour - London is positioning itself as a city of climate leadership, offering solutions that are both globally relevant and locally grounded. 

Over the last 48 hours, many of the events I’ve attended have shared a common narrative: the UK has rightfully earned recognition for its progress - particularly in climate reporting, transition planning and disclosure frameworks. But what’s equally clear is a collective willingness to learn. We have heard directly from project pilots in the developing world to innovative cross-border finance models. This week has already seen deep engagement on the practical solutions developing countries need - and audiences have taken on board the shared responsibility to deliver them. 

In conversations across green rooms and breakout sessions, there’s a growing sense of resignation when it comes to LCAW’s transatlantic counterpart: Climate Week New York City (CWNYC). This year, companies (at least the ones still attending) are opting for closed-door roundtables and low-profile appearances. By contrast, LCAW has drawn out the bold, the transparent and the high-energy. By the end of day one alone, significant announcements were already being made - underscoring just how seriously this moment is being taken as a stepping stone toward COP30. 

And all this has been set against the wider global backdrop of missiles, diplomacy, and uncertainty. Still, optimism is holding firm. There’s a widening consensus that climate action isn’t just an ethical imperative - it’s a commercial opportunity. Innovation is thriving, especially in areas like nature-based and resilience finance. Expect those themes to take centre stage later this week as the King, Chancellor, Foreign Secretary, and others line up behind podiums to spotlight nature and adaptation as central pillars of future climate delivery. 

As many have rightly observed, London’s power lies in its reach. As one of the most international markets in the world, it brings together a rare cross-section of philanthropy, finance, business and policy - making it an especially effective climate convenor. 

If there’s one figure who’s already become synonymous with this week, it’s Rachel Kyte, the UK’s Special Envoy on Climate. I counted at least four keynote appearances from her on Monday alone (with countless more conversations likely going on behind the scenes too). Her focus has been clear: it’s time to move beyond messages of fear. The science is settled. The challenge now is to show what real-world implementation looks like and how climate action can tangibly improve lives, not just avert catastrophe 

As we accelerate along the road to COP30, LCAW is proving itself to be far more than a calendar milestone - it’s a launchpad. Or, perhaps more fittingly in this year’s rhythm, a skipping stone (over CWNYC). Once again, London is leading from the front.