In the ever-evolving climate tech landscape, key voices are driving innovation, policy, and investment to combat the global climate crisis. These individuals have become leading figures, shaping the narrative around sustainability, clean energy, and climate solutions. Whether driving massive renewable energy projects, creating revolutionary climate finance models, or pushing governments and corporations toward aggressive net-zero targets, these influencers are the ones to watch.
Here are 25 climate tech influencers you need to know in 2024:
1. Jean-Marc Jancovici
Founding Partner, Carbone 4 & President, The Shift Project
Jean-Marc Jancovici is a French engineer and climate expert who has made significant contributions to the climate conversation. As the founding partner of Carbone 4, a leading consultancy on low-carbon strategies, Jancovici has been a long-time advocate of reducing fossil fuel dependence. Through The Shift Project, he pushes for large-scale decarbonization initiatives, and his extensive LinkedIn following speaks to his influence in climate tech.
2. Jigar Shah
Director, Loan Programs, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Jigar Shah, head of the Loan Programs Office at the U.S. Department of Energy, oversees a portfolio of nearly $400 billion in climate-related loans and guarantees. His impact goes back to inventing the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), a financial tool that helped solar energy become mainstream. Shah remains a significant force in climate finance, actively driving the deployment of clean energy solutions.
3. Roger Atkins
Founder, Electric Vehicles Outlook Ltd
Roger Atkins, recognized as a Top Voice by LinkedIn, has spent almost a decade advocating for electric vehicles (EVs). Through his Electric Vehicles Outlook platform, he shares key insights on EV developments and hosts discussions on how they contribute to decarbonization. His frequent speaking engagements and thoughtful posts make him a notable voice in the shift toward sustainable mobility.
4. Jean-Pascal Tricoire
Chairman, Schneider Electric
Jean-Pascal Tricoire has been instrumental in transforming Schneider Electric into a global leader in energy efficiency and automation. Tricoire advocates for electrification and digital transformation as critical tools for sustainability, using his platform to share insights on how technology can empower businesses to achieve energy efficiency and climate goals.
5. Bernard Looney
CEO, bp
As CEO of one of the world’s largest oil companies, Bernard Looney has taken steps to transition bp toward cleaner energy, though the company’s progress has been controversial. While bp’s massive profits from fossil fuels have drawn criticism, Looney’s public commitment to decarbonization makes him a figure to watch in the energy transition.
6. Dr. Katharine Hayhoe
Chief Scientist, The Nature Conservancy & Professor, Texas Tech University
Dr. Katharine Hayhoe is both a climate scientist and a professor, known for her work on climate projections and their societal impacts. As Chief Scientist at The Nature Conservancy, she is a thought leader in climate action, regularly sharing research and insights on LinkedIn.
7. Kate Brandt
Chief Sustainability Officer, Google
Kate Brandt drives Google’s global sustainability efforts, implementing strategies to reduce the company’s carbon footprint and enhance its operational efficiency. Her experience as the first Federal Chief Sustainability Officer under the Obama administration solidifies her role as a key influencer in corporate sustainability.
8. Isabelle Kocher de Leyritz
Chairman and CEO, Blunomy
Former CEO of ENGIE, Isabelle Kocher de Leyritz now leads Blunomy, a firm focused on decarbonization and circular economy solutions. Her influence spans the energy transition and sustainable innovation sectors, where she frequently shares thought-provoking posts on clean energy and climate solutions.
9. Lubomila Jordanova
Co-founder and CEO, Plan A & Co-founder, Greentech Alliance
Lubomila Jordanova is driving climate action through Plan A, which develops carbon reduction software for businesses, and Greentech Alliance, a network for cleantech companies. Her work at the intersection of tech and climate makes her a key player in shaping sustainable business practices.
10. Joel Makower
Chairman and Co-Founder, Trellis Group
As Chairman of GreenBiz, Joel Makower has been a leading voice in sustainable business for decades. His focus on clean technology, ESG, and circular economy practices has helped establish GreenBiz as a trusted source for sustainability insights.
11. Mark Carney
UN Special Envoy on Climate Action and Finance & Chair, Brookfield Asset Management
Former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney is now a key figure in climate finance. As UN Special Envoy on Climate Action and Finance, Carney advocates for greater integration of climate risks into global financial systems, pushing investors to adopt sustainable practices.
12. Fatih Birol
Executive Director, International Energy Agency (IEA)
As Executive Director of the IEA, Fatih Birol influences global energy policy and the transition to renewable energy. Birol is a leading authority on energy efficiency and climate change, regularly contributing reports and insights that shape energy strategies worldwide.
13. Alessandro Blasi
Special Advisor to the IEA Executive Director
Alessandro Blasi plays a pivotal role at the IEA, offering strategic advice on energy policies. His contributions to the World Energy Outlook and policy frameworks make him an influential figure in shaping the future of the global energy landscape.
14. David Carlin
Head of Climate Risk, UNEP FI
David Carlin heads climate risk initiatives at the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI). He plays a vital role in shaping climate risk management frameworks, including those related to nature and biodiversity.
15. Jennifer Granholm
U.S. Secretary of Energy
Jennifer Granholm leads the U.S. Department of Energy in its efforts to drive clean energy innovation and decarbonization. As Secretary of Energy, she is central to implementing President Biden’s climate goals, and her influence extends globally.
16. James Carter
Principal Consultant, Vision Mobility
James Carter is a thought leader in sustainable transportation, with extensive experience at Toyota. Now a consultant at Vision Mobility, Carter focuses on electric mobility and urban transportation planning.
17. Omar AL-Ajaji
Climate Change & Sustainability Senior Consultant, EY
Based in Saudi Arabia, Omar AL-Ajaji is advancing sustainability initiatives in a region traditionally tied to fossil fuels. His posts on ESG and sustainability strategies are insightful for understanding the future of energy in the Middle East.
18. Christian Bruch
President and CEO, Siemens Energy
Christian Bruch is driving Siemens Energy’s global push toward renewable energy and decarbonization. His leadership in this space makes Siemens Energy a critical player in the green energy transition.
19. Mary Powell
CEO, Sunrun
As CEO of Sunrun, Mary Powell leads one of the largest residential solar energy companies in the U.S. Her focus on making solar accessible to consumers is pivotal in accelerating the adoption of clean energy solutions.
20. Darius Nassiry
VP, Climate Resilience and Sustainability, WSP
Darius Nassiry is a key figure in climate resilience and sustainability at WSP, a leading engineering firm. His work focuses on climate risk and infrastructure development, helping communities prepare for climate-related challenges.
21. Steve LeVine
Editor, The Electric, The Information
Steve LeVine, editor of The Electric, is a key voice in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. His insights into battery technology, EV adoption, and autonomous driving are valuable resources for anyone interested in the future of mobility.
22. Zsuzsanna Tajti
Climate and ESG Risk Expert, KPMG
Zsuzsanna Tajti is an expert in climate and financial risk management at KPMG. She shares in-depth insights on ESG reporting and climate risk strategies, helping businesses navigate the complexities of sustainability.
23. Robert Höglund
Climate Advisor, Marginal Carbon
Robert Höglund advises organizations on carbon removal and climate policy. His work at Marginal Carbon and involvement with carbon removal initiatives make him a key influencer in this growing field.
24. Andrew Beebe
Managing Director, Obvious Ventures
Andrew Beebe is a Managing Director at Obvious Ventures, where he invests in climate tech startups. His background in solar energy and venture capital makes him an important figure for entrepreneurs and innovators in the climate space.
25. Jules Kortenhorst
CEO, RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute)
LinkedIn Followers: 9,787
Jules Kortenhorst leads RMI, one of the most influential think tanks focused on clean energy and sustainability. His role at RMI has made him a key figure in accelerating the transition to a low-carbon future.
Source Used: Technica
