The Grantham Institute are running a thought-provoking three-part event series through June-July 2025 exploring the critical growth challenges and opportunities businesses face in the era of climate change. This series will bring together experts, industry leaders and policymakers to discuss how businesses can better assess climate risks, capitalise on emerging opportunities, and protect their workforce as we adapt to our changing climate.

This series is designed for business leaders, investors, policy professionals and sustainability professionals who are looking to stay ahead of climate challenges and seize new opportunities.

The events are invite-only, but you can register your interest here if you would like to attend. Please note registering interest in attending does not guarantee your attendance. 

Building business resilience in a changing climate

Date: Thursday 12 June | Time: 11:00-13:00 | Location: Imperial College London (South Kensington) 

Our first event will focus on protecting businesses from climate impacts. Are businesses—and investors—underestimating climate risks? What barriers prevent more accurate analysis, and what tools and strategies are needed to help businesses improve their resilience? We will explore the latest insights into climate risk assessment and discuss the steps necessary for businesses to safeguard their future. 

Speakers: 

  • Baroness Sheehan, Chair, Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee; Director, Peers for the Planet 
  • Prof Swenja Surminski, Managing Director Climate and Sustainability, Marsh Mc Lennan; Professor in Climate Risk Management, LSE 
  • Sandy Trust, Institute and Faculty of Actuaries Council Member, lead author Planetary Solvency report 
  • Madeleine Rawlins, Global Practice Leader – Climate Change, Mott MacDonald 
  • Prof Michael Wilkins, Executive Director, Centre for Climate Finance and Investment, Imperial College Business School (Chair) 

Economic opportunities in climate resilience 

Date: Thursday 19 June | Time: 11:00-13:00 | Location: Imperial College London (South Kensington) 

Our second event shifts the conversation towards economic opportunities in climate adaptation. As businesses look beyond risk management, where are the most promising areas for growth? What new industries and business models are emerging to meet the demand for adaptation measures? And where might the UK hold a strategic advantage in this rapidly evolving landscape? 

Speakers: 

  • John Robinson, Technology Investor, Mazarine Climate 
  • Claire Cockett, WWF Nature Based Solutions Accelerator 
  • Lazaros Papachristodoulous and Alexis Kruse, Climate Entrepreneurs, Imperial College London 
  • Alyssa Gilbert, Director, Undaunted (Chair) 

Protecting workers and productivity in a changing climate  

Date: Thursday 3 July | Time: 11:00-13:00 | Location: Imperial College London (South Kensington) 

Finally, our third event will examine the impact of climate change on workers and productivity. How might rising temperatures, extreme weather, and other climate-related factors affect workforce health and safety and performance? Why aren’t more businesses taking action to protect their employees, and what practical solutions exist to address these challenges? We will explore case studies and best practices that can help businesses adapt while maintaining productivity and employee well-being. 

Speakers: 

  • Dr Shouro Dasgupta, Visiting Senior Fellow, LSE
  • Prof Elizabeth Robinson, Acting Dean of LSE’s Global School of Sustainability 
  • Dr Emma Lawrance, Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London (Chair) 

Register your interest here if you would like to attend. Please note registering interest in attending does not guarantee your attendance.