THE SUSTAINABILITY INTERVIEW
The climate crisis is a ticking time bomb. If action isn’ t taken at speed, it will be too late and irreversible damage will be done. Governments, companies and organisations around the world are harnessing the power of partnership to accelerate climate action. Since 2004, international nonprofit Climate Group has been going one step further, facilitating conversations and providing resources at global and regional levels to achieve its mission of driving climate action. Fast.
Helen Clarkson, CEO of Climate Group, is one of the most quietly influential figures in climate. She’ s one of the main drivers behind Climate Week NYC and, with her team, works with hundreds of companies and subnational governments to speed up climate progress across continents. For the past eight years, Helen has led Climate Group, guiding its global network of companies and governments to help create urgent policy changes and push markets toward sustainability.
Helen’ s journey to Climate Group Helen’ s career began with humanitarian work and philosophical study. After realising the need for practical skills, she trained as an accountant and soon transitioned into project management roles in humanitarian aid.
“ I wanted to do humanitarian work at college, so I trained as an accountant to get the skillset organisations needed,” she says.
22 September 2025