Inside Climate Week NYC 2024 with a senior manager at Bain
Inside Climate Week NYC 2024 with a senior manager at Bain
Marianne Skovgaard, a senior manager from Bain & Company’s Copenhagen office, reflects on her experience at Climate Week NYC. Learn about her key takeaways from the event, the discussions shaping the future of energy transition, and Bain’s role in driving climate action in this Q&A.
Why did you attend Climate Week, and what role did you play at the event?
Climate Week NYC is the largest annual event of its kind, bringing together business leaders, political changemakers, and civil society representatives to discuss and drive the energy transition. I attended Climate Week to fulfill a few key roles:
I hosted Breakthrough Agenda Business Group roundtables on steel, hydrogen, power, road transport, cement, and buildings. This was done in partnership with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and Breakthrough Agenda to discuss the pace of the energy transition, barriers to acceleration, and necessary policy changes.
I also attended panel debates and discussions at the Climate Hub, focusing on key aspects of the energy transition.
Lastly, I connected with business leaders to explore how Bain can best support companies in accelerating their transition journeys.
How did Climate Week compare to your expectations?
It was inspiring to witness meaningful discussions between business leaders and political figures about achieving the Paris-aligned goals. Despite macroeconomic challenges, many businesses are showing real leadership and demonstrating how change can happen.
What were the most memorable discussions or sessions you witnessed?
The Breakthrough Agenda Business Group roundtables I hosted were a highlight. We brought together about 40 senior executives during each event from government, business, and other initiatives. Our discussions, which covered topics like steel, cement, hydrogen, and road transport, radiated optimism about accelerating the transition while also maintaining a realistic view of the challenges ahead.
Did you have any standout interactions with other attendees or speakers?
One standout interaction was my conversation with the CEO of Responsible Steel. We discussed their newly launched International Production Standard, which is aimed at reducing emissions and creating common definitions for low-emission steel.
How did the event address current trends and challenges in climate action?
The event struck a great balance between optimism and urgency, with 2030 just five years away. While there was a celebration of the bold investments businesses are making to rethink their models and cross the technological tipping point, there was also an acknowledgment of the complexity of the task ahead.
Was there a particular moment or speaker that resonated with you personally?
The panel debate at the Climate Hub on low-emission steel supply chains stood out to me. The panelists represented the entire value chain—from the CTO of SKF to the EVP of public affairs from Mahindra—and discussed the road ahead with remarkable clarity and insight. Their framing of the challenges and opportunities in the next 5-15 years was particularly engaging.
What are your reflections on Bain's role as a thought leader in events like Climate Week?
It was truly fulfilling to see how Bain can help facilitate critical conversations across industries. We not only challenge strategic thinking but also push forward actionable corporate strategies that help clients translate their climate targets into real progress. This event was a perfect example of how Bain can create impact on a global scale.
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