Navigating global economic uncertainty
Over the past year, climate and geopolitical shocks have increasingly arrived not as separate crises, but in tandem, exposing the interconnected vulnerabilities of energy systems, economies and societies. As temperatures edge beyond 1.5°C of warming, the international community has seen escalating climate extremes, with record-breaking heat, wildfires and severe floods affecting communities globally. At the same time, geopolitical fragmentation has persisted. The blockage of the Strait of Hormuz has reached the one-year mark, leading to 12 months of elevated energy and fertiliser prices and renewed concerns over the vulnerability of global supply chains. Attacks on critical infrastructure in Ukraine have underscored the need for the transition to electrification and renewables.
Yet, both the energy transition and broader climate mitigation efforts bring their own challenges. As countries race to decarbonize, new geopolitical pressures are emerging as nations compete for dominance in clean tech manufacturing, access to critical minerals, control of key supply chains and industrial leadership in the low-carbon economy. The chapter of unanimous climate negotiations and target-setting is giving way to a new era defined by the implementation of strategies in an age of disruption. Building resilience must now go hand in hand with accelerating the transition and tackling pressing climate change concerns.
During two days of high-level keynotes, panel dialogues, networking sessions, and spotlight sessions held under the Chatham House Rule, speakers and delegates will examine how governments, businesses and societies can manage mounting risks while maintaining energy security, economic prosperity and international cooperation towards the transition. What does climate and energy resilience mean in an era of intensifying shocks? And crucially, what does it mean for business?
