Thriving on a Hotter Planet: Systemic Responses to the Climate
The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat—it is a lived reality disrupting ecosystems, economies, and communities around the world. As the pace of change accelerates, this session asks: What will it truly take—not just to survive, but to thrive—in an era of climate disruption?
We’ll explore climate scenario planning, local resilience strategies, and the role of technology, finance, data, and governance in shaping our collective response. From resilient housing and climate-smart agriculture to youth mental health and health system adaptation, the discussion will bridge human and planetary health. We'll also explore bold ideas—like regeneration, de-growth, and climate justice frameworks—to question whether our current systems can evolve fast enough to meet the moment.
Key Questions:
What does it look like to build a world where all people can thrive amid climate instability, not just survive?
How can we mobilize climate finance at scale to meet the scope of global and local needs?
What tools (scenario planning, data, innovation) are needed to help communities prepare for rapid, nonlinear climate impacts?
How do we ensure that climate action centers equity, including the needs of rural farmers, island nations, and vulnerable youth?
Can regeneration, de-growth, or economic accelerationism offer viable and just climate futures—and who decides?
This session invites climate leaders, funders, youth activists, data scientists, and community organizers to explore the complexity of the crisis and the creativity of our responses—with a focus on holistic, inclusive, and future-ready solutions.
Meet Your Potential Co-Leaders
Even if you are not able to co-lead, these are people who are interested in this topic. To help you get acquainted, here’s a brief bio for each of you:
Alex Hetherington advises investors on climate risks and chairs MasiSports+ for youth empowerment in South Africa.
Benedicto Hosea leads Mboni ya Vijana, tackling hunger and inequality through community-led development.
Daniel Wald directs global environmental and resilience programs at the Institute for Sustainable Communities.
David Johnson integrates health and conservation as CEO of Margaret Pyke Trust and co-chair of IUCN task forces.
Enock Musungwini manages health programs at Pangaea Zimbabwe, with expertise in HIV, SRHR, and mental health.
Kiette Tucker scales tech-driven climate solutions as COO at Factor E, building on years of operational leadership.
Paul Himmelstein leads operations at Homeworld Collective, bridging science, fundraising, and climate action.
Sarah Lucas advances data-driven, people-centered decision-making in the social sector through DataDelta at IDinsight.
Vanburn Harry heads the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Conservation Fund, combining architecture and sustainability.
Yasmina Zaidman leads partnerships and fundraising at Acumen, advancing entrepreneurial approaches to poverty