Harvard at London Climate Action Week 2026
One of the world’s major annual climate gatherings will take place next week against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty. As the energy implications of the war in Iran come into focus and leaders continue to grapple with the policy shifts of recent years, London Climate Action Week 2026 will explore the theme “climate cooperation in a fractured world.”
Harvard faculty, including researchers from two major Salata Institute initiatives, will take the opportunity to convene experts, leaders, and stakeholders to drive forward promising climate solutions. And Harvard alumni from around the world will gather to spark new collaborations and ideas.
Advancing global climate cooperation
As the global climate landscape continues to shift, sustaining momentum on climate action – particularly climate finance – has become more challenging. The Global Climate Policy Project (GCPP) is a joint initiative between Harvard and MIT that brings together leading academics, policymakers, industry experts, and stakeholders to meet this challenge and drive innovation in global climate policy.
London Climate Action Week 2026 comes on the heels of a significant breakthrough in this area: In May, Brazil, the European Union, and China officially launched the Open Coalition on Compliance Carbon Markets. The new coalition aims to support greater transparency, interoperability, and trust in carbon markets – and help countries strengthen the systems needed for effective carbon pricing.
In London, GCPP will build on this momentum, exploring practical ways to scale climate finance, improve coordination, and maintain momentum in a complex geopolitical landscape.
- A high-level roundtable on Wednesday, June 24th, will bring together senior industry and investment leaders
- A panel on Wednesday, June 24th will build on this conversation and explore how international cooperation on climate policy, trade, and finance can mobilize investment, support country-led transitions to clean energy, and strengthen long-term economic and energy security. Read more about this event and register your interest here.
- Catherine Wolfram, Director of the Global Climate Policy Project at Harvard and MIT, will speak at a London School of Economics event, “Economics of Climate” on Wednesday, June 24th. Read more about this session and register here.
Read more about the Global Climate Policy Project at Harvard and MIT here.
Finding and stopping methane leaks
Methane is a potent and fast-acting greenhouse gas. So potent, in fact, that it accounts for roughly 30% of global warming since the Industrial Revolution. Compared to carbon dioxide, methane is estimated to be over 80 times more potent in warming the planet over a 20-year period. Methane is also the main ‘ingredient’ in natural gas – a fuel that is hitting record-high consumption amid global instability and expanding energy needs.
The Harvard Initiative on Reducing Global Methane Emissions, a Salata Institute climate research cluster launched in 2023, works to drive down emissions of this powerful climate pollutant through research and direct engagement with decision makers. Heading into London, the Initiative’s researchers have a key opportunity for emissions reductions on their mind: leaks.
When methane leaks from oil and gas pipelines and infrastructure, it not only contributes to climate change – it also costs money. Research recently featured in Harvard Business School’s Working Knowledge suggests that cutting methane emissions from the U.S. oil and gas sector by about half “could cost as little as $6 per ton of carbon dioxide equivalent” and deliver highly cost-effective climate benefits.
At London Climate Week, the Harvard Initiative on Reducing Global Methane Emissions, RMI, and SLB will host a panel exploring engineering, policy, and economic opportunities to mitigate methane in the oil and gas sector. Read more and register for this event here.
Read more about the Harvard Initiative on Reducing Global Methane Emissions here.
Opportunities for Harvard alumni
At three Harvard alumni events, participants interested in climate and sustainability solutions will build connections across industries, disciplines, and geographies.
- On Monday, June 22nd join the Salata Institute, HBS’s Business and Environment Initiative, HBS Alumni Association of the UK, Harvard Club of the UK, Harvard Alumni for Climate and the Environment, and The Harvard Initiative on Reducing Global Methane Emissions for an alumni networking event hosted at Bain & Company. Read more and register here.
- On Monday, June 22nd, Salata Institute Senior Advisor Peter Tufano will co-lead a House of Hackney case discussion on the board’s decision whether to add a director representing Nature and Future Generations. Read more and register here.
- On Wednesday, June 24th Harvard alumni are welcome to join a panel event hosted by Harvard Alumni for Climate and the Environment (HACE), “Unlocking High-Impact Capital: Scaling Climate and Nature-Based Solutions.” Leaders from finance, industry, academia, and policy to explore how capital can be mobilized at scale and with speed. Read more and register here.