Top 5 Insights from London Climate Action Week

Last week, London became the epicentre of climate action once again, with thousands of sustainability professionals, innovators, and changemakers gathering for London Climate Action Week (LCAW). We were right in the thick of it, attending events across the city, from bustling exhibition halls to intimate panel discussions, and the energy was palpable. Here are the five key trends that stood out from our week immersed in the heart of the climate action community. 

1. The Mood was Surprisingly Positive

Walking into any sustainability event these days, you might expect to encounter a sea of worried faces. After all, the headlines haven't been particularly cheerful, and many in the sector are feeling the pressure of global uncertainties. But LCAW told a different story entirely. 

The overwhelming sentiment was one of genuine optimism. Everywhere we looked, there were brilliant solutions hitting the market, innovative startups launching with fresh approaches, and established companies pivoting towards more sustainable models. It seems that whilst the challenges are undeniably serious, the response from the climate community is becoming increasingly sophisticated and solution focused. 

2. SMEs are in the Spotlight

For too long, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been overlooked in sustainability. Whilst large corporations have been setting net-zero targets and publishing elaborate ESG reports, and individuals have been making personal changes, SMEs, who often have less time, budget or in-house expertise, have been left to figure things out on their own. 

Government bodies and financial institutions are finally recognising that SMEs aren't just a nice-to-have in the climate equation, they're essential. The business case is becoming clear too. With supply chain requirements tightening and customer expectations rising, there's a genuine commercial opportunity in helping SMEs navigate their sustainability journey. The tools, frameworks, and support systems that were once exclusively available to large enterprises are being democratised, and SMEs are responding enthusiastically. 

3. LCAW is a Big Deal

Remember when climate events were niche gatherings of dedicated environmentalists? Those days are long gone. LCAW has evolved into a truly international affair, with delegates visiting from across the globe to be part of the conversation. 

The sheer scale and diversity of events was remarkable and the practical focus on solutions rather than just problems shows that we're moving beyond awareness-raising into genuine action-planning mode. The climate conversation has found its rhythm, and London is increasingly seen as the place where that rhythm gets set. 

4. AI is the Great Sustainability Divide

Uptake of AI feels truly divided. On one side, there are the early adopters, companies that have leant heavily into AI-powered solutions. These businesses are using machine learning to optimise energy consumption, predict maintenance needs, automate processes or uncover insights.  

On the other side, some are purposely avoiding AI in any way, or intentionally not mentioning it in messaging. This is either because they are genuinely concerned about the environmental footprint of AI systems themselves (the energy-intensive data centres and computational requirements that come with the territory). Others worry that AI might be a passing fad that could alienate clients who prefer more traditional approaches and crave genuine human connection. Only time will tell which is the correct path.

5. Recycling is Still Confusing

Let's end with a story. We're standing opposite the recycling bins at Reset Connect, watching some of the most sustainability-minded people in the country navigate what should be a simple task, disposing of their rubbish properly. 

The organisers had done everything right. Clear signage, separate bins for food waste, paper, plastic, and general waste. Yet somehow, we found ourselves witnessing a series of errors. 

The worst culprit? The humble disposable coffee cup. Despite being at a sustainability event, surrounded by people who could probably recite the circular economy principles in their sleep, there was a steady stream of confusion about where these cups should go. Paper bin? Plastic bin? General waste? 

The reality is that only 1 in 400 disposable coffee cups actually gets recycled, thanks to their paper-plastic hybrid construction. (Spoiler it should go in general waste.) The real solution isn't better signage (though that helps); it's better cups, better systems, and yes, more reusable alternatives.