As COP29 continues, we have invited some of our expert colleagues to reflect on the challenges climate organisations face, and the steps they take to meet their goals most effectively.
At the outset of this year’s COP conference, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of the ‘ticking clock’ of climate change and the destruction that awaits if we fail to act decisively.
Each year, world leaders make fresh commitments at COP, met with hope and scepticism as we confront a history of missed climate targets and indecision. As new pledges are made this year, familiar questions surface: Have we done enough? Is it too late? How can we meet our commitments?
At SRI Executive, we have had the privilege of working alongside many organisations at the forefront of the fight against climate change. While governments may set the policies, countless organisations, initiatives, and individuals embed and operationalise these commitments. As COP unfolds, the team at SRI is reflecting on the critical role these organisations and teams play in enabling the world to achieve its climate ambitions.
Having partnered with hundreds of organisations striving to become more resilient, adaptable, and agile in the face of climate change, we have witnessed firsthand the efforts that enable teams to reach their goals more effectively. In this article, some of our expert consultants share their insights on how climate-focused organisations are strengthening, reaching their targets, and contributing to global climate commitments.
Liz Kennedy, Manager, Strategy: Setting focused yet flexible strategies
With climate change accelerating and reshaping our understanding of global warming, carbon emissions, and biodiversity, the future feels ever more uncertain. In this shifting landscape, defining a clear, ambitious, and achievable mission is challenging for any organisation or individual. However, there are steps organisations can take to shape a focused yet flexible strategy.
First, organisations must understand their unique role and value within the climate and development ecosystem. With a strong internal sense of purpose, organisations can adapt their goals to align with changing external realities. Second, continuous measurement is essential to support adaptability. By establishing robust systems and processes to monitor ongoing progress towards their envisioned future, organisations can remain responsive and resilient, both now and in the long term.
Join our Virtual Workshop on ‘Adaptive Strategy’
Anushka Siddiqui, Manager, Organisational Effectiveness: Understanding how to increase organisational efficiency
In the face of the growing urgency to deliver sustainable impact amid the Climate Crisis, organisations are refocusing on a fundamental aspect of organisational effectiveness: structure. Many have struggled to strike the right balance between adaptability and clarity, as they navigate the need to meet regulatory demands while also fostering grassroots-driven, decentralised approaches. Achieving this balance is crucial to operating effectively within the climate landscape, ensuring that oversight aligns with community-centred values that drive sustainable development.
To create this balance, organisations can – through organisational reviews and action planning - adopt a flexible organisational structure that empowers teams while maintaining core accountability measures. Regularly reviewing and refining policies in collaboration with stakeholders can help ensure that strategies remain relevant and responsive. Additionally, investing in training and support for team leaders fosters the resilience and agility needed to adapt to shifting regulations and on-the-ground realities. Through these steps, organisations can better integrate regulatory oversight with local impact, laying the groundwork for lasting, sustainable change.
Temitope Richard-Banji, Manager, Leadership: Holistic Leadership Development
Effective leadership has the power to transform the climate sector. Traditionally, leadership often focused narrowly on people management as the primary career pathway. However, in recent years, there has been a marked shift towards dual career paths offering technical and traditional management tracks. Supported by tailored learning and development programmes and performance management frameworks, this new generation of leaders is more confident in their roles and equipped to make a lasting impact that aligns with their unique strengths.
To support this evolution, organisations can implement development initiatives that empower leaders in both technical and managerial roles. Through mentorship, tailored training, and regular feedback, organisations can build an adaptable, skilled leadership pipeline ready to drive meaningful change in the climate sector.
Read Temitope Richard-Banji’s Article: From Silos to Synergy: How Leaders Can Build a Collaborative Culture that Inspires Innovation
Susanne Andre, Head of Search Practice, Executive Search: Building a Pipeline of Future Talent
Climate has shifted from a specialised, niche concern to a factor influencing nearly every aspect of organisational life. This shift has driven a strong push to adopt a systems-thinking approach, embedding climate-oriented expertise across sectors—from health and finance to education. Building a technically skilled, climate-savvy entry-level workforce can help organisations navigate the growing complexity of the Climate Crisis over the long term, fostering a work culture rooted in climate resilience and adaptability.
To achieve this, organisations can adopt targeted recruitment strategies, provide cross-disciplinary training on climate impacts, and embed climate goals into job descriptions and performance metrics.
Alison McGardle, Managing Director: Embedding Effective Governance Practices
Setting climate organisations up for success begins at the very top. Governance must be designed to respond to rapidly changing contexts and unprecedented demands; however, many organisations struggle to integrate structures that address these evolving pressures. A review of governance and accountability frameworks can be an ideal starting point, helping to pinpoint steps to enhance governance effectiveness in line with the organisation’s unique context. This can lead to establishing more effective decision-making norms, clearer delegations of authority, and strengthened processes and procedures to support resilient, agile leadership.
COP29 is an important moment to look ahead to the future of climate adaptation, while also reflecting on the progress we’ve made so far. At SRI Executive, we’ve had the privilege of supporting partners who have achieved meaningful steps forward. However, we recognise that much remains to be done. Together with our partners, we are committed to facing the challenges of the Climate Crisis and working towards a future defined by sustainable and lasting impact.