Sir Jonathon Porritt

Co-Founder of Forum for The Future, Bestselling Author of “Love, Anger & Betrayal” & Co-Chair of The Green Party

Sir Jonathon Porritt’s Biography:

Sir Jonathon Porritt is one of the UK’s most respected environmental leaders, widely recognised for his lifelong commitment to sustainability, climate action and social justice. His career began in green politics, serving as Co-Chair of the Green Party between 1980 and 1983 before moving into major leadership roles within the environmental movement. He later became Director of Friends of the Earth from 1984 to 1990 and went on to co-found Forum for the Future in 1996, establishing it as a world-leading sustainability charity. His contributions were formally recognised in 2000 when he was awarded a CBE for services to sustainability.

Jonathon’s early work brought environmental issues into mainstream public debate, bridging the gap between activism, policy and education. By the late 1990s, he had become a key voice in shaping the UK’s sustainability policies, serving on the Board of the South West Regional Development Agency and co-founding the Prince of Wales’s Business and Sustainability Programme. His dedication to environmental progress has been recognised through multiple honorary degrees from universities such as Sussex, Heriot-Watt, Exeter and Loughborough.

From 2000 to 2009, Jonathon served as Chairman of the UK Sustainable Development Commission, where he advised cabinet ministers and helped influence national climate and sustainability strategy. His leadership extended into academia when he became Chancellor of Keele University in 2012, completing a decade-long term focused on driving sustainability across higher education. Alongside these roles, he has remained active across NGOs, serving as President of The Conservation Volunteers and Population Matters.

A prolific author, Jonathon has written many influential books on environmental futures, including The World We Made, Hope in Hell and his 2025 publication Love, Anger & Betrayal. After stepping down from Forum for the Future in 2023, he continues to influence public discourse through writing, advocacy and advisory roles, remaining a prominent and trusted voice in the transition towards a fair, sustainable future.

Why Hire Sir Jonathon Porritt?

Sir Jonathon Porritt is an exceptional speaker who brings decades of high-level experience in sustainability, climate strategy and systemic change. He offers organisations clear and realistic pathways to navigate environmental challenges, drawing on his work advising governments, global businesses and NGOs. His ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and urgency makes him a powerful addition to any event focused on leadership, sustainable development or organisational transformation. Jonathon’s TEDx talk, “Sustainability for All” demonstrates his ability to engage diverse audiences and deliver messages that inspire action, ambition and long-term thinking.

Sir Jonathon Porritt’s Career Highlights:

Below showcases Jonathon Porritt’s inspirational career from sustainability to politics:

• 2025 – Published the book Love, Anger & Betrayal, exploring environmental leadership and societal change.
• 2023 – Stepped down from Forum for the Future after shaping it into a leading global sustainability organisation.
• 2013 – Delivered a TEDx talk on sustainability that inspired audiences worldwide.
• 2012 – Became Chancellor of Keele University, serving a decade focused on sustainability in education.
• 2009 – Completed his role as Chair of the UK Sustainable Development Commission after nine years advising government ministers.
• 2008 – Received an honorary degree from the University of Exeter for contributions to environmental progress.
• 2001 – Awarded an honorary doctorate from Heriot-Watt University.
• 2000 – Named CBE for services to sustainability and awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Sussex.
• 1999 – Served on the Board of the South West Regional Development Agency, shaping regional sustainability policy.
• 1996 – Co-founded Forum for the Future, becoming a leading force for sustainability innovation.
• 1984 – Served as Director of Friends of the Earth, strengthening national environmental activism.
• 1980 – Co-Chaired the Green Party, helping shape early UK green political leadership.