Tom Rivett-Carnac

Global Optimism Founding Partner, Former UNFCCC Senior Advisor, Bestselling Climate Author & Podcaster

Tom Rivett-Carnac’s Biography:

Tom Rivett-Carnac is the Founding Partner of Global Optimism, a leading climate strategist and author known for shaping international environmental policy. A respected voice on sustainability, Tom rose to prominence as the Senior Advisor to the Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, where he helped guide the political strategy behind the Paris Climate Agreement, one of the most significant diplomatic achievements of the century. Now a sought after keynote speaker, he brings clarity, optimism and practical insight to audiences navigating the future of climate action.

Tom’s journey began across several continents, with formative years spent in Indonesia, Tunisia, the UAE and Australia before attending Allhallows College. He studied Environment and Economics at Bath Spa University and later completed an MSc in Holistic Science at Schumacher College, where his academic focus deepened his understanding of systemic change. After graduating, he lived for nearly three years as a Buddhist monk in Thailand and Myanmar. This period shaped the patient and thoughtful leadership style he is known for today. Returning to the UK, Tom moved into sustainability roles at CarbonSense and Dyson, where he developed his early expertise in environmental strategy and innovation.

His career accelerated when he joined CDP, contributing to the launch of the CDP Cities programme before becoming President and CEO of CDP North America. This led to his appointment as Senior Advisor to the Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, a role in which he became one of the strategists behind the 2015 Paris Agreement. After leaving the UN, Tom co-founded Global Optimism, guided the creation of The Climate Pledge, and became a Fellow of the Bezos Earth Fund. He also co-authored the international bestseller ‘The Future We Choose’ and co-hosts the award winning podcast Outrage + Optimism. In recognition of his service to tackling climate change he was appointed OBE in 2022.

Why Hire Tom Rivett-Carnac?

People book Tom for his ability to cut through complexity and inspire constructive action at a critical moment for the planet. His keynote topics include climate leadership, sustainability strategy, mindset shifts for environmental change and navigating the road to net zero. He offers businesses and governments a clear path to credible ambition, combining policy insight, practical tools and the mindset he calls stubborn optimism. For organisations seeking authoritative guidance on the climate transition, Tom delivers a compelling blend of expertise, honesty and hope.

Tom Rivett-Carnac’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Tom Rivett-Carnac’s inspirational sustainability career:

• 2025 – Strategy Adviser contributing to expanded global adoption of The Climate Pledge through Global Optimism
• 2022 – Appointed OBE for Services to Tackling Climate Change
• 2021 – Awarded an Honorary PhD from Knox College, Illinois
• 2020 – Published ‘When We All Stopped’
• 2020 – Co-authored ‘The Future We Choose’ with Christiana Figueres
• 2016 – Co-Founded Global Optimism
• 2015 – Architect of the Paris Climate Agreement
• 2013 – Appointed Senior Advisor to the Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC
• 2012 – Became President & CEO of CDP North America