Potsdam, Germany, played host to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s (WBCSD) third Heads of Climate Base Camp from 20th to 23rd May 2025. This immersive retreat, located near Tiefer Lake, gathered about 20 climate leaders from global companies. The program aimed to facilitate introspection, address complex climate issues, foster connections among peers, and drive progress towards a net-zero future.
The Base Camp, led by Thomas Bruhn from the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) and Jenny Kwan, Director of Climate Action & Accountability at WBCSD, offered a unique setting at RIFS’ Kleist Villa. Through open discussions, shared reflections, and guided sessions, participants built trust, identified obstacles, and outlined actionable strategies.
During the retreat, attendees delved into discussions on common challenges in corporate climate leadership, including decarbonization, governance, and collaboration across sectors. The exchanges revealed shared hurdles and opportunities for advancing climate action across industries and regions.
Guest speakers like Ovais Sarmad and experts from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research provided strategic insights and discussed translating scientific findings into business strategies. Participants explored aligning long-term climate science with short-term decision-making, emphasizing the integration of scientific insights into corporate strategies.
Participants found the Base Camp to be a transformative experience, offering time for reflection, peer support, and nature-based activities. The retreat culminated in the development of personal action plans to translate learnings into practical steps within their organizations.
As the event concluded, attendees expressed renewed motivation, clarity, and a sense of community. The retreat empowered leaders to drive the climate agenda within their organizations with a fresh perspective and renewed commitment.
Looking ahead, the 2025 Base Camp left a legacy of momentum, strengthened relationships, and a shared dedication to systemic transformation. The sense of collective action and clarity gained during the retreat is expected to drive continued progress in climate leadership.
Stay tuned for updates on future editions of the WBCSD Heads of Climate Base Camp, as the community of committed climate leaders continues to grow. For more information on upcoming events and WBCSD’s Climate Action initiatives, reach out to climate@wbcsd.org.
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