Markets or Governments: Who is leading our climate transition?
At our recent Purpose Debates event, we brought together some of the sharpest minds in climate and sustainability to take on a bold and timely motion:
“This House believes markets, not governments, will ultimately drive the transition to a low-carbon economy.”
In partnership with The Conduit in London, the evening featured an exceptional line-up of speakers and a highly engaged audience. The debate format offered something rare: a chance to hear directly opposing views on an important question. A fast-paced 90 minutes filled with intelligent insight, rigour, humour… and a few sharp rebuttals.
A Lineup to Remember
Speaking in favour of the motion were:
Juliane Caillouette Noble, Managing Director, The Sustainable Restaurant Association
Steve Keohane, Co-Founder and CCO, Map Impact
Aniket Chakravorty, 2024 World University Debating Champio
Arguing against were:
Areeba Hamid, Co-Executive Director, Greenpeace UK
Johnson Situ, Director of the Co-Chairs Office & Diplomacy, C40 Cities
Alyssa Gilbert, Director of Innovation, Grantham Institute for Climate Change
What Was at Stake?
The motion posed a clear question, but the answers revealed just how complex our path to a low carbon future will be. Speakers for the motion highlighted the power of innovation, consumer demand, and capital flows as levers for rapid change. Those against it warned that without strong regulation, policy coherence, and public accountability, markets alone can’t deliver at the scale or speed required.
The Verdict?
By the end of the evening, the room had spoken. The audience sided with the opposition, those who believed that governments will play the leading role in driving climate transition.
But there was another consensus too: that this is not an either/or. Ultimately governments and markets, alongside civil society actors, all need to come together to tackle climate change. Collaboration, rather than competition, will hold the key.
Join our next debate
We love a good panel, but we believe in mixing it up. A structured debate offers something different, and that’s why we’re partnering on a series of them across different climate and social justice issues.
In a time of polarised conversations, spaces like this matter. If you’re looking for an engaging way to explore critical issues, our debate series is a great way to surface topics with tension, sharpen your views and disagree well.
So, whether it's the audience or one of the debate teams you want to join, get in touch - we’d love to hear from you. Our next debate will be happening in September 2025. Contact Hannah for more details.