Public declarations of optimism in times of global instability are rare. But Laurie Laybourn, Executive Director of the Strategic Climate Risks Initiative (SCRI), delivers a clear and inspiring message in the latest Thinking the Unthinkable podcast.
“We can rise to the challenge,” he says. “But that depends on us choosing to. We have the knowledge, the tools, and the ingenuity, now it’s about using them.”
For Laurie, navigating today’s complex climate and societal risks starts with facing the scale of the challenge honestly while empowering leaders and communities to act:
“We’re not passengers. We have agency. And that means every choice – from policy to business strategy to what we do in our communities – can help shape a future we’d actually want to live in.”
He stresses that resilience and long-term thinking are essential:
“We have to build resilience into everything we do, our economies, our politics, our infrastructure. And that means making decisions today that will stand the test of decades, not just electoral cycles.”
Laurie also highlights the potential for positive tipping points, even amidst instability:
“We’ve already seen breakthroughs in renewable energy and electric vehicles. The question now is how we can trigger more of these positive tipping points in the context of the challenges we face.”
His advice to leaders and individuals alike is both practical and uplifting:
“The future isn’t something that happens to us, it’s something we build together. By choosing to act wisely today, we can navigate uncertainty and emerge stronger tomorrow.”
Laurie Laybourn
Laurie Laybourn is a globally recognised climate strategist, known for turning complex climate and risk science into practical guidance for leaders and organisations. As Executive Director of the Strategic Climate Risks Initiative, he drives initiatives that help decision-makers anticipate and respond to tipping points and systemic challenges. With deep expertise in climate risk assessment, scenario planning, and strategic foresight, Laurie bridges the gap between science and actionable strategy, enabling organisations to navigate uncertainty with confidence. His work spans advisory, research, and executive engagement, establishing him as a trusted voice in shaping resilient, forward-looking responses to climate challenges.
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