Villars Ocean Forum | Villars, 2026
Type of work:
Moderating 150 leaders exploring bold, science-led solutions to safeguard our oceans, poles & glaciers
Topic:
Exploring “Ground Zero for Planetary Tipping Points: Ocean, Poles & Glaciers”
Client:
The Villars Institute
At the Villars Ocean Forum 2026, Nik Gowing moderated two high-level, science-led plenary sessions. They focused on one of the most urgent systemic risks facing the planet: the destabilisation of ocean, glacier and polar systems.
The event brought together over 150 leaders from science, business, policy and conservation. The Forum was designed to explore how accelerating environmental change is pushing Earth systems towards critical tipping points.
“Moderator Nik Gowing captured the momentum perfectly, calling the final plenary “not a closing session, but a take-off session.”” ️
— Villars Institute, via Social Media
What we achieved
Nik moderated the opening plenary session “Global Science Outlook for Ocean, Glaciers & Poles: From Tipping Points to Turning Points”.
Keith Tuffley, Johan Rockström, Tim Lenton, Sylvia Earle, and Heïdi Sevestre, highlighted how the ocean, glaciers, and poles are central to Earth’s stability. And why they are now driving increased planetary risk.
The science briefing and interactive plenary examined how accelerating cryosphere loss and ocean change are pushing Earth systems toward dangerous tipping points. The science points to a deeply troubling future.
The risk of tipping points triggering cascading impacts across ecological, climate and food systems is all too real. This will generate new turning points. Water is fast becoming the “New Gold” for everyone globally. Communicating both the risks and the solutions is essential.
Nik moderated the closing plenary session of the Forum. The final interactive discussion reported on outcomes and commitments for the year ahead. It included an assessment by youth on the impact for the next generation.
The Outcome?
The many frank discussions at the forum will contribute significantly to generating science-led solutions that safeguard the future of our oceans.
Despite the scale of the challenges, the discussions emphasized that positive tipping points remain within reach. Through accelerating clean technologies and regenerating marine ecosystems, this year’s forum sharpened the possibilities to deliver positive outcomes at greater pace.
This infographic produced by The Villars Institute visualised brilliantly the scale of the challenges ahead. The image highlights the need for a systems-thinking approach to protect ocean and cryosphere ecosystems, and to strengthen planetary resilience.
Climate crisis is already reshaping oceans, polar regions, and glaciers. The Villars Ocean Forum went a long way to identifying and communicating the turning points needed to reverse course with the urgency needed.
About Villars Institute
Established in 2022, the Villars Institute is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to accelerating the transition to a net-zero and nature-positive economy and to restoring the health of the planet.
Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the Villars Institute serves as a platform for systemic change and a hub for intergenerational collaboration. It also curates artistic, cultural, and educational activities that promote systems leadership, planetary health, and ecopreneurship.
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