Food, Climate, and Finance Drive Resilience at LCAW 2025

Climate professionals, global investors, and policy leaders gathered in London for the 2025 edition of London Climate Action Week (LCAW), with a renewed focus on building climate resilience through food systems, climate finance, and innovation. The event placed particular emphasis on aligning global financial systems with practical, community-driven solutions to address climate change, all while underscoring the need for responsible governance and smarter investment in agriculture and clean energy.

Held under the theme “Financing Inclusive and Resilient Climate Transition,” this year’s LCAW brought together a range of stakeholders, from grassroots organisers to institutional investors, to discuss how local efforts can scale globally. Among the key areas of focus were food systems, where climate advocates stressed the urgent need for sustainable farming practices and dietary changes as tools to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect public health.

One of the most talked-about sessions, “The Food & Climate: Levers for Change,” hosted by ProVeg United Kingdom, spotlighted how modest dietary shifts in public institutions such as schools can lead to significant environmental benefits. It emphasised empowering young people and educators to promote climate action through everyday food choices.

The week also featured “Just Transitions in Food, Farming and Fisheries,” a session led by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), and Banana Link. The discussion focused on safeguarding labour and human rights while transitioning to environmentally sustainable food systems. While acknowledging the challenges, speakers highlighted the importance of protecting livelihoods during major shifts in agriculture and aquaculture.

Another panel titled “Crisis as Catalyst: Rewiring Food and Climate Action,” brought attention to the current funding gap in climate-focused food and agricultural projects. Despite agriculture contributing to nearly 10% of global gross domestic product (GDP) in hidden environmental costs, participants argued that financial commitments remain insufficient. The session called for institutions, especially multilateral development banks and governance bodies, to adapt their approaches and streamline funding mechanisms.

Regenerative agriculture also featured prominently. A panel hosted by the One Planet Business for Biodiversity (OP2B) Coalition, with support from beverage giant Diageo, explored investment pathways for scaling soil-friendly, biodiversity-supporting agricultural practices. Advocates argued that long-term returns from regenerative farming go beyond environmental impact, offering financially sound opportunities for private sector investors.

A final session at the Wellcome Trust, “How Food System Businesses Can Deliver Co-Benefits for Climate and Health,” emphasised the role of corporations in reshaping food supply chains. Industry experts showcased how aligning corporate sustainability goals with public health priorities could deliver measurable gains in emissions reduction while improving consumer well-being.

While the current UK Labour government remained largely absent from critical discussion, many attendees stressed the need for leadership that enables rather than obstructs innovation and private-sector-led climate solutions. The broader message from London was clear: global resilience depends not just on top-down policy, but on enabling markets, communities, and institutions to act swiftly and effectively.