Kaj Embren, Senior Advisor | Sustainability & Climate Strategies | Award-Winning Social Media Influencer | Podcaster | Speaker
London, England
As we grapple with increasingly severe climate crises—from unprecedented wildfires in Los Angeles and the sinking delta in Vietnam to rising geopolitical tensions and misinformation campaigns—the essential role of science as the backbone of effective climate action has never been more evident.
London Climate Action Week provided an indispensable forum for leaders, activists, scientists, and cultural figures to emphasize the necessity of reinvigorating science, underscoring its importance in crafting a sustainable future.
In our current era, we need a collective awakening—an era where truth, technological brilliance, and open communication restore science to its rightful place in shaping policy, communities, and culture.
The Critical Role of Science in Society
Science has always served as the guiding light for human progress, supporting society’s most important advancements.
It helps us understand climate change, opens doors to innovative technologies like renewable energy, and holds both governments and corporations accountable.
As one speaker emphatically stated during London Climate Action Week, “Science is the pillar of modern society, revealing our climate’s condition and enabling the technology required for a sustainable future.”
Despite its crucial role, the integrity of science is increasingly threatened by anti-science attitudes, politically driven misinformation, and systemic distortions intended to stall necessary actions.
The mantra ‘Make Science Great Again‘ represents more than just words; it’s a call to rebuild trust, visibility, and backing for empirical understanding.
The Rise of Anti-science Attitudes
Around the world, particularly in the United States, anti-climate science sentiments have infiltrated political discourse.
During the event, Sir David King, a former UK Chief Scientist, pointed out a disturbing pattern: “In the US, there is a ‘cancel science culture,’ where scientific truths are often dismissed or rejected outright. Significant American delegations at climate talks often hinder progress by convincing others to do less.”
This anti-science trend isn’t just an American issue.
Populist parties in Europe and the UK echo similar sentiments, challenging scientific consensus and undermining climate policies.
These attitudes are perilous, particularly as we face the harsh truth that extreme weather events now cost
$500 billion annually worldwide.
By 2050, climate-related damages could account for 15% of the global GDP.
The pressing challenge is clear: how can societies respond to the rising tide of climate science denial?
The answer lies in communication, education, and advocacy that make science approachable, engaging, and relatable.
Making Science Appealing Accessible
A central theme was the drive to ‘make science cool again.
Scientists and advocates stress that science shouldn’t be seen merely as technical jargon; rather, it’s the key to a brighter future.
The goal is to inspire a new generation of young scientists by making science appear exciting and empowering.
One expert noted, “Every child on the planet should see themselves as a scientist.
Applied science lays the groundwork for a better society, not just in combating climate change but across many fields.”
Showcasing thrilling examples such as advances in battery storage, the dramatic fall in solar energy costs, and innovative climate solutions can ignite this cultural shift.
The COVID-19 pandemic illustrated the power of regular, fact-based communication. Global governments held daily briefings that built public trust and compliance.
Climate science deserves the same treatment.
The strategy involves using vast networks, like the thousands of journalists at The New York Times, to deliver regular, accessible science briefings, bridging the gap between scientific discoveries and public understanding.
The Power of Storytelling and Narrative
Storytelling plays a critical role in countering misinformation.
As one advocate remarked, “You must share those stories before it’s too late. Infrastructures being built today—like observatories, renewable energy plants, or scientific institutions—face the risk of being forgotten or neglected, and rebuilding them takes decades.”
Compelling narratives about real-world impacts, such as rising seas threatening Vietnam’s rice paddies or communities rebuilding post-disaster, humanize abstract scientific data.
When people can see the tangible consequences of ignoring climate action, they are more inclined to support policy rooted in science.
Additionally, sharing success stories, like the rapid decrease in the cost of solar panels and wind turbines, demonstrates that a shift to a sustainable economy is not only possible but already in progress.
The Political and Corporate Dimensions
Leaders and corporations have crucial roles to play in making ‘science great again.’
The climate movement must involve all stakeholders—politicians, businesses, and civil society—in dialogues grounded in facts.
Many organizations currently set targets aligned with scientific observations.
For example, the European real estate investor Slato has found ways to cut construction emissions by nearly 70% per square meter through technological solutions uncovered by scientific research.
The Road Ahead: Renewables Leading the Charge
Experts are in agreement that, despite political resistance, the momentum for renewable energy is unstoppable.
The ever-advancing green technologies and market forces are generating a “positive tipping point.”
Cities and nations that embrace the renewable revolution will benefit not only from economic growth but also from enhanced climate resilience and public health.
By 2030, sectors related to renewable energy are expected to meet or beat their climate objectives—solar, wind, and battery storage are already witnessing exponential growth.
The cost of renewable energy has dropped dramatically, with solar and wind now often being the most economical sources of electricity in several regions worldwide.
The International Energy Agency notes that on a global scale, building a power plant utilizing renewables is already less expensive than one with fossil fuels.
This technological shift marks significant change: fossil fuels are phasing out, giving way to a cleaner, more sustainable economy.
Investments are flowing into renewable energy infrastructures, promising the creation of millions of jobs and economic opportunities.
Major companies and financial institutions are adapting their strategies, recognizing the vital link between sustainability and profitability.
Most importantly, both governments and communities globally are beginning to see climate action as an opportunity rather than a burden.
Renewable energy offers a path to energy independence, cleaner environments, and more equitable societies.
Countries leading in renewable energy adoption—like Costa Rica, Denmark, and parts of South Africa—illustrate the vast social, economic, and environmental benefits achievable when clean energy takes precedence.
Despite ongoing opposition from certain industry sectors and political groups, the trend is undeniable: the world is firmly moving toward a future without carbon emissions.
Current investments and innovations will shape our world for the generations to come.
The rapid decline in the cost of renewable technologies and the expanding adoption of green practices provide hope for mitigating the worst of the climate crisis.
As one expert passionately concluded, “We’re not just pushing a boulder uphill—we’re riding a peak of unstoppable change.”
A hopeful Future: The Power of Collective Action
All signs point toward a hopeful future. The potent mixture of technological innovations, market shifts, youth activism, and forward-thinking policies is fostering a “climate generation” that refuses to surrender to pessimism or inaction.
The shift from fossil fuels to renewables is accelerating even more briskly than the most hopeful projections suggested.
There is a clear, defined path forward.
Make no mistake—this revolution demands ongoing commitment, bold leadership, and active engagement.
Yet the progress achieved through science, driven by the collective will of millions globally, affirms that change isn’t just possible—it’s certain.
As one speaker at London Climate Action Week put it, “The future is renewable, resilient, and full of hope. We have the tools, the knowledge, and the determination.
Now is the time to act—and we can achieve this together.”
Kaj Embrén
