In this webinar we took a deep dive into Chris Stark’s insights, frustrations and reflections as the country’s leading climate change policy expert. Chris is one of the most well-known figures in climate policy, and was until recently one of the most senior independent officials working on the issue, as chief executive of the UK’s Climate Change Committee.

In this role, he led independent advice on the UK’s net zero target, the world’s first net zero target to be legislated, and directed the development of detailed pathways for the UK to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. For the agri-food sector, this included the report Land Use: Policies for a Net Zero UK. He is now continuing his work as chief executive of the Carbon Trust, a global climate consultancy working to accelerate the move to a decarbonised future.

A written briefing of this webinar is available below.

Rather than our usual format of a presentation, we got to the heart of things through conversation and questions. This was followed by the normal audience Q&A.

We covered:

• Where we are now, and how to drive change fast
• Will change in diets really save the day?
• Farming and land use – why is change so difficult?
• Chris’ time at the CCC – what are the political blockers and enablers to policy change?
• Ideas for the new government

In conversation with Chris was Jez Fredenburgh, Knowledge Exchange Fellow, and Prof Neil Ward, col-lead of the AFN Network+. Both Jez and Neil are based in the Environment Department and the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, at the University of East Anglia.

Attendees also asked for a summary of the webinar chat & questions.

NOTE: Chris had not begun his new role in government when the webinar was recorded. The views expressed by him were personal opinions and not intended to indicate the approach of the new government. 

About Chris:

Chris Stark is Chief Executive of the Carbon Trust, a global climate consultancy powered by the mission to accelerate the move to a decarbonised future.

A world-renowned climate policy expert, Chris was appointed in April 2024 by the Carbon Trust and leads its work partnering with businesses, governments and financial institutions to drive positive climate action.
In his previous role as Chief Executive of the UK’s Climate Change Committee, Chris led independent advice on the UK’s Net Zero target, the world’s first Net Zero target to be legislated. He also directed the development of detailed pathways for the UK to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. In 2021, he presented the UK’s third climate change risk assessment, with detailed analysis and advice on the extensive risks facing the UK from climate change.

Chris has held several senior roles in the UK government, including in HM Treasury, and as Director for Energy and Climate Change in the Scottish Government. In each of these roles he has developed the intersection between policy and business, particularly, the private sector’s role in the Net Zero transition.

A passionate advocate on the urgent need to confront climate change and the economic benefits of rapid cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, Chris regularly speaks to the media and in public events.
In November 2023, Chris was appointed as an Honorary Professor of the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Public Policy. He became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in April 2024.

About the webinar series:

​This webinar is part of a monthly series run by AFN Network+ which explores net zero in the UK agri-food system with leading movers and shakers. Expect deep and varied insight from across the sector, including farmers, scientists, policy analysts, community leaders, retailers, politicians, businesses and health professionals. The series is put together by Jez Fredenburgh, our Knowledge Exchange Fellow, and Prof Neil Ward, AFN Co-lead and professor of rural geography at the University of East Anglia.