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Keynote SpeakerMike Berners-Lee

Founder of Small World Consulting, Professor at Lancaster Environment Centre

Author of 'A Climate of Truth: Why We Need It and How to Get It' (2025) and 'There is no Planet B, a Handbook for the Make or Break Years'... Read more

Watch Mike Berners-Lee in action

Popular Talks by Mike Berners-Lee

  • Company wide Communications on Sustainability Motivation, Engagement and Cultural Transformation

    Mike is often asked to lay out the big-picture global challenge to internal company audiences, to help enable and encourage staff engagement and cultural transformation on sustainability. Mike’s talks can be the pivotal moment a company culture wakes up to the biggest challenges of our times. He describes the issues…
  • Investing for a Sustainable Future

    Every spend and every investment pushes for a one type of future or another. Mike guides asset managers and financial advisers to better understand the Anthropocene-fitness of their portfolios; the risks and opportunities faced by each company in a transitioning world. How well is each company placed to thrive as…
  • Energy Transition – the priorities and bottle necks

    Mike outlines the technological pathway to global clean energy transition and shows how this is entirely practical, bringing opportunities to almost every industry. He explores the barriers and how these can be overcome. Most importantly, how can we and our companies be part of the solution?

  • AI and Climate Impact - Friend or Foe ?

    AI presents huge opportunities and risks. Mike explores what it might take for it to be a force for ‘net good’in the world including helping us to deal with climate change. He also explores humanity’s relationship with technology, now and how this will change.

  • Education for the Anthropocene

    The next generation face radically different challenges and opportunities to any before it. These will require new thinking skills, habits and values. What are these and how can how can they be developed in our schools and universities?

  • Business Purpose and Ethics for the 2020s

    A fresh look at business purpose and ethics as well as the practicalities of low carbon transition.

Biography

Mike Berners-Lee is a leading keynote speaker on sustainability, climate change and on how we can each address this urgent and overarching 21st century challenge.  His approach includes high level thinking about policy and best practices along with innovative views on how AI and other tech innovations can be a force for ‘net good’ in this work.  In his talks, Mikes combines cutting edge science, pragmatic solutions to building a better world and he delivers always with enthusiasm, positivity and passion.

In February 2025 he was awarded The Planet Earth Award by the Alliance of World Scientists

In March 2025, he saw the publication of his latest book ‘A Climate of Truth: Why We Need It and How to Get It‘ .  In this book, Mike calls for radically-higher standards of honesty in politics, media and business as a catalyst to achieve change..  He look at this challenge from new angles, to gain perspective, digging deeper under the surface to uncover the root causes, joining up every element of the challenges we face and learning from our failures so far.

His book, There Is No Planet B: A Handbook for the Make or Break Years is a bestselling practical and holistic tour of the 21st century’s biggest challenges, laced throughout with practical guidance for individuals, businesses and politicians.  About his first book, How Bad Are Bananas? The Carbon Footprint of Everything, Bill Bryson wrote “I can’t think of the last time I read a book that was more fascinating, and useful and enjoyable all at the same time”.  His previous book was The Burning Question, explores the big picture on climate change and the underlying global dynamics, asking what mix of politics, economics, psychology and technology are really required to deal with the problem.

Al Gore described it as “Fascinating, important and highly recommended”.

Mike is the founder of Small World Consulting, an associate company of Lancaster University, which is a world leader in the field of supply chain carbon metrics and management. Small World works with organisations of all sizes and sectors, from the world’s largest tech giants to SMEs. Mike is a Professor in Practice at Lancaster University’s Environment Centre, where his research includes sustainable food systems and carbon metrics. He has made numerous speaking, radio and television broadcast appearances to promote public awareness of sustainability and climate change issues, and most notably appeared in Climate Change: The Facts alongside Sir David Attenborough.

Mike has a degree in Physics from Oxford University, a PGCE from Bangor, and an MSc in Organisational Development and Consulting from Sheffield Hallam University.

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What clients say about Mike Berners-Lee

Mike is an engaging and entertaining speaker who, nonetheless, pulls no punches in setting out the challenges for humanity in There is No Planet B. He makes the scale and range of the problems crystal clear and presents practical actions that everyone can adopt to make a difference.”
“I just wanted to say thank you for your involvement in our Climate panel whether on the day or the background preparation. We had fantastic feedback from a number of the clients and contacts that joined us yesterday. It flowed incredibly well and the messages were very well understood both from Mike’s introduction and the panel conversation. A Consultant on my table commented that she wished she could have bottled it for use in her client meetings. In her opinion the messaging was clear, concise, interesting and thought provoking. It’s always great to get such a positive spontaneous reaction!”
“Mike manages the balance between entertainment and seriousness so brilliantly! A great event.”
"You managed the tremendously delicate balance of engaging our audiences in the debate and conveying the urgency with which we need to bring about a change of mindset and actions both as individuals and an industry, without engendering that dangerous sense of paralysis at the enormity of the task we face. It was an absolute pleasure and honour to meet you, and I do hope that you feel, as rgw team and I do, that the Summit was a really successful part of the transition process."

How to book Mike Berners-Lee as a keynote speaker

How do I book Mike Berners-Lee for a keynote speech?

You can book Mike Berners-Lee through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Mike's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Mike Berners-Lee's speaking fees?

Mike Berners-Lee's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Mike tailored to your event.

What topics does Mike Berners-Lee speak about?

Mike Berners-Lee speaks on Artificial Intelligence, Business & Management, Cities & Environment, Climate, Strategy. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Mike to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Mike Berners-Lee available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Mike Berners-Lee for events worldwide, subject to Mike's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Mike Berners-Lee deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Mike Berners-Lee is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Mike Berners-Lee?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Mike can accommodate.

Can Mike Berners-Lee tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Mike Berners-Lee on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Mike can offer.

What languages does Mike Berners-Lee present in?

Mike Berners-Lee delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Mike Berners-Lee a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Mike Berners-Lee's areas of expertise include Artificial Intelligence, Business & Management, Cities & Environment, Climate, Strategy. To get a clear sense of Mike's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Mike Berners-Lee speak at?

Mike Berners-Lee can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Business & Management, Cities & Environment, Climate, Strategy is relevant. Details of Mike's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Mike Berners-Lee offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Mike Berners-Lee is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Mike Berners-Lee?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Mike Berners-Lee, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Mike's current availability for your dates.