NY: A Climate of Change

Dear Reader,

This past New York Climate Week marked a pivotal moment for us at Futur/io. Hosting our first Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) Awards in North America was an exhilarating milestone. We have long believed in the critical role of sustainability leadership, and to see this mission take center stage on one of the most important international platforms overseas reinforced our commitment and trust in this work. The dialogue, innovation, and sense of urgency that emerged during the week demonstrated that we are indeed entering a climate of change—a collective paradigm shift into action at all levels.

?

In the aftermath of increasing climate disasters worldwide, the message is clear: the impacts of climate change are no longer abstract, distant threats—they are our present reality. Even though not all communities are affected equally, all corners of the globe are impacted. These crises have sparked a shift in awareness, pushing climate action from the periphery into mainstream consciousness, reminding us that solutions cannot come from a singular source: the times we are living require a widening of perspectives, an embrace of diversity and cross-sector collaboration.

?

At Futur/io, we cultivate this broad, multi-faceted approach. Bringing together professionals from across all sectors—leaders, innovators, and changemakers—we are driven by the belief that a holistic, systems-thinking mindset is key. Our approach is inspired by the concept of agroforestry: a way of thinking that embraces biodiversity and interconnectedness rather than tunnel-vision solutions. Just as a forest thrives through a diverse ecosystem, so too must our response to climate challenges. We cannot rely on a single, mighty solution to solve all our problems. Instead, we need a forest of possibilities— multiple solutions that are adaptive, regenerative, and responsive to the unique needs of each community and sector.

Moving away from the monocultural perspective of one-size-fits-all solutions is crucial. It’s about creating space for innovation at all levels, fostering a spirit of collaboration, and encouraging everyone to take mindful steps within their own spheres of influence. This is where the role of the Chief Sustainability Officer becomes so vital. They sit at the intersection of strategy, innovation, and community, ensuring that sustainability becomes a core part of every organization’s DNA.

?

The road ahead is long, and the challenges we face are vast. But this is no reason for despair. In fact, we believe that the true power lies in our ability to regenerate— ourselves and our communities and ecosystems. Just as nature regenerates from within, we must also nurture our inner resources and resilience, inspiring those around us in a ripple effect of positive change. As we look back on our experience at NY Climate Week, and ahead into our CSO Awards '25 in Davos, we’re reminded of the incredible energy that comes from working together toward a shared vision.

?

The time for climate action is now, and it’s heartening to witness the growing momentum. At Futur/io, we are committed to continuing this journey—bringing together the brightest minds, the boldest innovators, and the most passionate changemakers to ensure that our climate of change leads to a future we can all be proud of.

?

Thank you for being on this ride into more desirable, regenerative futures with us ??

Harald Neidhardt

CEO & Curator,

Futur/io Institute