Climate Action in Uncertain Times: What's Next for the US and UK?
From the US midterms to the UK's clean energy ambitions, what will it take to keep climate action moving?
Climate ambition is one thing. Turning it into action is another.
With the US midterm elections just around the corner, climate and energy policy is once again in the spotlight. Across the Atlantic, the UK is pursuing ambitious clean energy targets, but questions remain about investment, infrastructure and the pace of delivery.
Meanwhile, businesses are navigating shifting regulations, investors are weighing risks and opportunities, and communities are looking for ways to make a difference.
So, what happens to climate action when political priorities shift? Who keeps progress moving? And how can we turn ambition into meaningful change?
Join The Green Londoner for a timely transatlantic conversation with two experts working at the intersection of energy, sustainability, investment and public policy.
We'll explore what's at stake in the US and UK, what keeps climate action moving in uncertain times, and how governments, businesses and communities can help accelerate the transition.
What we'll explore
🇺🇸 The US midterms: What's at stake for climate and clean energy?
What could change after November's elections, and what remains in the hands of states, businesses and other institutions?
🇬🇧 The UK: From climate ambition to action
What's holding back delivery of the UK's climate commitments? Is it investment, infrastructure, political confidence or public support?
Keeping climate action moving in uncertain times
When policies shift, what keeps businesses investing and governments acting? Can international partnerships help maintain momentum?
Making the transition work for everyone
How can we build public trust and make climate action something people actively want to participate in?
Meet our speakers
Yasmeen Qursha-Fessy
Manager, Energy & Sustainability | ecom-energy, Inc.
Yasmeen specialises in decarbonisation strategy, emissions accounting and sustainability planning. Based in France, she works with organisations to reduce emissions, improve energy performance and navigate evolving climate requirements. She holds a Master's in Sustainability Management from the University of Southern California and a degree in Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning from UC Davis.
Lucy Shaw
Energy Investment & Policy Advisor | Visiting Fellow, LSE Grantham Research Institute
Lucy is a London-based energy investment and policy advisor researching the transition away from coal. She is a Visiting Fellow at LSE's Grantham Research Institute and a Non-resident Fellow at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy. Previously, she worked at Blackstone, the IFC and BCG, and holds an MBA and MPA/ID from Harvard University.
Moderated by Gautier Houel
Founder, The Green Londoner
A former French diplomat and Climate & Environment Counsellor at the French Embassy in London, Gautier worked on international climate policy, including COP26, before founding The Green Londoner, an independent environmental media and community platform.
📅 Practical information
📆 Date: Thursday 29 October 2026
💻 Location: Online
⏱️ Duration: 60 minutes, including audience Q&A
🎟️ Admission: Free
Whether you're working in sustainability, energy, finance or climate policy, or simply curious about what comes next, you're very welcome.
No specialist knowledge required. Just curiosity and an interest in what comes next.
🌿 About The Green Londoner
The Green Londoner is an independent, London-based environmental media and community platform making climate and nature issues more accessible, engaging and actionable.