During this special edition of Social Impact Pioneers – we are joined by David Nicholson, a leading figure in global climate action, speaking to us directly from the UN Climate COP in Belém, Brazil. As Mercy Corps’ first-ever Chief Climate Officer, appointed in 2022, Nicholson has been at the forefront of embedding bold, science-driven climate strategy into one of the world’s largest humanitarian organisations – expect to hear his thoughts on climate resilience, adaptation and business action. This conversation forms part of the Business Fights Poverty Climate Series 2025.
Over more than a decade at Mercy Corps, Nicholson has helped steer the organisation towards global leadership on climate resilience, sustainability, and adaptation. Drawing on a career that spans carbon-finance innovation in Uganda, climate and energy consulting at DAI, and green business development in Colombia, he now works to ensure that vulnerable communities can withstand the accelerating impacts of climate change. In 2023 alone, Mercy Corps’ climate programming reached 5.9 million people, and through its Climate: Possible campaign, it aims to extend climate-smart solutions to 12.5 million people, while supporting innovations projected to benefit a further 20 million through high-impact climate startups.
Speaking from COP30, Nicholson offers rare insight into the mood, momentum and political dynamics shaping this year’s summit—from the heightened focus on tropical forest protection in the Amazon, to the growing urgency around adaptation finance, climate-resilient livelihoods and the practical implementation of national climate plans. He reflects on the realities faced by communities on the front lines of drought, displacement and economic instability, and why climate adaptation and poverty reduction can no longer be treated as separate challenges.
If you are seeking clear analysis, grounded field experience and a pragmatic perspective on global climate action, this conversation with David Nicholson offers you straight up insights and solutions-focused look at what must happen next.
Links:
David Nicholson
Mercy Corps Climate
Climate Change at the International Court of Justice
This podcast is part of the Business Fights Poverty Climate Series with Fundação Dom Cabral (FDC) taking place during COP30 Climate Summit in Belém, Brazil.
