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Countdown Session 2: Leadership (Full session)

10,415 views | Hosted by Al Gore and Jaden Smith • Countdown

The climate crisis demands leadership at every level. Governments, cities and businesses are three key players in designing and implementing the necessary transition -- and putting climate back on the political and social agenda. Session 2 of the Countdown Global Launch, hosted by Al Gore and Jaden Smith, features Severn Cullis-Suzuki, Ursula von der Leyen, Olafur Eliasson, Rebecca Henderson, Elif Shafak, Jesper Brodin, Pia Heidenmark Cook, Dave Clark, Kara Hurst, Aparna Nancherla, Carlos Moreno, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and Yemi Alade.

The climate crisis demands leadership at every level. Governments, cities and businesses are three key players in designing and implementing the necessary transition -- and putting climate back on the political and social agenda. Session 2 of the Countdown Global Launch, hosted by Al Gore and Jaden Smith, features Severn Cullis-Suzuki, Ursula von der Leyen, Olafur Eliasson, Rebecca Henderson, Elif Shafak, Jesper Brodin, Pia Heidenmark Cook, Dave Clark, Kara Hurst, Aparna Nancherla, Carlos Moreno, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and Yemi Alade.

About the speakers

Climate advocate

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Nobel Laureate Al Gore continues to focus the world's attention on the global climate crisis.

Jaden Smith

Actor, musician, activist

Jaden Smith is an actor, rapper and advocate for a cleaner world.

Severn Cullis-Suzuki

Environmental educator

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Severn Cullis-Suzuki is a lifelong environmental activist seeking justice for future generations.

Ursula von der Leyen

President of the European Commission

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Ursula von der Leyen believes that green and digital transformations hold the key to Europe's future prosperity and resilience.

Olafur Eliasson

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The transparent simplicity and experiential nature of Olafur Eliasson's work has built his reputation as one of the world's most accessible creators of contemporary art.

Rebecca Henderson

Capitalism rethinker

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Rebecca Henderson is obsessed with finding solutions to climate change.

Novelist, political scientist

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One of the most unique novelists in today's world literature, Elif Shafak's writing blends East and West, feminism and memory, the local and the global, bringing the periphery to the centre, giving voice to the voiceless and the disempowered.

CEO of Ingka Group (IKEA)

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Jesper Brodin believes in values-based leadership and togetherness.

Pia Heidenmark Cook

CSO of Ingka Group (IKEA)

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With passion, drive and a team of sustainability professionals, Pia Heidenmark Cook leads the sustainability agenda for the Ingka Group.

Head of worldwide sustainability at Amazon

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Kara Hurst leads the development and evolution of sustainability and social responsibility at Amazon.

CEO of worldwide consumer unit at Amazon

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Dave Clark leads Amazon’s global supply chain and logistics operations.

Lindsay Levin

Entrepreneur, activist

Lindsay Levin has dedicated her life to reshaping what leadership looks like, exploring our collective humanity through vulnerability and listening.

Aparna Nancherla

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A writer and stand-up comedian, Aparna Nancherla is one of the most exciting new voices to hit the comedy scene.

Scientific director, Panthéon Sorbonne University-IAE Paris

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Carlos Moreno brings pioneering concepts and an innovative perspective to urban issues.

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr

Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone

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As mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr is committed to addressing her city's challenges using an inclusive, data-driven approach to urban development.

Yemi Alade

Singer, songwriter, composer, actress

UN Goodwill Ambassador and Afropop artist Yemi Alade is known for her electrifying stagecraft and edgy style.

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