The First Keynote for NZ26 Is a Major Voice in Climate Action

We’re honored to welcome a powerful voice for climate action and environmental justice to the 2026 Net Zero Conference: Loren Blackford, Executive Director of the Sierra Club.

For more than three decades, Loren has advanced climate solutions, justice, and democracy by strengthening local leadership, mobilizing resources for community-led change, and building partnerships across sectors. Throughout her career, she has advised major foundations, financial institutions, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on sustainable community development, helped mobilize hundreds of millions of dollars for community revitalization, supported civil society organizations in shaping international environmental policy, and advanced equitable sustainability investing and democratic participation.

Before becoming Executive Director at the Sierra Club, one of the nation’s oldest and most influential grassroots environmental organizations, Loren served as their Interim and Deputy Executive Director, Board President, and Sierra Club Foundation Board Chair. She serves on the boards of Ceres, BlueGreen Alliance, and Rachel’s Action Network, and holds a master’s degree from the Harvard Kennedy School and a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College.

Join Loren and fellow climate leaders on October 8 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Connect with sustainability professionals, policymakers, innovators, and changemakers for a full day of inspiration, collaboration, and action focused on building a net zero future. Get the All Access Pass to make the most of your experience with shoulder events on October 7.

Register here.