Why Rachel Kyte doesn't listen to climate polls

Rachel Kyte has spent decades shaping global climate change policy — from the World Bank to the United Nations to the United Kingdom. 

More than a decade since the signing of the Paris climate agreement, Kyte — the U.K. special representative for climate — is both inspired by how much has been done to tackle the climate crisis, and clear-eyed about the fact that it is not enough.

"It's joyful, tinged with deep sadness and regret,” she told Devex Senior Reporter Michael Igoe on the latest episode of Theory of Change.

Against the backdrop of a sweltering London Climate Action Week, Kyte outlined her vision for “financing climate.” That is a vision that stretches well beyond the narrower realm of “climate finance,” to include bolder transformations of trade, international relations, and public services.

"People want affordable electricity, they want clean air, they want clean water, they want protection against extreme heat, and they want flood control,” Kyte said.

"We have to be much better at taking the message to people and speaking with optimism and hope about why this is good for them,” she added.