'We Didn’t Argue - We Showed Up': ChangeNOW CEO Santiago Lefebvre Pushes Forward Despite Global Climate Fight Backlash

2026-04-03 · Source: The French Tech Journal · Field: Science & Research — Environmental Science & Earth Systems, Engineering & Applied Sciences, Research Methodology & Innovation · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, short

Summary

ChangeNOW, the annual Paris-based gathering focused on accelerating planetary solutions, concluded its 9th edition on April 3, 2026, with 40,000 attendees, consistent with the previous year. Founder and CEO Santiago Lefebvre highlighted a record 1,400 investors, indicating sustained engagement despite a tougher climate narrative and growing skepticism. The event structured its program around planetary limits, the political pushback on climate issues, and geopolitics, emphasizing that change often originates from grassroots efforts. Innovation trends included practical solutions at the intersection of climate and sovereignty, circularity, regenerative agriculture, ocean tech, and freshwater solutions. AI was primarily discussed as an enabler within broader solutions, with increasing awareness of its environmental cost. Lefebvre noted that 57% of participating startups generate their annual leads at ChangeNOW, and the event facilitated partnerships, such as one providing clean water to 12,000 children in Uganda.

Key takeaway

For investors and entrepreneurs navigating the evolving climate landscape, recognize that despite political headwinds, the ecosystem for planetary solutions remains robust and economically viable. Your continued engagement in areas like energy sovereignty, circularity, and regenerative agriculture can yield tangible impact and financial returns. Focus on practical, ground-up solutions rather than waiting for top-down policy shifts, as demonstrated by sustained investor interest and startup activity at ChangeNOW.

Key insights

Despite climate skepticism, grassroots action and investor engagement in planetary solutions remain strong.

Principles

• Change often starts from the ground up.
• Climate action is both necessary and viable.

In practice

• Focus on practical solutions for climate and sovereignty.
• Consider AI as an enabler, not a starting point.
• Prioritize circularity and regenerative agriculture.

Topics

• ChangeNOW
• Climate Action
• Impact Investing
• Planetary Boundaries
• Circular Economy

Best for: Entrepreneur, Investor, Policy Maker

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by The French Tech Journal.