Chris Stark is Chief Executive of the Carbon Trust, a global climate consultancy powered by the mission to accelerate the move to a decarbonised future.  

A world-renowned climate policy expert, Chris was appointed in April 2024 by the Carbon Trust and leads its work partnering with businesses, governments and financial institutions to drive positive climate action.  

In his previous role as Chief Executive of the UK’s Climate Change Committee, Chris led independent advice on the UK’s Net Zero target, the world’s first Net Zero target to be legislated. He also directed the development of detailed pathways for the UK to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. In 2021, he presented the UK’s third climate change risk assessment, with detailed analysis and advice on the extensive risks facing the UK from climate change.  

Chris has held several senior roles in UK government, including in HM Treasury, and as Director for Energy and Climate Change in the Scottish Government. In each of these roles he has developed the intersection between policy and business, particularly, the private sector’s role in the Net Zero transition.  

A passionate advocate on the urgent need to confront climate change and the economic benefits of rapid cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, Chris regularly speaks to the media and in public events.  

In November 2023, Chris was appointed as an Honorary Professor of the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Public Policy. He became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in April 2024.