WASHINGTON — APCO Worldwide has launched a new practice to help companies address the climate emergency and make efforts toward a net zero future.

"APCO Climate and Biodiversity is committed to partnering with companies who aim to decarbonize and reduce their negative impact on biodiversity," APCO said in announcing the launch. "The practice brings together APCO’s assets and teams from around the world that have been working on these issues and adds significant new talent."

The climate and biodiversity practice is led by global chair Trevor Neilson, who brings decades of experience as a founder and CEO of companies addressing climate technology, sustainability, philanthropy and more. 

His background includes serving as co-founder, chairman and CEO of WasteFuel; co-founder and CEO of i(x) Net Zero, a sustainable investing platform which is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange; and co-founder of Creatures United, an organization focused on biodiversity protection and the species extinction crisis.

Liliana Diaz will lead the climate and biodiversity practice in North America. Diaz is an international energy economics and policy expert with a track record delivering strategic advisory services and actionable solutions for companies, investors and governments as they address climate change and navigate the transition to a zero-carbon economy. Prior to joining APCO, Davidson served for almost two years as direct adviser to COP26 President Alok Sharma and the senior UK COP26 Presidency team.

“I believe that the climate crisis is an existential threat to all life on Earth,” Neilson said. “We need to address this crisis by decarbonizing with thoughtful, precise strategies. We believe in building bridges — solving this complex scientific problem will require all our efforts and companies have a historic opportunity to lead the way without sacrificing their bottom line.”