How Action Speaks Helps Turn Climate Optimism Into Action

Jesper Brodin, Ingka Group CEO | Action Speaks

Action Speaks is an innovative, open-source platform created to showcase practical, scalable climate solutions and accelerate global climate action. Co-developed by Ingka Group, the largest franchisee and operator of IKEA stores globally, in partnership with Project Drawdown and the World Economic Forum, it bridges the gap between awareness and action by promoting science-backed solutions from individuals, communities, organizations, and corporations.

I caught up with Ludvig Liljekvist, a key sustainability leader at Ingka Group, about the journey to creating Action Speaks and its mission to drive meaningful climate action. The project emerged from a straightforward yet ambitious challenge: Ingka Group CEO Jesper Brodin tasked Liljekvist and his team with developing something impactful ahead of Climate Week NY 2023. 

Liljekvist explains, "We knew the big climate solutions were out there, but there was a gap when it came to the wider awareness, and not enough people knew about them. So, we set out to close the know and act gap. Our mission became clear: bring optimism, action, and create a community of hope. How? By not just sharing our own examples, but other verified, science-based climate solutions from people, communities, organisations, and corporations that are scalable and can help us act against climate change's severe impacts."

To ensure credibility and accuracy, Action Speaks partnered with Project Drawdown, a nonprofit organization that rigorously verifies every solution featured on the platform. Project Drawdown is renowned for identifying and promoting practical climate solutions to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Action Speaks also collaborated with the World Economic Forum to develop its interactive platform, www.actionspeaks.com, ensuring accessibility for users worldwide.

Ludvig Liljekvist | Action Speaks

Liljekvist emphasizes the pragmatic nature of the platform: "Actions speak louder than words. Time is ticking, so we’re all about progress over perfection." He underscores a crucial point: "It’s good business to be a good business."

Highlighting the collaborative spirit of the initiative, Liljekvist adds, "We are proud to present some ideas from IKEA but also from like-minded partners, as only together can we turn ideas into real-world impact. We welcome any entity with scalable, impactful, and viable climate solutions. What makes them stand out is that they’re verified by climate science, thanks to our partnership with Project Drawdown—no myths, just facts."

Among Action Speaks’ standout initiatives are examples from like-minded partners. The platform already features over 50 verified sustainable solutions and toolkits. Ocean Bottle, a personal favorite of Liljekvist, creates beautifully designed reusable water bottles. Each bottle sold funds the collection of plastic equivalent to 1,000 single-use bottles from regions severely affected by ocean plastic pollution, including Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Kenya, Brazil, and Egypt. Collectors exchange the gathered plastic for improved access to healthcare, education, and financial aid, resulting in a clear "win-win-win."

Liljekvist also highlights transformative initiatives like HYBRIT from SSAB, LKAB, and Vattenfall. Steel production alone accounts for 7–9% of global greenhouse gas emissions (Source: SSAB). HYBRIT's groundbreaking technology enables ore-based steel production with nearly zero fossil carbon emissions, significantly benefiting industries such as automotive (Volvo EX30) and retail (IKEA’s steel racking).

IKEA plant-based hot dog

IKEA’s plant-based hot dog exemplifies another impactful initiative. Food production and consumption contribute 22% of human-made greenhouse gas emissions (Source: Project Drawdown). By lowering prices on plant-based alternatives, IKEA makes sustainable food choices more accessible, aligning with Action Speaks' practical approach.

Since launching at Climate Week NY in September 2024, Action Speaks has attracted over 130 members, including prominent brands like Eon, Mastercard, IKEA, and innovative enterprises like EatWasted, Allbirds, and Houdini. Membership is free and takes just five minutes to complete. Each organization is reviewed to ensure it aligns with the platform’s mission. As Liljekvist notes, this verification process helps ensure all members are contributing to Action Speaks’ goal of accelerating climate action towards net-zero by 2050.

Looking forward, Action Speaks continues global engagement. With only five years left to meet the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to below 1.5°C, the platform aims to inspire widespread climate action by keeping awareness high and momentum strong. As Liljekvist puts it, "We aim to keep hosting and attending events when the opportunities arise—they’re key to sparking radical collaboration and celebrating the amazing work of our community." In January, the team hosted a breakfast at the World Economic Forum in Davos, gathering over 100 members and partners to discuss the business case for climate action. Next, they will showcase their bold "Paris City 2050" vision and spotlight leading climate solutions from members at ChangeNOW in Paris, April 24–26. The platform will also return to Climate Week NY and the United Nations General Assembly this September.

Liljekvist’s message to companies considering joining Action Speaks is clear: if they have climate solutions that are available, scalable, impactful, and viable, the platform offers a way to amplify their reach, collaborate with others, and gain access to exclusive events. At the same time, Action Speaks welcomes those still shaping their climate strategies—anyone who wants to be part of the solution. Membership also offers inspiration and community for organizations at any stage of their sustainability journey.

The invitation from Action Speaks is powerful and straightforward: "Join the movement, because every action counts—and when we all act, the world listens."

For more information on the new Action Speaks platform and event – Action Speaks: Join the Movement for Collective Climate Action.