COP30: Yearbook of Global Climate Action shows real-economy momentum. Read it here.
Parts of this site were translated using AI. Accuracy may vary.
COP30: Yearbook of Global Climate Action shows real-economy momentum. Read it here.
Parts of this site were translated using AI. Accuracy may vary.
Sunday, 16 November 2025 | By Climate High-Level Champions
NAME
Andrea Gori
TITLE
Founder and “Chief Earth Officer”, illuminem
LOCATION
Venice, Italy
ABOUT
Andrea Gori grew up in the Tuscan hills, where he first saw how changes in the climate were shaping people’s lives. What began as curiosity became a lifelong mission to help people understand their impact on the world around them.
He is the founder of illuminem, a platform built to make sustainability information and data accessible to everyone. It brings together news, expert insights and environmental data to help individuals and organizations act with greater awareness.
Today, illuminem reaches a community of more than 600,000 readers and 1,500 contributors, from students to business leaders. Andrea also teaches GreenTech at HEC Paris, guiding students to turn their enthusiasm for sustainability into practical ideas and innovation.
MOTIVATION
“Since my childhood in the Tuscan hills, I’ve witnessed how the environmental crisis isn’t just a distant headline, but a story written in front of our eyes. The snow that once blanketed my village now barely touches the ground. For my community, and millions of others around, our world is changing. That’s how sustainability became the mission of my entire life, because sustainability isn’t just another field of work, it’s the cause that defines us.”
IMPACT
Built a global community of more than 600,000 users focused on sustainability action and dialogue.
Created the world’s largest expert network in sustainability, with 1,500+ thought leaders.
Curated a space where 40% of readers are senior professionals who use illuminem’s insights to inform company strategies, launch sustainability projects, and rethink their environmental impact.
Launched a SaaS platform helping impact companies identify the right partners and customers.
Brought to transparency over 1 million data points on the sustainability performance of companies
Created Europe’s first University course on Greentech (at HEC Paris) to help empower the next generation of climate leaders.
ADVICE
“Start with purpose and optimism. Find a mission that speaks to both your heart and your values, and hold on to optimism as your compass. I’ve learned that optimism isn’t naïve, it’s what keeps you moving forward when the challenges feel overwhelming. Every great sustainability project started with someone who believed change was possible.
Collaborate widely. The climate crisis is too big for any one person or organization. At illuminem, our greatest breakthroughs came from bringing together diverse voices and datasets, creating spaces where ideas could meet and multiply. True impact happens through collective intelligence.
Communicate relentlessly. I’ve seen throughout my journey that change only spreads when it’s shared. Whether you’re publishing data, telling stories, or leading a discussion, make sustainability understandable and inspiring to others. That’s how awareness becomes action.
Keep innovating. The path to impact isn’t linear. The sustainability landscape evolves every day, and so should we. Stay curious, stay agile, and never stop experimenting, because every step forward begins with someone willing to challenge the status quo.”
CONTACT
