First Climate @ Climate Week Zurich: Spotlight on Carbon Removals and Innovative Climate Finance

First Climate is an official Contributing Partner of Climate Week Zurich, hosting two free on-site sessions on carbon removals and innovative climate finance

From May 4 to 9, the inaugural Climate Week Zurich creates a platform for climate-focused exchange across business, finance, policy and technology, positioning Zurich as an emerging hub for climate and impact-driven solutions. With nearly 30 years of experience in carbon markets and strong roots in Zurich, First Climate will present two dedicated sessions on carbon removals and innovative models for climate finance.

At a critical moment for climate action, the focus of policymakers, companies and investors is shifting toward building the structures needed to scale credible and investable solutions. With a focus on forward-looking, project-based climate solutions, First Climate’s sessions at Climate Week Zurich are designed to address this transition in practice, as Wolfgang Brückner, Managing Director of First Climate Project Development explains: “Climate projects in general and carbon removals in particular are entering a new phase. The key challenge is no longer proving that they work, but how they can scale credibly and attract investment. With our sessions at Climate Week Zurich, we want to support this transition by bringing together the players who are actively shaping the market.”

Event 1: „From Pilots to Portfolios: Pioneers’ Perspectives on What’s Next for CDRs“

(May 7, 2026; 09:30 – 12:30 CEST | Impact Hub Zürich - Viadukt)

In its first session, First Climate convenes leading actors from across the carbon removals ecosystem – from project developers and standard setters to MRV providers and companies that have invested early in carbon removal projects. Speakers include BeZero, Puro.earth, Cula, and Swiss Post.

The session focuses on lessons from the early market phase, remaining structural challenges, and the conditions required to move from pilot projects to scalable portfolios, with a particular focus on the Swiss ecosystem.

Event 2: „Carbon As an Asset Class: Bridging the Gap to Financial Markets“

(May 7, 2026; 14:30 – 16:00 CEST | Impact Hub Zürich - Viadukt)

The second session explores the financial dimension of carbon removals and how projects can become bankable and investable at scale. Bringing together perspectives from finance, corporates, and policymakers, the discussion addresses risk management, derisking mechanisms, emerging financing approaches, and the role of policy frameworks. The session focuses on how capital can be deployed effectively in carbon removal projects and how market participants can position themselves strategically. Speakers include Carbon Gap and Swisscom.

Both sessions are part of the official Climate Week Zurich program and are open to registered participants.

Registration is free of charge and available via the official Climate Week Zurich platform.

Register now

About Climate Week Zurich

Climate Week Zurich is a business-driven climate platform for Europe. Founded as an independent nonprofit organization in 2025, it brings together business leaders, policymakers, researchers, civil society, and creatives in the city of Zurich to accelerate sustainable innovations. By combining high-quality programming with clear impact metrics, Climate Week Zurich turns ambition into action.

About First Climate

First Climate is a leading global provider of corporate climate and sustainability solutions with more than 25 years of experience. We develop, finance, and source verified emissions reductions and carbon removal projects worldwide. First Climate also develops tailored procurement strategies for renewable energy, offering a wide range of sourcing options to help our clients reduce their energy-related carbon footprint. Our experienced sustainability consultants also provide companies with cutting-edge solutions for their ESG strategy and reporting.