This episode features a conversation with award-winning speechwriter and author, Rune Kier Nielsen. It was recorded in June 2025.

Rune has worked across the public and private sectors, including within the Danish Government as well as leading Danish technology companies, and as Public Advocacy Lead on Climate Action at the UN Environment Programme, where he led campaigns such as ACT NOW: Speak Up, empowering youth and communities in developing countries to drive systemic change.

A two-time international Cicero Speechwriting Award winner, Rune has lectured widely and authored several books on climate speechwriting. Drawing on his background in Social Anthropology, he champions human-centered climate communication, guiding others to speak effectively about the world they want to see.

He currently works at VIA University College, Denmark’s largest and most international university college, where he develops engaging science communication strategies for the green transition.

I discovered Rune through his most recent book, Speaking on Climate: A Guide to Speechwriting for a Better Future, which I would recommend to all climate communicators, since it offers foundational insights that are valuable not only for speechwriting, but climate communications of all kinds.

Amongst other things, Rune and I discussed the mechanics of a powerful speech, where climate speeches have – and continue to – fall short, and the unique benefits this format offers for bringing people together and energising collective action.

Additional links

Visit Rune’s website

His latest book Speaking on Climate: A Guide to Speechwriting for a Better Future

Check out Rune’s video introduction to the book

Read the Kirkus review of the book here.

Find Rune’s book, Speaking on Climate, getting lots of love on We Don't Have Time