Tim Christophersen: The Role of Nature in Climate Action and Leadership

In this episode of Executives in the Wild, Jessica and Diana speak with Tim Christophersen, Vice President of Climate Action at Salesforce. Tim’s career has been a fascinating journey, from his early days growing up in a small village in northern Germany to leading major global efforts to restore ecosystems as head of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Now at Salesforce, he focuses on promoting nature-based solutions to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change.

Tim shares his experiences and observations from a career dedicated to conservation and sustainability, including the loss of biodiversity he witnessed firsthand. He discusses his evolving relationship with nature, from childhood adventures with his grandfather, a forester, to living on a farm in Denmark today. He reflects on the deep connection between human well-being and nature, and how seeing ourselves as part of nature is key to personal and professional growth.

Throughout the episode, Tim emphasizes the importance of systems thinking—understanding that nature operates in complex, interconnected ways. He highlights the risks of ignoring ecological tipping points and the need for multi-dimensional solutions to address what he describes as today’s “poly-crisis”: the intersecting crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and inequality.

Tim also provides practical insights on reconnecting with nature wherever we are, from city habitats to rural landscapes, and why shifting our mindset about nature’s role is crucial for the future. He shares stories from his work in ecosystem restoration and explains why imagining healthier, more diverse ecosystems is essential for driving change.

Listen to this episode to gain a deeper understanding of why leaders like Tim believe that integrating nature-based thinking into our lives and businesses is critical for creating a sustainable, resilient future.