From orbit to Net Zero: Astronaut Ron Garan to headline Net Zero Week 2026, as the spotlight on global climate leadership intensifies.
Former NASA astronaut, humanitarian, fighter pilot and author Ron Garan will deliver a keynote address at Net Zero Week 2026, sponsored by Balfour Beatty, the government-backed UK national awareness week dedicated to accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Garan, who spent 178 days aboard the International Space Station and completed 2,842 orbits of Earth, will open the sixth annual online conference with reflections on leadership, systems thinking and planetary responsibility shaped by his time in space.
“From the vantage point of space, the atmosphere that protects all life on Earth looks paper-thin. That image changed everything for me,” said Garan. His keynote will explore how the “orbital perspective” influences decision-making on Earth and why cross-sector collaboration is essential to achieving credible net zero progress.
Net Zero Week 2026 (4-10 July) is the UK’s official national awareness week endorsed by industry and government stakeholders. Now in its sixth year, the initiative brings together policymakers, business leaders, engineers, energy managers and sustainability experts to accelerate practical pathways to decarbonisation.
Balfour Beatty’s Divisional Chief Executive, Stephen Tarr, said:
“Net Zero Week has become a powerful platform for driving real progress on the UK’s transition to a lower‑carbon future, bringing together leaders from across industry to share ideas, challenge thinking and accelerate delivery. As Principal Sponsor, we’re proud to support an initiative that is helping turn ambition into action – showcasing the innovation, collaboration and large‑scale infrastructure needed to deliver net zero in practice.”
The 2026 online conference will take place on 8-9 July, offering free access to 14 sessions covering energy systems, industrial decarbonisation and organisational transition strategies.
Sessions include:
- Getting organisational buy-in for clean energy and low carbon strategy.
- Let’s go beyond carbon – how being sustainable can benefit your business.
- How to deliver net zero credibly.
- The role of ammonia and aqua-ammonia in future energy systems.
- Net zero at system scale – delivering the next wave of energy infrastructure.
Last year’s event attracted 2,500 delegates from across the UK and internationally. Organisers say the 2026 programme reflects growing urgency around implementation, as organisations move from net zero commitments to delivery.
Net Zero Week 2026 will be held online only and is free to attend.
Click here to register and see the full agenda.
Further information:
Ron Garan is the author of Floating in Darkness (follow the link to buy the book) and The Orbital Perspective (follow the link to buy the book). Ron speaks worldwide on sustainability, innovation, and what it takes to solve our greatest challenges together.
Book Ron for your organisation’s next event here.
