Climate Impact X’s ex-CEO Mikkel Larsen dies at 50
The company says he was a sustainability pioneer, and an individual who sought to protect wildlife and push for animal rights and nature conservation
THE former chief executive officer of Climate Impact X, Mikkel Larsen, died unexpectedly at the age of 50 on Thursday (Jan 23), the carbon exchange confirmed with The Business Times.
CIX described him as a pivotal figure in the carbon exchange, which started trading in June 2023, following its set-up in May 2021 as a joint venture among DBS, Standard Chartered, Singapore Exchange and Temasek.
A CIX spokesperson said: “Mikkel was a pivotal figure of CIX’s story. He was there from the very beginning – even before our official inception in 2021 – playing an instrumental role in shaping CIX’s vision and bringing a sense of purpose to our mission.”
Under Larsen’s leadership, CIX launched its standardised carbon contracts that support forest conservation, as well as cookstove projects.
About four months after the exchange went live, CIX crossed the milestone of having a million tonnes in traded and cleared credits generated from forest conservation.
After leading CIX through a nascent market that has been hit by various challenges, Larsen announced that he was stepping down as CEO in March 2024 to focus on his family, though he still remained on the company’s board.
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“He was not only a visionary leader, but a guiding force who profoundly impacted the broader carbon markets ecosystem. His legacy will continue to guide us as we move forward,” the company said.
It also noted that he was a sustainability pioneer, as he made it his life’s work to protect wildlife, advocate for animal rights and champion nature conservation.
“Beyond his professional contributions, we will remember Mikkel for his kind spirit, his genuine passion for life, and his deep compassion for people and the planet. He leaves behind a legacy as a leader, colleague, son, husband, father and friend. Our thoughts are with Mikkel’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” added the company.
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Temasek-backed decarbonisation investment platform GenZero, which took over the state investor’s stake in CIX, said that Larsen was an exemplary climate leader who led by example.
“His unwavering commitment has built CIX up to what it is today. From the way he carried himself and lived his life, Mikkel’s dedication to realise a sustainable future was truly inspiring. His genuine passion for making a difference will leave behind an indelible mark on many,” said a spokesperson.
Prior to his stint at CIX, Larsen was the chief sustainability officer of DBS and chair of the bank’s sustainability council.
He was one of the early pioneers of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures, a global initiative that provides guidance on how companies report the impact of their business activities on nature.
Larsen was also part of a public-private partnership known as the Emerging Stronger Taskforce that sought to establish Singapore as a climate services and carbon trading hub.
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