The Cambridge Conference in Conversation, held virtually on September 15, 2021, focused on "Applying Geospatial Information to Climate Challenges". This event served as a precursor to the larger Cambridge Conference 2022 and brought together leaders from national mapping and geospatial organizations to discuss how location data could support climate action. The conference specifically addressed how geospatial information could contribute to the four goals of COP26, which included securing global net zero, adapting to protect communities and natural habitats, mobilizing finance, and working together to deliver. 

The main goal of the event was to explore how national mapping and geospatial agencies could support their governments in addressing the climate crisis, particularly in relation to mitigation and adaptation strategies. Key areas of discussion included how to leverage geospatial data to achieve net zero targets, how to adapt to the changing climate, and how to mobilize finance for climate action. The event also highlighted best practices from around the world where location data was already delivering positive impacts in these areas. 

The Cambridge Conference in Conversation was designed to set the stage for the main Cambridge Conference 2022, which took place in April 2022. This larger event brought together geospatial leaders both virtually and in person to further explore the role of geospatial information in tackling climate challenges. The conference outputs, including a "How" Guide, aimed to provide practical guidance for organizations on how to integrate geospatial data into their climate action strategies. 

The event was organized by Ordnance Survey, the national mapping agency of the UK, and was aligned with the goals of COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference. It emphasized the importance of collaboration between governments, private sector, and academia in leveraging geospatial information to address the climate crisis. The conference underscored the need for consistent core datasets, the sharing of geospatial information, and the development of innovative solutions to support climate action.