A Glimpse into the Future
Concerning temperatures in the West give us a preview of the heat waves of tomorrow
Hi all,
What a week. The accelerating heat waves, wild fires, droughts, hurricanes, flooding, it is all happening, just as scientists have predicted it would for so long. It is easy to get depressed and discouraged. To look at the political gridlock, the apathy or even outright denial, the entrenched interests, etc and feel like we will never get there.
But the thing is, discouragement doesn’t solve anything. Paralysis doesn’t solve anything. Anxiety doesn’t solve anything. Dwelling doesn’t solve anything. You know what solves everything? Action! Instead of debating whether this thing is the perfect solution or that thing is the perfect solution or whether things will get bad in x years or y years, anyone who feels compelled to act should just get out there and find a way to act. Yes, we should strive to learn about the science. Yes, we should try to make sure our efforts get channeled wisely. But in my humble opinion, there is way too much competition amongst solution areas and shooting other areas down, and not enough encouragement of experimentation.
Also, this shit sucks, but we should still make sure to have fun with it! Work with people you love spending time with. Work on problems that you are passionate about addressing. Find ways to apply your skills that you are good at AND you enjoy. And just get out there and try stuff! Do more of what works and less of what doesn’t.
On the bad days, remember the North Star that not only can this problem be addressed, but out the other side we can have a future that is actually more just, exciting, and abundant than we have ever experienced before! Call me a dreamer, but I really, truly believe this. This DOES NOT mean that we aren’t in a climate emergency. I believe we are. But Mary Powell said in her MCJ episode that “we should never waste a good crisis”, and I fundamentally believe that! Let’s go!
In terms of MCJ’s role, I was brainstorming on twitter a bit about that this week (as I tend to do). I was toying with this:
What I liked about it is Ron Conway is an SV legend, and built a firm that backed a ton of important companies early, knows everybody, and was super helpful behind the scenes in going to bat for the companies he worked with and making them successful. There are elements of that that ring true for MCJ (though I think we are broader than that, obviously, with the pod and community). But Gabe Cunningham had a different take, which I actually kind of love :)
Anyway, no matter what we are, I am just glad I get to get up and work every day towards helping address this wicked problem! I get way less anxious working on this than I would working in any other area, with this problem weighing on me.
Happy 4th if you are in the US, and happy weekend to everyone else! Thanks for all of the important work you do. WE GOT THIS! 👊
Jason
This week we’re giving readers a sneak preview of Monday’s episode! To listen to Mira’s full episode, subscribe here or wherever you get your podcasts, and tune in next week (publishes Monday). And while you are there, consider giving us a rating/review, as I am told those actually help to get more people to learn about our work :)
What's your mental math to tell who the leaders are and who the laggards are? Who's serious about sustainability and how do you know? Everyone says the same words.
Look at the percentage of their budget that they're spending. Look at that. If they're serious, they need to be spending serious money. Especially when they're talking about transitioning their operations, like going from one industry to a new one. For example, to go from oil and gas to renewable energy, you got to spend some serious money. So I just look at their CapEx budget and look at what percentage of that is spent.
ArcTern Ventures has a larger fund and presumably, you're leading at least some of these rounds, how do you develop the competency to have the conviction to lead given how broad the firm’s climate purview is?
We spend a lot of time looking at different markets and developing theses in certain markets. And we also all come from different backgrounds. So one of our general partners is a software guy. You know, he's so used to looking at software companies, founded a couple software companies, wasn't software VC. So I think he adds a ton of value and insight into most of the software deals that we look at. And then like, you know, myself coming with more harder industry perspective and lens. [W]e have different competencies on the team that helps us filter things early, but we're also developing theses in different markets.
But you're right. And, you know, this is the thing. You know, I think that climate will just be a part of most generalist funds because it's going to be embedded in everything. And so those that do focus on climate need to focus, but they also need to be pretty broad because it is such a ubiquitous topic.
If you could wave your magic wand and change one thing that is outside the scope of your control, that would most accelerate climate innovation, what would it be?
Well, the number one thing I would ask for is a price on carbon of at least a hundred dollars a ton. And then you have a meaningful market and you can make meaningful progress. These technologies can scale. What I'm most worried about is that we just don't have enough time and we're already living in, we're living in the Anthropocene. I think we need some things that are going to just accelerate this transition beyond private money, beyond great investors coming to the table. So that's what I would advocate for.
Many believe a price on carbon would be one of the most impactful things that we could do. But very few people actually believe that it's possible in the U.S., do you think it's possible?
I don't think it's possible. I don't think that the Democrats in Congress are behind the carbon price. They're pushing for a renewable portfolio standard. Ironically, I think more Republicans are in favor of a price on carbon. But we just have this deadlock system.
🎙Episodes
In this week's episode, Jason was joined by Scott Clavenna, Co-Founder of Greentech Media. Greentech Media was a leading source of integrated news, industry research, conferences, and executive councils in the clean energy economy. Wood Mackenzie, who acquired Greentech Media in 2016, announced it would close the publication earlier this year. Scott actually announced his next act, for the first time, ON OUR SHOW!
✨Highlights
Climate Jobs
🎙We’re hiring a Community & Platform Lead at MCJ! If you’re interested in applying please email us.
🤝Sunthetic.io, a startup developing machine-learning platforms to accelerate innovation and sustainability in the chemical industry, is hiring a CEO.
🤝Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) is hiring a Managing Director of Policy to lead and shape policy advocacy strategies in key eastern and central states. This is a great opportunity for someone who is smart, innovative, a political strategist, and a team player who understands how to build and grow coalitions. Apply here!
For more positions and openings, check out the #climatejobs channel in Slack.
Climate Events
💡MCJ Ideas Jam Wednesday, July 7th at 8 pm ET. This is a monthly pitch event where MCJers pitch their climate business or idea to the community and guest experts. To learn more, check out the #startupideas channel and RSVP here!
📋MCJ Member Orientation Thursday, July 8th at 12 pm ET. A weekly event to help onboard recently joined and existing members to the community. RSVP here!
💥MCJ Happy Hour hosted on Discord Friday, July 9th @ 12 pm ET/6 pm CEST. Intended to better accommodate MCJers in Africa & Europe, come meet fellow community and enjoy casual conversation. RSVP here!
For more community events, check out the #events channel in Slack.
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