Climate solutions when government action fails

The era of subtle interventions and one-off climate fixes is behind us. What we need now are bold, integrated solutions that address multiple challenges simultaneously. Seaweed—specifically, sargassum—is an interesting and not-so-obvious example of what I’m talking about. Algae blooms are surging as oceans warm. Caribbean sargassum hit a new record in 2022, up 20% from 2018. When rafts of sargassum reach the shore, they harm aquatic ecosystems by reducing dissolved oxygen, blocking sunlight needed for photosynthesis in corals and grasses, and elevating water temperatures. But here’s where perspective matters: sargassum inundation isn’t just an ecological problem—it’s an emerging, multi-sector opportunity. 🔬 At the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, R&D is underway to convert sargassum into renewable biofuels, including jet fuel that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90%. 🐄 Researchers at Penn State University are exploring how sargassum can be used as a livestock feed additive to reduce methane emissions. Other studies have also shown promising results for its use in poultry feed and aquaculture. Desalinating it is a hurdle, but innovators like Phyto Corporation are already pioneering techniques with other salt-tolerant crops that could potentially be adapted to sargassum. This is what climate leadership looks like: connected thinking, integrated action, and solutions that cross sectors. Sargassum inundation isn’t just a symptom—it’s a signal. It shows us that complex problems require multifaceted, systems-level answers. In a world of converging climate crises, it's crucial to connect the dots and turn today’s threats into tomorrow’s solutions. Let’s reframe what’s possible: climate solutions can be systemic, scalable, and profitable. But only if we lead boldly and think holistically. #Innovation #Sustainability #ClimateAction #GreenInnovation #RenewableEnergy #TechForGood

For decades, climate action has often been framed as a choice: Mitigation to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Adaptation to help communities withstand worsening floods, storms, droughts, and fires. 💰 Yet, finance for adaptation has lagged far behind. Mitigation attracts most of the investment, while adaptation remains underfunded, leaving communities increasingly exposed to climate risks. But here’s the truth: this divide is misleading. Many solutions already exist that deliver both mitigation and adaptation benefits simultaneously. 🔎 A recent analysis of 300 adaptation investments found that over half also reduced emissions , often with economic value equal to or greater than their resilience benefits. 🌱 Whether it’s silvopasture that sequesters carbon while protecting farmers’ incomes, or mangroves that absorb CO₂ while shielding coastal communities, these are not “either/or” solutions. They are “both/and” — and they are urgently needed. 🚨 With global temperatures dangerously close to thresholds that will unleash even more severe impacts, prioritizing multitasking climate solutions is essential. They make limited finance go further, deliver co-benefits across sectors, and most importantly, improve lives while safeguarding the planet. 👉 Climate action must be designed to serve both goals at once. read the article by World Resources Institute 👇 https://lnkd.in/eMAvraRv

🌳Embracing Nature-Based Solutions for Greater Climate Resilience🦬 As the urgency for climate action intensifies, it is important to use all of the solutions available to us, in addition to conventional approaches such as emissions reductions and the use of technological approaches like solar panels and wind turbines. As emphasised in this article its time to deepen our commitment to nature-based solutions—proven, cost-effective strategies that leverage the power of ecosystems to mitigate climate impacts. Nature-based solutions, which include restoring ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and coastlines, also help to address the biodiversity crisis, as well as building community resilience. Reinstating vegetation has co-benefits such as naturally attenuating stormwater and cooling urban heat islands, offering dual benefits: significantly reducing carbon emissions and helping communities adapt to climate change impacts. The data in the article underscore their effectiveness: 🌳Nature-based solutions can provide 37% of the emissions reductions needed by 2030 to meet the Paris Agreement targets. 🌳 Nature restoration can decrease the intensity of climate hazards globally by 26%. However, the full potential of NbS is often underestimated due to fragmented implementation. By adopting a connected, systems-based approach to maximise their impact across ecosystems and communities it is feasible to amplify the benefits. Canada, for instance, has taken significant steps by committing $4 billion over four years to natural infrastructure through its Natural Climate Solutions Fund. By promoting a tried and tested approach and by integrating indigenous and local knowledge, it is feasible to develop holistic management practices that protect and restore natural assets. In turn this will build more resilient, low-carbon communities that thrive in harmony with their environment. #naturebasedsolutions #rewilding #naturerecovery #ecosystemrestoration https://lnkd.in/ezAg3xtD

Two successful professionals in my network, both involved in the recent U.S. election, reached out this week to ask a key question: "Assume governments will not fix climate. What's the most impact I can have as an individual outside of influencing government?" The easy answer is, upskill and have impact in your career. I believe in that action. However, the empathetic design thinker in me recognized, "that's not the question being asked." The question is how to have the MOST impact. They are looking for points of leverage, of ways to bring their talent and ambition to bear in a scalable way. It's natural to think electoral politics provides that path. They're saying, "for now, I'm looking elsewhere." Not an easy question to answer, and it requires some thought 💡. Here's my list: 💻 My own personal experience when I thought about this, four years ago now, was to conclude: "I need to start an upskilling venture." Entrepreneurship isn't for everyone, but if you're willing to have a vision, develop scalable solutions, recruit a great team, and weather the constant storms, it can lead to significant impact. You don't need to ride on the VC conveyor belt. Think about bootstrapping and getting to cash flow fast. It's possible! 🧠 Second, leverage what you do best, the things that made you successful in your career. Bring that talent, and your ideas and network, to start-up or non-profit boards. Founders can have a lonely existence (even when their teams are amazing!). Whether venture or NGO, they can use the help and support. Don't worry about cold contacting. I think you'll get an enthusiastic response. 🏢 Get involved with local government. Think the scale is small compared to national politics? Think again. One innovative solution, a success story, can replicate: charging stations, heat pumps, urban planning that incorporates net zero. There's so much work to do (see our Climate Policy Analyst program). 📣 Advocacy isn't just about influencing government. It's about mobilizing civil society. Remember society includes employees, the talent that ultimately drives corporate success. Keep in mind the scalability of smaller, community solutions depends in part on the lessons your success has for others. It can be about replicating new "operating systems", including even innovative leadership styles (we're working on this!), across the economy. There's more items I can think of, but I'd love to hear from you all. What would you add to the list? #climateimpact #climateleadership

🔻 5 ACTIONABLE Climate Mitigation Strategies we should discuss but we DON'T! We all know the urgent need to combat climate change, but some of these most effective strategies are often the least talked about? 🌿 Natural Climate Solutions: Beyond forests, consider seagrass meadows. The Posidonia meadows in the Mediterranean sequester carbon at a rate 35 times faster than tropical rainforests per unit area. They protect coastlines, nurture marine life, and fight climate change simultaneously. 🔄 Circular Economy Practices: Embrace product-as-a-service models, like the one pioneered by MUD Jeans, and closed-loop systems that reduce waste and emissions. Iceland's "Bottle Return Scheme" leverages behavioural science by offering rewards for recycling. This simple incentive encourages sustainable choices. Even Loop is a great company following the circular model 🏘️ Community-Led Solutions: The Transition Towns movement, founded in Totnes, UK, empowers communities to take local action on climate change, from food production to renewable energy projects. For instance, in Totnes, they've implemented community-owned renewable energy installations, local currency systems, and initiatives to promote sustainable transport. 🏗️ Climate-Resilient Design: "The Green Building Council's LEED" certification promotes climate-resilient building design. Projects like the Bullitt Center in Seattle showcase cutting-edge green building practices. 📚 Climate Education for All Ages: Climate Kids, an initiative by NASA, provides resources and education to children, ensuring early awareness and engagement in climate action. Another one to follow is ClimateScience. What are your thoughts on these? What would you add here?   #climateaction #innovation #sustainability #climatechangemitigation #greentech #climatesolutions #climatechange