In this special post-New York Climate Week episode, we dive deep into the takeaways from one of the most significant global gatherings on climate action. Joined by two thought leaders in the climate tech space—Colin Mahoney, communications strategist and founder at Mahoney Communications, and Ted Dillon, COO at Clean Energy Ventures—we reflect on how the week unfolded and what it means for the future of climate innovation and policy.
Key Highlights:
New York Climate Week 2024 Vibe: Ted and Colin share their experiences hosting major events, engaging with industry insiders, and observing key shifts in climate tech discourse. They reflect on how adaptation and the complexities of funding climate solutions dominated discussions this year.
Adaptation Takes Center Stage: Colin highlights a noticeable rise in conversations about climate adaptation—preparing for the climate impacts we can no longer avoid. This marks a significant shift from previous years where mitigation took precedence.
Financing Challenges and Opportunities: Ted discusses the ever-present issue of scaling climate solutions, focusing on the missing middle of financing between early-stage investment and full-scale commercialization. What needs to change for groundbreaking technologies to get the capital they need to cross the “valley of death”?
Tackling the ESG Backlash: The guests explore how the political rhetoric against ESG investments is impacting climate tech fundraising. Despite the pushback, Ted and Colin argue that ESG and impact investment principles are more crucial than ever in driving capital to the right places.
Real Talk on Toxic Positivity: Colin responds to critics like Amy Westervelt who argue that New York Climate Week has a tendency to overlook the grim realities of climate change. He offers a candid take on how positivity is sometimes necessary to stay motivated in the face of overwhelming climate challenges.
New York Climate Week: Why It Ain't Toxic Positivity