Quantum Quote: “The best way to predict the future – is to invent it”. – Alan Kay, former Xerox researcher.
Bill Weihl started his career in computer science on the faculty at MIT, then led climate and sustainability work at Google & Facebook. He founded Climate Voice to empower the workforce to urge companies to go “all in” on climate, both in business practices and policy advocacy. Take the Climate Voice Pledge at climatevoice.org
SuperNova #1. Google, Facebook, Apple, Ikea, Walmart, Amazon, Sales Force & other large companies already are – or soon will be – climate neutral and 100% powered by clean energy.
SuperNova #2. While it’s important for all of us – and all companies and organizations – to make the right decisions and move to clean energy – EVERYONE needs to do it. The only way to have everyone do it is with government policy, because that policy reduces the risk and drives innovation.
SuperNova #3. Policy is about influence. Businesses have a lot of influence. If businesses say they want good carbon policies – we’ll get them.
SuperNova #4. Carbon reductions of 8-9% / year are necessary, technically doable, & make economic sense. But – we need to change the rules of the system.
SuperNova #5. Companies can’t just “stay in their lanes”. Even though different policies might not directly apply to their particular situation – we need to unite around the comprehensive policy changes that are being held back from the established fossil fuel companies.
SuperNova #6. Get involved in local & state policy regarding utilities and local zoning. Over 30 communities have banned fossil fuels in new construction.
Ah-Ha: Decide on where you want to go, then figure out how to get there
Best Advice he’s ever received: Fear is normal. The right response is action, not paralysis.
Personal Success: Questioning many things – assumptions, statements of fact, received wisdom – leads to creative approaches & solutions
Internet Resources: Climate Nexus: climatenexus.org
Book Recommendation: Designing Climate Solutions by Hal Harvey
Magic Wand: Restore trust in expertise. Question assumptions & facts, but trust experts & their expertise.
One thing Energized about today: This is a complicated time. Lots of disruption, and the world is turned upside down. But the door is opening for BIG CHANGE – racial, economic, & climate justice and civil rights.
WTF or F: On the beach having fun in North Carolina in 2004. Didn’t know that there was a hurricane coming & had to evacuate.
Parting Advice: Don’t just think about where we are and what seems possible – think about where you want to go and what it will take to get there – then go do it.
