Innovation — The Essential Ingredient in Addressing Climate Change
There’s been significant news coverage regarding the United Nation’s latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report. It says that rising seas, melting ice caps, and other effects of a warming climate may be irreversible for centuries and are “unequivocally” driven by greenhouse-gas emissions from human activity.
Instead of being distracted by the enormity of the challenge or the potentially catastrophic outcomes, I’m choosing to focus on viable solutions by highlighting individuals, companies, and organizations that have already built up momentum in tackling this shared crisis.
On April 22, 2021, I moderated a panel discussion for the KiwiTech’s CleanTech & GreenTech Venture Fair. With amazing speakers from around the world (Victoria Smaniotto from Solar Impulse Foundation, William Huston from Bay Street Capital, Fernando Sandoval from Enel Innovation Hub and Nicolas Occhiminuti from Waves of Change Coalition), we examined how embracing more sustainable clean and green technologies, and how technology is leading us to new climate change solutions.
Last week, I was in Paris for the recognition of my uncle, Richard Bailey who formally received the Legion of Honor, the highest French decoration, for creating positive economic impact in French Polynesia and especially his dedication to sustainability. Through a collaboration with Marlon Brando and Dr. Craven, they introduced a fossil-fuel-free Seawater Air Conditioning (SWAC) technology, demonstrating a sustainably run resort can still deliver a truly luxury product.
Solutions for People, Ocean, Planet
Richard Bailey also supports the Blue Climate Initiative, a multi-year program engaging innovators, community leaders, scientists, investors and global experts through evidence-based action. They enable innovation, research and collaboration to combat climate change while protecting our oceans.
Part of an endorsed program of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, BCI is welcoming applications (deadline : September 15, 2021) from innovators and entrepreneurs for the global Ocean Innovation Prize (1 million USD). The prize will be awarded for market-based innovation that addresses climate change.
On top of that, on May 14–21, 2022, the Blue Climate Summit will be held in French Polynesia for the purpose of accelerating ocean-related programs and initiatives, matching investors with opportunities and galvanizing task forces. With continuing degradation of our oceans and approaching tipping points, we need to focus on impact. This summit will be an opportunity for a select group of powerful and effective doers to come together to make things happen…
Close to my island heart, I hold tremendous hope in La French Tech Polynésie. They organized the Tech4Islands Awards 2021, the only international competition BY and FOR the islands to develop ecological, sustainable, and resilient innovations. There have been 67 submissions with the goal “Good for the Islands and therefore good for the planet.” I’m eagerly looking forward to the announcement of the 4 Laureates on September 22nd.
I also see progress in policy-centered events like last month’s 5th France-Oceania Summit, where they addressed a shared commitment to developing a blue and green economy. Topics included halting loss of biodiversity, launching intergovernmental negotiations of a global plastic binding agreement, and substantially increasing the knowledge of deep-ocean ecosystems to enable better policy decisions.
Where do you see growing momentum? Let’s embrace the innovations that will solve our climate emergency!
