Today’s guest is Ben Wolkon. Ben is founding partner at MUUS Climate Partners, a venture capital firm that invests exclusively in climate solutions because “climate is the biggest business opportunity of the 21st century.”
To be honest, when I think of venture capital, I often think of that “greed is good” mentality and corny finance bros. And maybe that's a bit unfair. But I'm also very pleased to say that Ben is not that dude. He's thoughtful, funny, and cares deeply (and so earnestly!) about this sweet planet we all live on.
We discussed the role of venture capital in climate solutions, the cool emerging technologies he’s most excited about, how critical it is that we keep a sense of humor — and that tiny topic of capitalism.
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Ben’s CALLS TO ACTION
Make your voice heard to policymakers at the federal level. Right now, there is a bill in the Senate that has massive ramifications for climate policy. Call your reps and tell them not to cut funding for climate solutions!
Make your voice heard at the state and local levels. Advocate for more bike lanes, or more trees planted, or better transportation policy. The more you do that, the more the politicans who count on your votes will understand that these issues should be a priority for them.
If you want a climate-focused job, get proactive about finding one. Breaking into climate tech or breaking into some job that has an environmental benefit is actually super easy once you start looking and start trying. Make cold calls! We need you.
Mentioned in this episode
More on Jay Inslee’s presidential campaign, by
: Jay Inslee promised serious climate policy and he is delivering. And, Jay Inslee is writing the climate plan the next president should adopt.Clean tech companies: BrightNight, Panthalassa, Cache Energy
Data centers in the U.S. consume about 4.4% of the country’s total electricity demand in 2023, and that is expected to triple to 12% by 2028.
The Inflation Reduction Act, fully implemented could have put the U.S. on a path to reduce emissions by up to 48% by 2035.
CREDITS
This episode was made possible with the support of Future Being, a grantmaking and special projects studio which supports the healing of our planet and the safeguarding of biological and cultural diversity.
This show is produced and edited by Matthew Nelson/Stramash Media and me (Ayana), with help from Jenisha Shrestha. And many thanks to our guest Ben Wolkon.
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