Author name: Mark Tercek

And what are they doing that matters the most? It’s interesting how frequently many climate activists criticize companies for wrongdoing, but how seldom they give credit for positive initiatives or highlight big accomplishments. Why is that?  Many of us — including me — are counting on private sector organizations to be important leaders in addressing […]

It can work When you seek to address a challenge as monumental as the climate crisis, it’s best if you have a number of strategies. Various ways of pursuing environmental progress work differently and are well suited for different people or moments.  Personally, I’ve always admired the strategy of trying to build a bigger tent

The future ain’t what it used to be “It’s difficult to make predictions — especially about the future.” This wise quote has been attributed to everyone from Yogi Berra to Danish physicist Niels Bohr. Climate people likely agree. Take demand for electricity, for example. It’s growing fast and the outlook is nothing short of extraordinary.

Why You Should Read Tom Steyer’s New Climate Book Legendary investor and climate warrior Tom Steyer is out with a great new book. I recommend you all read it. I listened to the audio version and really enjoyed Tom’s enthusiastic narration. His sincerity, clear thinking, determination, and charisma shine through.  (Disclosure: I know Tom and

Financial Innovation for Good: Part 3 Editor’s Note: Many non-profit organizations are pursuing financial innovation. Their goals include raising additional, low-cost capital (beyond donations) and engaging new partners so that they can do more good work. We enthusiastically support these efforts and are actively discussing such opportunities with various organizations. This series summarizes key lessons.

My guest appearance on Night Owls Yes, we have to reduce greenhouse gas emissions ASAP. But that’s just one of at least six huge things we need to do to address fully the greatest challenge humankind has ever faced.   That was one of my messages when I was a guest on the Night Owls podcast last week.

There’s No Substitute for Policy If the costs of developing and generating solar and wind electricity have fallen significantly over recent years — it is now reported that they are often lower than those for hydrocarbon-based power — why are so many fossil fuel-based plants (coal, natural gas) still being built?  It’s true that investments

Follow the Money Editor’s Note: Many non-profit organizations are pursuing financial innovation. Their goals are to raise additional, low-cost capital (beyond donations) and to engage new partners so that they can do more good work. We enthusiastically support these efforts and are actively discussing such opportunities with various organizations. This series summarizes key lessons. Catch

The Problem with Voluntary Corporate Climate Commitments It’s never easy for environmentalists to succeed. And I never want to be ungrateful for everyone’s hard work. Nor take for granted the significant progress we’ve made.  But when I see smoke, I ring the alarm bell. The last few years have been a golden era for voluntary

First Things First There is good news underway for all of us who admire the important work done by NGOs. Many of them are now actively pursuing financial innovation to achieve their goals.  The NGOs are generally seeking additional and lower-cost funding through initiatives like debt swaps, blended capital, impact funds, tech accelerators, insurance deals,