Updates

The Instigator Turns 4 Dear Readers,  We’re 4 years old! On the occasion of our birthday, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the reason we keep going—you.  Thank you very much! We appreciate how you stay engaged, ask tough questions, share our issues with friends (please keep doing so), and offer feedback (we […]

What Will We Do? Last year, I was invited to a brainstorming session on climate change with prominent environmental leaders and academics. Our specific angle: The 2024 election. To my surprise, one of the academic superstars shared a bold forecast:   “First,” he said, “it’s extremely likely that there will be a catastrophic hurricane that badly

What the climate world needs now Today’s Instigator comes to you live from New York where we just wrapped up another Climate Week. I’ve been participating in Climate Week for years and always find it encouraging and positive.  This year was no exception. It was the biggest group yet of NGOs, activists, philanthropists, business people, and government

A: This unsung/underground hero. Let’s bring it up at Climate Week. For the past decade and a half, I have argued as loudly and as frequently as possible that humankind should be investing much more capital in nature in order to: 1) protect it, and 2) achieve the many hugely valuable outcomes that nature provides

And how his team helps people invest for good As I’ve reported many times in this newsletter, one of the best parts of my work is that I get to meet very cool people who do a lot to make the world a better place. One of these people is Adam Rein, Co-Founder and CEO

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.