Investing in our climate future 💸, with Ben Wolkon

Today’s guest is Ben Wolkon. Ben is founding partner at MUUS Climate Partners, a venture capital firm that invests exclusively in climate solutions, and operates on the belief that “climate is the biggest business opportunity of the 21st century.”

To be honest, when I think of venture capital, I often think of like that "greed is good" mentality and just corny finance bros. And maybe that's a bit unfair. But I'm also very pleased to say that Ben is nothing like that. He's thoughtful, and generous, super funny, and cares so deeply about this sweet planet we live on.

We discussed the role of venture capital in climate solutions, the cool high tech emerging technologies that he’s most excited about, and how critical it is that we keep a sense of humor.

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

* MUUS Climate Partners

* Vox: Jay Inslee’s presidential campaign is all about climate change

* 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 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.

Get full access to WHAT IF WE GET IT RIGHT? at ayanaelizabeth.substack.com/subscribe