In a recent TED talk, climate scientist Jonathan Foley addressed the urgency of effective climate solutions, sharing that “now is better than new and time is more important than tech.” Foley presented a comprehensive six-part framework designed to streamline efforts in combating climate change. Here’s the full story.
The Climate Solution Landscape
Jonathan Foley, a climate scientist with a lifelong dedication to the field, opened his talk by accepting the harshness of ideas surrounding climate solutions. Amidst the confusion, he shared the crucial role of science in sorting through the noise, relying on data and evidence to identify the most impactful solutions.
Foley argued that a meta-analysis, including all available data, is essential to discerning effective climate solutions. He highlighted the need to focus on readily available, cost-efficient strategies and emphasized that approximately 80% of climate solutions are surprisingly inexpensive, presenting a significant economic opportunity.
The Economic Landscape
Building on this, Foley discussed the creation of a cost curve, revealing that a majority of climate solutions are cheaper than existing alternatives, including fossil fuels, polluting industries, and destructive agriculture.
These low-cost solutions, according to Foley, represent the best bargains in human history, saving money in the present while averting future disasters.
The Importance of Time
Foley stressed the cumulative nature of climate change, urging immediate action to cut emissions drastically.
He shared that early actions yield substantial long-term benefits, preventing further buildup of greenhouse gasses. Foley’s analysis highlighted the pivotal role of time in the efficiency of climate solutions, with early investments significantly impacting the trajectory of climate change.
While Foley discussed the “what” of addressing the climate crisis, he also shared the need for a science-based approach to determine the “how,” “when,” and “where” of deploying these solutions.
The central focus, according to Foley, should be on bending the emissions curve urgently and consistently, with a combination of emissions cuts and carbon removal contributing to achieving net-zero emissions.
Addressing Equity, Justice, and Human Impact
Foley also highlighted the importance of geographical focus, using science and big data to target interventions where they would be most impactful. He called on governments to find solutions that address the health impacts of climate change, particularly focusing on the disproportionate effects on vulnerable populations.
Foley presented a portfolio approach, stressing the necessity of aligning efforts with evidence-based solutions. He critiqued the current mismatch between where resources are allocated and where they are most needed, citing the example of disproportionate venture capital investment in electric vehicles and scooters.
Six Pillars for Effective Climate Action
At the end, Foley outlined six pillars for effective climate action: evidence-based solutions, cost-effectiveness, and readiness for immediate deployment, geographical focus, alignment with equity and justice, and compatibility with the carbon challenge.
He shared that success in combating climate change hinges on addressing all these pillars collectively.
So what do you think? How can individuals, businesses, and governments collaborate to ensure that resources are directed toward evidence-based, cost-effective, and equitable solutions that align with the urgency of the climate crisis?
