January 2023 Newsletter

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Photo from Columbia Land Trust Credit: Brian Chambers
January News You Can Use
Here is to a Happy and Healthy New Year!
This newsletter contains both uplifting and horrifying news. It is hard to walk the
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2. tightrope of recognizing where we are, while keeping in mind where we need to be.
We celebrate all the people who are working towards a regenerative future. We can
draw inspiration from people who have fought seemingly insurmountable battles and
have prevailed. And from those who plant a carob tree or replant mangroves, even if
they will not live to enjoy the fruits of their foresight and labor. As the great Rabbi Hillel
said, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am
I? And if not now, when?” Thank you for being on this journey together!
Send us new technologies, resources, stories and insights.
John Kerry On What’s next for International Collaboration on
Climate
John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, spoke with The Guardian in
December. Among other topics, he expressed the urgent need to continue the work on
the details of the newly committed loss and damages funding for developing countries.
Republican control of the House of Representatives threatens, but Kerry affirmed the
US commitment.He expressed optimism about the role of the UAE, as host of COP28,
given their many investments in renewables and climate solutions. He pointed to the
need for more specific focus on emissions reductions, and the need to get China on
board.
The Washington Post Examined 1200 Climate Scenarios to
Explore What Might be Required to Avoid Climate Disaster
Along with experts from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in
Germany, the Post conducted a thorough review of climate models by the world’s
leading climate scientists. They considered a variety of factors to determine if any of
the model scenarios held the possibility of keeping warming to 1.5º, and found that
avoiding high “overshoot” is not very likely, at least based on these models. However,
there were a small number of scenarios in which the overshoot was controlled and
brought back down rapidly. Cause for hope or despair? This work definitely points to
the need for determination, and action. Read it yourself.

3. Other Climate Simulations You Can Explore
The En-ROADS Climate Solution Simulator is a free online tool from Climate
Interactive that allows policymakers, businesses, educators and the public to explore
climate solutions.
The Climate Game is another online simulation in which you can try your hand at
saving the world from climate catastrophe, based on published scientific research and
bespoke modelling by the International Energy Agency for the Financial Times.
COP15 Biodiversity Summit Commits to Protect Nature
In a landmark deal reached at the most recent gathering in Montreal, participants
agreed to protect 1 third of planet for nature by 2030. Protecting, as per this
agreement, includes maintaining, enhancing and restoring ecosystems, ensuring
natures benefits are shared equitably, protecting indigenous rights, and providing
funds to ensure biodiversity. You can read more here.
More on Biodiversity and the Sixth Mass Extinction
This clip from 60 Minutes lays out how dire the situation has become, and how human
beings, and particularly modern agriculture, are responsible. Features Stanford

4. Professors, Paul Ehrlich,Tony Barnosky and Elizabeth Hadley. Host shows his
ignorance when saying that the Green Revolution invalidated Ehrlich’s warning about
over-population. The Green Revolution brought environmental harm and pollution and
was not the panacea the host implied. This illustrates why it is crucial to educate
members of the media and our elected leaders on climate science and regeneration.
The National Academy of Sciences produced a webinar, Biodiversity at Risk: Today's
Choices Matter, to help draw attention to the urgency and significance of this issue.
They also produced a booklet to help educate the public.
California Approves Blueprint for Carbon Neutrality by 2045
As the world’s 4th largest economy, this commitment by California can have a
significant impact. The 2022 Scoping Plan for Achieving Carbon Neutrality, cuts air
pollution by 71% (saving an estimated $200 billion in health costs), GHGs by 85%,
and achieves carbon neutrality by 2045, setting a new and higher bar for others. The
plan calls for expansions of renewable power, along with changes in agriculture and
transportation. The plan is drawing some criticism for concessions to oil and gas, but it
is still and exciting and very ambitious step forward. Read more about it here.
San Francisco Peninsula Leads the Nation In Building
Electrification
Thirty cities and 2 counties on the Peninsula have limited natural gas in new
construction. In San Mateo County, 17 of the 20 cities and the county itself have
adopted ordinances to this effect, and some cities are beginning to address remodels.
Sustainable San Mateo County’s 26th annual Indicators Report explores building
electrification in detail. The full report, along with a brochure and video of the launch
event, is available here.
Clean Energy Wins in 2022
Inside Climate News created a list of the biggest wins in clean energy last year,
including the Inflation Reduction Act, bigger state climate and energy laws, growth in
the EV market, an increased focus on equity, and growth in offshore wind.
New IEA Report Shows Renewables To Overtake Coal as Top

5. Energy Source by 2025
The world is set to add as much renewable energy in the next five years as it did in the
past twenty, putting renewables ahead of coal in providing energy globally, according
to a new report by the IEA. More information can be found here.
HSBC Stops Funding New Oil and Gas
This new declaration to stop funding new oil and gas development by HSBC, Europe’s
largest bank, is consistent with their 2020 pledge to become carbon neutral. This new
development comes after “leading scientific and international bodies” estimated that
current oil and gas fields would meet any demand in 2050 under a "net-zero" scenario.
Read more here.
New Tools For Avoiding Tipping Points
A new study published in the Journal of Physics A concludes that early warning signs
can be used to predict when climate systems will tip. As we continue approaching
critical tipping points such as the interruption of the Gulf Stream or the melting of the
West Antarctic Ice Sheet, ways of assessing and hopefully averting these calamities
become more and more essential. The study looks at using mathematical equations to
describe these systems and detect early warning signs. However, we are still a long
way from having a system to accurately predict when tipping points have been
crossed, according to Inside Climate News.
Join and Support Project Mushroom

6. Project Mushroom has launched in the words of the creators, “An online community
platform for justice and action during the climate crisis. A safe place that promotes
mutual aid and transformative action.” If you are looking for a new social media
platform, this is one way to access Mastodon. Check it out!
Extreme Heat Breaks Records in 8 European Nations as the
New Year Begins
“We can regard this as the most extreme event in European history,” according to
Maximiliano Herrera, a climatologist who tracks extreme temperatures. Read more
here.
Young Filmmakers Focus on Climate
ByKids pairs professionals with talented young film makers from around the world to
create powerful documentaries to be seen on PBS and through other vehicles. They
already have a library of outstanding works, and are currently seeking funding to
complete 4 films on climate. For more information and to contribute go here.
A Good Friend and Inspiration, Jørgen Stig Nørgård, has passed
From his obituary: “With personal inspiration from the scientists behind 'Limits to

7. Growth', the Danish energy scientist used his great professional insight, his sharp
analytical sense and his wry humour to challenge the economic thinking that today
seems to be tearing apart both the planet and human well-being.”
You can read the rest of the obituary here (it’s in Danish, but web translation tools will
help). And you can see some of his work here and here.
Events
Moderated by Marianna Grossman for USAsia Venture Partners
Monday, 30 January, 2023 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Plug and Play Tech Center, 440 N Wolfe Rd, Sunnyvale, CA
Event Registration Coming Soon
Climate Leaders Monthly Meeting
Thursday, January 19, 2023 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM PT

8. Join the Climate Leaders Meeting to exchange resources and inspiration with others
who are also taking action to create a vibrant and healthy future.
All leaders are welcome.
This is a monthly event hosted by Minerva Ventures.
Request Invitation
Resources
Regeneration.org’s “Nexus” Resource for Learning and Action
This is a remarkably comprehensive (still under construction) catalogue of actions and
resources for just about anyone looking to engage in meeting the challenge of the
climate crisis. Check it out here.
Book Recommendation from Dave Johnson, SERA

9. Printed book information
This deep exploration of what the new term “regenerative” really means, and how we
can apply it to create buildings, infrastructure and communities. “Flourish offers an
urgent invitation to inhabit a new array of possibilities, through which we can build a
thriving future, together.”
WIDU: a New App Supporting Climate Action
Users of WIDU can connect with friends and community, discover actions they can
take, from changing habits to attending events and more, and then earn points and
rewards. Find out more here.
POP: A Movement Empowering Youth Action
The Protect Our Planet (POP) movement mobilizes youth worldwide to take collective
action needed to mitigate climate change and protect threatened ecosystems.

10. The Cool Down: A Climate Brand
The Cool Down (TCD) is a community of content, commerce, and climate experts.
Their newsletter, product reviews and curated shopping make climate action
accessible. Learn more here.
Reconsidered: Purpose Proof Points
A continually updated list of recent ESG statistics and proof points from reputable
research reports to help make the business case for sustainability.
Sustainable San Mateo Resources: In-depth report on building electrification that's
posted on Sustainable San Mateo County's website, along with a press release, blog
and videos of speakers at the recent Indicators Launch.
Carbon180 works with policymakers, entrepreneurs, and peer organizations across
the US to design policies that will bring necessary carbon removal solutions to gigaton
scale.
Innovation for Cool Earth Forum (ICEF) is a platform for industry, academia and
government leaders around the world to promote innovations to address global
warming. Since 2014 the government of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and
Industry (METI) and New Energy and Industrial Technology Development
Organisation (NEDO) hosts the ICEF Annual Meeting. In addition, ICEF has
developed a series of “Roadmaps” exploring critical topics in carbon removal.
The US Climate Resilience Toolkit helps cities document climate hazards that could
harm the things they care about, decide which situations they most want to avoid, and
come up with workable solutions to reduce their climate-related risks. Preparing a city
to withstand weather and climate-related hazards can be addressed by applying these
steps to regular updates of municipal plans.
Futures Forward develops communities to be regenerative, addressing social,
economic and environmental priorities. If you are considering migrating north or want
to be inspired to make change where you are, check them out!
The Multi-Solving Institute is led by Elizabeth Sawin. They work with a range of
stakeholders to deliver shared solutions that yield multiple benefits. This is a great
example of applied systems thinking.

11. The Climate Mobilization gives people a channel to turn anxiety into action. They
have catalyzed more than 200 declarations of climate emergency, clearing the way for
much more significant local action
Smart Surfaces can help raise albedo and lower temperatures to reduce the heat
island effect and keep communities healthier. The Smart Surfaces Coalition can help
local, regional and state governments to write legislation that enables total cost and
benefit accounting for integrated projects.
ClimateVoice, founded by Bill Weihl who led energy and sustainability at Google and
Facebook, organizes employees of tech companies to push their executives to
support climate policy, including Build Back Better.
Currently is a daily weather information service that connects you with meteorologists
and a community to understand weather and climate.
The Sustainable and Resilient Resources Roundtable held a workshop with the
US EPA on new Climate Change Indicators in Sept. 2021. Proceedings can be found
here (video & presentations).
Ellen MacArthur Foundation leads breakthrough work on the circular economy
https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy/concept
Hunter Lovins champions Regenerative Capitalism through Natural Capital Solutions:
https://natcapsolutions.org/regenerative-economics-101/
RMI (formerly Rocky Mountain Institute) founded by Amory and Hunter Lovins has
vast treasure troves of information on transforming the way we use energy throughout
our economy and society. https://rmi.org/
Here are some links to the many initiatives in architecture and planning:
Whole Building Design Guide https://www.wbdg.org/resources/living-regenerative-
and-adaptive-buildings
International Living Futures Institute offers the Living Building Challenge and other
initiatives to transform buildings, neighborhoods and communities. Their annual
meeting will be virtual from April 20-23, 2021. https://living-future.org/
Architecture 2030 https://architecture2030.org/
Share Your Resources

12. About Minerva Ventures:
Are you concerned about climate change and seeking ways to take action? Business
survival depends on addressing competitive challenges every day. Leaders attend to
urgent business matters while counting on tomorrow’s weather and operating
conditions to be similar to yesterday’s. What happens when underlying conditions
change as climate consequences become more severe? It is hard to adjust to a
disruptive future while you are focused on competing today.
Minerva advises clean tech companies on strategic and business development. We
help you find customers, new markets, and new investors to build your momentum
and success.
Minerva helps established companies create strategies to identify and contend with
climate risks to your business. Discover how you can protect your operations, assets,
products, and services. Understand how climate risk will affect your suppliers,
customers, and partners. Determine how you can strengthen your company to
navigate change and seize opportunities as markets reconfigure in the face of the
coming changes. Find innovative ways to change your operations, products, and
services to help address climate change. Consider policy measures that your industry
can pursue that will help address shared risks.
Minerva can help you find new solutions that will make your business more resilient
and adaptable to change. Your company will be advancing climate solutions rather
than just reacting to disruptions to your industry and markets.
Visit Minerva Ventures’ new website at MinervaVentures.com!
Contact Minerva

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