Stakeholders Force Climate Action

Brian Halligan shares insights about the growing corporate imperative around climate change, viewing it as one of the biggest business opportunities and challenges facing companies today.

• Climate Change as Mega-Trend:

  • Every corporate board meeting is discussing environmental impact
  • Companies are actively planning paths to zero carbon footprint
  • This trend is just beginning

• Business Opportunity:

  • Cleantech and ocean tech will generate trillions in revenue
  • Climate tech VC community expected to explode in next few years
  • Will rival software and biotech as major industries

• Market Evolution:

  • Europe already taxes carbon
  • US expected to implement carbon taxation eventually
  • Companies willing to spend "huge money" on climate initiatives

• Notable Climate Ventures:

  • Terraformation (by former Reddit CEO):
    • Focus on large-scale tree planting
    • Claims to have 30-year climate change solution
  • Drone Seeds:
    • Uses drones to map and prevent forest fires
    • Recently received investment from Chamath Palakihapitiya

• Market Innovation:

  • New consumer products emerging around climate awareness
  • Example: Aspiration (credit card showing carbon impact of purchases)
  • Surprising success in getting customers to switch based on environmental impact

• Implementation Challenges:

  • Different from typical tech startups
  • Can't just "hack something together on weekend"
  • Requires significant scientific and infrastructure investment