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Devin: What is your superpower?
Jonathan: Bridging science and the real world.
Climate change is often framed as a daunting, insurmountable challenge. But Jonathan Foley, Executive Director of Project Drawdown, sees it differently. He describes it as “the single biggest business opportunity in human history.”
In today’s episode (previously recorded), Jonathan shared insights about the 100 climate solutions identified by Project Drawdown. Eighty of these solutions are already scaling successfully, while 20 more are proven but not yet implemented widely. Together, they represent a roadmap to solving climate change—and an economic goldmine.
Jonathan explains, “If we add them all together, they’re more than enough to stop climate change if we really deploy them at scale. For every dollar we spend doing this, we return three to four more back to the economy.”
These solutions span five major areas: electricity, food and land use, industry, transportation, and buildings. While renewable energy like solar and wind often dominate the conversation, Jonathan highlighted other impactful opportunities, such as reducing food waste, developing carbon-friendly cement, and rethinking air conditioning systems.
He also emphasized the role of innovation and entrepreneurship. “We literally have to reinvent our energy systems, our food systems, our manufacturing, our cities—everything. You could look at that as a really big problem, or you could see it as a great opportunity. Especially if we do it right, we can improve lives, reduce inequity, and build a better world for future generations.”
Jonathan’s optimism is grounded in the potential of these solutions to create transformative change. He believes this moment is about more than just addressing climate change—it’s about reshaping the future. “This is like the best bargain in human history,” he said.
By scaling these ideas, we can not only stop climate change but also unlock trillions of dollars in economic value. Jonathan’s message is clear: the time to act is now, and the tools to succeed are within our grasp.
tl;dr:
Jonathan Foley explains how scaling 100 proven climate solutions can stop climate change economically.
He highlights five focus areas: electricity, food, industry, transportation, and buildings, for impactful innovation.
Jonathan shares how food waste and carbon-friendly cement represent untapped opportunities for change.
He emphasizes optimism, collaboration, and seeing climate solutions as business opportunities, not burdens.
Jonathan discusses his superpower of bridging science with real-world action to drive global progress.
How to Develop Bridging Science and the Real World As a Superpower
Jonathan’s superpower is his ability to connect rigorous science with real-world needs and concerns. He describes himself as a “fence straddler,” explaining, “I like to have one foot in the world of science and one foot in the real world.” This ability allows him to translate complex scientific ideas into actionable solutions while also bringing the concerns of everyday people, businesses, and communities back to scientists. Jonathan adds, “It’s not just the science talking—it’s about listening much more than we speak.”
Jonathan shared how his role at the California Academy of Sciences allowed him to merge science with public engagement. By using the museum as a platform, he effectively communicated climate science to larger audiences, fostering thoughtful conversations about sustainability. This experience inspired him to shift from research to leadership roles, where he could bridge the gap between scientific innovation and real-world implementation, helping to make climate solutions accessible and actionable.
Tips for Developing This Superpower:
Listen More Than You Speak: Focus on understanding the concerns of others before offering solutions.
Make Complex Ideas Accessible: Learn to translate technical knowledge into language that resonates with different audiences.
Engage with Diverse Groups: Build connections across sectors, including science, business, and community organizations.
Seek Feedback: Regularly ask people outside your field what they need to know from your expertise.
Focus on Real-World Impact: Align your work with practical applications that address tangible problems.
By following Jonathan’s example and advice, you can make bridging science and the real world a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Jonathan Foley (he/him):
Executive Director, Project Drawdown
About Project Drawdown: The World’s Leading Resource for Climate Solutions.
Website: drawdown.org
LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/company/project-drawdown
Company Facebook Page: facebook.com/projectdrawdown
Twitter Handle: @ProjectDrawdown
Instagram Handle: @projectdrawdown
Biographical Information: Dr. Jonathan Foley is a world-renowned environmental scientist. His work is focused on understanding our changing planet, and finding new solutions to sustain the climate, ecosystems, and natural resources we all depend on. He has run major scientific institutions at the University of Wisconsin, the University of Minnesota, and was the CEO of the California Academy of Sciences. He now leads Project Drawdown -- the world’s leading resource for climate change solutions.
LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/jonathan-foley-182808b9
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