An accelerator at sea, to save the seas

Exploring the Fourth Wave of Environmental Innovation

December 19, 2019

The most unique accelerator on Earth is actually at sea

The accelerator concept — best known for speeding the growth of Silicon Valley startups — is having a moment at sea, thanks to the Sustainable Ocean Alliance’s novel accelerator program. Here’s how it works. Step 1: Get a boat. Step 2: Invite recent college graduates, aspiring entrepreneurs and financial titans to come aboard and explore solutions to problems like overfishing and the imminent collapse of ocean ecosystems. TechCrunch’s Devin Coldewey has the story, which highlights a huge range of practical breakthroughs from drones to databases and much in between.
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Why it matters: The bus, on the busy M14 route, will save an estimated 8,000 gallons of fuel annually. Congestion pricing in New York, a first in a U.S. city, will support the city’s planned transition to an all-electric fleet of 6,500 buses by 2040. Related: California this week announced a statewide goal of 100% electric public bus fleets by 2040.

One in three businesses aren't talking about environmental stewardship internally
Why it matters: Given that climate change could cost the economy nearly $8 trillion over the next 30 years, this is a remarkable oversight. Fortunately, most businesses are already investing in the kinds of technology needed to address the problem.

New tool to test climate crisis solutions
Why it matters: MIT’s climate solutions simulator is a fast and accessible way for anyone with a computer to immediately see the impacts of climate solutions ranging from a price on carbon to clean energy subsidies. As the tool’s co-creator notes, “Simulation is the best way for people to learn when learning from experience is too costly or just plain impossible.”

Low cost methane tech could save billions
Why it matters: Addressing methane leaks saves money while reducing climate pollution. “Laser spectrometers [to detect leaks] on aircraft can cost $250,000 each. We can offer a solution that in volume costs $3 per site per day, less than a cup of coffee to operate,” shares one researcher.

Investment in the advanced battery ecosystem is thriving
Why it matters: The recent wave of venture capitalist investment in battery storage technologies could reduce the costs of decarbonization in key sectors and speed the global energy transition beyond the expectations of mainstream models.

Forward

I look forward to sharing more news from the frontiers of environmental innovation. Please send me your thoughts and suggestions at innovation@edf.org.

Fred

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