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These Founders Are Optimistic About Tackling The Climate Crisis
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It’s easy to get discouraged by the lack of progress around the climate crisis, from the increase in natural disasters to the social and economic impact driving more poverty, food insecurity and homelessness. It’s clear that this pressing global issue requires urgent action to minimize its harmful effects and safeguard the future of our planet.
Despite the doom and gloom, there has been significant progress made in sustainability across all industries. With increased awareness and a new generation rallying their passion around the urgency of this issue, governments and private sector companies are more motivated than ever to take a stand, from examining their supply chain, reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Many remain optimistic that the effects of climate change and the ability to create a sustainable future for the next generation is still possible.
In fact, several founders are working on programs that will help society achieve that goal.
Eliminating Plastic Waste
Nanette Medved-Po’s background as a scuba diver gave her a close up view of how plastic pollution threatens the ocean. So she created one of the first global plastic waste offset programs, the Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX.) The organization works to remove plastic from nature by collecting, tracking, monetizing and repurposing plastic to offset its negative environmental impact.
So far, according to Medved-Po, her company has diverted more than 88 million pounds of plastic waste from nature and driven 67,000 tons of carbon reduction from coal replacement. She hopes to help companies achieve the coveted status of zero plastic waste through this circular offset program.
So far, according to Medved-Po, her company has diverted more than 88 million pounds of plastic waste from nature and driven 67,000 tons of carbon reduction from coal replacement. She hopes to help companies achieve the coveted status of zero plastic waste through this circular offset program.
“We actually could be the generation that solves the plastic pollution crisis,” she says. “Even in a very imperfect world, we have proven that plastic waste can be cleaned up at scale. That signals that there really is hope.”
