PROJECT DRAWDOWN: SOLUTIONS TO STRATEGIES
We recently hosted Project Drawdown in the Glass Room to hear all about their bold new plan to avert the climate crisis. Like-minded climate change minded people gathered from across the Twin Cities to discuss, strategize, and celebrate an opportunity to one up climate change.
Don't know Project Drawdown yet? They are a nonprofit organization that seeks to help the world reach critical “drawdown” – the future point in time when levels of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere begin to decrease.
Lead by Executive Director, Dr. Jonathan Foley – a world-renowned environmental scientist, sustainability expert, author, and public speaker. With his work centered around understanding our changing environment, Foley is committed to finding solutions to sustain the client, ecosystems, and natural resources we all depend on.
After the gathering, Glass House caught with Dr. Foley to talk more more about Project Drawdown, and this is what he had to say:
What are some of the current initiatives being set forward by Project Drawdown?
“Project Drawdown came into the climate conversation in 2017, with the release of our book Drawdown, which highlighted the top 100 solutions to climate change. The hopeful message, focused on climate solutions connected with audiences across the world and since then, Project Drawdown has continued to analyze and communicate these solutions.
Moving forward, our organization will be working to advance specific, actionable strategies to address climate change, across our broad set of solutions. We seek to show what the science says about how and when solutions are deployed, explore how everyone has a role to play in this great shift towards a healthier climate, and create tools for business leaders, philanthropists, investors, and the international development community to scale climate solutions.”
In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing climate change right now?
“I believe the biggest challenge is that collectively, we are stuck. People feel overwhelmed by the climate doom and gloom that has been pervasive throughout the media, those seeking to take action are misguided by made up solutions that don’t respect what the science says about climate change, and even though 92% of people believe in climate change only 2% consider it the most important issue today.
Fortunately, these challenges can be overcome. Science-based solutions do exist, people can make a difference, and we can come together to implement climate solutions that will lead to healthier communities for us all.”
What are your hopes for the organization in the next five years?
“Over the next five years, Project Drawdown will create clear, actionable road maps for climate action, change the climate conversation to be more optimistic and hopeful while showcasing a broader range of diverse messengers, and inform, influence, and inspire networks of companies, investors, philanthropists, multi-nationals, and others to more rapidly scale climate action.
By 2027, we need to be well on our way to reducing global emissions by 50%. It is a big lift, but one that Project Drawdown knows is possible.”
What are some ways people can get involved with Project Drawdown? What are some ways people can help stop the effects of climate change at home?
“There are many ways to get involved with Project Drawdown. First, I’d say follow our work! We regularly send out newsletters and post on social media channels about our resources and tools for people looking to take action. We can also help you get educated. If you would like to understand climate change and what solutions are available, check out our Climate Solutions 101 series and then dive into our set of solutions online. If you want to make a difference with your philanthropy, our organization is a 501c3, and runs on the generosity of people. You can also make a donation to support our work.
As far as changes at home, some of the biggest things you can do are food related. Choose specific days of the week to enjoy fully plant-based meals and implement strategies for reducing food waste in your life. Also consider the impact you can have in your job, how you vote, and where you spend your money.”
Is there anything else you want to tell the Glass House audience about Project Drawdown?
“Organizations like Hennepin Made and the Glass House, who prioritize climate-friendly business practices, are the way of the future.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Project Drawdown!”
Click here to learn more about Project Drawdown.