March News You Can Use

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Spiral Aloe (Aloe Polyphylla) UC Botanical Garden Feb.26, 2023 Photo by M Grossman
March News You Can Use
Early signs of spring, rain with breaks for sunshine, new flowers emerging, birds
returning, give me hope for renewal, for the possibility of healing and restoration.
Grassroots movements continue to call for action. The US White House Office of
Science and Technology and the Council of Environmental Quality, released a
guidance report on November 30, 2022 directing government agencies to incorporate
Indigenous Knowledge into their research, policies, and decision-making. Don’t miss
the workshop on implementing this policy on March 21 (see the SRRR event to
register).
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2. UN Delegates just finalized the text of a treaty to protect marine biodiversity in 30% of
international waters. This is a huge opportunity for the recovery of marine ecosystems.
Being in the middle of an emergency (a war, an earthquake, a fire) concentrates one’s
focus and intensity. We are in the midst of an emergency but life seems to go on
nearly as normal. Food costs rise and economists blame inflation, but not the difficulty
farmers are having to plant and harvest under chaotic climate conditions. The US
failed to ratify the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. Insect species are not
protected in 12 states (Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Nevada, North
Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming) according to the
New York Times. The train derailment in Ohio is a reminder that we are still
manufacturing, shipping and using toxic chemicals to make plastics, fuels and
fertilizers, while ignoring safety protocols, thereby saving money for shareholders
while endangering people and other living beings. it is past time to swich to viable and
safe alternatives. What are products and companies that you are discovering?
Send us new technologies, resources, stories and insights.
Opportunites for Action
California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR)
Adaptation Planning Grant Program (APGP) Round 1
Planning grants of between $150,000 and $650,000 are intended to help identify
climate resilience priorities, engage in integrated climate planning activities, support
the development of social and physical climate resilient infrastructure projects, and
strengthen local coordination, leadership, knowledge, and skills to implement co-
beneficial projects and increase access to additional state and federal funding. Eligible
groups include local public entities, native tribes and community organizations. More
information is available here.
California Climate Adaptation Forum 7/31 - 8/2 in Pomona, CA
Call for Session Proposals, Deadline 3/10
The biennial California Adaptation Forum (CAF) aims to gather California’s adaptation
community to foster knowledge exchange, innovation, and mutual support to
accelerate adaptation efforts and create equitable and resilient communities
throughout the state.

3. Local Science Engagement Network (LSEN)
AAAS is expanding LSEN, recruiting scientists and engineers to serve as LSEN
Liaisons, state-based science engagement leaders who will build and foster networks
and facilitate constructive engagements between scientists and local leaders. Learn
more and apply today!
Events
Climate Leaders Monthly Meeting
Thursday, March 16, 2023 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM PT
Join the Climate Leaders Meeting to exchange resources and inspiration with others
who are also taking action to create a vibrant and healthy future.
All leaders are welcome.
This is a monthly event hosted by Minerva Ventures.
Request Invitation

4. March 9, 2023, 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM PST, City Hall of Palo Alto
The City of Palo Alto, and The Swedish City of Linköping are hosting a Bifrost Summit
2023 event to gain insights and inspiration into how cities move towards climate
neutrality. This will require “a complex symbiosis of leadership, policymaking,
technology, services, behavior change, economics, and cross-collaboration. In the
center is the citizen. Therefore, it starts with you and me.” Speakers will include
representatives from government, universities, policymakers, cities, developers, and
startups from both Sweden and the United States.
Building Electrification – Stories from the Home
Front
Webinar, March 15th 10:00 – 11:30 PDT
Presented by The Climate Center, this webinar will explore the barriers and
opportunities to electrifying California’s homes and buildings from those with firsthand
experience — contractors, homeowners, and property owners. With a focus on lower-
income residents and economically-challenged businesses, we will address both
political and financial solutions that can help the state transition to clean, healthy
homes and buildings.
Register

5. New White House Guidance on Indigous Knowledge
A SRRR Workshop: Centering Indigenous Knowledge in Federal Decision
Making on Land, Forests, Air, Water and People
Tuesday, March 21, 2023 10 am - 12:15 pm (PT)/ 1 pm - 3:15 pm (ET)
Recognizing the value of Indigenous Knowledge for managing lands, forests, rivers
and sea, addressing challenges from a changing climate and more, the White House
Office of Science and Technology and the Council of Environmental Quality, released
a guidance report on November 30, 2022 directing government agencies to
incorporate Indigenous Knowledge into their research, policies, and decision-making.
This workshop is to introduce this guidance to federal employees and their tribal,
state, local and NGO partners. Come hear speakers from the Whitehouse OSTP, EPA,
National Park Service and traditional elders.
“Bringing people together around these important ideas will help advance our shared
efforts on behalf of land and people. I’m grateful for your work; we are all called to
acts of reciprocity with the living world and I’m glad we’re in this together. ”
— Robin Wall Kimmerer, author Braiding Sweetgrass
Register Here
Get Up to Speed on Disposable Foodware and Composting

6. March 22, 7 to 8:30 pm Burlingame Community Center
The presentation will review San Mateo County’s ordinance to reduce single-use
plastic foodware, including cups, clamshells, straws and utensils, and California’s new
organics collection and composting requirements.
Register
More information
California Climate Policy Summit 2023
April 11 in Sacramento

7. The second annual California Climate Policy Summit will bring together elected and
business leaders, policy experts, activists, and environmental justice advocates to
build support for climate policy commensurate with what science demands.
Register
Sobering Climate News
Dangerous Climate Feedback Loops May Accelerate Warming
Published by an international team of scientists in the journal One Earth, this new
study raises the alarm that systems feedback loops may be dangerously accelerating
toward irreversible climate tipping points. Rather than the current projected
temperature increases, if some of the feedback loops shown in the report accelerate,
warming could soar toward a totally devastating 4 degrees Celsius, by the end of the
century. Read a summary from Inside Climate News.

8. Methane Leaks Risk Triggering Tipping Points
An article in The Guardian revealed more than 1,000 “super-emitter” sites releasing
vast quantities of methane in 2022, mostly from oil and gas facilities. Separate data
reveals 55 “methane bombs” around the world. The gas leaks from these fossil fual
extraction sites alone could release the equivalent to 30 years of all US greenhouse
gas emissions.Methane emissions account for 25% of global warming, and has been
surging at a rapid pace since 2007. This may pose be the largest global threat to the
1.5C target.
Meat, Dairy and Rice Production Threaten the 1.5C Threshold
According to a new study published in the journal Nature Climate Change, methane-
producing foods are responsible for 75% of the GHG emissions from the food system.
Temperature rise caused by the food system could be cut by 55% by reducing meat
consumption in rich countries to medically recommended levels, reducing emissions
from livestock and their manure, and using renewable energy in the food system.Read
more here.
Are We in a “Climate Doom Loop”?
A report by Chatham House and the Institute for Public Policy Research warns that
the resources being devoted to coping with climate devastation may be draining the
world’s ability to invest in needed efforts to reduce GHGs. “The consequences of the
crisis and the failure to address it draw focus and resources from tackling its causes,
leading to higher temperatures and ecological loss, which then create more severe
consequences, diverting even more attention and resources, and so on.” Read more
here.
More From The Guardian:
Europe is Facing a Water Crisis
Arctic Sea Ice is at the Lowest Level Ever Recorded

9. US Funding for Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture
Uncertain
The IRA included $20 billion in funding for climate measures in agriculture.
Unfortuntely Repulicans in congress it trying to challenge that funding, and also to
block Democratic efforts to include funding for sustainable and regenerative
agriculture in the new Farm Bill.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Continues to Oppose Climate
Action
A recent InfluenceMap Report documents the lack of progress on the part of the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce toward embracing the urgent need to address climate change,
despite public statements by many member companies proclaiming climate goals.
UN Secretary General Calls Attention to Global Distabilization
Threat From Sea Level Rise
The threat of rising sea level isn’t just about losing shoreline. With a huge percentage
of the global population living on land that is at risk, the real risk is huge displacement
destabilizing societies around the globe. United Nations Secretary General António
Guterres told the U.N. Security Council in New York in February, “We would witness a
mass exodus of entire populations on a biblical scale,” he said. “And we would see
ever-fiercer competition for fresh water, land and other resources. The impact of rising
seas is already creating new sources of instability and conflict.” Read more here.
Encouraging Climate News
Tipping Points Can Accelerate the Transition to Net Zero
A new report from Systemiq and the University of Exeter points to how, by leveraging
positive feedback in the world’s interconnected systems, we could see rapidly
accelerating adoption of important climate solutions. The key levers, according to the
report, are: mandates for the sale of electric vehicles, mandates requiring “green
ammonia” to be used in the manufacturing of agricultural fertilizers, and public

10. procurement of plant-based proteins.
A New Technology Can Decarbonize Smoke Stack Emissions
For Only $39/metric ton
Developed by scientists at Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL), this is the lowest
cost ever reported in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.The cost savings come from
the very reduced water required, down from 70% to only 2%, greatly reducing the
energy needed to heat the solvent+CO2 mixture to release the CO2. The cost savings
is amplified by using a small portion of the captured CO2 to replace fossil-derived
methanol with carbon capture derived methanol. Read more here.
A Tiny but Mighty Climate Tech Solution
The digital circuit breaker, created by Atom Power ,is not only faster and safer than
electromechanical breakers, it can replace demand management systems, load
controllers, meters, surge protectors and more. Beginning with EV chargers, the new
digital breakers can vastly simplify the design by providing smart load balancing and
management from a centralized circuit board, rather than needing to engineer those
functions into the charger. Future applications for this technology can allow the
creation of a smart grid. Appliances become smart appliances.The potential for
distributed demand management with these devices installed is vast and exciting.
Learn more here.
Another Alternative to Li-Ion Batteries for Utility Scale Storage
Midwestern utility Xcel is set to install two 10-megawatt iron-air batteries at coal plants
in Minnesota and Colorado. The iron-air batteries will store up to four days’ worth of
energy from renewables. These batteries are much smaller that lithium-ion batteries
would need to be, and also far less costly. Xcel CEO Bob Frenzel said projects like
this will help Xcel cut electricity generation emissions 80% by 2030 before zeroing out
in 2050. Read more here.
Using Mining Waste to Help the Ocean Soak Up CO2
Planetary Technologies, a Canadian startup, is pioneering a process to turn waste

11. from shuttered mines into an alkaline powder (magnesium hydroxide) that would
increase the ocean’s ability to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. Their plan is to get
the powder into the ocean through existing infrastructure at wastewater treatment and
energy plants. They are running studies the ensure there are no negative side effects,
as well as studying how effective this form of carbon removal can be. They have
drawn some attention already from the XPrizefor Carbon Removal and with a pre-
purchase agreement from Spotify, and are planning to begin testing the effectiveness
of the coast of Canada, the US and the UK. One among many carbon removal
startups that are getting some traction as they work to avert climate disaster. Read
more here.
Environmental Justice Grants
The EPA recently announced $27 billion in federal clean energy investment grants
through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The Fund is intended to encourage
investment in rooftop and community solar, clean energy and storage initiatives with a
focus on historically underserved and disinvested communities in alignment with the
Justice40 Initiative. This Initiative is designed to ensure that 40 percent of the overall
benefits of certain federal investments go to communities facing disproportionate
health and environmental impacts. More here.
Job Opportunity
Climate Data & Disclosure Manager, Sustainability @ Netflix
Resources
ReThinkX Analysis of Energy Systems
“We are on the cusp of the fastest, deepest, most profound disruption of the energy
sector in over a century. Like most disruptions, this one is being driven by the
convergence of several key technologies whose costs and capabilities have been
improving on consistent and predictable trajectories – namely, solar photovoltaic
power, wind power, and lithium-ion battery energy storage. Our analysis shows that
100% clean electricity from the combination of solar, wind, and batteries (SWB) is both
physically possible and economically affordable across the entire continental United
States as well as the overwhelming majority of other populated regions of the world by

12. 2030.” Read the report.
10 of the best climate change documentaries to see in 2023
Some of these you can stream online, some you may be able to find a screening near
you, others you can arrange a screening in your community. All were shown at the
recent Wild and Scenic Film Festival. Read about them in Yale Climate Connections.
Know the Climate Impacts of Your Food Choices
This fabulous resource for the Washington Post’s Climate Lab allows you to examine
the environmental impacts of various foods by GHG emissions and also nutrient
pollution. “Food” for thought.
The Impact of Climate Change on U.S. Subnational Economies
A study by Moody’s analytics examining the economic impacts of climate change,
given both the forecast climate disruptions and the policy climate in each region.
Sustainable San Mateo Resources: In-depth report on building electrification that's
posted on Sustainable San Mateo County's website, along with a press release, blog
and videos of speakers at the recent Indicators Launch.
Carbon180 works with policymakers, entrepreneurs, and peer organizations across
the US to design policies that will bring necessary carbon removal solutions to gigaton
scale.
Innovation for Cool Earth Forum (ICEF) is a platform for industry, academia and
government leaders around the world to promote innovations to address global
warming. Since 2014 the government of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and
Industry (METI) and New Energy and Industrial Technology Development
Organisation (NEDO) hosts the ICEF Annual Meeting. In addition, ICEF has
developed a series of “Roadmaps” exploring critical topics in carbon removal.
The US Climate Resilience Toolkit helps cities document climate hazards that could
harm the things they care about, decide which situations they most want to avoid, and
come up with workable solutions to reduce their climate-related risks. Preparing a city

13. to withstand weather and climate-related hazards can be addressed by applying these
steps to regular updates of municipal plans.
Futures Forward develops communities to be regenerative, addressing social,
economic and environmental priorities. If you are considering migrating north or want
to be inspired to make change where you are, check them out!
The Multi-Solving Institute is led by Elizabeth Sawin. They work with a range of
stakeholders to deliver shared solutions that yield multiple benefits. This is a great
example of applied systems thinking.
The Climate Mobilization gives people a channel to turn anxiety into action. They
have catalyzed more than 200 declarations of climate emergency, clearing the way for
much more significant local action
Smart Surfaces can help raise albedo and lower temperatures to reduce the heat
island effect and keep communities healthier. The Smart Surfaces Coalition can help
local, regional and state governments to write legislation that enables total cost and
benefit accounting for integrated projects.
ClimateVoice, founded by Bill Weihl who led energy and sustainability at Google and
Facebook, organizes employees of tech companies to push their executives to
support climate policy, including Build Back Better.
Currently is a daily weather information service that connects you with meteorologists
and a community to understand weather and climate.
The Sustainable and Resilient Resources Roundtable held a workshop with the
US EPA on new Climate Change Indicators in Sept. 2021. Proceedings can be found
here (video & presentations).
Ellen MacArthur Foundation leads breakthrough work on the circular economy
https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy/concept
Hunter Lovins champions Regenerative Capitalism through Natural Capital Solutions:
https://natcapsolutions.org/regenerative-economics-101/
RMI (formerly Rocky Mountain Institute) founded by Amory and Hunter Lovins has
vast treasure troves of information on transforming the way we use energy throughout
our economy and society. https://rmi.org/
Here are some links to the many initiatives in architecture and planning:
Whole Building Design Guide https://www.wbdg.org/resources/living-regenerative-
and-adaptive-buildings

14. International Living Futures Institute offers the Living Building Challenge and other
initiatives to transform buildings, neighborhoods and communities. Their annual
meeting will be virtual from April 20-23, 2021. https://living-future.org/
Architecture 2030 https://architecture2030.org/
Share Your Resources
About Minerva Ventures:
Are you concerned about climate change and seeking ways to take action? Business
survival depends on addressing competitive challenges every day. Leaders attend to
urgent business matters while counting on tomorrow’s weather and operating
conditions to be similar to yesterday’s. What happens when underlying conditions
change as climate consequences become more severe? It is hard to adjust to a
disruptive future while you are focused on competing today.
Minerva advises clean tech companies on strategic and business development. We
help you find customers, new markets, and new investors to build your momentum
and success.
Minerva helps established companies create strategies to identify and contend with
climate risks to your business. Discover how you can protect your operations, assets,
products, and services. Understand how climate risk will affect your suppliers,
customers, and partners. Determine how you can strengthen your company to
navigate change and seize opportunities as markets reconfigure in the face of the
coming changes. Find innovative ways to change your operations, products, and
services to help address climate change. Consider policy measures that your industry
can pursue that will help address shared risks.
Minerva can help you find new solutions that will make your business more resilient
and adaptable to change. Your company will be advancing climate solutions rather
than just reacting to disruptions to your industry and markets.
Visit Minerva Ventures’ new website at MinervaVentures.com!
Newsletter Editor: Dinyah Rein, Consultant, Minerva Ventures, LLC
Contact Minerva

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