IF/THEN

As we close the chapter on 2024, I’ve been reflecting on the remarkable progress and critical challenges that have defined this year in the climate space. Here are a few insights from this year: 1️⃣ The Transformative Power of Storytelling: The narratives we tell shape the actions we take. From our coverage of the TIME100 Climate leaders to the evolving climate narrative, it’s clear that inspiring action starts with connecting emotionally. Research supports that effective climate communication—focused on solutions and hope—can increase engagement by up to 60%. 2️⃣ A Surge in Green Investments: 2024 has seen significant global investments in renewable energy, driven by policies like the Inflation Reduction Act in the U.S., which has catalyzed an estimated $120 billion in clean energy investments. The positive impact of these policies is undeniable, and they will likely continue driving change. For more, check out my colleague Justin Worland's excellent reporting in the TIME CO2 Leadership Report. 3️⃣ Shifting Political Dynamics: Trump's reelection coupled with the future administration's focus on deregulation, has raised concerns about potential rollbacks of climate commitments. However, states and cities have responded robustly, with initiatives like the Climate Alliance demonstrating the resilience of subnational climate action. 4️⃣ The Expanding Role of the Private Sector: Bridging the $4.3 trillion gap required to meet net-zero targets remains a challenge. In 2024, innovative financial mechanisms like blended finance and debt-for-nature swaps have grown, with countries like Ecuador securing $1.6B for conservation efforts. 5️⃣ The Power of Friendship: I’m profoundly grateful to the mentors who have guided me, the friends who have cheered me on, and the teachers who have challenged me to think bigger. It's the foundation of everything I’ve been able to achieve. Looking ahead to 2025, here a few areas to look out for: 🔎 AI and Climate Solutions: Artificial intelligence is emerging as a game changer, from optimizing energy grids to advancing climate risk modeling. However, addressing AI’s vast energy demands will require parallel innovations in renewable energy and efficiency. 🔎 Private Sector Action: In 2025, companies will have to frame climate action as a driver of profitability and resilience. Climate investments will be central to this narrative, alongside innovations in green finance that align growth with sustainability. 🔎 Nature-Positive Business Models: Companies embedding biodiversity into their operations will lead the way, reshaping industries like agriculture, fashion, and finance to align with planetary boundaries. I'm excited to have just joined the Board of the Global Fashion Agenda to help advance this agenda. Here’s to 2025—a year of progress, innovation, and collective action. 🌍 And hope to see many of you at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos to kick off the year! #ClimateAction #Sustainability

At the Long Island Explorium, we are thrilled to be part of the If/Then Champions Network, an initiative supported by Lyda Hill Philanthropies that is close to our hearts. Our commitment through this network is to ignite a passion for STEM among young learners by presenting them with diverse and relatable role models. As a member of this national network, we're equipped with an array of powerful resources from the If/Then Collection. These tools, including videos, posters, and interactive activities, are integral to our workshops, library programs, and events. They help bring STEM careers to life, demonstrating to girls and underserved communities that careers in fields like engineering and space science are not just dreams—they're attainable and exciting possibilities. The impact of the If/Then Collection on our mission cannot be overstated. It has significantly enhanced our efforts to make STEM education more inclusive, engaging, and impactful. By showcasing a broad spectrum of role models, we help dismantle stereotypes and build confidence among the next generation of innovators. We are proud to be an organizational member of the If/Then Champions Network, actively working to inspire and equip young minds to explore and excel in STEM. Join us as we continue to pave the way for future leaders in science and technology. Our deep appreciation for the support from these organizations. IF/THEN, Lyda Hill Philanthropies, Association of Science and Technology Centers, National Girls Collaborative https://lnkd.in/eBSqpRMC

Some big news! I’m thrilled to announce that I’m officially partnering with YouTube to bring The Doctor Is In to life. This show is a groundbreaking digital animated series that combines live-action and animation to inspire and empower the next generation of medical professionals! As your host—aka the “Medical Mythbuster”—I’ll play a friendly pediatrician answering curious medical questions from my 2D-animated co-host, Little Leland, a lovable five-year-old with endless questions about how the human body works. Thanks to your incredible support of our Kickstarter campaign, which raised nearly $62,000, The Doctor Is In caught the attention of YouTube Health, a division dedicated to making high-quality health information accessible. Through this exciting partnership, YouTube Health is helping financially support the series, which will premiere exclusively on YouTube next summer! Each episode blends education with entertainment, tackling relatable topics like catching a cold or losing a tooth, while also introducing young audiences to career paths in medicine. Alongside Little Leland, I’ll be joined by a cast of animated anthropomorphic medical tools, including Otto (a grumpy doctor’s bag), Sammie (a friendly stethoscope), and Zada (a clever x-ray machine). This series is about more than just answering questions—it’s about breaking down barriers in medicine and science while celebrating inclusivity, representation, and the power of diverse voices in healthcare. I can’t wait for you to meet the The Doctor Is In team and join us on this journey to inspire future doctors, nurses, and healthcare leaders! Let’s make learning fun and accessible for all. 🩺✨ Special thank you to the incredible teams at AdAstraMedia who have been instrumental in bringing this to life, YouTube Health (Garth Graham, Ifelola O.) for the support and Kidscreen for the announcement. Onwards and upwards 🙏🏾

Who says video games can’t be educational? Beata Mierzwa created an interactive educational tool that combines science, art, and fun to get players excited about the inner workings of cells. Read more: https://ow.ly/Y7q950Ukblo