Startup Discovery School’s Post

Here's a look back on the stories that caught my eye in 2024. If Climate Change is spread across a spectrum, each of these stories represents a different way to look at the challenge, whether it be policy, investment, community action, or entrepreneurship. Full link to the Newsletter titled '2024: 7 years on' Links in the Comments 📜 Vulnerable states took the fight to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) of Justice, demanding legal accountability from major climate contributors for their ongoing impacts. 🚀 Microsoft launched a $1B Climate Innovation Fund to scale cutting-edge carbon reduction and removal technologies, providing critical support for emerging solutions. 📈 At COP29 Azerbaijan, developed nations pledged $300B annually for developing countries by 2035, scaling to $1.3T. This is a significant step forward in addressing climate finance gaps. 💹 Samantha Kidjo at the Lambeth Women in STEM Hackathon, 26 women tackled real-world net-zero challenges in South London. Over 48 hours, they delivered 6 robust solutions, demonstrating the power of local collaboration and innovation. 💬 Autodesk showcased the power of climate resilience in Ghana, connecting with innovative startups and partners like Academic City University College Makerspace and Safisana to drive climate adaptation technologies. 💰 Nepal’s Climate Champion Pitch Competition saw 7 startups emerge from 100+ applicants, pitching groundbreaking solutions after intensive training, exemplifying Asia's growing climate innovation ecosystem. Startup Discovery Asia 📤Southwark Council's Green Projects Investment Southwark Council in London relaunched its community investment scheme, aiming to raise an additional £500,000 towards a £6 million goal by 2030. The funds are designated for innovative environmental initiatives focused on waste reduction, climate change mitigation, and the preservation of green spaces. 📸 Advancement of Place-Based Impact Investing In May 2024, the Impact Investing Institute published "Place-Based Impact Investing: Emerging Impact and Insights," a report providing a snapshot of the evolving landscape since their 2021 white paper. The report noted an increase in capital directed towards underinvested UK communities, aiming to generate positive social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns. People to follow... All looking at inclusivity, climate change and technology through different lenses. Alyssa Gilbert (Community Engagement) Mark Thomlinson - (Local Government & Climate Policy) Nigel Topping, CMG (International Climate Policy) Neil Walmsley (Startups & Innovation in Africa) Marion Atieno Osieyo (Podcaster & Climate Fellow) Ben Keene (Climate Innovation & Funding / Rebel BookClub) Caroline Wilson (Local Government & Inclusive Economy) Krsna Powell Sayari (Responsible Business & Policy) Olivia Sibony (Sustainable Transformation and Impact) Mandy Nyarko MBE (Venture Capital and Sustainability) #climatechange