š CAT Newsletter 266 - 2025-05-04
Hey CATs,
Welcome to issue 266 of the ClimateAction.tech (CAT) Newsletter - your weekly summary of what's happening inside the CAT community, and in the wider world of climate and tech. New to CAT or looking to re-discover the community? Try outĀ our onboarding checklist.
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Stay safe & healthy š š š±
CAT Community News
šŖ CAT members publishing stories and guides
We've entered May and Earth Day is behind us but there were a lot of great CAT actions in ourĀ Earth Day Show & Tell presentationĀ and these are more examples of CATs sharing ideas about sustainability and tech:
- DĀ has published a book to help new developers code for good from the very start of their career
- EĀ has been publishing regularĀ #climate-careersĀ stories on the blog
- AĀ made and published improvements to the Web Sustainability Guidelines
- RĀ has published a guide to inspire more sustainable website building
- MĀ has been adapting design frameworks (like the EARTH framework and the lean UX canvas) to include sustainability
š§ Knowledge base deep dive: #greener-data-ai
It's easy to think of AI's impacts as abstract or inevitable, but what if we asked a bigger question:
How might we ensure AI doesn't inherit the extractive strategies and value systems that helped drive the climate crisis in the first place? Ones that prioritize growth at any cost, deny responsibility, or externalize harm.
This goes beyond just technical optimization. It's about values, accountability, and rethinking the frameworks we're embedding into our tools.
Volunteers C and V have been curating discussions like this on the Greener Data & AIĀ Outline page (access for Slack members only).
š CAT events
š Thu, May 22rd ā Systems Series [online]
Join us to build a shared vision for sustainable tech in the first part of the co-creation systems series, "Systems Change for Sustainable Tech".
In this part we will be imagining the kind of future we want, reflect on the values that will make this future possible, use the insights from indigenous wisdom, imagine ourselves in this future, and make a commitment to create this future.
š ļø Fri, May 23rd ā ZĆ¼rich Hackathon [in-person]
Also, there's discussions about the next CAT book club book over inĀ #cat-bookclub! Aaaand you can meet other CATs at external events likeĀ Green IOĀ inĀ #local-new-yorkĀ later this month, theĀ Green Tech ForumĀ inĀ #local-belgiumĀ this June, orĀ Green IOĀ inĀ #local-munichĀ later in July. Simply coordinate with other CATs in the corresponding local channels.
š© Community networking
Every 2 weeks, we match 2-3 CATs so you can connect over a quick 30-minute call. Join #cat-roulette, pick your region and wait for a message from Donut. The next round of matches will go out on Fri, May 16th. More info.
Media, events, and news
šŗ CAT recommendations
ā¶ļø CAT videos
10-15 minute videos providing accessible explainers to climate related issues.
Planet A: This invisible Norwegian mine could solve Europe's rare earth problem
The Fen deposit holds almost 9 million tonnes of rare earth ore, making it the biggest known source in Europe. But to get to it, Rare Earths Norway will have to dig underneath a village of over 2,000 people. Can they do it in time?
š¤Ā Podcasts
The latest climate-related podcast episodes. Don't forget, if you're looking around, there's a list of podcasts maintained by CATs
Green IO: Greening Intelligence - Bridging Infrastructure and Governance for a Sustainable AI Future with Pr. PS Lee and Pr. Heng Wang
"It's always a case of fit for purpose, or what we call a proper engineering." Some down to earth facts and analysis were coined by Pr PS Lee, one of the world top experts in liquid cooling - and Pr. Heng Wang - a renowned expert in digital governance - while cross-analysing Singapore's main challenges from an infrastructure and governance perspective of the ongoing AI Boom.Ā
Environment Variables: Backstage - Green AI Committee
In this special backstage episode of Environment Variables, producer Chris Skipper spotlights the Green AI Committee, an initiative of the Green Software Foundation launched in 2024. Guests Thomas Lewis and Sanjay Podder share the committee's mission to reduce AI's environmental impact through strategic focus on measurement, policy influence, and lifecycle optimization. The episode explores the committee's approach to defining and implementing "green AI," its contributions to public policy and ISO standards, and collaborative efforts to build tools, best practices, and educational resources that promote sustainable AI development.
Code Green: Locating Sust(AI)nability in the Smart City
Amidst rapid urbanisation, Asia's urban centres are increasingly turning to smart solutions as they grapple with worsening air pollution, rising emissions, and erratic weather patterns. What role can data and AI play in shaping more sustainable urban futures? In this episode, ChengHe Guan and Raj Cherubal discuss the future of digital urban transformation, with a focus on smart and sustainable city initiatives in China and India.
Catalyst: Live at SF Climate Week
In this episode, Shayle talks to Mike Schroepfer, co-founder and partner at Gigascale Capital and former CTO of Meta, and Nick Chaset, CEO of Octopus Energy US. Together they cover lessons on building products that consumers love; over and under hyped trends, including data center load growth, carbon removal, and fusion; what areas will benefit most from the current administration; the most important, least appreciated category of climate tech; and the craziest idea that just might work.
š Submitted events
Want an event listed here? Use this event listing form to submit the details so we can add it in the newsletter.
Mon May 05 2025 - Carbon-aware IT: The new standard for sustainable tech infrastructure
Join us with Google and the Green Software Foundation to explore to optimize IT infrastructure to meet net-zero goals. We'll cover new sustainability demands in IT, the next generation of sustainable data centers, and collaboration across the IT value chain.
Wed May 07 2025 - Hands on Workshop with the Green Web Foundation: Estimating digital carbon emissions
This two hour session, delivered by our experts Chris Adams, Fershad Irani, and Katrin Fritsch will get you started with estimating the carbon emissions of digital services. Can't make May? See our other dates in June.
Wed May 07 2025 - Creative Climate Career Group Coaching
Infuse you job pivot in the impact space with new energy and direction!
Wed May 07 2025 - How Tech is Driving the Next Retrofit Revolution
Join Octopus Energy, measureable.energy and UpGreen to explore how smart technologies are transforming retrofitting into a financially viable and impactful solution for anyone who wants to live and work in more sustainable buildings.
Thu May 08 2025 - Discover HFX: A New Gateway to Japan's Innovation Ecosystem
Scrum Ventures will be hosting an event on our new HFX program https://hfx.jp/en/. We are aiming to help make Japan more sustainable starting from a new sustainable smart city initiative. If this sounds interesting, please join the event to learn more and how to get involved.
Thu May 15 2025 - Green IO New York 2025
Green IO New York covers responsible AI, green software, sustainable design, green cloud, etc., and will provide a variety of perspectives from practitioners and experts.
Thu Jul 03 2025 - Green IO Munich 2025
Apidays Munich and the Green IO podcast have partnered to bring you the first Green IO conference for the DACH region, packed with the latest insights from thought leaders in Tech Sustainability and hands-on feedback from practitioners scaling Green IT.
š° News Highlights
EuroNews: Landmark ruling should encourage more cities to ban fossil fuel ads
A ban on fossil fuel adverts in The Hague has been upheld by a Dutch court, in an "historic ruling" that campaigners hope will embolden other cities to take action. In a decision last September, The Hague became the first city in the world to write into law a ban on ads that promote fossil fuels, including petrol cars, air travel and cruise ships.Ā
Politico: New air traffic technology can make European skies more sustainable and competitive
From heightened security threats to CO2 emissions targets, pressures on aviation are growing. A new roadmap charts a course for modernizing critical air traffic management. A public-private partnership to accelerate the digital transformation of air traffic management in Europe, in December published an Air Traffic Management (ATM) Master Plan to respond to the increased demands.
Sustainability Magazine: How Sustainable is Canada's New Prime Minister Mark Carney?
Mark Carney, a former central banker and global advocate for climate action, has become Canada's new Prime Minister, promising to steer the country through complex economic and environmental challenges.Ā As the world watches, Carney's leadership could redefine Canada's role in the global sustainability movement.
The Guardian: What caused the blackout in Spain and Portugal and did renewable energy play a part?
Spain and Portugal suffered the worst blackout in living memory in Europe this week. About 55 million people were affected and it lasted more than half a day. Some have blamed renewables and net zero emissions targets, as the two countries boast high levels of wind and solar on their electricity grid and lead Europe in the technologies. But is this true?
Edie: Asset managers say new anti-greenwashing labels are working, despite low uptake
While most UK investment firms have not adopted the sustainability labels provided through the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR), they do see the value of the scheme, research has found. Most firms that adopted a label reported making significant changes to their investment strategies, including clearer sustainability objectives and enhanced policy disclosures.
Daily Galaxy: AI Tech Detects Fish Calls 25x Fasterā A New Groundbreaking Technology To Save Coral Reef
Coral reefs, though covering less than 1% of the world's oceans, are home to roughly 25% of all marine species at some stage in their life cycle. However, these vibrant ecosystems are under growing threat from climate change and human activities. Researchers are now leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize how we study and protect coral reefs.
š Papers We Love š
International Energy Agency: Energy and AI
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has soared to the top of the political and business agenda. Once a mostly academic pursuit, it has evolved into an industry with trillions of dollars at stake. Despite significant uncertainties, it is now very clear: AI is coming. In many sectors, it is already here. This has major consequences for the global energy sector. As the digitalisation of the global economy advances, the energy sector and the tech industry will become increasingly intertwined. Our hope is that this report will help those preparing for this new era.
Jobs
Remember only jobs listing salary ranges are listed here - to get your job listed, you need to list a salary range. Folks can still look in the #jobs channel. Remember: if you're looking for advice finding a role, check our #climate-careers channel.
rePurpose Global - Senior Product Manager - 160000 - Permanent - Flexible - remote ok
We're seeking a Senior Product Manager at rePurpose Global, a mission-driven series A startup fighting the plastic waste crisis. We've launched a first-of-its-kind SaaS platform for consumer brands to improve their packaging sustainability, comply with landmark regulations reducing packaging waste, and fund plastic pollution clean up in the Global South. We're looking for a seasoned startup PM with sustainability or CPG experience to continue the momentum!
Vizzuality - Front End Engineer - ā¬24,000 to ā¬37,000 Euros per year - Permanent - Totally remote
Do you want to help build a fairer and sustainable future for all life on Earth? Are you currently looking for a new career opportunity? Lucky you, Vizzuality is hiring!
We are looking for a Front-end Engineer with experience and proficiency in ReactJS/TypeScript - Remote based in Spain, Portugal, or UK.
Verna - Software Engineers - Circa Ā£70k + share options - Permanent - Flexible - remote ok
Verna builds software to help people manage land in the best way for the environment ā enhancing biodiversity and drawing down carbon, whilst making sustainable returns. We are looking for a number of software engineers to expand our product development team. Because we're working primarily in Elixir and Phoenix this is a full-stack role, but with an emphasis on delivering new user-facing features.
John Deere - Product Manager, Sustainability Solutions - $122,580 to $183,864 + excellent benefits - Permanent - Flexible - remote ok
This is an impactful job with an awesome team at a great company! Our team recently launched a Carbon Intensity Calculator where farmers can get their carbon footprint in 10 minutes or less. Join us to continue to build momentum as we help farmers simplify data management for regenerative agriculture!
As a Product Manager for the Sustainability Solutions team at John Deere, you will define & execute our digital product strategy through customer discovery, owning delivery of both prototypes and production-grade software, and iterating quickly to achieve product-market fit for products serving both farmers as well as the agricultural supply chain. An ideal candidate can handle ambiguity well, make "no regrets" decisions quickly, navigate a complex and technical environment with many stakeholders, and guide relationships with key partners.
Global Canopy - Full Stack Developer - Ā£60K - Contract - Flexible - remote ok
Global Canopy is a non-profit using data to target the market forces destroying nature, focusing on reducing deforestation and hence fighting climate change. We enable major companies, investors and governments to take positive action, and we help campaigning organisations and investigative journalists shine a light on those not doing enough. And we help policymakers to design laws that make it mandatory for the private sector to change. We're looking for a skilled full stack developer (React/Next.js, Python, AWS) to lead on the creation of the a new interactive product called the EU Nature Dependency Dashboard. This will provide essential data on each of the 27 EU countries, connecting macroeconomic data to nature materiality data, supply chain and possibly state-of-nature data near upstream locations. The data will be used by governments, central banks and NGOs in assessing financial risk and economic impacts, and will feed into financial institutions' internal risk assessments.
Verna - Product Manager - Circa Ā£50-80k (doe) + share options - Permanent - Flexible - remote ok
Verna builds software to help people manage land in the best way for the environment ā enhancing biodiversity and drawing down carbon, whilst making sustainable returns. We are looking for a Product Manager to develop and lead our product management approach. This role involves introducing best-in-class processes, systems and practices for product management, enabling us to deliver products and features that support and delight users in a consistent and timely fashion.
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