Hey CATs,

Welcome to issue 295 of the ClimateAction.tech (CAT) Newsletter - your weekly summary of what's happening inside the CAT Slack community (join here and check out our onboarding checklist), and in the wider world of climate and tech.

Join #fosdem for more info on FOSDEM 2026, and to co-ordinate with other CAT members!

Remember you can unsubscribe from this newsletter at any time - the link is at the bottom.

Stay curious 😌💚🐱

CAT Community News

🙋 Volunteer with us

We've updated our volunteer roles and are recruiting for 2026! Help build our community and increase our impact. We're looking for help with event planning, javascript, content, and general management. There are also open seats on the CAT Assembly. To learn more, check out our recruitment Miro board and join #volunteer-interest in Slack.

✍️ From the blog: Responsible AI

Missed our Responsible AI Workshop? We've got you covered - facilitator and workshop host @Paolo summarised the themes in our latest blog post: Designing Responsibly in the Age of AI

#️⃣ Slack highlights

#cat-systems-series: S is asking "Should we host a systems thinking co-creation workshop to address the challenge of applying for climate tech jobs?" Interested? Respond to the thread

#3-questions-and-ideas: J asked for must-reads (especially books) regarding the topic of digital sustainability and CATs responded with plenty of recommendations in the thread - reminder: we've also got a CAT books spreadsheet with lots of recommendations

#share-your-work: Lots of CATs are sharing interesting projects and asking for feedback!

#open-source: CATs are discussing switching from Windows to Linux

#greener-ai: M shared an article that discusses that people want transparency and the ability to opt in/out of AI, as many CATs discussed in the Responsible AI workshop

📅 Upcoming CAT events

Dec 9-11 - Green IO Paris [in person] - join as a CAT volunteer by filling out the form in #local-france or get a free ticket by following the instructions here (limited numbers available)

Jan 31 - Feb 1, 2026 - FOSDEM [in person] - join #fosdem for sharing travel plans and event info, or get support if you want to propose a talk

We're planning some local roundtables on the topic of Responsible AI - get involved

🍩 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, Nov 28th. More info.

Media, events, and news

😺 CAT recommendations

▶️ CAT videos

10-15 minute videos providing accessible explainers to climate related issues.

Planet A: Solar's hidden problem (and how to solve it)

Solar is booming worldwide, slashing costs and driving the clean energy transition. But this rapid growth comes with its cost: grids in countries like Spain, Australia and Greece have buckled under the pressure. But there are ways to handle this.

🎤 Podcasts

The latest climate-related podcast episodes. Don't forget, if you're looking around, there's a list of podcasts maintained by CATs - and there's a full playlist of all the podcast episodes shared in this newsletter in 2025 so far, on ListenNotes.

Green IO: #69 Big Tech carbon emissions by the millions with Cathleen Berger

They say that numbers don't lie… but what if we are looking at the wrong numbers to begin with?\nOn today's episode of Green IO, Gaël is joined by Cathleen Berger who is here to help us decipher why accurate emissions reporting is so crucial, and why Big Tech continues to make big mistakes when it comes to the figures they release.\n\nBecause as the former Head of Sustainability at Mozilla, a lecturer at the Friedrich Schiller University and the head of research and policy for the Deputy Chair on the Digital Committee of the German parliament it's safe to say that Cathleen knows a thing or two about why accurate data matters.

The Impact Equation: AI and the Ocean. Nick Wise, Founder & CEO of OceanMind

In this episode we speak to Nick Wise, Founder & CEO of OceanMind, an organisation using AI and satellite analytics to protect our oceans. In this episode, we dive into: How AI and satellite data can protect vulnerable marine ecosystems; The hidden risks inside global seafood supply chains; What it takes to deliver measurable impact where sustainability, technology and international policy collide. Listen in for a fascinating, urgent conversation about the future of our oceans.

Zero, the Climate Race: Fossil fuel companies are destabilizing democracy and environment

Climate solutions are here, they're just not evenly distributed. So says former US Vice President Al Gore, who remains staunchly optimistic that we can move faster to tackle climate change, even at a time of increasing political resistance in some parts of the world.

This week on Zero, Gore joins Akshat Rathi to discuss what it means to be a climate realist, the ways to move more finance to the countries that need it and how to tackle the tragedy of the horizon. This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation between Gore and Rathi. Find Part 1 linked below.

📅 Submitted events

Want an event listed here? Use this event listing form to submit the details so we can add it in the newsletter.

📅 CAT Workshop: Designing Responsibly in the Age of AI

• Wednesday, October 29th | 16:00 - 17:30 GMT

• Zoom 📩 RSVP https://luma.com/2cf0sfmc

Through stories, small-group reflection and hands-on exercises we'll examine and discuss how AI is showing up in our work, and what we can do to shape it with a bit more care, curiosity and conscience. You don't need to be an AI expert (in fact, that's the point). This session is open to the public, invite your colleagues! Led by CAT member Paolo Rizzi, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Principal at ustwo.

Wednesday Nov 26, 2025 - 4WARD Climate Connect: Monthly Global Networking Session

Meet seasoned climate and sustainability professionals from around the world—leaders, founders, investors, and changemakers—who are serious about driving the transition to a sustainable future. Leave the sales pitches behind; this is about real collaboration.

Monday Dec 01, 2025 - SOSV's Robotics VC-Founder Matchup

Join us Dec 1-5 for a free virtual robotics investment event. 500 startups meet 500 investors for 1:1 meetings. Hosted by SOSV, connect emerging robotics innovators with capital to scale. Register: https://sosv.com/announcing-sosvs-vc-founder-robotics-matchup-dec-1-5/

Tuesday Dec 09, 2025 - Green IO Paris 2025

Green IO is where Tech leaders join forces to overcome unprecedented sustainability challenges in IT. The theme of the 2025 edition is "Building Europe of Green IT". The "crème de la crème" of European thought leaders in Tech Sustainability will be there to share & network!

Thursday Dec 11, 2025 - Startup Tank: Climate Edition

Join us for the next edition of 4WARD's Startup Tank Climate Investor Pitch — the premier platform where vetted climate tech founders pitch live to a global panel of leading climate VCs and investors.

📰 News Highlights

Truth Dig: The Ecological Cost of AI Is Much Higher Than You Think

As the microchips behind artificial intelligence grow in complexity, each generation requires more energy, minerals and water than the last, driving a ruinous cycle with no end in sight. As the semiconductor industry expands at a breakneck pace in Asia and the United States, it has left behind a long history of extraction and ecological degradation, with no plan to stop the destruction. To the contrary, tech companies have abandoned their sustainability targets in the race to build out the vast, energy-ravenous, carbon-spewing data centers.

Discovery Alert: Australia's Mining Watchdog Sues AVZ Over Congo Disclosure Failures

The ASIC enforcement action against AVZ Minerals represents a significant case study in mining disclosure obligations, particularly regarding international project disputes. The regulatory action highlights the challenges facing Australian-listed companies with material overseas assets.

Inside Climate News: A New Unifying Issue: Just About Everyone Hates Data Centers

Recent election results and evidence from states show misgivings about the growth of AI and the ramifications for energy costs and the environment. Voters are already getting upset about electricity rate increases that they blame on data centers, even though the AI industry is in its infancy. The negative effects, if left to fester, could get much worse.

ESG News: Hong Kong Issues $1.2 Billion Digital Green Bond Package

The Hong Kong SAR Government has priced HK$10 billion in digital green bonds across four currencies, delivering the largest digital bond issuance seen in international markets and setting a new benchmark for sovereign-backed digital finance.

The Guardian: 'Deathly silent': two out of three corals in world heritage-listed Ningaloo reef have been killed, scientists confirm

Almost two out of three corals across popular tourism spots at the world heritage-listed Ningaloo reef died after an unprecedented marine heatwave hit the Western Australia region, scientists have said.

The areas in Ningaloo's northern lagoon had undergone a "profound ecological simplification" with coral species that were keystones to the habitat among those killed.

Scientific American: The World's Largest Wind Turbine Will Smash Previous Records

The world's largest wind turbine—currently being tested off the coast of China—has blades that are more than twice as long as a Boeing 777's wingspan. It can generate 26 megawatts (MW) of energy, more than double the global average for individual turbines. But its record is about to be smashed to smithereens: another offshore wind turbine that is twice as powerful has been announced.

💚 Papers We Love 💚

Nature: Environmental impact and net-zero pathways for sustainable artificial intelligence servers in the USA

The rapidly increasing demand for generative artificial intelligence (AI) models requires extensive server installation with sustainability implications in terms of the compound energy–water–climate impacts. This paper shows that the AI server industry is unlikely to meet its net-zero aspirations by 2030 without substantial reliance on highly uncertain carbon offset and water restoration mechanisms. Although best practices may reduce emissions and water footprints by up to 73% and 86%, respectively, their effectiveness is constrained by current energy infrastructure limitations.

💼 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.

4WARD.earth - Multiple - 0 - Volunteer - Totally remote

4WARD is a global climate & sustainability community spanning 60+ cities with 1000s of online members.

We unite changemakers to drive climate action through collaboration. We're seeking passionate volunteers to help build our platform & community movement.

City and Local Events Volunteer Roles:

🎪 VP of Global Events & Communities - Scale community initiatives, manage regional leads, and track performance to grow the 4WARD ecosystem globally

🌏 APAC Regional Manager - Support regional community growth and coordinate impactful events across Asia-Pacific cities

🌱 Regional Community & Events Assistant - Bridge local City Leads with regional management while organizing in-person climate community events

🎯 Local Leader Recruiter & Expansion Coordinator - Recruit and onboard city leads globally, growing local communities and transitioning relationships to regional managers

Apply: https://4ward.earth/volunteer

4WARD.earth - Multiple - 0 - Volunteer - Totally remote

4WARD is a global climate & sustainability community spanning 60+ cities with 1000s of online members.

We unite changemakers to drive climate action through collaboration. We're seeking passionate volunteers to help build our platform & community movement.

Consulting and Revenue Volunteer Roles:

🚀 Head of 4WARD Startup/Scale-up Consulting & Services - Build our consulting practice by recruiting experts, acquiring clients, and delivering impactful climate strategies

💼 SDR / Sales & Business Development for Consulting Arm - Generate leads, manage CRM outreach, and grow revenue opportunities for climate consulting services

📊 Head of Strategy & Revenue - Lead business model development, test revenue streams, and build sustainable financial growth through strategic partnerships

Apply: https://4ward.earth/volunteer

4WARD.earth - Multiple - 0 - Volunteer - Totally remote

4WARD is a global climate & sustainability community spanning 60+ cities with 1000s of online members.

We unite changemakers to drive climate action through collaboration. We're seeking passionate volunteers to help build our platform & community movement.

Team and Admin Volunteer Roles:

👥 Head of People & HR - Lead recruiting, mentor the interview team, and build company culture while establishing local hubs worldwide

🤝 Head of Partnerships - Build strategic partnership ecosystem, secure collaborations, and manage cross-promotional climate initiatives

🏆 Head of Membership Program - Design freemium model, create member experiences, and grow our community of thousands of climate leaders

💎 Community Membership Manager - Connect with members, support onboarding on Circle platform, and strengthen ecosystem through engagement and collaboration

Apply Now: https://4ward.earth/volunteer

Right to Repair Europe - Campaign Manager - €4,000–€4,250/month - Contract - Onsite only

The Campaign Manager of Right to Repair Europe serves as the strategist, spokesperson, and operational manager for the coalition advocating for the right to repair at the European level. The primary goal is to ensure that EU policy and legislation are adopted and robustly implemented to make repair affordable, accessible, and mainstream for consumers and repair businesses.

https://behold.cam - Mobile app developer (hybrid) - €46,000–€55,000 - Permanent or contract - Totally remote

We’re looking for a skilled, creative mobile app developer who can take ownership of the hybrid app development at Behold, making our app work seamlessly (and sustainably) with our physical Behold Cam-1 and remote services. If you want to work on encouraging meaningful behavioural change, increasing engagement and repairing relationships with the animals you share your local environment with then this might be the time to do it.

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