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Tag: Stewards of Sustainable Progress

  • Understanding the Latest Trends in the Global Energy Industry | Entrepreneur

    Understanding the Latest Trends in the Global Energy Industry | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    From the energy proposals in the Inflation Reduction Act to new concerns about fuel dependency following the war in Ukraine, it’s been a hectic couple of years for the energy industry, both in the United States and globally. There are several important current trends worth keeping an eye on in 2023 to see how the energy industry, particularly renewables, responds.

    Here are several of the most important trends I’ve noticed for renewable energy companies (and investors). These forces are having the biggest impact right now.

    Fuel costs remain high, with mixed results for renewables

    I expect fuel costs to remain very high, especially natural gas, coal and oil. Global prices have decreased somewhat in 2023, but reports still indicate that energy prices are hovering at an incredible 75% above the average heading into next year. Reasons for this include the war in Ukraine and sanctions against Russia, new geopolitical alignments that have cut oil production, and general high demand in many sectors.

    Some nations are focusing even more on fuel production as a result. United States’ natural gas production and exports have increased, for example. But these high prices have also pushed more investment in renewable energy and helped encourage removing some of the older barriers to development. If your renewable energy business is ripe for expansion or new partners, now is an excellent time to develop a proposal and focus on the need for energy independence, regardless of what’s happening in the world.

    That also means more competition for renewables, but there’s plenty of room for growth in many sectors and energy transition plans pick up steam.

    Related: 3 Ways to Make a Commitment to Sustainability Your Customers Want to See

    Energy storage heats up

    The continued growth of renewable energy in 2023 has also led to realizations worldwide that renewable energy storage hasn’t quite been keeping up with demand. In the United States, this trend with a renewed focus on batteries, from EVs to helping regulate solar systems across the country. Japan and China are also working on increasing battery availability.

    Batteries are only one part of the supply chain issue clean energy is seeing, albeit one of the most notable. But increased production following Covid-19 is helping reduce these tensions and improve production results. Manufacturers should start looking for better supply options if they’re struggling – things are improving!

    Related: Tesla is Quietly Working on a Project to Help Texas’ Power Grid

    The nuclear pendulum swings back up

    Nuclear energy has been an infuriating prospect for energy investors in recent years. It has the potential to fill an ideal niche in the renewables market and circumvents some of the steep problems involved in transitioning to clean energy. But the public generally hates it, and research is conducted at a snail’s pace. Also, renewed fears of nuclear attack or contamination in Ukraine have not been inspiring for the sector. But there’s also lots of good news.

    In 2023, nuclear may finally be ready to assume a key place in clean energy plans worldwide. Germany is rethinking after pulling back from nuclear power in recent years. New plants are being built in Georgia (U.S.), and American research continues to unveil new ways to make nuclear energy more efficient for older reactors and safer for newer models being planned. Turkey, Egypt and China are also investing in new nuclear plants as well. Now’s the time for nuclear to show the role it will take.

    States war between renewables and the old guard

    This trend is most noticeable in solar states like California and Florida. Still, it is happening in many ways across the U.S. Existing power producers, fiercely protective of their rate management and grid operation, are lobbying hard to prevent consumers from benefiting from their solar use. That includes getting rid of credits from selling excess power and limiting future solar installation opportunities. This underlines the need for the renewables industry to spend time on representation and answering proposals like this with quick, decisive alternatives.

    Offshore wind is continuing its march in the United States, with wind companies looking to the 19 GW of offshore wind power working through the permitting phase in 2023. This will unleash a wave of new development in the coming years. Wind is just getting ready for a very eventful decade, but long-term planning is required.

    Related: Top Solar Energy Trends To Look Out For in 2023 and Beyond

    How clean hydrogen has new potential

    One exciting development I noted from the Inflation Reduction Act changes was a new emphasis on clean hydrogen. Also called green hydrogen, this type of hydrogen is safely produced and disposed of without creating a significant carbon footprint. It’s fairly rare in the United States, which uses mostly “gray” hydrogen production. But the IRA includes big tax credits for clean hydrogen, which will likely prompt a mass transition through the United States and open up many new opportunities for carbon reduction programs.

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    Abe Issa

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  • How Social Entrepreneurs Are Changing the World | Entrepreneur

    How Social Entrepreneurs Are Changing the World | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    In a rapidly evolving world facing an array of pressing challenges, the rise of purpose-driven entrepreneurship has emerged as a beacon of hope.

    Social entrepreneurs are individuals who use entrepreneurial principles, innovative thinking and business acumen to create positive and sustainable social or environmental impact. They are driven by a strong sense of purpose to address pressing societal challenges and improve the well-being of communities and the planet.

    Social entrepreneurs apply the same entrepreneurial mindset used in traditional business ventures to develop innovative solutions to complex social problems. Their primary goal is to generate positive outcomes rather than solely seeking financial profit. They often work to empower marginalized groups, improve access to essential services, address environmental issues and promote social justice.

    This article delves into the transformative force of purpose-driven ventures, exploring their sustainable impact and the supportive ecosystem propelling their success.

    Related: 3 Steps to Forge Your Company’s Purpose-Driven Path

    The emergence of purpose-driven ventures

    Traditionally, entrepreneurship has been associated with profit-driven motives, but a paradigm shift is underway. Social entrepreneurs have recognized that addressing societal and environmental challenges requires more than just good intentions; it demands a sustainable approach that integrates purpose into business strategies. These visionary leaders view challenges as opportunities and harness the power of innovation and empathy to create lasting impact.

    For example, Patagonia, founded by Yvon Chouinard, is a renowned outdoor apparel company that embraces sustainability and environmental responsibility as part of its core mission. They prioritize eco-friendly materials, minimize waste and actively support environmental causes through campaigns like “1% for the Planet,” where they donate a portion of their revenue to environmental initiatives.

    The power of profit and purpose alignment

    Contrary to the notion that profit and purpose are conflicting concepts, social entrepreneurs have unlocked the potential of aligning the two forces for the greater good. By imbuing their ventures with a meaningful mission, they attract a loyal customer base and engage employees who are deeply committed to the cause. This alignment fuels passion, creativity and dedication, propelling these purpose-driven ventures towards remarkable success.

    A good example is Warby Parker, an eyewear company co-founded by four friends (Neil Blumenthal, Dave Gilboa, Andrew Hunt and Jeffrey Raider), which has a “Buy a Pair, Give a Pair” business model. For every pair of glasses sold, they provide a pair to someone in need through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This alignment of profit and purpose has resulted in both business success and significant social impact.

    Related: How to Build a Business that Makes a Positive Impact

    Driving sustainable impact

    One defining characteristic of purpose-driven entrepreneurship is its commitment to sustainable impact. Social entrepreneurs look beyond short-term gains, focusing on solutions that create lasting change. Whether it’s tackling environmental issues, empowering marginalized communities or improving healthcare access, these ventures invest in projects with far-reaching and enduring effects, leaving behind a positive legacy for generations to come.

    Green School, for example, founded by John and Cynthia Hardy, is an innovative, eco-focused school in Bali that integrates sustainability, environmental education and holistic learning into its curriculum. The school’s unique approach empowers students to become changemakers, fostering a generation of environmentally conscious leaders.

    Inspiring stories of social entrepreneurs

    Tony Elumelu is a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist who has become a leading example of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. As the founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation, he is empowering African entrepreneurs to drive sustainable economic growth and social development on the continent. Through his foundation’s flagship initiative, the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP), Tony Elumelu has provided mentorship and training to 1,500,000 and seed funding to 18,000 young African entrepreneurs.

    There’s also Kiva, an online micro-lending platform, co-founded by Jessica Jackley and Matt Flannery. It connects individuals looking to lend small amounts of money (as little as $25) to entrepreneurs in developing countries. This peer-to-peer lending model empowers entrepreneurs to start or grow their businesses, with the goal of lifting them out of poverty.

    The support ecosystem

    Behind every successful social entrepreneur stands a supportive ecosystem that nourishes their vision. Impact investors, philanthropic organizations and government initiatives play a pivotal role in nurturing purpose-driven ventures. The collective effort of these stakeholders provides access to capital, mentorship and networks that amplify the ventures’ reach and potential.

    Related: 3 Steps for Making a Positive Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Impact

    Spreading the movement

    The rise of purpose-driven entrepreneurship is not an isolated phenomenon. It is part of a global movement towards a more sustainable and equitable world. As these social entrepreneurs blaze a trail, they inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that catalyzes positive change across industries and borders.

    B Corporations, also known as B Corps, are businesses that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. These Save & Send for Review companies include Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s and Seventh Generation, among others. The B Corp movement is spreading globally, inspiring businesses to pursue not just profit but also purpose and positive impact.

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    Taiwo Sotikare

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  • Make Your Office More Eco-Friendly — and Save Money —With These Steps Toward Sustainability | Entrepreneur

    Make Your Office More Eco-Friendly — and Save Money —With These Steps Toward Sustainability | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    As concerns over climate change and environmental sustainability grow, green buildings represent a significant shift in the real estate development landscape. Defined as structures designed and managed to reduce their environmental impact, green buildings have become a focal point for businesses committed to environmental sustainability.

    For entrepreneurs and business leaders, there’s an increasing responsibility — and indeed an opportunity — to transition their existing buildings or offices into greener spaces. Rooted in ecological stewardship, these architectural marvels are designed to minimize environmental impact through resource conservation and sustainability.

    Related: You Can Embrace Green Building Without Breaking the Bank

    Energy efficiency: The first step toward green buildings

    While green buildings represent a significant evolution in real estate, their implications go beyond the initial construction phase. Entrepreneurs and business leaders have a significant role to play in this green revolution. By transforming their offices into eco-friendly spaces, they can contribute to environmental preservation while fostering a healthier work environment and reducing operating costs.

    Transforming an office into a green building involves several interconnected steps. The first is energy efficiency, a cornerstone of the green building philosophy. Efficient energy use not only reduces carbon emissions but also lessens reliance on non-renewable power sources. Energy efficiency is the backbone of any green building. By optimizing energy use, businesses can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. Replacing conventional lighting with energy-efficient LED or compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) can reduce energy consumption by up to 75%. Furthermore, intelligent lighting systems, such as those with occupancy sensors or natural light adjustments, can further minimize energy wastage.

    High-performance appliances, rated by programs like ENERGY STAR, can offer significant energy savings over their conventional counterparts. Building automation systems, managing HVAC, lighting and other power systems, ensure energy is used only when needed, leading to substantial energy conservation. Green buildings, through energy-efficient design and sustainable practices, can lead to significant cost savings in the long run.

    Harnessing renewable energy

    To take the leap from energy efficiency to green energy, businesses can transition to renewable energy sources. Green buildings ideally source their power from renewable resources, thus reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing carbon emissions. Installing solar panels, for instance, can help offset a significant portion of a building’s energy consumption.

    If on-site generation is unfeasible, business leaders can explore renewable energy contracts. Numerous energy providers offer “green power” plans where the electricity is sourced from renewable energy projects. If installing renewable energy systems is not feasible, consider green energy contracts. Many energy providers offer plans where the electricity is sourced from renewable sources.

    Related: Want to Be More Sustainable? 4 Ways To Take Advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act

    Water conservation and management

    Water is another critical resource that can be managed more effectively. Small changes, like installing low-flow taps, toilets and urinals, can significantly reduce water consumption in the office. Going a step further, consider implementing a rainwater harvesting system. Rainwater can be collected, stored and used for non-drinking purposes, such as watering plants or flushing toilets. Low-flow fixtures, such as taps, toilets and urinals, can reduce water consumption by up to 20%.

    Aside from installing low-flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting systems, businesses can explore other methods of conserving water. Greywater recycling systems, for instance, can treat and reuse water from sinks, showers and washing machines for non-potable uses like flushing toilets and irrigation. Businesses can also implement water-efficient landscaping, using native or drought-resistant plants, which require less water and maintenance. Ensuring regular maintenance to prevent leaks, which can lead to significant water wastage over time, is another practical step toward water conservation.

    Waste management

    Waste management is an essential component of a green office. Establishing recycling programs can ensure that waste materials such as paper, plastic, metal and electronics are properly disposed of and repurposed. If the office has a kitchen, consider composting food waste. Not only does this reduce the amount of waste going to landfills, but the resulting compost can be used to nourish office plants or donated to local community gardens. By establishing recycling programs, businesses can ensure that waste materials like paper, plastic and metal are properly disposed of and repurposed. Composting organic waste reduces the amount of waste going to landfills while producing nutrient-rich soil for use in landscaping.

    Beyond recycling and composting, businesses can implement waste reduction strategies. This could involve going paperless, using digital alternatives for meetings and note-taking, and reducing unnecessary packaging in the office. Moreover, businesses can explore the concept of a circular economy, where resources are used for as long as possible, and at the end of their life, components are recovered and regenerated. This could involve initiatives like leasing office equipment or using modular furniture that can be easily repaired, upgraded or disassembled for recycling.

    Related: Meet BlocPower, the Startup That Dreams of Green Buildings Throughout the United States

    Enhancing indoor environmental quality

    Good ventilation not only ensures an adequate supply of fresh air but also helps control indoor humidity levels, reducing the risk of mold growth. Businesses can also consider “thermal comfort,” which refers to maintaining a temperature range in which people feel comfortable. Thermal comfort depends on factors like air temperature, humidity, air movement and the type of clothing worn by people. The indoor environmental quality significantly affects occupant health and productivity. Using low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) or VOC-free paints, adhesives and cleaning products reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Additionally, incorporating indoor plants can improve air quality while creating a more calming and attractive environment.

    Embarking on the journey to transform an office into a green building requires commitment and often investment. Still, the benefits — from cost savings and improved employee health to promoting a more sustainable future — make it a worthwhile endeavor. By taking these steps, entrepreneurs and business leaders are not just creating healthier, more sustainable workplaces. They are joining the green building revolution, contributing significantly to the future of sustainable real estate development and shaping the way we think about the spaces in which we work.

    The evolution of the green building movement offers an array of opportunities for entrepreneurs and business leaders. By staying abreast of the latest green practices and technologies and fostering a culture of sustainability within their organizations, they can make a meaningful contribution to the environment while reaping tangible business benefits. It’s a win-win scenario, where businesses can bolster their bottom line while making strides towards a more sustainable and ecologically responsible world.

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    Ari Chazanas

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  • 4 Things That Must Change for the Future of Sustainability

    4 Things That Must Change for the Future of Sustainability

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    It’s a bold statement, but it’s true: Without mining, there is no path to sustainability. The resources required to support modern life and the production of new technologies will come from responsible mining. Thus, mining will ultimately drive the global movement to meet sustainable development goals focused on improving the quality of life for all people. It’s a tall order, but it’s not impossible. However, some things will have to change to meet the ever-increasing demand for natural resources:

    Related: Why Mining Should Be on the Radar for Entrepreneurs Interested in Sustainability

    1. Lack of education

    There’s a massive disconnect between the public’s perception of mining and its desire for progress. People want electric cars, clean energy and new smartphones every year. You can’t have these without raw materials, which come from mining the earth. To meet the future demand for materials like copper, cobalt and lithium, mining outputs will have to increase by up to 500% over the coming 30 years.

    Mining is necessary for our survival but dangerous if not done correctly. The mining industry has made great strides in recent decades to improve its operations and increase overall efficiency to ensure the safety and well-being of people and the environment. However, uninformed public perception and over-politicization can lead to counterproductive policies and regulations. The result is endless red tape that prevents the development of new mining operations that the world greatly needs. It currently takes over a decade just to permit a new mine in the US. We can’t afford such crippling delays, which are born from ignorance rather than informed decision-making. Promoting education and advocacy for better understanding of mining’s role in sustainability is key.

    Mines create jobs and fuel the growth of local economies, not only for the lifecycle of the mine but for generations. The key is ensuring stakeholder participation at the community level that is supported by sound governance and strong institutions. With greater public support, mining can continue to advance and become the catalyst for the truly sustainable development of our societies.

    2. Poor policies

    The delays caused by poor policy are bad enough, but the current political and regulatory climate surrounding mining has even greater negative impacts on a global scale. Because it is so difficult to mine legally, we now see widespread illegal mining operations worldwide. These operations are extremely harmful; they destroy pristine natural locations, disregard environmental concerns, risk global stability and are rife with human rights violations.

    Even when politicians understand the issues around mining policy, the political backlash of supporting a more pragmatic approach makes them hesitant to act. This hesitation is understandable, but it puts political interests above the well-being of their constituents. Mining has become a political football for both sides of the aisle, and this cannot continue. We must review government policies regularly to ensure this industry can continue to support modern life now and in the future.

    Related: What Is Sustainable Entrepreneurship, and Why Does it Matter?

    3. Not embracing the future

    Mining also needs to fully embrace emerging technologies, such as machine learning and Artificial Intelligence, to optimize water and energy use, minimize waste and support further exploration. It will continue to be more difficult to extract the materials we need, as the most easily accessible resources have largely been extracted. We’ll have to dig ever deeper into the earth for the resources we need, and as we go deeper, the environment becomes more hazardous for humans. That’s where AI, machine learning and autonomous machines can mitigate risk and improve efficiency.

    We are innovating, to be sure — one good development is our ability to extract minerals from mining waste, for instance.

    4. Forced labor

    Forced labor in mining is a horrible reality, specifically in countries with less-than-stellar human rights records. With the advantages that low labor costs bring, certain nations have allowed predatory actors to gain access to the market of mining, processing, smelting and refining of our natural resources. Children, the poor and other disadvantaged populations are most at risk.

    Developed countries have to take a strong stand against these practices. Only by working together can we end these inhumane practices for good and ensure mining operations are done responsibly in all corners of the world.

    Related: Create Meaningful Sustainable Development Outcomes Through Innovation

    We have a powerful incentive to improve mining operations. The future of mining is bright, but that will come with work. If we want to keep providing the building blocks of modern civilization, these things need to change. The benefits are beyond question — we can elevate the poor through minerals and metals, giving them access to electricity and clean water. It’s possible to eradicate poverty without giving up civilization while still pursuing clean energy goals. Above all else, health and education are most essential for the sustainable development of humanity. They are the foundation for healthy civilizations, and mining can help us get there.

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    Ed Macha

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  • How Your Business Can Unpack the Importance of Recycling

    How Your Business Can Unpack the Importance of Recycling

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Consumers in 2022 are well aware of the importance of recycling. After all, they have been bombarded with “recyclable” messaging on their products since the 1970s. But even the most optimistic are frustrated with the lack of progress and accessible recycling processes. As climate change increasingly impacts our daily routines, the urgency of these efforts is increasing.


    PonyWang | Getty Images

    Without swift action, the estimated 11 million metric tons of plastic currently entering the ocean annually will triple in the next 20 years. The time is now — and businesses must take immediate steps to understand the realities of recycling, the opportunity to contribute to a circular economy and the necessity to educate consumers.

    Related: How Entrepreneurs Can Turn Trash Into Profit (Literally)

    Recycling needs a reboot

    The data clearly shows just how confused consumers are about recyclability. There is an alarming gap between recycling perception and reality.

    One new report found that out of the 40 million tons of plastic waste generated in the United States last year, only 5% to 6% was recycled. In fact, glass, plastic and liquid cartons all have a much lower rate of recycling than perceived by the consumer.

    The reality is, most of the materials labeled “recyclable” are not recycled, or are recycled only one or two times before they hit the landfill. So while labeling these materials might seem like an easy way to promote recycling, it’s doing little to protect our planet.

    The good news is that consumers still want to be a part of the long-term solution. More than half of consumers are “less likely” to buy products in harmful packaging, and 44% said they “won’t buy” products in packaging that is harmful to the environment, according to Trivium Packaging’s 2022 Global Buying Green Report.

    But just because consumers like to buy sustainable packaging doesn’t mean they are taking the necessary steps to recycle it. This is why brands must do their part to encourage more recycling, including educating consumers on the large gap between perception and reality. Every business must have a hand in changing consumer behavior by creating recycling content across brand channels, communicating messaging about sustainable materials and finding ways to encourage and incentivize the recycling of their products and packaging.

    Related: What Is Sustainable Entrepreneurship, and Why Does it Matter?

    The switch to circularity

    It’s time for leaders to dig deeper and look at materials that recycle forever without degrading in quality and that have high recycling rates. These materials, like metal and glass, stay in the circular loop forever, achieving much higher levels of circularity.

    For example, 84% of steel packaging in Europe is recycled. Once it’s sourced, metal packaging is infinitely refillable and versatile, ultimately making it much more economical and environmental because of its durability.

    Reducing waste and moving away from the culture of disposability is one of the most significant shifts in modern-day consumerism. Brands must get on board. By moving away from materials that have a limit to the number of times they can be recycled and towards materials that can be recycled forever, companies large and small can not only move the needle in their own sustainability goals but contribute to a circular economy and help save our planet.

    Related: Being Eco-Friendly Is Hard. Here, 6 Business Leaders Explain Their Most Effective Strategies.

    Investing in the infrastructure: Public and private responsibility in the circular life cycle

    If businesses believe government policies are supportive of improving their environmental footprint, they’ll be more confident in transforming their manufacturing process to support infinitely recyclable materials. Conversely, there’s much that every brand can do to support a stronger recycling infrastructure.

    In recent years, large consumer brands have banded together for major recycling infrastructure investments. Companies have also worked directly with processing centers to invest in enhanced recycling machinery or partnered with recycling centers to promote new technologies that more accurately and efficiently sort recycled materials.

    No matter what size company, there are ways to participate. There are many examples around the world of businesses, government entities and communities collaborating to keep trash out of landfills. Many offer collection programs, even for hard-to-recycle waste streams, and work with businesses to enhance their circular supply chain, ultimately keeping materials in circularity.

    Related: Why You Need to Build Sustainability Into Your Business Strategy

    Implementation and education

    In a recent study, 88% of consumers said they wanted brands to help them be more sustainable and ethical in their day-to-day lives. And there’s no better platform to communicate important messages to your consumers than the packaging itself.

    Featuring language on packaging such as “metal recycles forever” and “100% Recyclable, Forever” across packaging or point-of-sale materials on digital platforms and social channels will help to both promote eco-friendly credentials and communicate the call to action to the end user.

    Recycling is far from the simple panacea that the advertising spots from the past 30 years wanted us to believe. It’s complex and it takes work. It’s time to take on that complexity and take recycling to the next level — which is circularity. That requires a check of existing sustainability goals. Small businesses that understand how to take advantage of this new circular infrastructure will win — and help save the planet in the process.

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    Rob Huffman

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  • This 17-Year-Old Founder Is Helping Farmers Using AI

    This 17-Year-Old Founder Is Helping Farmers Using AI

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    Nathan Elias, now the 17-year-old founder of the cutting-edge app InvasiveAI, was in fifth grade when he first recognized an algorithm’s potential to solve real-world problems. His own problem at the time? Math homework.


    Courtesy of InvasiveAI

    Determined to avoid completing 50 tediously long multiplication problems, Elias used Python to create a program that could do it for him.

    But that was just the beginning.

    As a freshman in high school, Elias encountered another problem in need of a solution while visiting his grandfather’s rice farm in Kerala, India. Because the farm is located in Kuttanad, a town that lies below sea level, it’s especially vulnerable when it rains or floods — an increasing issue with the shift in monsoon seasons.

    That’s exactly what happened during Elias’s trip that summer.

    “The floods actually brought in an invasive plant from the upper regions,” Elias tells Entrepreneur. “And that’s known as Giant Salvinia. My grandfather wasn’t able to identify that early enough, and as a result, that plant just overpopulated the entire farm.”

    Elias began to learn more about invasive species, ultimately discovering just how many issues they cause across the globe — and realizing that AI could be the answer.

    Related: 3 Ways to Drive Business Growth Using AI

    “But I realized that [if we could] identify invasive species via an image and predict where they’re going to go, that would be powerful.”

    Initially, Elias had the idea to create an app that would allow users to identify an invasive species with just a photograph. But it soon became clear that InvasiveAI couldn’t compete with other platforms like iNaturalist in terms of scale. He considered what more he could do and eventually landed on geospatial prediction.

    “It took a while to actually figure out which parts of AI I was using, because there are so many different aspects,” Elias says. “But I realized that [if we could] identify invasive species via an image and predict where they’re going to go, that would be powerful. That’s how I started experimenting with machine-learning models.”

    But AI models need a data set to go off of, learning over time “just like the human brain,” so Elias had to tackle the challenge of building an invasive species database essentially from scratch.

    Additionally, having only a handful of invasive species in the database wouldn’t have the impact Elias wanted to make. He knew he needed at least a couple of hundred — plus thousands of images for a clean, accurate model.

    “I had to scrape all these images using a technique called web scraping,” Elias explains. “I created my own data set, and that took a while because you have to organize each image by each species.”

    Building out that geospatial prediction also took a lot of time and effort because it’s not just based on coordinates: It also takes into account factors like climate and competition between invasive species and clusters.

    Image credit: Courtesy of InvasiveAI

    Related: Can Technology Help Us Fight Climate Change?

    “I don’t want a farmer to identify an invasive species but then have no idea how to take action against it.”

    Along the way, Elias also met with the Texas Master Naturalist program to pinpoint the specific impact invasive species were having and the specific problems that needed solving. You have to fully understand the problem to figure out what to do: “Live in the problem when you’re finding a solution,” Elias says.

    Now, Elias is working on building out the app’s potential for connection — giving people the resources they need to effectively get rid of invasive species. It’s not as simple as recommending a one-size-fits-all pesticide; there’s too wide a range of invasive species, including plants, animals, insects and pathogens.

    “I don’t want a farmer to identify an invasive species but then have no idea how to take action against it,” Elias says. “That’s pretty much the same as them not having a tool at all. Farmers definitely can get rid of invasives on their own, but if they don’t do it in the right way — if they’re not taking care — the invasive species can come back.”

    Connecting farmers with a local university or removal group that has firsthand experience eradicating an invasive species helps ensure the issue remains resolved.

    So far, InvasiveAI’s progress speaks for itself: The app has prevented and projected more than 10,000 cases of invasive species growth across all 50 states.

    Elias has received funding and recognition from companies and organizations like Google, USAID, National Geographic and NASA. He’s also published his work in the scientific community and has been working with researchers at the University of Texas at Austin and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

    Image credit: Courtesy of InvasiveAI

    Related: 3 Lessons Entrepreneurs Can Learn From NASA About Organizational Design

    “I really enjoy it — it’s a passion of mine.”

    Founder is just one of Elias’s current roles — he’s also still a high school student, finishing up his senior year at Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA), a public magnet school in Austin, Texas with an advanced curriculum. Being a student at LASA has helped Elias hone his time-management skills, he says, noting that he seizes every spare moment to continue his work on InvasiveAI.

    “Summer, winter break, I’m just developing this app, spending a lot of time on it,” Elias explains. “But I really enjoy it — it’s a passion of mine. If you like something, then you’re going to do it automatically. That’s how it was for me.”

    What’s next for Elias once he graduates from high school? It’s a question he gets a lot.

    “And I don’t have a concrete plan,” Elias says. “But what I always say is that I’m looking for a place that cares about this idea that I have, because it’s been a huge part of what I’ve done in high school — it’s almost like going to debate club every day, but I’ve been working on this app.

    “This is something that I care about,” he continues. “It’s a passion of mine. [So I’m looking for a] CS program that can offer me the skills to continue developing this, to create a better network. It doesn’t matter where it is, as long as I’m able to expand this app.”

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    Amanda Breen

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  • Bill Gates: Business Environmental Naming Rules Should Support Innovation

    Bill Gates: Business Environmental Naming Rules Should Support Innovation

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    This week, Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates discussed his opinion on the idea that businesses over-hype their commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) values in an interview with CNBC.


    Alex Wong I Getty Images

    Bill Gates in Washington, D.C. in 2019, talking about climate change.

    Gates told the outlet that while determining whether a company meets sustainability requirements is difficult, it’s still important information that investors need to have to support technologies to help fight climate change — i.e., don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.

    “The part that I believe in is where you accelerate the innovation. To me, it’s not so much who you don’t invest in but who you do invest in,” Gates said to CNBC.

    Gates is also the creator of Breakthrough Energy Ventures, a climate investment firm, which he started in 2015.

    The idea of “ESG” funds, which supposedly focus on environmental or social goals, has come into the spotlight lately.

    Notably, Elon Musk publicly criticized a prominent ESG index after it removed his electric car company, Tesla, (which had to do with factors including allegations of racism at his factories), but kept six oil businesses.

    The SEC has also recently proposed rules to increase requirements on funds that claim to have a certain focus, like ESG funds, and more regulations for ESGs specifically.

    Gates seemed to push back on the idea that the requirements are worth nitpicking about, even though he acknowledged there is a lot of “controversy” about how to measure if a company is meeting environmental requirements.

    “The whole measurement thing is a little immature,” he said. “The field is going to get mature on that.”

    The SEC has proposed that investment funds that name themselves a specific way (such as an ESG fund) must spend at least 80% of their money, on that focus (previously, it was just a suggestion) for example.

    “There is a way to measure it, and it should be one of the factors people look at when they invest in companies,” Gates said adding that “a lot of investors really do want to get” information related to sustainability incentives.

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    Gabrielle Bienasz

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