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Good morning,

We’re constantly meeting brilliant people working on similar problems, often in the same cities, but they don’t know each other yet. This issue is a reminder that, while we each have our individual projects, the real magic happens when we find ways to connect and build community. We’re all in this together, and the more we share ideas, the stronger we become.

This issue dives into how cities are embracing climate solutions, and why it’s crucial to connect the dots between people working towards the same goal. Consider sharing this with a friend who might be looking for their next link in the climate movement.

Let’s dive in.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Curated finds from around the web

Spending on the global energy transition doubled between 2020 and 2024. Yep, that’s right. Last year, we spent the highest-ever annual amount, $2.1 trillion, on electrified transportation, clean energy, and other aspects of the global energy transition. The highest spending country? China. So for those of you wondering if we’re going back to fossil fuels, we’re waving at you from the (packed) train that’s already left the station. 

More than 80% of new electricity generation globally in 2024 came from zero-carbon sources. The 2025 IEA Global Energy Review is out, and data show that energy demand grew faster than expected and across all fuel types. Although oil demand grew, its share of total energy is at its lowest ever, as global EV sales grew 26% year-over-year. CO2 emissions also increased, partly because global weather patterns and record-high temperatures increased energy use. Other highlights here.       

Pretty soon, Paris will just be sidewalks and bike lanes. Nearly 2/3rds of Parisians voted to pedestrianize (an additional) 500 streets in the country’s capital. The referendum vote follows two others on transportation, one tripling parking charges for large SUVs and the other banning e-scooters. Eliminating more than 10,000 parking spots, the 500 new pedestrianized streets will join the 200 already pedestrianized for a total of 10% of the city’s streets. The proof of impact is in the data: car traffic in Paris has halved since 2000.    

U.S. states are stepping up to fund gaps in active transportation projects. The “Clean Rides Network” of seven states has committed to funding active transportation projects dropped by the USDOT under new Secretary Sean Duffy. They’re taking up the cause for economic reasons as much as environmental ones, with residents across the U.S. citing transportation costs ranking second only to housing in consumer costs.

QUOTE

THE RUNDOWN

What if climate week could be more than just a healthy discussion

As LA Climate Week (and April) looms around the corner, we find ourselves asking, What’s the point of designating a week to events on climate? 

Over the past few years, Climate Weeks have been popping up around the world. NYC Climate Week - known just as “Climate Week” to many - was the first: anchored on the UN General Assembly, it has established itself as the place every September for policymakers, businesses, investors, and start-ups to engage in a hearty dose of climate optimism and coffee shop, martini bar, and invite-only reception business dealings. (NYC) Climate Week’s goal is obvious - to accelerate country-level action for governments and businesses on climate and cleantech.

New Climate Weeks have been forging their own identities. London Climate Action Week focuses on finance and global investment. SF Climate Week, on the intersection of climate and innovation. Colorado Climate Week elevates the state’s emerging role in clean energy and policy leadership. And Cape Town Climate Week elevates the urgency of climate change on different aspects of social justice.    

For us, LA Climate Week is about solidifying the LA region as the third leg of the cleantech stool in the U.S. (San Francisco and NYC being the others - sorry, other contender cities). And for many in L.A., it’s more about connecting communities with climate, engaging the public with different climate concepts to mainstream and turn NIMBYs into YIMBYs.  

So, what’s the point of Climate Weeks? There’s many, starting with galvanizing as many people as possible to act as soon as possible on projects that serve the environment, economy, equity, security, and quality of life. Our hope is that the concept of Climate Week will spread not just to large cities across the globe, but to small ones, towns, rural areas, regions, and states. When it comes to climate action, there’s more than enough room for everyone.     

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A recent study suggests that extreme heat takes a quiet toll on our longevity. Researchers are uncovering unexpected connections between ambient rising temperatures and accelerated epigenetic aging.

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