Michael Jacobs On Accelerating Climate Tech

Cities are magnets for climate risks. We’ve designed metropolises that intensify hazards like floods and extreme heat, and have to nurture and scale solutions to address their impacts — fast. 

Hence the importance of accelerators: programs that support the rapid growth of new technologies for addressing climate change. Michael Jacobs oversees the IBM Sustainability Accelerator, which works to scale climate solutions from nonprofits and governmental agencies using IBM technology and AI know-how.

To date, the IBM Sustainability Accelerator has supported 15 global projects across three active cohorts focused on sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and water management. The focus of its latest cohort? Resilient cities.

Michael joins Climate Proofers to discuss how the Accelerator got its start, how participants benefit, and the massive potential of AI to build more climate-resilient cities.

Listen below, download from the Podcasts page on Climate Proof, or tune in via Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

We talk about:

👉 Michael’s journey into sustainability and social innovation

👉 The mission and structure of the IBM Sustainability Accelerator

👉 The importance of the Resilient Cities cohort in the Accelerator

👉 Innovative projects scaled by the Accelerator

👉 How AI can power resilience

Future guests include Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the London Climate Resilience Review and Adam Freed from Bloomberg Associates.

Like what you hear? Then make sure to follow the pod and consider leaving a review!

Thanks for listening!

Louie Woodall
Editor