EUVC
VC | E469 | Christian Hernandez on the Real ROI of Adaptation (ImpactVC spotlight series)
May 15, 2025
Christian Hernandez, co-founder and partner at 2150, dives into the urgent need for climate adaptation as a major investment frontier. He critiques the common misconception that adaptation is secondary, emphasizing its critical role alongside mitigation. The conversation explores innovative technologies tackling real emissions, like concrete and air conditioning, and discusses how funders can bridge the gap between nascent tech and large-scale solutions. Hernandez also provides insights into the balancing act of consumption and sustainability necessary for meaningful climate action.
47:04
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Investing in climate adaptation presents a significant economic opportunity, potentially returning three trillion yen for every trillion yen invested.
- The urgency for innovative cooling solutions highlights the need for efficient technologies to combat extreme heat challenges due to climate change.
Deep dives
The Critical Role of Adaptation in Climate Strategy
A significant portion of venture capital funding, approximately 94%, is currently allocated to climate mitigation efforts, focusing primarily on reducing CO2 emissions. However, there is a critical need to also invest in adaptation strategies due to the increasing impacts of climate change, such as intensified hurricane seasons. This growing emphasis on adaptation recognizes the reality that some emissions targets may not be met, necessitating innovations to help societies cope with changing environmental conditions. The conversation around adaptation is gaining momentum, as researchers and investors seek to define success criteria that differ from those in mitigation, pushing for a balanced approach to address climate-related challenges.
