Cleantech is rebranding as national security in the Trump era
Apr 17, 2025
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Patrick Sisson, a freelance reporter for Fast Company specializing in clean tech, joins Molly DeWolf Swenson, cofounder of Mosey, to discuss the rebranding of climate technology as essential for national security amid political shifts. They explore how cleantech companies are adapting to funding cuts and changing narratives, emphasizing the intersection of sustainability, job creation, and governmental policies. The conversation also touches on the evolution of social media and the importance of fostering in-person connections through innovative platforms.
Cleantech companies are reframing their narrative to emphasize national security and job creation amid reduced government funding for climate initiatives.
The ongoing tariff wars compel companies like NVIDIA to adjust their manufacturing strategies, highlighting the impact of global trade policies on local economies.
Mosey, a new social media platform, aims to alleviate loneliness by promoting in-person connections and user privacy, contrasting with traditional social media models.
Deep dives
Shift in Clean Tech Messaging
The language surrounding clean technology has evolved significantly, with companies now emphasizing aspects such as national defense, security, and job creation in American manufacturing. This shift parallels the political climate, especially with the current administration advocating for American energy dominance. Clean tech firms are asserting that their technologies contribute to energy independence and support military bases, showcasing the long-standing relevance of these themes in their operations. The clean tech industry views this communication as an opportunity to highlight its inherent strengths rather than merely a marketing maneuver.
Impact of Tariffs and Trade Policies
Existing tariffs and trade wars continue to profoundly affect various markets, with companies like NVIDIA pivoting their production strategies due to these economic pressures. NVIDIA is relocating its manufacturing for AI supercomputers to the United States as a direct response to imposed tariffs, showcasing how global trade tensions force companies to rethink their supply chains. Meanwhile, China's retaliation against U.S. tariffs is expected to increase aircraft maintenance costs, indicating the interconnectedness of global trade policies and local economic impacts. Overall, businesses are navigating a landscape where tariffs complicate their operations, prompting strategic shifts in manufacturing locations.
Meta's Legal Challenges
Meta faces significant legal challenges from the Federal Trade Commission, which is pursuing a lawsuit that alleges the company's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp were intended to stifle competition. This legal scrutiny reflects a broader initiative to regulate Silicon Valley giants deemed to possess monopolistic power. If the FTC succeeds, Meta may be compelled to divest from both platforms, fundamentally altering the company’s structure and market influence. These developments highlight the increasing regulatory focus on the tech industry, aimed at ensuring fair competition and consumer choice.
Launch of Social Network Mosey
The co-founders of Mosey, a new social media app, aim to tackle loneliness and foster in-person connections among users. The app encourages spontaneous gathering by allowing users to check in at various venues and invite friends to join them, essentially creating a digital avenue for real-world interactions. The founders reflect personal transitions and a desire to invest in relationships post-COVID, indicating a broader trend in tech towards addressing social well-being. By focusing on user privacy and minimizing media distractions, Mosey seeks to differentiate itself from conventional social platforms.
Challenges and Opportunities in Clean Tech Investment
Investment in clean technology has faced hurdles due to adverse government policies and economic uncertainties; however, interest persists among certain venture capitalists who view this sector as pivotal for the future. Companies are working to align their messaging with defense and local job creation to attract funding, as the industry evolves amidst fluctuating political landscapes. There is significant potential for growth in clean tech projects like geothermal energy, which appeals not only to environmentalists but also aligns with existing infrastructure from the oil industry. As companies adapt to both market demands and regulatory environments, the future of clean tech investment remains dynamic and promising.
On today’s episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen break down the latest news in the world of business and innovation, including the U.S. dollar’s slide into multiyear lows as the tariff wars with China escalate, the outlook for unemployment, Nvidia’s plans to make supercomputers entirely in the U.S., and OpenAI’s news of launching a social network. (1:24)
Next, Yaz and Josh interview ‘Fast Company freelance reporter Patrick Sisson about cleantech companies rebranding themselves as vital for national security as government funding for anything climate-related gets cut. (10:00)
Finally, Yaz interviews Twitter cofounders Ev Williams and Molly DeWolf Swenson about their new private social media network Mozi, which focuses on helping people foster in-person connections. (23:15)
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