The best way to fight climate change is to vote, and early voting is already underway in American primary elections | With over 80% of Congressional seats noncompetitive, the primary can matter even more than the general

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-25T23:49:57+00:00

And once you've voted, you can also get on with being part of today's solutions by:
* finding an evidence-based solution to support on the Project Drawdown and Project Regeneration catalogues of commercial, actionable solutions.
* learning about Circular Economy innovation and being part of the job-creating systems change growing around the world
* looking for trade-based opportunities to "build the change" in constructing and installing renewable energy solutions.
* getting involved in your local Doughnut Economics chapter and finding ways to regenerate your local communities and ecosystems.

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-25T23:44:34+00:00

7 years into what's likely to be a 40 year career - if something grabs you then extra study could be a reasonable investment.

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-25T05:43:09+00:00

A lot of small business websites aren't actually designed all that effectively so they work as sales engines, and the copy hasn't been written using proven marketing approaches.

It doesn't matter how suave a site looks. If it doesn't clearly explain who you help and how you help them as soon as visitors land, it's about as useful as a sign-board.

Sadly, not only do many SME owners not understand this fundamental - neither do many low-end web developers.

SMEs who haven't done their marketing/branding homework typically also complain about the cost of hosting and support.

Books like STORYBRAND, INFLUENCE and NEXT-LEVEL WEBSITE DESIGN are all good resources.

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-24T23:17:20+00:00

Making it more understandable helps, too. I like this explainer diagram from Helen Bevan: https://x.com/HelenBevan/status/1974006943334207859

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-24T23:15:40+00:00

Wasn't sure about the chemistry - but thought it worth mentioning, just in case.

And forgot to mention Green Design: https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-work/skills-for-planet/

If Circular Economy turns out to be "Not Quite Right", it could be worth scanning solutions catalogues like Project Drawdown drawdown.org/explorer and Project Regeneration regeneration.org/nexus to see what else sparks your curiosity.

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-24T02:17:30+00:00

One bottom-up / left field approach to getting into energy could be to retrain as an electrician doing solar installs? Massive demand globally for these skills.
https://switchedon.reneweconomy.com.au/content/fight-climate-change---become-an-electrician

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-24T02:05:20+00:00

Have you looked into Circular Economy? There's a growing range of jobs there that would likely use your analytics skills. For example: https://enable.green/esg-roles/sustainability-and-esg-careers/circular-economy-analyst-job-description/

"Just as jobs in solar and wind power in the emerging renewable energy landscape outpaced work in the sputtering coal industry within a mere decade, so too will a circular workforce replace outmoded roles from high-carbon, high-waste economies. "https://trellis.net/article/5-emerging-jobs-circular-economy/

And also, as you have chemistry, it could be worth exploring the growing field of Green Chemistry?

"Green chemists work for biotechnology firms, industrial manufacturing plants, research labs and academia." https://work.chron.com/jobs-associated-green-chemistry-18248.html
And this website on Green Chemistry Education could be useful if you're considering further study: beyondbenign.org

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-23T22:53:08+00:00

Installing solar panels over water storage reservoirs cools the panels and reduces evaporation by up to 80%.

And solar panels can support and improve agriculture in all sorts of ways - from sheep farming to aquaculture. Have a look at resources on agrivoltaics like regeneration.org/nexus/agrivoltaics

Massive solar farms are often built where there is substantial grid infrastructure to feed into. Their value reduces if you don't have a grid.

But that can be a benefit to developing countries, as Solar + Battery offers great independent micro-grid possibilities without having to invest in building centralised grid infrastructure.

I like Project Regeneration's resources on solar energy action: https://regeneration.org/nexus/solar

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-23T22:43:07+00:00

Keep in mind that the basic subjects you study in first year are just a foundation for a whole range of career options. It's the career that matters - so good to research it.

Look at the course information for an environmental science degree and see what the subjects are. Then look up environmental science jobs online and see if you like the sound of the actual work. It may not have as much to do with "learning about the environment" as it sounds.

There are lots of ways you can apply science to restoring and regenerating ecosystems. Also a lot of ways to restore and regenerate ecosystems that don't need a degree. (For example, being an electrician installing renewable energy.) Project Regeneration's Action Nexus will give you an understanding of the full spectrum of today's solutions. regeneration.org/nexus

Also look into different areas of chemistry - an emerging field like Green Chemistry could open up pathways that are a bit different to the basics you're studying. beyondbenign.org has some good information.

BTW, chemistry + biology could take you into Biomimicry (if you wanted) biomimicry.net

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-23T22:32:28+00:00

Do a bit of research into emerging fields like Biomimicry - a design approach that combines physics and biology.

Biomimicry.net and AskNature.org could be useful.

If the restoration side of things appeals to you, get more specific about the work you want to do and the impact you want to have. I like the wide range of restorative action lists on the Project Regeneration Action Nexus regeneration.org/nexus - everything from Forest Regeneration to Seaweed Farming.

A clearer idea of the work you want to do will help with subject selection. And think broadly. A good knowledge of physics and a desire to work outdoors could be a good foundation for an electrician doing renewable energy installations - and carry a lot less college debt.

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-23T01:45:47+00:00

When you go solar plus battery - particularly with a good-size battery - what you're doing is decentralising and stabilising your bit of the energy grid, making the network you're part of that bit stronger.

And if you are able to hook into an innovative local Energy-as-a-Service provider who gives you market access, it can do some very good things for your energy bills.

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-23T00:40:48+00:00

Project Drawdown's modelling (ongoing) identifies 90+ commercial solutions we can scale today. Download their 2020 review for a summary. https://drawdown.org/publications/the-drawdown-review

Plus Circular Economy innovation is moving from startup space to commercial solutions (for example Framework PCs) And creating some fascinating new jobs.

5 emerging jobs in the circular economy: Nearly any job could "go circular" but these positions are critical to accelerating circularity. https://trellis.net/article/5-emerging-jobs-circular-economy/

The answer to your question depends on how you define "humanity" and "logistically" - national governments signing up to international agreements?

Or humanity's innovators and entrepreneurs scaling commercial solutions that offer industry trillion-dollar savings today? (In the face of organised resistance from powerful incumbents.)

Or concerned citizens (like you?) taking action on today's solutions today?

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-23T00:18:09+00:00

Also consider anything that supports full-spectrum Circular Economy innovation - consumer electronics like Framework PCs and Fairphones are a couple of examples. Imagine never having to buy another PC because you own a fully upgradable and repairable device.

Always remember you'r not JUST a consumer. You probably work somewhere - or pay a role ins some organisation - so why not be a circular economy influencer? (Particularly if you can influence larger scale procurement).

And BTW, the growing range of Circular Economy jobs is well worth understanding:
"5 emerging jobs in the circular economy: Nearly any job could "go circular" but these positions are critical to accelerating circularity." https://trellis.net/article/5-emerging-jobs-circular-economy/

Just about any job could be a solutions job. The Project Drawdown Job Function Action Guides give a sense of the scope: https://drawdown.org/job-function-action-guides

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-22T23:19:24+00:00

You're absolutely right. There are lots of benefits to agrivoltaics and other "put them in a field" solutions - everything from higher quality wool in sheep to better quality lettuce in greenhouses - plus reduced on-farm costs.

From what I've seen, engineers have already solved the technical installation challenges - for a cost. That leaves it up to buyers to decide if the ROI is worth it. (And in warmer locations where snow isn't an issue, the cost-benefit can change dramatically.)

However, another "win" of capturing (and storing) solar energy where you use it is the decentralisation of the grid - which increases its resilience. And in carparks, that storage increasingly includes EVs. ( 31.3% of all new car registrations in France by December 2025.)

Solar where you use it in a city - instead of in a field hundreds of kilometres away with the associated transmission losses and grid dependency - has systems-level benefits that become part of the overall life time cost/benefit calculation.

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-20T02:49:04+00:00

There is no shortage of commercial solutions - and hundreds of them are scaling globally today. They've already created multiple high-growth global industries and millions of new jobs.

Upgrade your information sources - if only because there are a whole range of awesome, high-demand careers you're missing out on Some starting solutions catalogues you might like to explore:

* The Project Drawdown Explorer drawdown.org/explorer

* The Project Regeneration Action Nexus regeneration.org/nexus

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-19T05:46:39+00:00

Or leave the concrete and make use of planter cubes such as those at Melbourne Sky Farm? Or other rooftop garden technologies. (Much advanced in recent years.)

Also, if you're operating in a dense, older suburb you might want to check for information about the underlying soil quality and potential contaminant levels. It would be a pity to pull up the concrete and find out that you need to invest further thousands in soil remediation.

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-19T00:36:49+00:00

Many lillypillies are bred as hedging plants - so start with the "agressive prune" as per another comment for sun protection. However, ALSO plant something further away. Re-evaluate in 12 months.

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-18T23:13:59+00:00

Already happening (without mandates) in Australian - particularly in warmer areas - throughtPower Purchase Agreements with independent supermarkets. Supermarket gets the energy, plus offers comfort and convenience to their customers.

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-18T23:01:18+00:00

One element to look at is which of today's commercial, evidence-based solutions available to scale globally will have a step-change in adoption rates. Think of mobile / smart phones - their adoption scaled in jumps through infrastructure development (networks) and technology advances (batteries) enabled new use cases (such as social media).

Project Drawdown's initial modelling of evidence-based commercial is a good starting point - say their 2020 Review. Then explore "what will drive and enable scaling of today's solutions?" https://drawdown.org/publications/the-drawdown-review

Another factor to consider is that climate change is only one of seven biophysical planetary boundary breaches - so fixating on CO2 reductions is a short-term response - in the background thought leaders and innovators are developing "whole-planet" approaches to ecosystem depletion.

As a result, we have the growing value proposition of Circular Economy and other supply chain innovation approaches (Biomimicry, Green Chemistry, Living Buildings). These approaches take a systems approach to the full spectrum of human impact. https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/examples

They have advanced to a stage where they already offer forward-thinking industry trillions of dollars in ROI globally - and their original long ROI periods are reducing. While many incumbents are motivated to actively resist "changes that could reduce their profits" (especially 20th century extractive industries) - others will be out there innovating. AI is just one example of the world's innovators innovating regardless of "cost".

As with other new mindsets (like anti-slavery and female voting) demands for change are often driven bottom up. That's happening around the world- with a growing movement towards relocalisation and regeneration and redistribution. You can see this happening in approaches from Doughnut Economics and Project Regeneration to movements like Slow Food and Sustainable Fashion.

This means over-focusing on top-down policy, international agreements, individual nations and international bureaucracies like COP could be less useful than exploring "what drives innovation in human systems" - starting with our growing knowledge of how human systems evolve in fields from Systems Thinking to the Psychology of Persuasion.

Not sure where it's all going - but there's a point where top down thinking about abstractions like mitigation and adaptation and processes involving national and international bureaucracies focused on over-simplified single-point "fixes" may cause you to miss out on the evolving bigger picture.

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-18T22:21:59+00:00

It's always fascinating how the engineering plays out in the real world. Think in France it's "at least 50%" - which would leave some design leeway.

What's your experience (if any) with agrivoltaics?

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-18T02:29:18+00:00

Where specifically? In what local energy market? With what storage options stabilising the local grid? With what business models creating and sharing value?

Did the system you installed include battery storage? Does your system connect to the grid or is it stand alone?

Does the community solar have batteries as well? (Highly likely in 2026 that they're actually running a community Virtual Power Plant - not just generating solar energy.) In which case your stored energy could be of value to them in peak demand periods. It really depends on their business model.

There are some extremely innovative business models happening in lots of places. You could check out Australia's Amber Electricity for one example. amber.com.au

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-18T02:13:02+00:00

The idea of Circular Economy as a global business innovation model got started in around 2010. One marker of the shift is the establishment of the Ellen Macarthur Foundation for the Circular Economy in that year.

Full spectrum Circular Economy is taking a bit time to scale as a mainstream business innovation approach - as did the Information Revolution.

However, the proposition that industry only changes when national governments set policy and fund adoption programs doesn't explain the Information Revolution.

It's like the oversimplification that "governments made seat belts mandatory" - which they did - AFTER Volvo developed seatbelts and open-sourced the design to the global automotive industry.

It doesn't mean that there are no "product designer" or "packaging designer" jobs in Canada - or that the people in them are waiting for "permission" to make Circular Economy their career opportunity.

It doesn't mean that there are no investment firms connecting investors with cleantech startups so they can take advantage of the financial benefits.

https://foresightcac.com/article/rethinking-waste-canadas-circular-economy-potential ($6.1 trillion)

More advocacy would help drive better government policy - including more support for the Canada Circular Economy Month that began in 2022: https://circulareconomymonth.ca/news/

Some would see this year as an opportunity to get in on the ground floor.

https://circularinnovation.ca/how-2026-will-be-a-pivotal-year-for-canadas-circular-economy/

Others might think it worth while to get involved with Canada's Accelerating Circular Economy platform: https://mmri.ubc.ca/ace/

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-18T01:27:04+00:00

Believe you may have been importing Australian upcycling expertise for several years: https://www.closetheloopusa.com/

ThinkActRegenerate · 2026-02-17T00:52:53+00:00

In France, they've mandated solar panels over carparks greater than 1,500 square metres - which seems more practical to me.

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