Realizing the potential of renewable innovations — much like the ones Concordians are advancing — will require hard work and a clear-eyed understanding of what’s actually possible.
“We’re somewhat limited in what we can control,” says Peress. “But what we can do is help the planet be more habitable for humankind, animals and plants, and for a longer period of time. “There is no magic bullet, there is no Hail Mary.”
Cowan believes that the search for a one-size-fits-all solution — especially in the form of a unicorn technology — is a distraction. “We have everything we need to solve this crisis,” she says.
Her fellow Concordians who work in the renewables space share that sentiment. To a large extent, they agree that what’s needed is the scaling up of existing technologies in order for them to realize their full zero-emissions potential.
It’s why, for example, it was important for Molloy not to reinvent the wheel when she developed Glas Ocean’s electric boats.
“It wasn’t about designing everything from scratch, from the first bolt to the paint that you put on the system at the end of it,” she says. “It’s looking at ways to use existing technology to figure out where we could contribute improvements.”
The shift to a greener future will also require a shift in public awareness, which activists like Greta Thunberg and Xiye Bastida have helped inspire. Our politics will have to change, too.
“Instead of a subsidy of $13,000 to purchase a Tesla, the government could provide you with $10,000 to install solar panels,” Lopes offers as an example. “Or the government could put laws into place that penalize those who continue to contribute to climate change.”
Policymakers also need to apply more blue-sky thinking, says Athienitis. “We need to develop newer, smarter policies that look at the bigger picture [of the climate crisis], not just one component.”
Adds Lapointe: “We have to get the politicians and, more importantly, industry on board, because corporations have a lot of influence. That’s when you’ll see big changes.” Those changes are under way. The lower cost of renewables has incentivized many large firms across sectors — from textiles to the automotive industry — to join the green revolution.
This feeds a cycle: As the tech gets cheaper, the more it gets used — and the more it gets used, the cheaper it gets. This, in turn, draws more investment, which incentivizes wider adoption and policy support. Green-energy subsidies, carbon taxation, EV mandates and climate-crisis bills have all gained traction as politicians (literally) feel the heat.
All of this is why Concordians leading the green revolution don’t subscribe to doom-and-gloom narratives. Much like Sue Molloy’s students, they’ve become optimistic about the future.
“You have to approach all of your work in the climate space with hope,” says Molloy.