#78 | A Ride for the Planet: Jacquelyn Francis’s 600 Miles for Climate Action
🎧 Full Episode: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify
On Friday, July 12th, 2024, renowned climate scientist & Global Warming Mitigation Project founder, Jacquelyn Francis will embark on an extraordinary 600-mile electric bike journey from Aspen, CO, to Sun Valley, Idaho. Her goal? To highlight sustainable travel & raise funds for crucial climate solutions!
** Chip in here to support Jacquelyn's ride & fund critical solutions to our climate crisis **
Jacquelyn will begin her 600-mile e- bike ride at her home in Aspen, Colorado. She’ll travel to the 2024 Sun Valley Forum in Sun Valley, Idaho, where she will announce the ten winner’s of this year’s Keeling Curve Prize. This prize is awarded annually to the top 10 global projects that demonstrate the ability to reduce, replace, or remove greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Each winner receives $50,000 to expand their climate solutions research. ( See section below to learn more.)
This effort to bike to the event isn’t merely a ride; it’s a testament to Jacquelyn’s dedication to climate action and a powerful call to arms for all of us.
Jacquelyn’s background is rich with experience and passion for environmental issues. Raised in Aspen, Colorado, she grew up surrounded by nature, which deeply influenced her career path. In 2017, she founded the Global Warming Mitigation Project, an organization dedicated to supporting innovative, science-backed solutions to the climate crisis.
"We can't adapt our way out of this situation. We need to turn off the problem, which is the fossil fuel spigot."
- Jacquelyn Francis
The Keeling Curve Prize, the brainchild of Jacquelyn Francis, stands as a beacon of hope in the global fight against climate change. Since its inception in 2018, this prestigious award has recognized and supported innovative projects that demonstrate a tangible ability to reduce, replace, or remove greenhouse gases from our atmosphere. Each year, the prize awards $50,000 to ten outstanding initiatives from around the world, providing not just financial support but also a crucial boost to their growth and impact. With over $1.75 million distributed to 60 diverse organizations, including nonprofits, for-profits, and startups, the Keeling Curve Prize has fostered one of the largest networks of global warming mitigators.
Under Jacquelyn's visionary leadership, the prize attracts applicants from over 109 countries, showcasing the breadth and diversity of solutions emerging from under-resourced, vulnerable communities, and BIPOC- and women-led organizations. After a rigorous evaluation process by a panel of distinguished experts, the ten winning projects are equipped with the necessary funds to scale their operations and amplify their impact.
The initiatives awarded are projected to reduce an astounding 3.27 gigatons of CO2e emissions in 2024 alone. Beyond the financial award, the Keeling Curve Prize acts as a catalyst, enabling its laureates to secure additional funding, with winners collectively raising $1.37 billion in subsequent investments.
🎙️ Hear my full interview with Jacquelyn Francis: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify
🎙️ In this episode:
The Ride: Discover the logistics and challenges of Jacquelyn’s 600-mile journey, including her early morning starts to avoid the extreme heat, and the physical and mental preparation involved.
Personal Motivation: Learn about Jacquelyn’s deep-rooted passion for climate action, her personal journey from a science class in seventh grade to founding the Global Warming Mitigation Project, and what drives her to take on such an incredible challenge.
Climate Solutions: Explore the science-backed solutions supported by the Global Warming Mitigation Project, including the Keeling Curve Prize, which recognizes significant achievements in reducing greenhouse gases. Understand the importance of decarbonizing energy systems and the role of individual actions.
Community and Support: Hear about the community support Jacquelyn receives, the role of her husband as her “sherpa” on this journey, and how listeners can follow and support her ride.
Future Vision: Discuss the broader vision for a sustainable future, the importance of individual actions in the fight against climate change, and how Jacquelyn’s journey serves as a powerful metaphor for the collective effort needed.
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