Climate positive cities and air conditioning with 2150.vc and Blue Frontier, Ep #17

In this week’s episode, we’re focusing on the opportunity to invest in buildings, cities, infrastructure and air conditioning. Why? Well, for one thing, 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the built environment, and according to the Climate Group, those emissions are set to double by 2050 if they’re left unchecked. Why else? Because it's been crazy hot this summer and the record heat waves we’ve experienced are unfortunately just the beginning. 

I was thrilled to talk with Christian Hernandez Gallardo, Co-Founder and Partner of venture firm 2150 that’s investing in making cities more efficient, sustainable and resilient. And also Daniel Betts, founder of Blue Frontier, a startup that is set to positively disrupt the air conditioning market.

As investment in urban infrastructure begins to take off, a real transformation is possible and  companies like Blue Frontier offer a glimpse of what the future can hold. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Let’s dive in. 

In today’s episode, we cover:

• [3:33] What is 2150 and the investment thesis that’s driving their work
• [4:37] Why focus on cities and city infrastructure AKA the built environment
• [7:03] Personal motivations behind investing in climate founders
• [10:36] Finding optimism through climate work
• [11:48] The importance of cooling
• [14:46] What is Blue Frontier and what problem is it aiming to solve
• [17:15] What climate impacts can Blue Frontier’s technology create
• [20:02] Replacing refrigerants in air conditioners with other materials
• [21:20] What will it take for Blue Frontier technology to reach scale
• [27:01] Commercial and municipal challenges in replacing legacy infrastructure
• [31:20] Where is there a lack of built environment innovation and investment
• [35:37] How to support the transition to more climate-positive built environments
• [40:25] Tips on how folks can start investing
• [41:29] Calls to action from 2150 and Blue Frontier

Resources Mentioned

• 2150
• Blue Frontier
• Climate Group

Connect with Christian Hernandez Gallardo and Daniel Betts

• Connect with Christian on Twitter and LinkedIn
• Connect with Daniel on Twitter and LinkedIn

Connect With Jason Rissman

• https://InvestedInClimate.com 
• On LinkedIn
• On Twitter

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