Podcast: Play in new window | Download
What if climate action and economic growth aren’t at odds—but actually deeply aligned?
In this episode, Kate O’Neill sits down with Tom Chi to challenge conventional thinking about climate solutions, innovation, and the future of planetary restoration.
Topics Covered:
The emotional impact of witnessing coral reef collapse
Reimagining climate action through the lens of both ecology and economy
Lessons from Google X: rapid prototyping and low-cost innovation
How Google Glass shaped the understanding of visual information and human experience
Insights into planetary restoration and urgent timelines for action
The concept of “Climate Capital” and investment strategies for sustainability
Aligning ecological wins with economic incentives
Overcoming barriers in climate-tech: capex inertia and effective policy
Interconnectedness and its influence on business and technology
Innovative approaches for sustainable material management
Connect with Tom Chi:
LinkedIn
At One Ventures Website
Episode Chapters:
00:00:05 – Welcome & Introduction to the Tech Humanist Show
00:00:15 – Tom Chi on Reef Collapse and Global Tragedy
00:00:43 – Rethinking Climate Action: Ecology vs. Economy
00:02:15 – Conversation Kickoff: Meet Tom Chi
00:02:36 – Google X, Rapid Prototyping, and Hardware Innovation
00:06:24 – Augmenting Human Vision: Google Glass Discoveries
00:13:08 – From Tech Innovator to Planetary Restoration
00:16:33 – The Gravity of Coral Loss & Civilization-Scale Decisions
00:19:47 – Becoming Net Positive to Nature: NE Ventures Approach
00:21:01 – What “Climate Capital” Really Means
00:27:01 – Structuring Climate-Tech Investments & Timelines
00:28:57 – Advice for Funders: Overcoming Green Premiums
00:33:15 – Interconnectedness: Tech, Nature, and Business
00:38:43 – Building Lasting Systems with Nature
00:39:13 – The One Law to Accelerate Climate Solutions
00:47:21 – Empowering Change: Rates Not States
00:47:30 – Book Release: Climate Capital
00:48:17 – Closing Remarks & How to Connect
