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As biodiversity faces mounting risk from the explosion of H5N1 bird flu and climate change, can investing in nature-focused startups unlock new ways to safeguard our planet’s species and ecosystems?
On this episode of Climate on the Edge we’re joined by Tom Quigley, who discusses his unique journey from conservation biology to technology and eventually becoming a venture capitalist focusing on biodiversity. His experiences in field conservation then tech startups shaped his understanding of leveraging technology for conservation challenges.
The conversation explores concepts of ecosystem services, biodiversity measurement, land-use change, and the interplay between technology and nature. Quigley emphasizes nature’s resilience, existing initiatives for biodiversity protection, and the future of nature tech.
He also shares personal reflections from his career working to support nature, and how he hopes to see much more of the finance world join the trend of investing in “nature-tech”.
02:19 From Conservationist to Tech Enthusiast
07:51 Challenges and Opportunities in Nature Tech
11:41 Understanding Biodiversity and Its Importance
18:31 The Economic Value of Ecosystem Services
25:47 Complexity of Measuring Biodiversity
30:10 Nature as Humanity’s Defense Against Climate Disaster
32:20 The Role of Mangroves in Storm Protection
33:24 Key Drivers of Biodiversity Loss
36:49 Understanding Zoonotic Diseases
42:12 Hopeful Solutions and Nature’s Resilience
46:06 The Future of Nature Tech and Biodiversity Investments
54:56 Optimism for the Future
Episode Resources
Bat Fungus Leads to Population Loss
‘Terrifying’ Article on H5N1’s Effect on Biodiversity
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Supported by emrgnce – innovative minds exploring climate’s next frontier.
