Special Issue: 7 Reasons to be Thankful - Sweet, Untouchable Climate Progress

The holidays are practically here, and there is much to be thankful for. Not only is the momentum behind climate action stronger than ever, but the progress we’ve made through technology, business, and policy has built what I view as an unstoppable tidal wave that’s deeply embedded in our economy and ecosystems. Even as political landscapes shift, I draw hope from the fact that these strides are so deeply ingrained and broadly supported that in my view, they are simply too entrenched to reverse. You can’t stop the rising tide.

Here are 7 reasons to feel thankful this week. I’m thankful for my kids, family, health – and also, the stubborn community of innovators, changemakers and influencers who are creating the unstoppable force of change and building a cleaner, safer, and more equitable future for all.

1. Renewable energy is cheap, y’all

The clean energy revolution is happening right in front of us—and it’s creating energy that is more affordable than ever. Over the past decade, the cost of solar and wind energy has plummeted by more than 80%, making these resources not just environmentally smart but economically necessary. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), wind and solar are now often cheaper than fossil fuels in many places, including traditionally coal-dependent regions. This cost drop means that even states without progressive climate policies are compelled to jump on the renewable bandwagon. As a U.S. Department of Energy report highlights, renewable sources now make up the majority of new electricity capacity added to the grid, and this trend shows no sign of slowing down. We’re already reaping the rewards of these cost reductions, which will only continue to drive the energy transition forward. Try to stop it.

2. Corporates are super focused on their sustainability commitments

Companies like Microsoft, Target, GM, Google, and Walmart (to name just a few) are leading the charge, investing billions in renewable energy and carbon reduction programs. Microsoft, for example, has committed to becoming carbon-negative by 2030, and it’s well on its way to achieving this goal. The logic is simple: consumers demand sustainable products, and failing to deliver on these expectations can lead to a loss of market share. While federal climate policies may change, the momentum among major companies is so strong that it will be incredibly difficult to unwind. In fact, these companies see sustainability as not only an environmental imperative but also a competitive advantage.

3. States and cities know what’s up

When President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement in 2017, many states and cities didn’t skip a beat. California, New York, and Washington continued to push forward with their own ambitious climate goals, and states like Colorado and Oregon followed suit. Through initiatives like the United States Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of?24 governors?aimed at advancing?state-led, high-impact climate action states have committed to reducing emissions in line with the Paris Agreement, this bipartisan effort is only growing. Even if Trump decides to pull the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement again, many states are already on track to meet those global climate targets on their own.

4. EV has already brought too many good jobs to the economy

The EV sector is becoming a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, employing hundreds of thousands of workers across manufacturing, infrastructure, and maintenance. Already, more than 300,000 workers are involved in vehicle assembly and component production for EVs, while an estimated 160,000 jobs will be created by 2032 through the expansion of EV charging infrastructure alone. These roles span everything from charger assembly to electrical installation and maintenance, underscoring the growing ripple effect of the EV industry on the labor market. Further, to continue to support this momentum, recently nearly 350 U.S. mayors pledged to electrify half of their municipal fleets by 2030 and expand charging infrastructure by 500% by 2035. These commitments signal a strong alignment of public and private efforts to solidify EVs as an economic driver, making rollbacks of support increasingly challenging—not just environmentally, but also economically, for the communities and workers now reliant on these growing industries.

5. Offshore wind is going hard already, and it doesn’t need federal help

Offshore wind is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sectors, with states like New Jersey, Massachusetts, and New York already investing heavily in farms. Even though Trump vowed to stop these projects on day one of his presidency, much of the funding actually comes from state governments and private capital. For example, recently NYSERDA awarded $300 million in state investment to support the development of two supply chain facilities in New York’s Capital Region. The investment will supply almost one-third of the total regional demand for offshore wind by 2035, which will unlock $968 million in public and private funding, create 1,700 direct and indirect jobs backed by prevailing wage and project labor agreements, and result in over $3 billion in direct spending in the State. Additionally, these projects also align with available federal tax credits, enabling future savings to New York’s ratepayers. While a federal pullback could create challenges, the momentum at the state level will continue to push these projects forward. Not sure how you could even stop this train right now.

6. Investing in sustainability and climate solutions is too lucrative to deny

New investment vehicles, such as green bonds, impact investing, and climate-focused venture capital, are creating pathways for investors to engage with the transition to a low-carbon economy. For example, green bonds, which fund projects that have clear environmental benefits, have seen exponential growth, with higher than $500 billion in green bonds issued in 2023 alone, as reported by the Climate Bonds Initiative. These vehicles not only offer attractive returns but also help scale renewable energy projects, such as EV and clean energy infrastructure. Public-private partnerships are also key to accelerating progress, enabling municipalities to electrify fleets, expand EV charging infrastructure, and increase access to sustainable transportation, particularly in underserved communities. With the clean energy investment market projected to reach $12 trillion by 2030, according to BloombergNEF, the flow of private capital into sustainability is both robust and growing, further driving the momentum of the climate economy.

7. Red States need the IRA, sorry not sorry

Lastly, and possibly most importantly, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has quietly become a game-changer for many red states, driving over 60% of its funding into regions like Georgia, Texas, and South Carolina. These investments are reshaping local economies with EV battery plants, solar manufacturing facilities, wind energy projects and more. For example, Georgia has attracted $18 billion in clean energy investments, while Texas leads the nation in new clean energy manufacturing projects. With thousands of jobs and billions in private capital at stake, repealing the IRA would be a politically risky move—undermining progress and alienating communities that have come to rely on these transformative economic opportunities.

Final Thoughts…

While undeniable challenges lie ahead, the foundations we’ve laid—in state policies, corporate commitments, a new climate economy powering a rising job market, and public demand for action—ensure that this progress and movement toward a climate-responsible future is not easily undone. The path forward won’t be without obstacles, for sure, but the global, 360-degree thrust for a cleaner, more resilient future remains powerful. Let’s take this time to refresh, remind ourselves why we do what we do, and gorge ourselves on turkey and pie. And then… let’s keep going. Happy Thanksgiving, ya’ll!

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