The transition to a circular economy offers an exciting opportunity to redesign roles and create new jobs. However, critical questions remain: How can we ensure these circular jobs are

The transition to a circular economy offers an exciting opportunity to redesign roles and create new jobs. However, critical questions remain: How can we ensure these circular jobs are high-quality, inclusive for both high and low-skilled workers, and genuinely better than those in linear sectors? This systemic shift requires careful consideration of public and private sector roles in fostering an equitable labor market.

Circle Economy is dedicated to securing a positive transition for work and workers. Join us as Circle Economy moderates a discussion with experts and the DIF audience to explore these vital questions and more.

Isha Clarke, a 16-year-old Oakland activist, co-founded Youth vs. Apocalypse to protest a controversial coal terminal planned for an underserved community. Her early activism highlighted

Isha Clarke, a 16-year-old Oakland activist, co-founded Youth vs. Apocalypse to protest a controversial coal terminal planned for an underserved community. Her early activism highlighted environmental racism and the critical need for environmental justice.

Now a leader, Isha and Youth vs. Apocalypse gained national attention confronting Senator Dianne Feinstein about the Green New Deal in a viral video. They continue advocating for radical climate action centered on frontline communities, organizing major events like the Bay Area Youth Climate Strike and actions at the California Democratic Convention. Isha champions a movement that amplifies the voices of youth and marginalized communities.

Learn more: Brower Youth Awards
Film by Storyline Media

David Giuliani, a Northwest serial entrepreneur and inventor, champions applying entrepreneurial zeal to state-level climate change and carbon reduction. An electrical engineer, he designed early

David Giuliani, a Northwest serial entrepreneur and inventor, champions applying entrepreneurial zeal to state-level climate change and carbon reduction. An electrical engineer, he designed early LED products and secured numerous medical patents. He co-invented and led Sonicare, selling it to Philips, and later co-invented Clarisonic, sold to L'Oreal. He received national Small Business Person and Entrepreneur of the Year awards.

Now, Giuliani applies his talents to societal improvement. With Howard Behar, he founded the Washington Business Alliance, which launched the Low Carbon Prosperity Institute to reframe climate issues as "win-win." This talk was given at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Visit UCTV: Global prosperity, long fueled by finite and environmentally risky fossil fuels, necessitates a new energy paradigm. Professor Eric McFarland

Visit UCTV: Global prosperity, long fueled by finite and environmentally risky fossil fuels, necessitates a new energy paradigm. Professor Eric McFarland predicts methane will be crucial for the next century's transition to a hydrogen-based economy, powered by nuclear and renewables.

McFarland's research demonstrates that abundant natural gas methane can be cost-effectively converted into solid carbon and hydrogen gas via pyrolysis in molten metals and salts. This CO2-free process is increasingly competitive, particularly in markets like California and Germany with carbon taxes, despite natural gas being the cheapest U.S. heat and electricity source.

Climate experts emphasize the urgent need to act on global warming, noting only 13-20 years remain before critical thresholds are reached. Immediate focus must be on carbon removal and

Climate experts emphasize the urgent need to act on global warming, noting only 13-20 years remain before critical thresholds are reached. Immediate focus must be on carbon removal and implementing "zero" solutions across key sectors: zero-emission electric grids, transportation, buildings, and waste manufacturing. This collective effort is essential to turn the tide.

Addressing climate change demands substantial funding, yet philanthropic strategies face scrutiny. Critics argue major organizations often underfund grassroots initiatives, movement building, and vulnerable communities most impacted by climate change. True progress, as emphasized by Farhad Ebrahimi, requires broad community engagement. Learn more at climateone.org.

Simon Bernard, Expedition Leader of Plastic Odyssey, presents the first round-the-world expedition on a boat powered solely by plastic waste. A graduate of the French Merchant Navy Academy, Simon

Simon Bernard, Expedition Leader of Plastic Odyssey, presents the first round-the-world expedition on a boat powered solely by plastic waste. A graduate of the French Merchant Navy Academy, Simon is passionate about environmental solutions. He founded the Plastic Odyssey NGO to reduce ocean pollution by promoting plastic recycling solutions adapted for developing countries.

His talk will explore the mystery of missing plastic, challenging the "continent of plastic" myth. It will also discuss how open innovation can reduce plastic leakage and how we can all contribute to a circular economy. Connect online at @simn_bernard and @PlasticOdyssey.

La Escuela Manzo Ecology in Tucson, Arizona, redefines expectations for a "green school." This public elementary school, located in a low-income community, functions as both a working farm and an

La Escuela Manzo Ecology in Tucson, Arizona, redefines expectations for a "green school." This public elementary school, located in a low-income community, functions as both a working farm and an ecology laboratory. K-5 students collaborate with renowned scientists on significant research projects, partnering with the University of Arizona and Biosphere 2 on topics ranging from food and climate science to agrivoltaic efficiency.

Students gain hands-on experience by building compost, growing vegetables, raising chickens, and maintaining native desert habitats and pollinator havens. The school operates almost entirely on solar power, captures 32,000 gallons of rainwater annually, and processes over 4,000 pounds of compost. Manzo Elementary fully integrates its students into every major conservation effort, serving as a powerful model for sustainable education.

Hear from Merina Akter, a participant in HERfinance. This BSR HERproject initiative expands financial inclusion for low-income workers in global supply chains.

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