This past weekend New Yorkers had another opportunity to see and experience our changing climate, fortunately in the comforts of a local movie theater. The documentary film “Chasing Ice”  opened Friday in NYC, and more cities will be screening it in the coming weeks. The film, directed by Jeff Orlowski documents National Geographic photographer James Balog’s tireless work capturing undeniable time-lapse images of the world’s changing glaciers. The New York Times called the film “stunning…and undeniably convincing imagery.”

Sandy was very real for thousands along the Eastern seaboard. The widespread and visible devastation has provided another wake-up call. The blunt article “Its Global Warming, Stupid” and Mayor Bloomberg’s endorsement of President Obama highlight this reality. Like Hurricane Sandy, “Chasing Ice” presents another part of the visual story of Earth’s changing climate. Balog’s images demonstrate the power behind capturing the real thing.

As more people see and experience the impacts of our changing climate and resource challenges, innovation in clean technologies is more important than ever.  We’ll continue to need innovation in global mitigation as well as new ways to adapt locally and prepare for future impacts. From improving our electric grid, addressing storm surging areas, to solving water and drought …

We’re at a unique crossroads, with many entrepreneurs and investors alike unsure of the future. Once-hot companies are struggling to raise their next round of financing or secure key customers. Some VCs appear to be running for the hills. See articles here and here.  Yet, China is deploying clean technologies like never before. Big European corporates are investing in cleantech startups, funds, and JVs at record levels. What’s really going on with cleantech?

Recently, a small gathering of cleantech entrepreneurs and investors attempted to tackle these questions:  Where do you think we stand today? Where do you think the brightest opportunity is in cleantech over the next 2 years? What is the future of cleantech?

There’s no doubt that the going is tough for Cleantech right now.  Investing is slower, there are fewer big success stories to celebrate today, and there are even questions about whether the term is too broad. Despite today’s tough times, many still see opportunities for future success.

Cleantech will forge ahead by:

• Making the most of incremental milestones as demonstrations of progress
• Looking to areas of great need like energy security, infrastructure and China
• Targeting consumers
• Identifying new entry points and leveraging new

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