Incubators accelerating the uptake of start-ups with compatible solutions: Introducing the PICU framework

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Introducing the PICU framework for incubators to deliver gigatonnes of avoided emissions though a new generation of start-ups and entrepreneurs.

The purpose of this report is to present the PICU framework and the potential for incubators to play a key role in the urgent work to deliver the deep and fast emission reductions needed to avoid dangerous climate change. PICU is a framework with four steps to help incubators, identify start-ups with significant potential, strengthen sustainability ideas, support clustering, and enable accelerated uptake of the solutions from the start-ups. The initial group of four start-ups from LEAD, used as a case for assessment, has the combined potential to avoid 14 million tonnes CO₂e annually and potentially >25 million tonnes CO₂e annually by 2030 with significant opportunities for 1.5 °C global sustainability compatibility.

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Last opportunity for a 1.5°C future? Tipping points created by COVID-19 responses

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Like pandemics, climate change poses a global threat and for all practical purposes, climate change could be considered one of the most dangerous “pandemic” threats facing humanity.1 The responses to COVID-192 have created historically unique tipping points where small changes are likely to push the system into fundamentally different states. These tipping points could be our last opportunity to avoid catastrophic climate change. We are faced with a choice to either accelerate new sustainable habits, develop new structures in support of a just 1.5 °C compatible transition and encourage new perspectives, or we can pursue business as usual and continue to undermine global sustainability.

Before the COVID-19 outbreak, the world was on track to a 3 °C or more increase in average temperature3. Now the question is in what direction society will move. Sustained emissions will almost certainly result in catastrophic events and suffering that will make the COVID-19 situation pale in comparison.4 Although COVID-19 has significant and horrible consequences, it is still very benign compared to even the least dangerous climate change. There is currently a tension between short-term COVID-19 responses built on old development models, and the initiatives needed for global sustainability.

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