Michael Jung on ‘Super Solutions’ for Achieving Net-Zero, Using Smart Questioning to Spark Progress, and Showing Up in Your Career

Hey there,

I’m excited to share another episode of the Sustainability Skill Set podcast with you! Let’s dive in…

Episode 10. Michael Jung on ‘Super Solutions’ for Achieving Net-Zero, Using Smart Questioning to Spark Progress, and Showing Up in Your Career

In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Michael Jung, the executive director of the ICF Climate Center. Their research Institute models climate solutions and publishes impactful work that helps us understand the path to net-zero.

Here’s what I found most interesting:

#1 - To successfully achieve U.S. net-zero goals by 2050, there are several key strategies that need to be implemented.

First, one of the most impactful actions we can take is to increase the adoption of electric vehicles by 100x. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) should lead to a total of 93 million EVs on the road by 2050, but ICF says that this is nearly 150 million less than what’s needed.

Second, focusing on energy efficient buildings is crucial. ICF has predicted that the BIL and IRA will lead to around 962 million measures for improving energy-efficiency. Woohoo! This is still a daunting task though…

Third, transitioning power generation to cleaner energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, is essential. It's also important to note that this transition will require a significant upgrade to our electricity grid to accommodate the increased load.

Michael added a bonus tip during the conversation: We should explore the utilization of 'green molecules' like hydrogen and renewable natural gas (RNG) as substitutes for fossil fuels.

#2 - Asking good questions is a useful tool for driving progress and sparking innovation.

It is through the power of questioning that we are able to challenge the status quo and uncover new possibilities. Michael describes that one effective approach to leveraging the potential of questioning is by utilizing shareholder resolutions to compel businesses to take action.

Currently, retailers and consumers are actively employing this method to ignite interest and promote sustainability throughout supply chains. By simply asking for more information and data about products, they are fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, inspiring others to follow suit and make informed choices.

#3 - "Showing up" with curiosity, a willingness to volunteer, and a focus on building genuine relationships are crucial elements in accelerating one's career.

Michael emphasized the importance of actively volunteering for opportunities and being open to learning in unexpected places. He shared his personal experience of regularly boarding his previous employer’s private jets just to get facetime with their executives and to have the opportunity to ask them questions, which played a significant role in his career path.

He also highlighted the value of mentorships and treating them as real human relationships. Building genuine connections and finding common ground beyond work-related topics can provide guidance, support, and open doors to new opportunities.

Michael described addressing climate change as a ‘wartime-level effort’ requiring contributors from EVERY industry. He highlighted that we will need people with all types of skill sets to achieve the major overhauls to our economy needed.

This is great news if you're interested in a sustainability career. We need you and your expertise, whatever that may be. If you are wondering where your current skills might transfer to a sustainability career, look for where climate change will intersect with and impact your industry.

I hope you enjoy this episode and get something useful from it.

Read or listen to the full episode to learn more.

Wishing you the best,

Louis DeMaso

P.S. Feel free to hit that reply button anytime. I would love to hear from you.