When the Weather Upstages the Climate Agenda
The COP summit in Brazil was derailed by actual weather — a perfect metaphor for a process so focused on 2050 that it tripped over 2025.
“I don’t want to belong to any club that would accept me as a member.” —Groucho Marx
A few years back, our small startup was swallowed by the sustainability arm of one of the world’s mega-cap tech companies. When the ink dried, I flew to our Haifa office for the obligatory week of meetings—the kind where the new owners arrive to “assess the asset” while subtly reminding you how fortunate you are to bask in their glow.
The hierarchy hit the room before they did. Perfect posture. Curated smiles. That unmistakable we see farther than you energy. It was the moment I learned what imposter syndrome looks like… just not on my end of the table.
One guy stood out: he hauled an enormous black valise into the conference room, the kind of bag you bring when the next destination matters more than this one. I asked what was inside.
He grinned. “Oh, I’m heading straight from here to COP in Sharm el-Sheikh. Going scuba diving.” He said it like he was mentioning a grocery run.
That’s whe…
