I’ve had hundreds of conversations this year that started like someone consoling a little leaguer after a tough loss. And honestly, I get it. People feel like the momentum around climate has evaporated. Like the work has gone into hiding. The federal spigots are closing. Words like “climate” and “equity” are being scrubbed from websites. The mood has shifted from optimism to caution to something that looks a lot like despair. But here’s the thing: climate’s not dead. Not even close. 

Broadband internet and water systems may seem like an odd pairing, but they’re inseparable when it comes to tackling challenges like aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, and the growing impacts of climate change. As affordability becomes an even greater concern, reliable fiber optic broadband offers a transformative solution to modernize water systems, enhance efficiency, and bridge urban-rural divides. 

Tee Thomas reflects back on 2024, her first year as CEO and QV's 10th year of breaking through barriers to drive impact for people and planet. These select 2024 highlights are emblematic of the passion, expertise, and collaborative spirit that define QV and our partners.

Climate and resilience project developers must be open to engaging non-traditional partners and tools to bring outcomes-aligned financing and funding to fruition. QV's work with multi-sector partners in and around Sentinel Landscapes highlights the potential of this approach to enhance conservation and climate resilience at scale.

The connection between broadband investments and climate change is multi-faceted. By promoting remote work, enabling smart infrastructure, fostering sustainable agriculture, supporting environmental education, and facilitating vehicle and appliance electrification, broadband is a crucial tool in our collective efforts to address climate change.

QV, the Coalition for Green Capital, and PRE Collective, with $1.3 million in financial support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, will work with six green banks in a cohort model to provide expertise and capacity building support that prepares these institutions to strategically deploy GGRF funding to clean water infrastructure projects in under-resourced communities.

QV is thrilled to see the influx of $20 billion in Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund climate funding leveraged in tandem with green banks and community development financial institutions to maximize benefits for climate, communities, and pollution reduction.

Investments in outdoor recreation provide a strategic and scalable way to drive multi-faceted benefits for our economy, environment, and health. We need to channel more outdoor investments into under-resourced communities facing environmental justice issues, health disparities, and climate impacts.