How we can de-risk the investments needed to create a clean energy future | Andrew Lo | TEDxBoston
There is a dual challenge of meeting increasing global energy demand alongside an urgent need for transition to clean energy sources. Despite major progress in renewables, fossil fuel use has actually increased in recent years. Instead of thinking solely about an energy transition, we might look for "energy addition" opportunities—adding in new sources of breakthrough renewable technologies like nuclear fission, fusion, and geothermal for new demand. What's the catch? The development required to scale these novel cleantech projects to commercial viability requires significant investment. Promising tech in a lab can often hit the dreaded "Valley of Death", the point where increased risk and uncertainty is a major barrier to commercial deployment. Here's where financial engineering comes in, like deploying mega funds and adopting phased development models akin to biotech. These strategies can de-risk and attract the critical investment needed to get us through the Valley of Death and into a much more sustainable future. Andrew W. Lo is the Charles E. and Susan T. Harris Professor, a Professor of Finance, and the Director of the Laboratory for Financial Engineering at the MIT Sloan School of Management.Lo's current research spans four areas: evolutionary models of investor behavior and adaptive markets, artificial intelligence and financial technology, healthcare finance, and impact investing. He has co-founded several asset management and biotech companies, and sits on the boards of several for-profit and non-profit public and private healthcare organizations.Lo holds a BA in economics from Yale University and an AM and PhD in economics from Harvard University. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 9:02The Transformative Power of Travel: Life Lessons Beyond the Classroom | Simran Malhotra | TEDxPICTWhat does it truly mean to be a “traveler”? Is it just about visiting new places or collecting visa stamps? In this captivating talk, Simran Malhotra redefines the essence of solo travel, proving that it’s not just about the destinations but the people, experiences, and self-discovery along the way. She takes us on a journey filled with travel stories and hyper-local experiences which celebrate different cultures and human connections. Through her adventures across India, she shares how real learning happens outside the classroom. As a model, corporate analyst, influencer and solo-traveler, she highlights the importance of exploring life beyond the routine of 9-5 and embracing the 5-9 that truly defines us. Simran Malhotra, a Management Consulting Analyst at Accenture, digital creator, and solo traveler, is also a former Miss Asia India’18 and Queen of India’18. She is an advocate for physical well-being, balancing her career with her passion for travel and fitness, and as an ACE Certified Zumba® Trainer, she encourages staying active on her journeys.In her TEDx talk, Simran explores how travel teaches life lessons often overlooked by traditional education. Drawing from solo adventures and her beauty pageant journey, she discusses how travel fosters cultural understanding and human connection. She highlights microtravel-where even exploring your neighborhood can be transformative. Through stories of spontaneous encounters and meaningful connections, Simran challenges the idea that solo travel is isolating, showing how brief moments can reshape our perspectives and how we connect with others. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 10:43Reconnecting Body and Mind: The Magic Pill of Movement | Aishwarya Nigam | TEDxPICTIn this compelling TEDxPICT talk, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist Dr. Aishwarya Nigam shares a truth that we often forget in our busy lives, our bodies hold the key to our mental well-being. Drawing from her own struggle to balance intense studies with physical wellbeing, Dr. Nigam reveals how we’ve become dangerously disconnected from our bodies and the consequences this has on our mental health. She breaks down the science of stress hormones in everyday language, showing how even the simplest movements like standing up from your desk, taking a brief walk, or practicing gentle muscle relaxation can interrupt the cycle of anxiety and fatigue. She tells the story of helping a patient with schizophrenia who experienced remarkable relief through basic movement techniques without any medication. Her practical, down-to-earth approach reminds us that movement isn’t just about fitness, it’s essential medicine for our minds too. Movement truly is a magical pill for our minds, one that’s always available, costs nothing, and words wonders. Are you ready to take it? Aishwarya Nigam is a renowned physiotherapist, yoga instructor, and content creator, known for her expertise in integrating physical activity into daily life. Initially a full-time physiotherapist, she later gained recognition as a fitness influencer on Instagram, where she shares her journey of promoting holistic well-being.In her TEDx talk, Aishwarya will delve into the holistic benefits of physical activity, illustrating how movement—whether through yoga, exercise, or simple mindful practices—nourishes not only physical health but also enhances mental and emotional well-being. Drawing on insights from science, psychology, and social perspectives, she will highlight how regular movement can lead to transformative growth, promoting balance, strength, and resilience in both body and mind. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
