We first met Megan Robinson as a finalist for our Do Good, Do Beautiful Grant Program. Her commitment to bettering our planet, and her extensive experience as an environmentalist is seriously impressive – and we could all stand to learn from her. We chatted with Megan to find out how her work at the environmental non-profit The Collider is literally changing the world, one day at a time. Read on to catch her advice for those also wanting to make a difference!
Megan, we’d love to know how you choose to celebrate our planet – everyday, and on bigger milestones like Earth Day.
For me, Earth Day is a time to come together with friends, families, and communities, and appreciate all that our planet has to offer. This year, I went mountain trail running with my husband, our dogs, and friends – and enjoyed just being in nature. Nothing refreshes my energy and inspiration more than summiting a mountain, soaking up the silence, and taking in a gorgeous view.
I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where all of our city’s environmental non-profits have come together to launch the collective WNC for the Planet. With broader community support, Earth Day is now Earth Month and we host educational events, community clean-ups, and outdoor gatherings throughout April.
Earth Month, that’s awesome! Can you tell us how you got started as an Environmental Activist?
I never knew where to start – which is exactly how I got my start. I remember when I was younger and felt concerned about whether I needed to save the trees, or the water, or the air, or the animals, or the people. As I entered high school, I became increasingly aware of things like global warming, going green, sustainable lifestyles, and ultimately climate change – the one that stuck with me, as it should with us all.
Climate change impacts every single person, animal, and environment. As I moved through college and graduate school, I found the implications of climate change woven through classes on government, policy, and societal dynamics. This was what I wanted to focus on. I spent the first part of my career as a consultant for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, before landing my role at The Collider. Now I get to build an ecosystem and programming to catalyze the development of climate solutions.
Talk to us more about the organization you work for now, The Collider.
The Collider is a startup non-profit. We’re a global center for climate entrepreneurship and innovation, focused on creating breakthrough solutions that enable humanity to adapt and thrive in a changing climate. We develop, train, and fund climate data entrepreneurs, and work to accelerate the market for their products and services.
That’s incredible. We’d love to know more about a piece of work that you’re proud of.
In March 2018, we launched our first ever ClimateCon, which consisted of The Business of Climate Forum – for forward-thinking businesses and climate entrepreneurs, and The Summit for Emerging Climate Leaders – for students and young professionals. Designed to explore innovative climate data products, services, and opportunities, our small team of five successfully laid the groundwork for this conference to scale for years to come.
Congratulations on launching ClimateCon! Work and personal life can be so intertwined. Can you tell us more about how your job impacts your life and perspective?
Climate data entrepreneurs have the unique ability to develop solutions that can quite literally change the world. I get to work with these people every day. My work gives me daily hope and renewed determination that there are creative and innovative people in our world who my organization can help build solutions for addressing climate change.
Any advice or words of wisdom for those wanting to make a difference for our planet?
Be bold and act on your ideas that could save our planet. Whether it’s designing a new environmentally-friendly product, launching a climate conscious business, doing innovative research, or organizing a neighborhood trash clean up – it’s needed, and there are networks of others just as passionate as you to not just rally around your idea, but help you succeed. Use the good in the world to fuel your fire.
In your own words, what does Do Good, Do Beautiful mean to you?
Do Good, Do Beautiful is a constant reminder to be authentic, meaningful, and passionate in your quest to save our planet. The opportunities to Do Good are infinite, so do the good that enables your soul to be free.