About Jacquelyn Francis

Climate Solutions and Prizes

Jacquelyn Francis champions incentive prizes as a mechanism to spur climate innovation, founding the Keeling Curve Prize and partnering with XPRIZE on decarbonization challenges [3][13][15][17]. She highlights the Class of 2024 fellows and their journeys, such as Omotola Sanni's climate impact work [9][15]. Francis advocates a "solutionist mindset," showcasing examples like solar huts in sub-Saharan Africa and electric drones for medical deliveries [10].

Methane Reduction and Food Systems

A key focus is reducing potent methane emissions from food systems, positioning it as a high-leverage decarbonization strategy [bio]. Her Climate Corner columns urge eliminating trash-related methane and rethinking waste [21].

Local Aspen Advocacy and Climate Impacts

Based in Aspen, Francis writes monthly Climate Corner columns for Aspen Daily News, linking extreme weather like freezing temps and wildfires to climate change [6][11][18][22]. She reflects on local events, such as solstice rides replaced by TED Countdown in Nairobi [20], and calls for community leadership [16].

Global Engagement and Activism

Francis attended COP26 with Aspen delegates, pushing for urgent action [1][7]. She undertook a 600-mile e-bike ride for climate awareness [8] and spoke at TED 2025 on abundant solutions [10]. Recent posts emphasize youth engagement and visoneering with XPRIZE [4][13][20].

Solutionist Mindset and Engagement

Central to her thinking is shifting from doom to action: "Focusing on the solutions gives you the motivation" [10]. She encourages judgment on climate inaction [14], year-end giving [12], and prioritizing what matters [13][19].