Green Media News has been fortunate to grow our platform around the world, and have been able to talk to scientists, CEOs, and leaders who are passionate about building successful companies and organizations, while simultaneously working on fighting climate change. Chantel Scheepers, Climate Tech Planet Ambassador, sat down with us to share how people can get involved in fighting climate change.
Chantel Scheepers is the CEO of Oaktree Power, which is a leading climate tech startup headquartered in London. OakTree Power partners with global grid operators to enable the ongoing transition towards the fully sustainable electricity system of the future.
Chantel, thank you for being here. Tell us a little bit about you and your background:
I am originally from South-Africa — a farming town in the middle of nowhere — and came to the UK straight after school as I wanted to explore the bigger world and how I could possibly fit into it. It’s now been 17 years and I am still here.
What is a fun fact about you?
I climb a mountain on my birthday each year to conquer my fear of heights. This year was ambitious alpine route up Drei Schwestern (The Three Sisters) in Liechtenstein
Why do you think climate change and sustainability is such an important topic today?
Fighting climate change is a mission that transcends countries’ borders, which is why we aim to help as many companies as possible reduce their carbon footprint and support countries’ grid operators. After all, with 13% of people in the world still without electricity we need to do better. With electrification enabling internet access and free education, it’s crucial that these numbers continue to fall. There’s still much more to do ethically, responsibly, and sustainably. Personally I believer that we all have a duty of care to empower future generations.
What do you envision your industry looking like 10 years from now?
With energy networks digitally transforming and decarbonizing on a global scale, the growing need to sustainable flexibility technologies will continue to grow. At OakTree Power we have created an offering that puts us at the forefront of the ongoing paradigm shift in the energy sector, positioned to become the global interconnected cross-border flexibility leader.
What can the average person do to make a difference?
It all starts with education, everyone has the ability to play their part! I am a firm believer that we’ve all been blessed with different gifts and talent and together we can all achieve more.
Chantel, thank you for sharing how people can get involved in fighting climate change.
Dylan Welch is the CEO and Host of Going Green, a podcast, website, and social media brand that highlights renewable energy, cleantech, and sustainable news.