his week on StrictlyVC Download, TechCrunch EIC Connie Loizos sits down with former Vice President Al Gore and Lila Preston to explore their ninth annual Sustainability Trends Report and how the global climate transition is accelerating despite political headwinds. In fact, while traditional media focuses on Trump administration rollbacks, the three discuss why renewable energy economics have fundamentally shifted—with 65% of energy investment now flowing to renewables versus just 35% to fossil fuels, a complete reversal from a decade ago. They dive into how China has become the world's first "electro-state" with EVs representing 60% of new car sales, how AI's massive energy demands could either derail or accelerate climate progress through a $500 billion data center buildout, and Mr. Gore's theory that the fossil fuel industry's political capture is weakening as communities fight back against environmental injustice. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and EPA correction 02:23 - The big wheel turning: Global energy investment shift 08:18 - China becomes the world's first "electro-state" 11:55 - Climate data tracking and the EPA rollback 14:47 - AI data centers and the $500 billion Stargate Project 19:54 - Environmental justice and Elon Musk's Memphis facility 22:42 - Precious metals mining and sustainability 25:01 - Space launches, waste, and carbon emissions 26:28 - Most surprising takeaways and climate tipping points Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices