Data Driven Solutions for a Cleaner Planet: Gavin McCormick at AEE World 2026

Climate progress needs more than good intentions; it needs people willing to fight for it and the data to prove it’s working. Gavin McCormick, co-founder and executive director of Watt Time and Climate Trace took the stage during Opening Session at AEE World 2026 to talk about how innovation can drive significant change in our approach to climate action.

Gavin opened by highlighting the staggering impact of air pollution, which claims the lives of 8 million people annually. This statistic alone emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate change and environmental degradation. He pointed out that the work being done in the room, by engineers and activists, is vital in combating these issues.

Watt Time is at the forefront of this battle, utilizing cutting-edge technology to provide free tools that empower engineers and policymakers to make smarter energy decisions. With their innovative approach, they have successfully partnered with major tech companies, including Apple and Google, to reduce emissions from their products.

One of the most exciting aspects of Gavin’s work is the use of satellite technology to monitor greenhouse gas emissions with unprecedented precision. This transformation in data availability allows for a more detailed understanding of emissions sources, paving the way for targeted solutions. Climate Trace, a coalition founded by Gavin, is leveraging this data to track emissions from over 745 million facilities worldwide.

Gavin illustrated how the implications of this technology has already influenced major sectors like steel and energy. By providing detailed emissions data, companies can make informed decisions about their supply chains and energy sources, ultimately leading to reduced carbon footprints.

Gavin’s insights also touched on the changing landscape of renewable energy. He shared how surplus clean energy is becoming increasingly common, allowing for innovative strategies to maximize environmental benefits. For instance, timing the use of energy-consuming devices to coincide with periods of surplus renewable energy can significantly lower emissions.

As he concluded, it was clear that the intersection of technology and climate action holds immense potential. Gavin’s work is a testament to the power of data-driven solutions in tackling one of the most pressing challenges of our time.