Empowering Voices: Celebrating Women in Carbon Removal
An inside chat with Jessica Bronner, one of Sitos Group’s pioneering managers and a passionate women embarking on a career in the biochar-based carbon removal space. Discover her insights on navigating this industry’'s landscape as a woman in the world of agriculture and climate innovation.
Jessica’s Background
Jessica heads strategic media relations, PR, communications, and marketing campaigns at Sitos Group. Her passion for environmental stewardship, fueled by her love for the outdoors, drives her to promote engagement with biochar and carbon removal initiatives.
Q&A
How has your experience in CDR impacted your environmental views?
Jumping headfirst into the carbon dioxide removal (CDR) industry has re-shaped my environmental perspectives far beyond what I had initially imagined. As I came to understand the substantial impact that conventional agriculture has on our planet's carbon levels, my passion for promoting the widespread adoption of carbon-smart practices and climate action through biochar application grew. While biochar and CDR may not always be perceived as glamorous, they offer real solutions to address our planet's urgent environmental challenges and are impactful pieces of the puzzle in providing the world with what it needs to improve.
On another note, my journey in CDR has introduced me to a vibrant community of passionate individuals dedicated to reshaping environmental stewardship and driving meaningful change. The passion shared among this community is inspiring and continues to fuel my desire to fight for what is meaningful.
What is your view of the current level of female participation within the CDR community?
There are many amazing female scientists, activists, leaders, educators, and policymakers involved in this industry, and I feel privileged to be a part of the hard work they are all contributing. They support one another both personally and professionally, and I hope to continue to share and extend that support to other women looking to embark on their own journey in carbon removal. However, I would like to see even greater female participation in the industry across all sectors, particularly in climate-focused venture capital, as I believe diverse perspectives in finance and funding are crucial for driving innovation and effectively addressing todays complex environmental challenges.
What makes you passionate about your work at Sitos Group?
Having grown up around families involved in ranching—an naturally risky industry—I understand the concerns that farmers, ranchers, and growers may have about embracing new risks associated with becoming more climate-smart. Transitioning to different methods of doing business can be daunting, especially when those methods differ from the traditional practices that have been passed down through generations.
This is where my pride in Sitos Group shines. Our solution provides farmers, ranchers, and growers with an attainable pathway to embrace regenerative, climate-smart practices, rather than presenting them with barriers. By incorporating biochar into agricultural practices, we've seen improved soil health and increased crop yields, all while durably sequestering carbon. This open-door approach makes the transition smoother, reducing risks and maximizing both economic and environmental benefits. Biochar serves as the gateway to this transformation, offering a sustainable solution for the future of agriculture.
What drives you to promote the carbon removal industry?
What motivates me to advocate for the carbon removal industry is the belief that everyone deserves equal opportunities to connect with nature, breathe clean air, and experience the joy of a life spent outdoors, if they so choose. By promoting CDR and greater environmental stewardship, I aim to ensure that future generations have the same access to these basic privileges that I believe are so fundamental to a healthy and balanced life. Let’s face it, who could resist a future with more opportunities to stop and smell the flowers or admire the beauty of a clear blue sky.
How can organizations foster gender equality within the CDR industry?
To promote gender diversity and equality in the carbon removal industry, organizations should actively encourage everyone to share their voices and ideas. By challenging traditional gender norms and offering roles based on skills rather than stereotypes, businesses can create an inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive.
During this year’s National Biochar Conference, a compelling discussion arose about how leaders need to be intentional in delegating roles rather than leaving them open for assumption. In other words, it is important to intentionally assign tasks or roles prior, to avoid unintentionally placing individuals into gender-specific roles. For example, women frequently find themselves assuming unassigned service roles, influenced by societal expectations, rather than engaging in tasks that fully utilize their skills and abilities. By being more intentional in allocating roles in the first place, leaders can foster an environment where individuals are empowered to pursue roles more aligned with their talents, regardless of gender.
What advice do you have for women entering into the CDR industry?
Be bold! It can be daunting to navigate an industry filled with brilliant minds, but don't let that hold you back from sharing YOUR voice, YOUR ideas, and YOUR aspirations. YOU deserve a seat at the table just as much as anyone else already seated. YOUR unique traits and skills bring invaluable perspectives, contributing to groundbreaking ideas. YOUR perspective is indispensable, and we need YOU. In fact, YOUR ideas and aspirations could be the missing piece this industry is searching for. Embrace what you don’t know and never underestimate the power of YOUR contributions.
Additionally, ask questions and get involved! None of us have all the answers when it comes to climate change and CDR. We're all in this together, continuously learning and exploring how our collective efforts can make a difference. So speak up, share your thoughts, and let's figure this out together.
In closing, it's clear that women play a vital role in the carbon removal industry. In fact, their participation is not just valuable, it is essential. The contributions of women, whether as scientists, activists, policymakers, or leaders, enrich our collective efforts to combat climate change for the benefit of future generations to come. At Sitos Group, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowering all voices in the fight against climate change. Let's forge ahead together, embracing unity as we pave the way for a brighter, more regenerative future.