Vinod Khosla on Investing in Clean Tech

The transcript discusses the importance of cleantech and climate change as significant risks, comparing them to national security threats. It emphasizes the need for economic strategies to address climate change, similar to how we insure against other risks. The speaker advocates for supporting new technologies until they reach a certain market size, after which subsidies should be reduced. The discussion also touches on the successes and challenges in the cleantech sector, highlighting the importance of trying new approaches even if they may fail.

What is the speaker's perspective on climate change in relation to other societal risks?

• It is not a risk worth insuring against.

• It is only a concern for investors.

• It should be treated with the same seriousness as other societal risks.

• It is less important than other risks.

How does the speaker suggest we approach financial commitment to climate change?

• By ignoring it completely.

• By spending more than on national defense.

• By investing only in wind energy.

• By treating it as a business decision on insurance.

What does the speaker propose regarding support for new technologies?

• Support them indefinitely.

• Stop supporting them once they reach a certain size.

• Only support solar technologies.

• Avoid supporting any new technologies.

What is the speaker's view on the current state of cleantech investments?

• Only wind energy has been successful.

• Cleantech investments should be abandoned.

• There are several companies with potential to be highly valuable.

• They have been a complete failure.

What is the speaker's attitude towards taking risks in important initiatives?

• Focus only on small, safe projects.

• Only take risks if success is guaranteed.

• It is better to try and fail than not try at all.

• Avoid risks at all costs.