Tom Steyer, once a hedge fund manager, became a prominent climate activist after a transformative experience in Alaska where he witnessed the rapid effects of climate change. This realization led him to fund initiatives promoting sustainable energy, such as the TomKat Center for Sustainable Energy at Stanford University. Steyer's involvement in political action includes founding NextGen America and running for president in 2020 with a focus on climate issues and green policies. Despite a limited impact in the campaign, Steyer continues his climate crusade by establishing Galvanize Climate Solutions, a firm that uses finance to accelerate climate technologies. He remains positive about the future, emphasizing how renewable energy is now more cost-effective than fossil fuels, framing the crisis as an opportunity for progress towards a cleaner and more sustainable society.