Insights by Author

Amanda D. Smith, Ph.D.

Amanda D. Smith, Ph.D., is a senior scientist for the built environment with Project Drawdown and a researcher and analyst in building science and energy systems modeling. Her professional career includes academic, national laboratory, and industry positions. Most recently, she served as senior energy analyst at SOCOTEC USA. She received her doctorate from Mississippi State University.

Amanda Smith
An image of buildings covered in greenery with a graphic of a cloud spilling from the top
Net zero buildings don’t exist – at least, not yet
by Amanda D. Smith, Ph.D.
The international climate community is clear that net zero emissions, wherein we don’t emit more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than can be removed, are what we need to achieve to halt global warming and the most dire effects of climate change. 
Read more
An image of a person in a suit and tie with the words climate-neutral and net zero hovering around them
How marketers can communicate net zero claims to regain consumer trust
by Amanda D. Smith, Ph.D., Hannah Jurist-Schoen and Duncan Meisel
Net zero climate marketing is ramping up while trust in corporate climate claims is plummeting. How do you share good news about emissions reductions while being honest about emissions that are still occurring?
Read more
What is a climate solution, what is not, and why?
by Amanda D. Smith, Ph.D.
Everyone’s talking about climate solutions. But what exactly makes something a climate solution? Who figures out if it’s truly a solution, and how?
Read more
A chart showing energy usage throughout the day with power lines in the background
To unlock clean power’s potential, timing is key
by Amanda D. Smith, Ph.D.
Getting clean, affordable, reliable electricity has always been a challenge for the electric sector. Electrical grids must balance supply and demand almost instantaneously to keep from interrupting service or damaging equipment – and curbing emissions means the game is changing. 
Read more
Perspective  | 
An outlet with a picture of a powerline in the background
How the North American grid must change for an electric future
by Amanda D. Smith, Ph.D.
As North America electrifies to meet the challenge of climate change, leaders and engineers must simultaneously update our underprepared electrical grid.
Read more
Building with rainbow in sky in the distance
Net Zero is bigger than any one building
by Amanda D. Smith, Ph.D.
It’s Net Zero Buildings Week! Time to celebrate the progress we’ve made in making buildings better for people and for the rest of life on this planet. And time to get real about where the net zero concept is useful and where it’s not.
Read more
See All Insights

Support Climate Action

Drawdown Delivered

Join the 85,000+ subscribers discovering how to drive meaningful climate action around the world! Every other week, you'll get expert insights, cutting-edge research, and inspiring stories.

Receive biweekly email newsletter updates from Project Drawdown. Unsubscribe at any time.
back to top