About Bertrand Piccard

Main Assets

A pioneering spirit and an influential voice to encourage the implementation of efficient solutions.

One of the first, as early as the 2000s, to consider ecology through the lens of profitability, Bertrand Piccard is considered an opinion leader on the themes of innovation and sustainability. Chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation, he promotes qualitative growth by demonstrating the economic potential of clean technologies. Denouncing the absurdity of polluting and inefficient systems that are still too often used today, he advocates for the modernization of the legal framework in order to facilitate access to the market for efficient solutions.  

His voice is heard within the largest institutions, such as the United Nations, the European Commission, the World Economic Forum... and his commitment has earned him several nominations, such as Champion of the Earth, and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador.

Milestones
October 2021
Published book "Réaliste, Soyons logiques autant qu’écologiques" and Introduced the concept of Qualitative Growth

The problems are known. What is needed now, are solutions.To give hope again. The book explores how to get out of the current dilemma between degrowth leading to social chaos and the unbridled consumerism leading to ecological disaster. Far from the expenses and sacrifices feared by many, Bertrand Piccard, offers us an original, clear and uncompromising plea, in which he exposes the foundations of his third way, the "qualitative growth", which reconciles ecology and economy. Clear and and unifying, Bertrand Piccard's approach is equal to the enormity of the challenge facing the future of our planet.

10 Major Points from "Réaliste, Soyons logiques autant qu’écologiques".

  1. Decoupling growth from GDP – for a new Qualitative Growth
  2. The Green transition – the market opportunity of the century
  3. The Solutions exist – we just need to use them
  4. Efficiency – a world of no waste
  5. Federating actors – pulling on one rope
  6. Climate activists should call for solutions as much as denounce problems
  7. Law shapes reality – modern legislation is key
  8. Human nature – ally or enemy in the fight against climate change
  9. A clean future – how our lives could change
  10. Reversing paradigms – and achieving the “impossible”

2020 to today
Special Advisor to European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefcovic
2016 to today
Initiator and Chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation. Launch of the 1000 Solutions Challenge and Published book Changer d'Altitude
2015 to June 2023
United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for the Environmental Program UNEP
2003 to 2016
Initiator, Chairman and Pilot of the Solar Impulse project. First round-the-world solar flight
2000 to 2012
United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for the Population Fund UNFPA
1999 & 2000 to today
Initiator and President of the Winds of Hope Foundation and the NoNoma Federation
1994 to 1999
Initiator and Captain of the Breitling Orbiter project. First non-stop round-the-world balloon flight
1992
Winner of the first transatlantic balloon race Chrysler Challenge
1974 & 1985
Pioneer of hang-gliding and microlight flying in Europe; European hang-glider aerobatics champion
1996
Doctor specialized in psychiatry and psychotherapy for adults and children; specialized in hypnosis
1986
Medical doctor

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