Alec Turnbull '04: From Tech to Climate Action

Written By: Gena Wynkoop, Editorial Content Manager

On October 20, 2024, Seattle Academy will host the third biannual SAAS Summit, centered on the themes of Climate, Conservation, and Citizenship. Through a keynote address and breakout sessions led by SAAS community members, the event will highlight courageous leadership and innovative solutions aimed at building a healthier planet, fostering vibrant communities, and ensuring a sustainable future.

For Alec Turnbull ’04, there was always a feeling that he needed to take action on climate. It wasn’t until 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, that he knew it was time to make a change.

While working in tech in New York City, Alec felt a growing sense of urgency as the pandemic unfolded, and he had more time to reflect on what he wanted to do in the world. By that point, he had already built a successful career in tech, spending nearly a decade in software engineering before rising to Vice President of Product and Engineering at Dotdash Meredith, the world’s largest publisher. But as he saw the devastating effects of climate change intensifying—from orange skies over San Francisco to wildfires in Australia—he felt a deep responsibility to act. 

“I made a really conscious decision to switch from tech to climate,” Alec recalls. “It had been in the back of my mind as something important to work on for some time, even back in my SAAS days. But I didn’t feel like I was the right person for the job or had the right skill set. In 2020, it became clear that maybe we all need to be working on this. It’s not about being the ‘right’ person, but about figuring out where I can fit in.”

Alec didn’t immediately have a clear path, but he knew he wanted to help. He began organizing a New York Climate Tech meet-up in 2021, even before making his career transition. “It was just a way to meet people and connect with others interested in climate,” he says.

Alec’s ability to pivot and dive into different interests had roots in his time at Seattle Academy. As a high school student in the early 2000s, he enjoyed a wide range of classes in French, English, and History. “Rob and Joe’s 11th-grade History and English class was a real crucible of learning,” Alec reflects. “It shaped my writing and thinking, and several of my closest friendships came from that class.”

During his time at Columbia University, Alec continued this path of exploration by studying physics before switching his major to history. He dabbled in theater and worked for the school paper, eventually teaching himself how to code and build websites.

Today, Alec is deeply entrenched in the climate sector. He co-founded Climate Tech Cities, now the largest place-based climate tech community in the world, with 10,000 members in New York City and chapters in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and beyond. In addition to organizing meetups, Alec also launched the Climate Film Fest, a climate-themed event that attracted over 2,800 attendees in its inaugural year. 

“This challenge can bring us all together, no matter where you’re coming from,” Alec says. “You don’t have to be a traditional environmentalist to contribute. This work is such a vast undertaking—it requires everyone. Whether you’re in food, fashion, or finance, you can make an impact. It can feel intimidating, but that’s also what’s inspiring.”