The threat of climate change is more real than ever. With increased storm frequency and severity, rising oceans, salinity, and temperatures, the state of our climate is increasingly frightening. Luckily, a few bold companies right here in Massachusetts are working to combat climate change so humans can carry-on with less environmental impact, but more awareness of the earth’s conditions.

The Boston startup scene is no stranger to working hard in order to make a difference, even in the case of climate change. Nearly a decade ago, there was a major uptick in energy companies that weaved through the startup community trying to create cleaner power alternatives back when climate data showed a smaller risk than it does now. However a great many of those businesses didn’t get farther than initial concepting. Thinking too big and doing whatever it took to reach their goals made them vulnerable and ultimately their efforts suffered. A123 Systems, Bedford biofuels, Evergreen Solar and other successful local companies left a negative perspective of what local startups have to offer, but things are shifting now.

In this new decade, a new wave of startups and innovators are ready to create technology that combats climate change one again, hopeful that their efforts will stick for good this time. With a worsening planetary environment, the stakes are higher and the need for innovative, effective solutions are much higher.

The Boston Globe chatted with a representative from the Bill Gates umbrella company Breakthrough Energy Ventures, who says that the climate-soaked startup market is unlike anything he’s seen before. Sources include institutional investors, family foundation, philanthropies, and hedge funds. What are they looking for? Ambition, innovation, and strength, to name a few. The perfect combination of boldness and insight are what make startups stick out right now – the ability to dream big, but also to back up those aspirations with data and pathways to success.

Climate Change Startup Spotlight

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

This company is taking on the heavy feat of making nuclear fusion a reality rather than a crazy science experiment. Just in this last year, Commonwealth has already produced a viable figure for nuclear fusion tech that safely and effectively fuels power grids. They’re so confident, in fact, that they’re aiming for power centers to be in full effect in less than a decade. The company’s innovative power choice reduces emissions and therefore, does not contribute to the warming. To date, Commonwealth has acquired over $250 million in funding for their projects.

Form Energy

When it comes down to it, the place we pull energy from to fuel everything we need has a direct impact on climate change. Form Energy has developed an effective, affordable battery option that limits emissions and climate change effects, thanks to a little help from iron. When a location can’t benefit from hydroelectricity or wind turbines, these batteries make it possible to recharge with powerful batteries rather than waste precious resources.

These two companies are only the tip of the iceberg for clean energy solutions constantly spilling onto the market. More specifically, these efforts marks the distinct drive that Massachusetts’ start up community possesses as it continues to produce one-of-a-kind combatants for the climate crises. As more funding pours into these projects, making dreams and hopes a near-certain reality, mitigating climate change on a local, country, and world-wide level does not seem too far away.