Climate Rising

Rain: Using Autonomous Aircraft to Stop Wildfires Before They Start

Climate Rising

Show Notes

Wildfires are becoming larger, more destructive, and more expensive every year. But what if the most effective intervention happens not after a fire grows, but within the first few minutes after ignition?

Max Brodie, co-founder and CEO of Rain, joins Climate Rising to discuss how autonomous aircraft could transform wildfire response. Rain is developing AI-powered wildfire suppression systems that upgrade helicopters with autonomous capabilities, enabling faster response times and more effective intervention during the critical first minutes of a fire.

The conversation explores the economics of wildfire prevention, the role of autonomy in aerial firefighting, the challenges of balancing suppression with ecological fire management, and the growing relationship between wildfire risk and climate change. Max also discusses the broader implications of autonomy, public-private partnerships, and how emerging technologies can accelerate climate adaptation and mitigation.

More from Climate Rising

Oct 14, 2026

Large corporations play a critical role in addressing climate change—but transforming complex global supply chains is no small task.

Sep 30, 2026

Permitting reform has become one of the most consequential—and controversial—topics in U.S. climate and energy policy. As electricity demand rises due to AI, data centers, electrification, and economic growth, many argue that the country’s permitting, transmission, and interconnection processes are too slow to support the clean energy transition.

Sep 16, 2026

How can companies make sustainability information useful to consumers at the moment they make a purchase?

Sep 2, 2026

Climate action requires more than technology, policy, and capital. It also requires communication.

Aug 19, 2026

Carbon labeling has become one of the most visible ways climate actions enter everyday consumer decisions.

See all episodes →