The Future Reference

Pioneering Climate Communications since 2003.

Now AI-enhanced.

 
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We Are

We’re focused on climate solutions. We believe climate change is the most urgent problem in our lifetime. That's why we work exclusively with climate, nature-based and sustainability innovators to ignite transformative change.

The Future Reference is an AI-enhanced strategic communications agency located in San Francisco and Washington DC. Since 2003, our team members have helped lead startups, government agencies and nonprofits, shaping complex global sustainability solutions. We bring our expertise to our clients and we bring our clients inside our world.

We understand your science. We know your potential partners. We are climate industry insiders with clients in nature-tech, carbon removal, blue economy, biodiversity, ag tech, biomaterials, water security & standards. We’re here to tell the world about your solutions.

 
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Competitive Positioning 

Product-Market Fit

Brand Identity

PR, Media & Messaging

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Our Services

 

foundational essentials

Designed for startups and newly established organizations, we lay the groundwork with clear branding, effective messaging, media training and events. It's essential for those looking to establish a strong market presence and communicate their mission with impact from the outset.

Growth and awareness

Aimed at organizations looking to expand their impact and visibility, at this stage we focus on competitive positioning, target audiences and engagement strategies enhanced by AI insights. We bring strategic navigation of PR challenges and real-time feedback on public perception, enabling swift adaptation to market changes.

Leadership & Influence

Tailored for established organizations striving to lead the climate conversation, we provide advanced PR strategies, global communications, partnership deals and thought leadership initiatives powered by AI analytics.

ai-powered brand + PR monitoring

A versatile offering for real-time monitoring and insights across social media, online news, and other digital platforms, complete with customized reports and recommendations, suitable for organizations at any stage of their sustainability efforts.

 

Our Team

We combine the collective expertise of leading public relations specialists, climate scientists, top corporate and political strategists, and cultural communicators to drive deep engagement and investment for our clients.

Debriana Berlin, Founder & CEO

·      Leads TFR’s client services, public relations and business operations

·      Brings 25 years of global climate strategy at executive levels in corporate, government, startups and nonprofits

·      Headed strategic communications for US EPA under the Obama Administration

·      Ran ESG public relations for Edelman’s London office, serving Europe & Middle East

·      Founded and successfully exited two previous startups

·      Techstars Mentor, Lecturer at UC Santa Barbara Bren Graduate School

·      MS Environmental Business

deb@thefuturereference.co

Brian Kraft, Chief Marketing Officer

·      Leads TFR’s AI-enhanced client services and business development

·      Specializes in development of AI tools and systems designed to measure and track the effectiveness of communications

·      Manages national research projects and government relations for Harmonic International, TFR’s partner agency

·      Clients include NASA, NOAA, EPA, US Air Force and two White House administrations

·      BS Electrical Engineering

Dr. Nathan Walworth, Chief Scientist

·      Leads TFR’s cultural intelligence, climate science and client data interpretation

·      Applies deep expertise in behavioral science, global change, exponential technologies and the earth biome to market-based strategies for our clients

·      VP, Head of Microbiome Science at Vesta

·      Co-Founder of the NEXUS Futurism Working Group, Covalence, Ocean SOS and Asha Apothecary

·      Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California

·      PhD Evolutionary Microbiology

Ryan Stanley, Sustainability Coordinator

·      Cultivates TFR’s media connections for clients across the climate technology space and other specialized industries

·      Assists clients with communications, sustainability strategy, outreach

·      BS Environmental Studies

 
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Get in touch with us.

Pioneering climate communications for global innovators.

THE FUTURE REFERENCE, INC. | San Francisco | Washington DC

A CALIFORNIA BENEFIT CORPORATION

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