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“The gender gap in finance is still 300 years away from closing, but we can start by advocating for inclusive financial systems that leave no one behind"
In this insightful episode of The Sustainability Journey, we sit down with Yasmina Vucina, a changemaker in finance, sustainability, and gender inclusion. Yasmina discusses how the financial sector can shift from traditional extractive models to regenerative systems that restore both the economy and the environment.
We explore key topics, including:
UNA Initiative: Yasmina's groundbreaking project focused on closing the gender gap in finance by providing inclusive, innovative banking solutions for women facing barriers in traditional systems.Financial Inclusion: The role of digital banking and fintech in empowering underbanked communities and promoting financial access for all.Regenerative Finance: Why sustainability is no longer enough, and how finance must evolve to create systems that do no harm and instead actively contribute to societal and environmental regeneration.Strategic Partnerships: The power of collaboration across sectors—NGOs, academia, businesses, and governments—in driving systemic change in banking and beyond.Leadership Challenges: Yasmina’s journey in overcoming resistance within traditional finance institutions and creating a culture of sustainability from within.Join us for an inspiring conversation about reimagining finance, building inclusive banking systems, and Yasmina’s vision for a more equitable, regenerative financial future.
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"If you bring the do good after the return, that's quite the differentiator."
Pyrpose, a sustainability-focused startup, is tackling the challenge of energy transition in Switzerland by democratizing access to financing for green infrastructure projects. Leveraging a crowdfunding-like platform, Pyrpose empowers climate-conscious investors to directly support local building retrofits and renewable energy installations, while also earning a return on their investment. This innovative approach challenges the notion that "doing good" must come at the expense of financial returns. By addressing the capital constraints faced by building owners, Pyrpose is driving measurable impact in carbon emissions reduction and community engagement. The startup's resilience in navigating different business models and its focus on additive capital have positioned it as a trailblazer in the sustainable finance space. As Switzerland grapples with an aging building infrastructure and high energy prices, Pyrpose's model offers a scalable solution that can be replicated globally, bridging the gap between environmental and financial objectives.
learn more at https://pyrpose.io/
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"The best way of fighting a system that you want to get rid of is not fighting it but coming up with a better solution"
In this episode the incredible career of Maurits Groen, a pioneering entrepreneur in sustainability. Maurits shares his lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship, from his early days recycling paper to founding transformative ventures like WakaWaka, Kipster, and many more. Discover how his innovative solutions are tackling global issues such as energy access, food waste, and climate change. Learn about the challenges and successes of embedding sustainability in business operations and hear his insights on creating a circular economy. This episode is a testament to the power of perseverance, collaboration, and visionary thinking in driving sustainable change.
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Please note that the interviewee was an employee of Agritask at the time of this interview. He has since left the company. The opinions expressed in this interview are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company or any other entity.
In this insightful episode of The Sustainability Journey, host Samuele Tini engages in a compelling conversation with David Taylor, former Head of Sales and Business Development for Agritask in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. Delve into the intricate world of sustainable agriculture, data-driven value chains, and innovative practices that aim to enhance both environmental and social impacts. Discover how Agritask is pioneering in the field by helping businesses gain better visibility into farm-level activities and improve their sustainability metrics.
Key Highlights:
The importance of data aggregation and remote sensing in modern agriculture.The role of technology in bridging the gap between enterprises and farmers.Success stories from Agritask’s collaborations with major food and beverage companies.The critical challenges faced by the agri-food sector and how Agritask is addressing them.Join us for an engaging discussion that sheds light on the crucial role of sustainability data in transforming agricultural practices and ensuring a greener future.
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80% of people displaced by climate change are women. We must bring the voices of women leaders in all their diversity for a just and urgent climate action.
In this powerful episode of The Sustainability Journey, host Samuele Tini welcomes Mamta Borgoyary, Director of She Changes Climate, to discuss the intersection of gender justice and climate change. Mamta shares her extensive experience working at the grassroots level in India, advocating for women's rights and leading climate action movements. This episode highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and children and emphasizes the importance of incorporating women's voices in climate policies and actions.
Key Highlights:
The unique challenges faced by women and children in the face of climate change.The importance of intersectionality in climate action and gender justice.Initiatives by She Change Climate to empower women and advocate for inclusive policies.The critical need for women's leadership in global climate negotiations.Tune in to hear inspiring stories from the front lines of climate action and learn how gender justice is essential to achieving sustainable solutions for our planet.
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Our mission is to create systemic change in the fashion industry by providing plant-based, zero-waste products
In this episode of "The Sustainability Journey," we explore the dynamic intersection of fashion and sustainability with Eric Liedtke, CEO and co-founder of Unless Collective. Eric shares his inspiring journey from leading sustainability initiatives at Adidas to pioneering regenerative fashion. Discover how Unless Collective is disrupting the fashion industry by creating products from plant-based materials that decompose naturally, aiming for zero waste and environmental regeneration. Eric discusses the challenges and opportunities in sustainable fashion, the importance of storytelling, and his ambitious vision for the future. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainable innovation and transformative change in the fashion industry.
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"The biggest problem we face is that the pollution and negative externalities of using fossil fuels are not internalized; they are socialized"
Join us for an enlightening episode of "The Sustainability Journey" as we sit down with Alicia Eastman, co-founder and former president of Intercontinental Energy. Alicia, a global expert in renewable energy, takes us through her fascinating sustainability journey, starting from her early experiences with environmental awareness to her groundbreaking work in hydrogen and ammonia as clean energy solutions. Discover the innovative strategies and policies driving the energy transition, the role of private-public partnerships, and the future of sustainable industries like shipping and steel. This episode is packed with insights on the challenges and opportunities within the energy sector, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainability.
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"In Africa, businesses are born out of social necessity, making them inherently geared towards sustainability"
In this episode we learn about green building, smart cities, and sustainable development with Tony Lee Luen Len , an influential sustainability expert from Mauritius. Tony shares his inspiring journey from a small village in Mauritius to becoming a leader in green building and sustainability consulting. Discover how Tony has been at the forefront of promoting green building practices, advocating for climate action, and leveraging technology for sustainable urban development. Learn about the innovative projects and initiatives Tony has led, including the development of a national net-zero roadmap and the greening of public sectors. This episode is packed with insights on operationalizing sustainability at local and global levels, making it essential listening for anyone passionate about sustainable development and climate action.
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Indoor pollution is a silent killer; millions of lives are lost every year, but with the right solutions, we can change that narrative.
Meet Peter Scott, the visionary CEO and founder of Burn. In this episode, we explore the profound impact of Burn's work in transforming lives and saving forests across Africa through innovative clean cooking solutions.
Peter shares his journey, starting from a bold declaration at 14 to save the world, leading to a life dedicated to combating deforestation and indoor pollution. His commitment has resulted in Burn becoming the largest modern cookstove company in the world, producing over 250,000 stoves monthly and employing thousands across the continent.
Key points of discussion include:
The Challenges and Innovations in Clean Cooking: Peter highlights the pressing challenges in the African energy sector and how Burn's range of wood, charcoal, LPG, and electric stoves are providing sustainable solutions.Impact and Business Model: Discover how Burn's unique business model, supported by carbon credits, makes their stoves affordable and accessible, even in remote areas.Carbon Credits and Sustainability: Peter addresses the debates around carbon credits and explains how they are vital for funding clean energy projects and reducing deforestation.Manufacturing and Job Creation: Learn about Burn's commitment to manufacturing in Africa, creating jobs, and fostering economic growth on the continent.Future Goals: Peter shares Burn's ambitious plans to ensure every household in Africa benefits from their products, aiming for a transformative impact on both people and the environment. -
"Communities are powerful because they help bring people together and find similarities... we start focusing more on what brings us together as human beings."
In this episode of "The Sustainability Journey," host Samuele Tini sits down with Carlos Terol, the visionary founder of Good Ripple, a platform designed to connect changemakers across the globe. Carlos shares his journey from a capitalist mindset to becoming a passionate advocate for sustainability, sparked by a transformative trip to Western Sahara.
Discover how Good Ripple evolved from a simple idea into a thriving community of over 2,600 members from 97 countries, with an ambitious goal to connect 300 million changemakers by 2030. Carlos discusses the power of community, the importance of starting small, and the critical role technology plays in driving social change.
Highlights
Carlos’s Eureka Moment: Carlos’s eyes were opened to the realities of social impact during a visit to Western Sahara, which led him to shift his career focus towards sustainability.The Birth of Good Ripple: Learn how Carlos created Good Ripple to connect local changemakers, inspired by discovering the hidden potential in his neighborhood.Building and Scaling: Carlos shares valuable lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of validating ideas and the power of community-driven development.The Role of Technology: A discussion on how technology can amplify positive impacts and connect changemakers globally, while balancing it with nature-based solutions.Future Aspirations: Carlos’s excitement about testing monetization strategies and co-creating premium features with the community to ensure financial sustainability. -
"We believe that before we even start to talk about education and entrepreneurship, we must cover the needs in terms of sexual health".
Join us on a compelling journey of innovation and impact as Samuel Tini converses with Benoit Renard of TIKO, a pioneering tech NGO dedicated to promoting sexual and reproductive health for adolescents and young people in Africa. In this episode, we delve into the social side of sustainability, focusing on community work and women's rights.
Benoit shares his transformative journey from France to sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting his passion for mixing business practices with development work to bring efficiencies and impact. Discover how TICO, through its unique software platform, collaborates with local partners to deliver essential health services, especially in challenging environments.
Learn about the inspiring stories from the field, the challenges and triumphs of implementing technology in community health, and the future of tech-driven NGO work. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in sustainable development, technology for good, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.
Learn more https://tiko.org/
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In our latest episode we discuss with Professor Christopher Marquis, formerly at Harvard Business School and now at Cambridge Judge Business School, a world leading academic in the study of the business for good movement,. We explore the urgent need to shift from a shareholder-centric view of business to a stakeholder-oriented model that truly considers the environmental and social impacts of corporate actions.
Chris shares his insights on the evolution of sustainability, summarized in his 3 books, from Better Business to the most recent, “The Profiteers” . We discuss the pivotal role of movements like the B Corp in remaking capitalism and the challenges businesses face in this transition.
Then, discussing the second book, Mao and the Markets, we dive into the complexities of the Chinese economic system and what Western businesses can learn from China’s approach to sustainability and long-term planning.
His latest research, summed in the book “The Profiteers-How Business Privatizes Profits and Socializes Costs” unveils the concept of the "Corporate Free Lunch," explaining how businesses have historically externalized their costs, pushing them onto society and the environment, and what can be done to change this extractive paradigm. Learn about pioneering companies leading the way toward a regenerative model of capitalism and how the concept of positive externalities is shaping the future of responsible business. From Natura’s innovative integrated profit and loss statement to the broader implications of European Union policies, Chris provides a roadmap for how businesses and consumers alike can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.
To learn more https://chrismarquis.com/the-profiteers-how-business-privatizes-profit-and-socializes-cost/
https://chrismarquis.com/mao-and-markets-the-communist-roots-of-chinese-enterprise/
https://chrismarquis.com/better-business-how-the-b-corp-movement-is-remaking-capitalism/
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In this episode we explore the cutting-edge world of space-based solar power, with by Martin Soltau, the co-CEO of Space Solar. We explore a revolutionary approach to clean energy that promises to transform how we harness the power of the sun. Discover how space-based solar technology works, its potential to deliver continuous, reliable energy, and the significant role it can play in achieving global net-zero targets.
Key Points:
Introduction to Space-Based Solar Power: Understanding the basics of this groundbreaking technology and its benefits over traditional solar power.Martin Soltau's Journey: From aerospace engineering to leading the charge in space-based solar power.Technical Viability and Economic Feasibility: Insights from the UK government's study on the potential of space-based solar power.Implementation and Scaling: How Space Solar plans to develop and commercialize this technology within the next six years.Global Collaboration and Regulation: The importance of international partnerships and regulatory frameworks to make space-based solar power a reality.Impact on Energy Markets and Sustainability: How this technology can provide affordable, continuous energy and support global sustainability efforts.Overcoming Challenges: Addressing the technical, economic, and regulatory hurdles in developing space-based solar power.The Future of Energy: Envisioning a world powered by space-based solar energy and its potential to revolutionize the energy sector.Learn more https://www.spacesolar.co.uk/
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"Philanthropy needs to shift from being achievers of change to enablers of change"
Our special guest is Benjamin Bellegy, the Executive Director of WINGS, an organization that plays a pivotal role in enhancing the philanthropic sector's effectiveness and impact worldwide.
Philanthropy has always been a powerful ally in solving our most pressing problems, but as the challenges grow more complex and interconnected, the need for transformative change is more apparent than ever. Benjamin takes us on a journey through his experiences, highlighting how philanthropy can act as a catalyst for systemic change. From his start in Ethiopia to his current role in Brazil, Benjamin's story is one of passion, learning, and the drive to make a meaningful difference.
Key Points:
Philanthropy as an Enabler: Learn how philanthropy can shift from being just a funder to an enabler of systemic change, fostering partnerships and trust within communities.Walking the Talk: Discover the importance of consistency in philanthropy, ensuring that all dimensions of a foundation's work align with its mission for greater impact.Strategic Use of Assets: Understand how philanthropic assets can be leveraged more effectively to support transformative change, particularly in the context of climate change and sustainability.Building Bridges: Benjamin emphasizes the role of philanthropy in building bridges and forming partnerships to amplify its impact on a global scale.Local Impact: Insights into how philanthropy can better connect with and support grassroots initiatives, making a tangible difference at the community level.To know more https://transformphilanthropy.wingsweb.org/ https://philanthropyforclimate.org/ https://wingsweb.org/ -
"We are here to empower the sustainable transition with the most insightful information and data".
In this episode we meet Andrea Gori, a global leader, founder and Chief Earth Officer (CEO) of Illuminem and a former sustainability lead at one of the top consultancy firm, to explore the transformative power of media in driving sustainability. Andrea shares his transition from consulting to creating Illuminem, a platform aiming to be the Bloomberg of sustainability, offering a centralized source of accurate and accessible information. we discuss into the critical role of sustainable practices in businesses and the evolving landscape of ESG investment.
Key points
Transition from Consulting to Entrepreneurship: Andrea discusses his move from a high-level sustainability consultant at BCG to launching Illuminem, driven by his passion for impactful change.Role of Illuminem: Described as the second most read platform on sustainability worldwide, it integrates AI to categorize and summarize content, serving as both a media platform and a data provider.Innovative Business Model: It operates on a SaaS model, monetizing data on sustainability performance to support solution providers in the green tech and renewable energy sectors.Importance of Media in Sustainability: Andrea emphasizes the transformative role of media in disseminating knowledge and driving the sustainable agenda forward, advocating for high-quality, accessible information.Challenges in the Consulting Sector: Discusses the perception of consulting as reactive rather than proactive in sustainability, addressing criticisms of consulting firms possibly hindering progress in sustainable practices.The ESG Debate: Andrea addresses criticisms of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investing, highlighting the growth and challenges of ESG as a tool for sustainable investment.Future Trends and Innovations: Highlights emerging trends like carbon engineering vs. nature-based solutions, the creation of biodiversity credits, and the potential of ocean wave energy.Vision for Illuminem’s Future: Aims to establish it as a central, reliable source for sustainability data and information, fostering transparency and accountability in the sustainability sector. -
"There's so much intelligence in nature... that's the new frontier for me"
In this episode we explore the often unknown world of fungi with global sustainability and fungi expert Susanne Gløersen. This conversation uncovers the untapped potential of fungi in addressing pressing environmental issues, blending science, innovation, and a passion for ecological solutions. Susanne would describe herself as "super passionate about the fungi revolution - and how to harvest the intelligence of nature for the environmental innovations that the world needs".
She has more than 12 years of extensive experience in sustainability across the financial ecosystem (most lately Sustainability Lead at SEB GreenTech VC), but has now jumped off to only immerse herself into accelerating fungal innovations for planetary wellbeing. She is the founder of a global award to honor truly cutting edge fungi focused science and start-up innovation, leveraging fungi to solve some of humanity`s largest environmental challenges – The Future is Fungi Award. An award nominated for The Earthshot Prize.
She is also investing in fungi focused start-ups and building an ecosystem of fungi oriented investors - having founded the The Fungi Investment Collective.
Susanne sees biology and nature itself will be the next wave in sustainability, with a particular interest in fungi and how it can support a more regenerative agriculture, nature & biodiversity restoration and the material needs in the world. And it is the truly frontier and breakthrough innovations that excites Susanne the most.
Key Points:
Journey to Sustainability: Susanne shares her transformative journey from finance to a career driven by a passion for sustainability and responsible capitalism.Fungi’s Versatile Role: Discover the myriad ways fungi are revolutionizing environmental solutions, from alternative proteins to sustainable materials.Innovations in Mycelium: Explore the groundbreaking applications of mycelium in various sectors, showcasing fungi's potential in sustainable practices.Frontier Science and Startups: Insights into the Future of Fungi Award and Collective, highlighting cutting-edge fungal research and startups.Future Vision and Advice: Susanne offers predictions on the role of fungi in future sustainability efforts and advice for aspiring changemakers in this field.Useful Links
The Fungi Investment Collective: https://www.fungiinvestmentcollective.com/The Future is Fungi Award: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-future-is-fungi-award/ -
In our latest episode we explore the profound intersections of sustainability, activism, and social justice with global activist Kumi Naidoo. Kumi who led in the past Greenpeace and Amnesty International, brings a wealth of experience and insight. He is now a Payne Distinguished Lecturer at the Centre on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law at Stanford University.
He emphasizes, "The struggle to avert catastrophic climate change...is nothing less than saving our children and their children's futures." This episode delves into the critical role of civil society and citizen mobilization in tackling global challenges, highlighting the importance of intersectionality and systemic change. Naidoo powerfully notes, "We either part of the problem or part of the solution... choosing to be neutral in the current context sadly will be making a choice to be part of the problem." His journey from anti-apartheid activism to leading global environmental initiatives exemplifies the transformative power of informed, passionate advocacy. Join us for an enlightening conversation that not only offers a rich historical perspective but also presents practical avenues for making a significant impact in today's interconnected world.
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"My entire fashion career has been about really utilizing what is already in existence... and the dignity, the relationship between myself, the people who make my clothes, and the people who wear my clothes"
We sat with Orsola de Castro, a pioneer in sustainable fashion, author and the co-founder of Fashion Revolution, to explore the transformative world of eco-friendly fashion. The episode navigates through the intricate relationship between fashion, sustainability, and the evolving consciousness around consumer habits.
Key Points Orsola’s Creative Journey to Activism: Orsola shares her transition from a creative mindset to becoming an activist in sustainable fashion. She emphasizes the importance of repurposing and transforming clothes, not just as a necessity but as a form of self-expression and creativity. "My entire fashion career has been about really utilizing what is already in existence... and the dignity, the relationship between myself, the people who make my clothes, and the people who wear my clothes." - Orsola De Castro
Sustainability in Fashion: The discussion challenges the notion that sustainability and fashion are contradictory. Orsola points out the need for a paradigm shift from exploitative practices to a model that values small, innovative, and sustainable brands. "It's an oxymoron for the fast fashion brands... It is absolutely not an oxymoron for the small, sustainable, innovative brands that are cropping up all over the world." - Orsola De CastroThe Art and Necessity of Upcycling: Orsola underscores upcycling as an essential and historical practice in fashion, advocating for its role in reducing waste and promoting creativity. "Upcycling is a methodology and a technique which is autochthonous to mankind... We've been practicing it for 10,000 years." - Orsola De CastroFashion Revolution’s Global Impact: The podcast delves into the formation and mission of Fashion Revolution, highlighting its role as a global movement advocating for ethical practices and transparency in the fashion industry.Empowering Consumers through ‘Loved Clothes Last’: Orsola talks about her book, which encourages consumers to view their clothing choices through an emotional and intentional lens, promoting sustainable practices like mending and mindful consumption.Envisioning the Future of Fashion: The conversation explores Orsola's vision for a more sustainable fashion industry, envisioning a return to localized, artisanal production methods and a departure from mass manufacturing.Consumer Responsibility and Action: The episode concludes with practical tips for consumers, emphasizing the importance of conscientious buying, supporting sustainable brands, and taking responsibility for the lifecycle of their clothing.Her book https://www.amazon.com/Loved-Clothes-Last-Rewearing-Revolutionary/dp/0241461154
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In this episode we met Luca Zerbini, Founder and CEO of the B Corp certified UNA TERRA. It is the first early-growth impact fund (SFDR Art. 9) and ecosystem with an exclusive focus on the global Circular Economy Transition.. Zerbini, being an expert in the sustainability field, shares a unique journey from being a fervent nature lover to initiating transformational and innovative ventures to combat the pressing global sustainability challenges.
Luca primarily targets Europe with ambitious goals of addressing massive CO2 emissions and plastic waste, focusing on different sectors like packaging, waste, sustainable food, agritech, fashion, apparel, and clean finance. Their innovative approach aims to promote a circular economy by replacing non-sustainable solutions with sustainable ones.
He share some impact stories like Palpex, a paper bottle-producing company offering a sustainable alternative to plastic. Another one is Grey Parrot's AI-enhanced recycling processes that drastically increase sorting precision. Luca also discusses his new book, "Standing Up for the Planet," which honors influential women in sustainability and emphasizes their crucial role in the movement. Link here https://www.amazon.com/Standing-Planet-Stories-Extraordinary-Changing/dp/8831322990
Luca also outlines the comprehensive approach to ESG and sustainability demanded by B Corp certification. He envisions UNA TERRA as more than a fund, rather as a platform accelerating the growth of enterprises and fostering sustainability. As a global expert he urges listeners to take active participation in this significant socio-economic transition – be it as consumers, voters, or employees.
To learn more https://unaterra.vc/
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"The good news is after 54 years working in sustainability... we are in the beginning of the biggest change I've ever seen globally in the world.”
In this insightful episode, we are joined by Peter Fusaro, a global sustainability expert, author, and the founder of the Wall Street Green Summit, the most comprehensive sustainable finance event in the world. The summit was launched in 2002 and it has reached its 23rd edition, from 12th March 2024 in New York . Peter shares his experience as professor, energy and finance expert.
to learn more https://www.thewallstreetgreensummit.com/
Key points discussed.
Sustainability and Green Finance Intersection: Peter Fusaro discussed the merging of sustainability and finance, particularly the unique combination of green initiatives and Wall Street.Early Involvement in Sustainability: Fusaro shared his journey in sustainability, starting from participating in the first Earth Day event in 1970, leading to his extensive career focused on energy and the environment.Energy's Role in Greenhouse Gas Emissions: He emphasized that energy accounts for a significant portion (73%) of greenhouse gases, highlighting the sector's pivotal role in sustainability efforts.Sustainable Finance and Education: Fusaro's work in sustainable finance education, including his role as a professor at Columbia University, where he taught renewable energy project finance.Innovations in Energy and Environment: Discussion on various innovations such as hydrogen for transportation, energy storage technologies, and the evolution of battery technology including alternative materials like zinc air and airflow batteries.Carbon Markets and Credits: The importance of carbon markets in sustainability, distinguishing between compliance and voluntary markets, and addressing the challenges and criticisms faced by carbon credit systems.Challenges and Opportunities in Sustainable Projects: Discussion on various sustainable projects such as microgrids in developing countries, agroforestry in Peru, and sustainable fishing practices.Mentorship and Support for Young Professionals: Fusaro shared insights on mentoring young professionals and students, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the field of sustainability.Investment and Business Development in Sustainability: He talked about different classes of investors in sustainable projects and the role of big corporations in adopting and integrating new sustainable technologies.The Role of Technology and Policy in Sustainability: The podcast covered how advancements in technology and supportive public policies are crucial for effective sustainability initiatives.Global South and Sustainability Initiatives: Fusaro pointed out the importance of focusing on the Global South for sustainable development, highlighting opportunities for technological leapfrogging in these regions.Need for Patient Capital in Sustainability Ventures: He stressed the necessity of patient capital for long-term impact in sustainable finance, highlighting the slow but incremental nature of change in this sector. - Mehr anzeigen
