The Sustainability Journey- by Samuele Tini

Green Wall Street: Transforming Finance for Sustainability with Peter Fusaro | S.1E.108

"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.
 

From Miss Earth to Earth's Advocate: The Making of an Eco-Influencer| S.1 E.107

I just believe I was born loving this planet... And I realized she needed more voices to speak for her.
Lindsey Coffey, a former Miss Earth and model turned environmental activist, shares her transformation journey. Her love for the planet, witnessed firsthand through modeling assignments, led her to become a powerful voice for environmental advocacy. Lindsey discusses her initiatives in promoting sustainability and climate justice, emphasizing the importance of individual choice and action in environmental conservation.
 
Key points 
Early Love for Nature and Vegetarianism:
Lindsey shares her childhood affinity for nature and animals, leading her to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle at just eight years old, reflecting her deep-rooted connection with the environment​​.
Transition to Activism:
Her journey into environmental activism was fueled by witnessing global environmental degradation and natural disasters during her modeling career, motivating her to become a voice for the planet​​.
Empowering Individual Action:
Lindsey emphasizes the importance of individual choices and elevating environmental awareness. She encourages people to use their unique skills, whether in speaking, writing, or educating, to make a positive impact​​.
Multifaceted Activism Approach:
Her activism spans various forms, from social media influence to on-ground activities like protests, cleanups, and lobbying for legislative reform. This diverse approach targets multiple demographics and locations globally​​.
Overcoming Self-Doubt and Realizing Potential:
Winning Miss Earth was a turning point for Lindsey, providing her the confidence to amplify her voice in environmental advocacy and realize her potential beyond traditional qualifications​
 
to learn more 
https://www.lindsey-coffey.com/ 
 

Hydrogen, Sustainability, and Innovation: Lessons from a Global Leader | S. 1 E 106 with Dr. Venera Anderson

" Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail".  Dr. Venera N. Anderson is a global strategy advisor and published author on sustainability and climate issues. She creates and implements innovative solutions that address the world’s most pressing issues, such as climate change, economic development, and humanitarian challenges.
In this episode, Dr. Anderson shares her diverse experiences ranging from Wall Street to global sustainability projects, emphasizing her focus on clean energy technologies, especially green hydrogen.
She discusses the challenges and opportunities in scaling green hydrogen globally, the importance of an equitable energy transition, and her contributions to various international projects. Her insights into the evolution of career paths, the significance of portfolio careers, and her personal journey through the realms of finance, academia, and sustainability advocacy offer a comprehensive view of the complexities and potential solutions in the fight against climate change.
 
Some useful links and full bio
Biography:
Following her tenure on Wall Street at Salomon Smith Barney, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, and Credit Suisse, Dr. Venera N. Anderson is now an independent global strategy advisor and published author on sustainability and climate issues. She creates and implements innovative solutions that address the world's most pressing problems, such as climate change, economic development, and humanitarian challenges. Dr. Anderson primarily focuses on international projects in clean energy/tech sectors and proprietary analytical research. 
Dr. Anderson is a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, an International Expert in "Women in Green Hydrogen," Rotary International's Paul Harris Fellow, and a recipient of the USA President's Volunteer Service Award for outstanding dedication to the mission of the American Red Cross.
Dr. Anderson is also a co-author of the "Touching Hydrogen Future" book (2023, 2nd ed.), author of "The Fight Against Poverty in the BRICS countries: Historical: Socio-Economic, and Political Aspects" (2020), and co-author of 5 other books on poverty in transitional economies (2003-2020). 
      Dr. Anderson is a LinkedIn's "Top Renewable Energy Voice," an illuminem's #1 "Energy”(2023); #6 “Hydrogen” and #9 “Energy Transition”(2022) Global Thought Leader of the Year; and Top 100 “Global Female Sustainability Leader." With a combined audience of over 200,000 and insights from 1,300+ experts, illuminem is at the forefront of sustainability and energy discussions.
            During the recent years, Dr. Anderson spoke at the “Wall Street Green Summit,” “Tech Up for Women,” and “Sustainable Finance Podcast” about her vision for developing coastal US green hydrogen hubs.
This year, Dr. Anderson is scheduled to speak at Japan’s Energy Summit about her new nexus-integrated policy framework to improve Japan’s energy and environmental security, resilience, and reliability.  She was also invited to become a member of the judging committee of the Summit’s Climate Tech/Young Leaders Initiative.
 
Links:
Illuminem articles: https://illuminem.com/illuminemvoicesprofile/venera-n-anderson
“Touching Hydrogen Future” (2nd ed) book: https://europeangasmarket.eu/
Venera. N. Anderson’s Linked-In profile: www.linkedin.com/in/venera-n-anderson-ph-d
 
 
 

Uniting for Impact: How Development Organizations and Businesses are Driving Sustainable Change S.1 E 105 with Elvira Goetz

“We need private sector companies to find solutions to pressing societal issues and sustainability problems; companies drive innovation, which is crucial for the sustainability agenda”
In this episode we discuss with Elvira Goetz,now UN Coordination Officer at the UNESCO office in Bangkok, and previously   Private Sector Partnerships Officer  at the World Food Programme, Senior Partnerships Advisor at UNESCO and Senior Partnerships’ Specialist at the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and many others international roles.  With her extensive experience we explore the transformative role of business in achieving sustainable development goals through strategic collaborations with development organizations.
With examples for her career through the UN she  unpacks the intricacies of these partnerships, highlighting the unique challenges and successes encountered. Elvira shares her extensive experience, providing insights into how these alliances are not only shaping sustainable business practices but also contributing to broader societal impacts. demonstrating the tangible benefits and innovative approaches within these partnerships.
Key Points:
Collaborative Impact: Businesses and development organizations uniting for sustainable change.
Real-world Examples: Case studies demonstrating tangible benefits and innovative approaches.
Professional Insight: Strategies and implications for leaders in sustainability and development.

From Having More to Being More: A Conversation on Sustainability and Inner Transformation| S.1E. 104 with Thomas Legrand

In this episode, Thomas Legrand shares his unique sustainability journey, which began 20 years ago in Mexico. This experience profoundly connected him to nature and reshaped his life’s direction towards forest conservation and ecological economics.
Legrand discusses his book "Politics of Being," emphasizing the need for a wisdom-based approach to development. He proposes organizing societies to prioritize 'being more' rather than 'having more.' He shares insights on various sectors like education, governance, and agriculture, advocating for a transformation from competitive to deliberative democracies and promoting nature's rights.
The episode also delves into Legrand's work with the Conscious Food Systems Alliance at the UNDP. He highlights the need for a mindset shift in agriculture, focusing on inner transformation to address global food system challenges.
Finally, Legrand emphasizes the importance of aligning our institutions with our true purpose on Earth, encouraging listeners to reconnect with themselves, nature, and their community. The episode concludes with a powerful message on the collective mission to shape a sustainable future.
 
to learn more 
https://politicsofbeing.com/ 
 

Banking on a greener future: Finance&Climate change | S. 1 E. 103 with Ana Lucas

Can banks really help save the planet?
In this episode, we dive into the intricate relationship between the financial sector and climate risk with our distinguished guest, Ana Lucas. Ana brings over two decades of experience in corporate banking, notably with ING, and has now transitioned into educating others on sustainable finance.
This episode delves into Ana's journey, exploring her significant role in recognizing and managing climate risks within the banking sector. She shares her insights on the financial industry's current state in addressing the climate crisis and the critical role banks play as agents of change.
Key highlights include:
Ana's perspective on the evolution of sustainability within the banking industry and its increasing prominence post the Paris Agreement.
A comprehensive discussion on climate risks, categorized into physical and transition risks, and their implications for financial institutions.
The challenges banks face in revaluating portfolios and the importance of aligning with industry benchmarks for carbon reduction.
Ana's viewpoint on the future of sustainable financing, including the opportunities and risks in the next five to ten years.
Ana's expertise sheds light on how financial institutions are navigating this challenging landscape, balancing profit with responsibility, and moving towards a more sustainable future.
 
some links to Ana's work - 
Her Linktree:https://linktr.ee/anadlucasClimate scenarioshttps://www.ngfs.net/enhttps://2degrees-investing.org/pacta-for-banks/An Example of Industry cooperation with Banks on Decarbonisationhttps://steelprinciples.org/Guidance on Climate risks and Opportunities Disclosureshttps://www.fsb-tcfd.org/Guidelines for Climate Target Setting for Bankshttps://www.unepfi.org/industries/banking/guidelines-for-climate-target-setting-for-banks/
 

The Inner Route to Outer Change with Davina Ho | S. 1 E. 102

Have you ever wondered how mindfulness can revolutionize the world of finance? Meet Davina Ho, a leader whose mindfulness podcasts have garnered millions of downloads on Spotify. In this episode, she shares her journey from high-stress finance to pioneering mindfulness and sustainable investment. Discover how Davina's unique approach intertwines inner peace with financial success, proving that mindfulness isn't just a personal practice but a transformative tool for global sustainability. Her story is a testament to how integrating personal well-being with professional expertise can lead to a more mindful and sustainable future.
to learn more 
 
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2G2rYw29NvOB5nWb9xFx7A?si=ensXTCS_QJaDei3SvUfg3w 
 
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/davina-ho/1591230756 
 
https://inhabitmeditation.podia.com/the-psychology-of-yoga-practical-tools-for-better-mental-health-well-being 
 

Global Development Reimagined: Results-Based Financing with Melissa Kaminker | S.1 E. 101

How can financing become a force for global good? Melissa Kaminker, a former human rights lawyer turned sustainability financier with Instiglio , demonstrates this with her innovative approach to results-based financing. This episode reveals her journey of transforming funding models to prioritize tangible outcomes over traditional methods. Discover how Melissa’s strategic shift in financing is unlocking new paths to sustainable development, making a measurable difference in communities around the world
to learn more www.instiglio.com 

Turning No Into Yes: Negotiation Skills for Sustainable Impact with Ben Kimura-Gross | S.1 E.100

What if your words could change the world? In this episode, negotiation maestro Ben Kimura proves they can. Renowned for his skills in molding leaders for sustainable initiatives, Ben discusses the intricate dance of negotiation in driving environmental change. Learn from a master how empathy, strategic dialogue, and a deep understanding of human dynamics can turn sustainability goals into reality, making a profound impact in the realms of policy and corporate decisions.
 
to learn more 
- LinkedIn profile / general info: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-k-g/
- Website for impact startup founders:  https://negotiating-with-goliath.com/
- Podcast for impact startup founders, "Talking to Investors": https://negotiating-with-goliath.com/talking-to-investors-podcast/
 

The Bio Foods Way: People-First Sustainable Business Model with Joachim Westerveld |S.1 E. 99

Can a milk revolution in Kenya redefine food security and sustainable business? Joachim Westerveld , a pioneering entrepreneur and investor, says 'Yes.' In a dairy industry riddled with challenges like contamination, low farmer prices, and inefficiencies, Joachim's Bio Foods  stands out. His win-win approach is reshaping the sector: ensuring food security, offering higher prices to farmers and workers, and upholding sustainable business practices. This episode delves into how Joachim's dedication to both profitability and sustainability is not just transforming the Kenyan dairy industry but also setting a new standard with the B Corp certification as the crowning achievement so far.  He shares as well his  insights on tackling sustainability challenges in emerging markets and learn how strategic business approaches can lead to significant environmental and social impacts.
to learn more https://biofoods.co.ke/