Climate Confident
Tom Raftery
Recent Episodes
Hi everyone, Tom Raftery here, and welcome back to another episode of the Climate Confident podcast. This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dana R. Fisher, director of the Centre for Environment, Community, and Equity at American University and author of the new book, Saving Ourselves - From Climate Shocks to Climate Action.
Dana brings 25 years of research on climate policymaking and activism to our conversation, providing valuable insights into the current state of the climate crisis. We delved into the evolution of climate policy, from the early days of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to the latest efforts like the Inflation Reduction Act in the United States. Dana offers a candid assessment of these policies, highlighting both successes and significant gaps.
A major theme of our discussion is the crucial role of activism. Dana underscores that meaningful change often requires grassroots movements to hold policymakers accountable. We explored various forms of climate activism, from local community actions to more radical tactics like civil disobedience. Interestingly, Dana's research suggests that even controversial actions, such as throwing soup at paintings or blocking traffic, can effectively draw media attention and pressure policymakers when part of a broader strategy.
We also touched on the importance of building community resilience. As climate shocks become more frequent and severe, Dana emphasises that local communities must prepare to support each other in times of crisis. This involves not only physical infrastructure but also fostering social cohesion.
Towards the end of our conversation, Dana offers practical advice for anyone looking to get involved in climate activism, stressing the need for solidarity across movements and the potential impact of nonviolent resistance. We also discussed the upcoming COP 29 climate negotiations and the controversial involvement of a fossil fuel executive in leading these talks.
I hope you find this episode as insightful and thought-provoking as I did.
Thanks for listening, and stay climate confident!
Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:
- Lorcan Sheehan
- Hal Good
- Jerry Sweeney
- Andreas Werner
- Devaang Bhatt
- Stephen Carroll
- Marcel Roquette
- Roger Arnold
And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.
Contact
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn.
If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.
Credits
Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
In this thought-provoking episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I'm joined by Ditte Lysgaard Vind, Chair of the Danish Design Council and author of the book Danish Design Heritage and Global Sustainability. Ditte sheds light on how Danish design heritage influences global sustainability and the crucial role of living within planetary boundaries.
Ditte emphasises the importance of "planetary boundaries" which include crucial limits like climate change and biodiversity. She argues that adhering to these boundaries isn't just about conservation but is essential for thriving within our means. We delve into the practicalities of Danish design, known for marrying functionality with aesthetic appeal, and discuss how these principles can inspire sustainable practices globally.
We also explore the transformation needed in business models, highlighting "product as a service" as a sustainable alternative that promotes long-term quality over short-lived consumerism. Ditte points out that significant systemic change is necessary and discusses the potential of bio-based materials as sustainable alternatives in various industries.
For anyone interested in how design can lead to more sustainable business practices and a healthier planet, this episode is a must-listen. Dive into the full conversation to discover how you can incorporate these sustainable principles into your daily life and business strategy.
Don't forget to check out the video version of this episode.
Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:
- Lorcan Sheehan
- Hal Good
- Jerry Sweeney
- Andreas Werner
- Devaang Bhatt
- Stephen Carroll
- Marcel Roquette
- Roger Arnold
And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.
Contact
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn.
If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.
Credits
Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
Welcome to another episode of the Climate Confident podcast. Today, we're joined by Emily Easley, the founder of Novus Energy Advisors, a firm that has been guiding companies through the energy sector's dynamic landscape for over a decade. In our discussion, Emily sheds light on the shifting paradigms within the energy industry, particularly focusing on the role of renewable energies and technological innovations such as energy storage solutions.
Emily elaborates on the practical challenges and opportunities presented by policies like the Inflation Reduction Act. She explains how these policies are driving investment and innovation, particularly in U.S. manufacturing, and how they impact the energy sector's approach to sustainability and carbon footprint management. The conversation also touches upon the complexities of regulatory environments and the importance of adapting business strategies to stay ahead in a transitioning market.
Moreover, we delve into the future of energy storage technologies and their potential to revolutionise energy consumption patterns. Emily provides insights into how emerging technologies are not just supporting but accelerating the shift towards a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.
Whether you're an industry professional, an environmental enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of energy, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating the evolving energy landscape. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how current trends and technologies are shaping the future of energy.
For more insights and discussions with leading experts in the field, remember to subscribe to our podcast and visit our website. Connect with us on social media to continue the conversation and stay updated with the latest episodes.
Don't forget to check out the video version of this episode at https://youtu.be/z39-dmboTXc
Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:
- Lorcan Sheehan
- Hal Good
- Jerry Sweeney
- Andreas Werner
- Devaang Bhatt
- Stephen Carroll
- Marcel Roquette
- Roger Arnold
And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.
Contact
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn.
If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.
Credits
Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
In this week’s episode, I had the privilege of talking to Julia Salant from EcoVadis, where we tackled the increasingly essential role of technology in scaling up sustainable practices within supply chains. Julia elucidated EcoVadis' digital solutions, designed to assess and improve the sustainability performance of their vast network of companies.
We dived into the specifics of their three main offerings: the Sustainability Business Rating solution, the iQ Plus tool for regulatory risk scanning, and the Carbon Action Manager for suppliers’ climate action. Julia highlighted the simplicity of sharing sustainability and carbon scorecards within their network, a system that empowers companies to meet growing regulatory demands efficiently.
We also grappled with the trajectory of emissions reporting and the shift from voluntary to mandatory regulations, including the potential future need for audited scope three emissions. Julia presented a candid perspective on the catalysts for genuine change, emphasising the power of investor demands and the buyer-supplier relationship over regulatory measures.
An insightful segment of our chat focused on strategies for engaging suppliers in sustainability reporting and how established customer-supplier dynamics foster commitment to decarbonisation. Julia shared success stories, underscoring the practical steps companies can take to initiate or advance their sustainability journeys.
Tune in for a thorough dissection of the sustainability challenges faced by businesses today and how technology, coupled with targeted strategies, can enhance our collective effort to mitigate climate change.
And don't forget to check out the video version of this episode on YouTube.
Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:
- Lorcan Sheehan
- Hal Good
- Jerry Sweeney
- Andreas Werner
- Devaang Bhatt
- Stephen Carroll
- Marcel Roquette
- Roger Arnold
And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.
Contact
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn.
If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.
Credits
Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Daniel Lawse, co-founder and Chief Century Thinker at Verdis Group. Our conversation ventured deep into the realms of sustainability and climate consultancy, focusing on how transformational change can be accelerated in organisations and communities.
Daniel shared fascinating insights into the evolution of emissions scopes, especially the rising importance of scope three emissions. He explained how Verdis Group assists businesses in navigating these complex areas through strategic planning and implementation, using a dynamic approach to adapt to continual changes in the environmental landscape.
We also discussed the unique roles of zoos and aquariums in conservation and the broad implications of their sustainability efforts. Daniel emphasised the importance of interconnected thinking and how short, simple feedback loops, modelled on natural systems, can enhance sustainability practices.
For anyone looking to deepen their understanding of sustainable business practices and the operational shifts necessary for a regenerative future, this episode is a must-listen. Dive into our detailed exploration of how businesses can effectively measure and manage their impact on the climate.
For more on Daniel's work, or to engage further with these topics, visit Verdis Group's website or set up a conversation with Daniel through their contact page.
The book Daniel referenced, Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet, is available on Amazon here.
Join us next time on Climate Confident as we continue to explore actionable insights and strategies for a sustainable future, and check out the video version of this episode on YouTube.
Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:
- Lorcan Sheehan
- Hal Good
- Jerry Sweeney
- Andreas Werner
- Devaang Bhatt
- Stephen Carroll
- Marcel Roquette
- Roger Arnold
And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.
Contact
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn.
If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.
Credits
Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper