We Study Billionaires - The Investor’s Podcast Network

RWH047: Investing In The Era of Climate Change w/ Bruce Usher

Jul 7, 2024

In this engaging discussion, Bruce Usher, a Columbia Business School professor and author, shares insights from his expertise in climate finance and renewable energy. He emphasizes the unique investment opportunities presented by the transition to a low-carbon economy. Bruce explores how climate risks are reshaping perceptions and investment strategies. He highlights essential sectors like electric vehicles and renewable energy, discusses corporate sustainability efforts, and offers advice on navigating the complexities of climate-conscious investing.

01:43:51

Episode guests

Bruce Usher

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Quick takeaways

Investing in climate change solutions presents a lucrative opportunity for investors as trillions flow into decarbonization initiatives.

The transition to a low-carbon future is reshaping the global economy, highlighting the urgency to adapt to environmental risks.

Extreme weather events are accelerating awareness of climate risks, prompting the need for immediate action and investment in climate solutions.

Investors are integrating ESG considerations to mitigate risks and respond to evolving market dynamics, emphasizing the importance of sustainability.

Investment strategies must account for decarbonization measures to prevent property devaluation, stressing the impact of climate change on asset values.

Deep dives

Historic Transition to Low-Carbon Economy

We are witnessing a historic shift towards a low-carbon economy to combat climate change. Estimates suggest a massive $150 to $200 trillion will be needed in investments over the next three decades. Businesses and investors are recognizing the urgency to decarbonize the global economy to avert catastrophic climate change.

Technological Innovation Driving Climate Solutions

03:32

Transition to Renewable Energy Complexity

03:09

Challenges in Building Renewable Energy Projects in America Due to Regulations

04:23

ESG and Corporate Impact on Society

03:16

Intro

4min

Investing in a Low-Carbon Future

15min

Decarbonization and Renewable Innovation

13min

Navigating Challenges in Renewable Energy Infrastructure

4min

Investing in Energy: Balancing Ethics and Innovation

17min

Navigating ESG in Investment Strategies

18min

Impact-First Investing and the Promise of Green Hydrogen

5min

Investing in a Sustainable Future

24min

In this episode, William Green chats with Bruce Usher, author of a book titled “Investing in the Era of Climate Change.” Bruce, a successful entrepreneur, investor, & Columbia Business School professor, discusses the “once-in-a-lifetime” investment opportunity created by the transition of the global economy to a low-carbon future. He explains how to protect yourself financially as environmental risks intensify, & how to profit as trillions of dollars flow into innovative climate change solutions that will change the world—from electric vehicles to solar energy.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

00:00 - Intro

05:37 - Why Bruce Usher sees climate change as a huge opportunity (& risk) for investors.

08:34 - How the transition to a low-carbon future will transform the global economy.

10:53 - How extreme weather is finally altering perceptions of climate change.

13:45 - How to protect against environmental threats to your property.

20:39 - Why electric vehicles & renewable energy are key drivers of decarbonization.

33:42 - How Berkshire Hathaway is playing the energy transition.

49:05 - Why leading companies like Apple & Microsoft are serious about sustainability.

54:02 - Why it’s wise to consider environmental factors before buying any stock.

01:03:53 - How to invest in funds & ETFs that reduce your exposure to climate risk.

01:12:44 - How billionaires like Bill Gates & Jeff Bezos invest in climate change solutions.

01:23:01 - What consumers can do to reduce their negative impact on the environment.

01:27:47 - Why Bruce thinks humanity might still avoid catastrophic climate change.

Disclaimer: Slight discrepancies in the timestamps may occur due to podcast platform differences.

BOOKS AND RESOURCES

Bruce Usher’s book, Investing in the Era of Climate Change.
Bruce Usher’s book, Renewable Energy: A Primer for the Twenty-First Century.
William Green’s podcast interview with Bryan Lawrence.
William Green’s book, “Richer, Wiser, Happier” – read the reviews of this book.
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