Billion Dollar Moves™ with Sarah Chen-Spellings | Global Venture Capital Catalytic Capital for Climate: Rules for the Next Economy
Oct 9, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Anna Herlin, a climate-focused vice chair at the Tiina and Antti Herlin Foundation, joins Dr. Krista Halttunen, CEO of Halton Ventures and sustainability expert. They dive into the shifting landscape of climate investing amid ESG fatigue, emphasizing the importance of efficiency and innovation. The guests discuss decarbonizing steel, the role of AI in energy demand, and the creation of a Planetary Boundaries framework to measure environmental impact. They offer insights on spotting greenwashing and strategic investments for the next economy.
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Backlash Is Politically Driven
- Political backlash against ESG is driven by organized interests, not just popular fatigue.
- Krista Halttunen warns fossil fuel lobbying and marketing shape public and political opposition to green transition.
Start With Efficiency Plays
- Invest in resource and energy efficiency because they deliver business value today and remain attractive despite ESG uncertainty.
- Look for technologies that optimize existing systems as practical first bets for climate-aligned portfolios.
System Change Needs Focused Leverage
- System-level change requires focused bets and understanding leverage points inside that system.
- Krista argues diversification alone won't shift entrenched systems like built environment or energy supply.