Invested In Climate

Might it be that the climate crisis requires not just technological change but also culture change. Might it be that as a civilization we need profound shifts in how we think, speak and act. If that’s the case, then art and creative expression will be critical to stretching our imaginations and to creating the new narratives, paradigms and mindsets that underpin our society. Planning for this episode I became fascinated with the role and potential of artistic movements in creating culture change. I actually recorded this episode with a live audience of designers and creative people at IDEO, the design firm where I work. And so the pressure was on. After extensive research, I was thrilled to find Raquel deAnda and Gan Golan. Raquel is an artist, curator and cultural producer involved in many climate and social justice organizations, and she helps lead the US Department of Arts and Culture. Gan Golan artist, activist, creative strategist, and NY Times bestselling author and he is a co-founder of the Climate Clock. Raquel and Gan met while designing and organizing the role of art in the 2014 People’s Climate March. That was one of the largest climate mobilizations in history and so they bring really informed perspectives on the power of creativity in the climate movement. We talked about that experience, the work they’re doing now, how artists continue to impact the climate movement and advice for anyone that wants to use their creativity to address climate change. So whether you’re an artist, creatively curious or just eager for that culture change we need – this episode has a lot you’ll enjoy. Here we go. In Today’s Episode, we cover:[3:11] How Raquel and Gan met[4:04] The role of art and creativity at the People's Climate March[7:05] The impacts of the March on the climate justice movement[10:59] What is actually happening and what is the pushback[14:33] What is Climate Clock and what is it aiming to achieve[18:41] How can people get involved and utilize Climate Clock's resources[19:56] Examples of art as an organizing strategy[21:02] What is the US Department of Arts and Culture and what is it aiming to achieve[24:32] Traction for supporting artists through local government[26:16] Funding barriers for climate creatives and ways to support[30:27] How to elevate the urgency of climate in our public discourse[33:54] Advice for creatives interested in climate justice work[36:19] How to bring climate action into the house as parents[39:34] Finding inspiration and emerging ideas[43:14] Other climate resources: Like the Waters, We Rise[45:37] Lifting up joy in work and activismResources & People MentionedClimate ClockUS Department of Arts and CultureClimate Justice AllianceLike the Waters, We Rise Connect with Raquel deAnda and Gan GolanConnect with RaquelConnect with GanConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

Climate tech is a $90 trillion opportunity and synthetic biology is projected to be a $30 trillion opportunity. Both sectors are expected to grow by 100x in the next decade, and we know that more than 60% of the dirty inputs to the global economy can be replaced by inputs made by biology which are more efficient, cleaner and cost effective. So we invest in the intersection of these two markets, both of which are at inflection points.When it comes to a rapidly decarbonizing world, there's many things we take for granted that we shouldn't. For example, it's easy to assume that coffee and chocolate should always come from beans that grow on trees. Maybe that's the case. Or maybe we'll rely on new tech that's enabling us to create synthetic alternatives that are actually better for the planet. Welcome to the world of synthetic biology. I've been fascinated by the possibility of dramatically reducing emissions across many different sectors through biology. So I sat down with Michael Luciani and Jenny Kan, who are investing in synthetic bio as they build a new fund called Exponential Impact. I learned a ton in this conversation and hope you do too.In Today’s Episode, we cover:[3:21] What led Jenny and Michael to climate investing[9:32] What is syndicate investing and how it works[12:36] What is a rolling fund and what type of investors are a good fit[15:15] The investment thesis behind Exponential Impact [16:56] The market case for climate tech and biotech investing[19:47] How synthetic bio is creating an opportunity for addressing climate change[21:34] Examples of investment opportunities available [27:27] How do synthetically made products compare[29:06] The economical and ethical critiques of the synthetic bio space[32:22] Exponential Impact’s advantages as a firm[33:49] Exponential Impact’s ideal investor and minimum investment[35:31] Principles for supporting climate tech startups[37:30] Community and attitude considerations for climate impactResources & People MentionedExponential ImpactAngelListJoinC3.coConnect with Michael Luciani and Jenny KanConnect with Michael on LinkedInConnect with Jenny on LinkedInConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

The IPCC report that came out recently found that demand side changes, including consumer behavior change, can help reduce 40 to 70% of the emissions that we need to cut by 2050. So we do have power to meet global climate goals, especially where we act together, and when we know which choices to focus on.I'll be honest here, I don't think carbon offsets are the answer. Companies relying only on offsets to become carbon neutral are pushing off the hard work of reducing their emissions. On the individual level, however, buying offsets actually has a different effect. It gets individuals to become more engaged in managing their carbon footprint, in talking about climate, and getting involved in activism. This is some of what I learned from Sanchli Pal, founder of a venture-backed startup called Joro. In this episode of Invested in Climate, we talk to Sanchali about the work she does, how individual decisions can spark systemic change, and what we can all do today to reduce our emissions.In Today’s Episode, we cover:[2:55] What is Joro and what problem is it aiming to solve[4:21] The methodology behind tracking and calculating an individual’s carbon footprint[8:03] What is an offset and how it works[9:08] The validity of concerns around offsetting[11:38] The most impactful lifestyle choices we can make to reduce our footprint[14:46] How Sanchali started her journey as a founder[17:52] Focusing on individuals for leveraging systems change[20:16] The multiplier effect through building community[23:20] Consumer demands and the need for Joro[24:46] Drawing inspiration for US consumers from international progress[28:55] Using metrics to work towards a new way of thinking[30:37] Areas where people made the biggest carbon reductions in the last year[34:18] Work and learning to address the climate crisisResources & People MentionedSixth Assessment IPPC ReportFood, Inc.Connect with Sanchali PalJoroConnect on LinkedInConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn Twitter

There are likely only a few people who know more about impact investing than John Goldstein. His firm—Imprint Capital—helped pioneer the field before getting acquired by Goldman Sachs in 2015. Now, John is the head of Goldman’s Sustainable Finance Group, offering him a truly unique perspective on the trillions of dollars needed to finance decarbonization and conservation globally.In this episode of Invested in Climate, we talk about the work that John does, how investing in climate has evolved in recent years, and why now is the time to invest. If you’re investing in climate or curious about getting started, don’t miss this episode.In Today’s Episode, we cover:[2:43] The purpose of the sustainable finance group[7:44] The clients they serve and the scale they operate at[9:00] What led John to the position he’s in today[16:03] Why now is the time to invest in climate [22:07] Quantifying the impact of investments[26:49] Why we’re in a new chapter of ESG investing[31:31] The investment opportunities available [32:55] Can divestment have an impact?[34:08] Think like an analyst—not an advocate[42:43] How everyday people make an impactResources & People MentionedGoldman Sachs Sustainable FinanceTaylor JordanConnect with John GoldsteinConnect on LinkedInConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

Switching your home energy source to solar is one of the most impactful things you can do to slow climate change—yet going solar is confusing and can be prohibitively expensive. Wildgrid Solar is a startup working to make solar accessible to more people. In this episode of Invested in Climate, I sat down with Wildgrid’s co-founders Krystal Persaud and Parinda Darden to learn how they’re making the world of solar energy easier to navigate. And if you don’t yet power your home with solar, hopefully this episode has you considering making the switch. In Today’s Episode, we cover:[3:13] Learn more about Wildgrid Solar and the problem it’s aiming to solve[4:17] The impact you can make by switching to solar[5:23] How does Wildgrid work? Why should you use them?[13:05] How Wildgrid works to offer a unique product[18:06] Why Wildgrid is trying to reach a younger demographic[20:49] How Wildgrid is building a community of solar advocates[23:15] Why solar providers should partner with Wildgrid[24:49] How Wildgrid seeks to expand in the future[27:40] The new and exciting things happening with Wildgrid[28:39] How Parinda and Krystal believe activism is impactfulResources & People MentionedGrouphugConnect with Krystal Persaud and Parinda DardenWildgrid SolarConnect with Krystal on LinkedInConnect with Parinda on LinkedInConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

Today’s episode focuses on what’s perhaps the easiest way for you to help move billions of dollars out of fossil fuels. That’s right, I said “you,” “billions of dollars,” and “easy,” all in the same sentence. The surprising answer to this riddle is your 401k—and a young company called Sphere. In this episode of Invested in Climate, I have a fascinating conversation with Sphere CEO and Founder Alex Wright-Gladstein, a serial entrepreneur who’s making it easy for everyday people and companies of all sizes to divest their 401ks from fossil fuels. I think you’ll learn a lot from this episode and walk away with a really easy and impactful action to take. In Today’s Episode, we cover:[2:35] When Alex realized her life’s work was to protect the planet[6:05] Learn more about Sphere and the problem it works to solve[10:30] Is divesting money from fossil fuels having an impact? [15:11] What do you need to do to get started? [16:04] Are climate-friendly 401k options more expensive? [18:41] Details about the Sphere 500 Fossil-Free Index Fund[22:34] Raising awareness for fossil-free investing[25:49] Who is currently working with Sphere?[27:03] How to change investments in a 401k with a past employer [29:32] Other investment strategies you should consider[32:04] Actionable ways Alex is making strides in other areas[34:32] Why you should focus on creating infrastructure changeResources & People MentionedAyar LabsOursphere.orgAs You SowFossil Free FundsMarilyn Waite’s blog with link to green banksAyana Elizabeth Johnsson’s venn diagram for climate actionHow University of California Decided to Let its Employees Divest from Fossil FuelsLearn more about Atmos FinancialHow to Save a Planet podcastConnect with Alex Wright-GladsteinConnect on LinkedInConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

William “Bill” McDonough pioneered the green architecture field, creating buildings that create more energy than they use, clean their own air and water, and create habitats for native wildlife. His book and work on the “Cradle to Cradle” approach spread the idea that waste equals food, helping to spark the circular economy movement. Bill has won two presidential awards and was recognized by Time Magazine as a hero for the planet. Fortune ranked him #24 of the world’s 50 greatest leaders. He brings sage wisdom and poetry to this conversation. Are you ready to push the boundaries of your thinking?In Today’s Episode, we cover:[3:29] A unified philosophy that is changing the design of the world[10:48] The balance between humility and ambition in design[11:40] How the climate movement has evolved[16:05] The tools Bill is using today[19:36] Net zero is a good place to start[23:56] Tangible steps you can take to make a difference [26:07] Design is the first signal of human intention [33:34] How do you get new ideas to spread?Resources & People MentionedCradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make ThingsThe Forest PartnershipWalker EvansConnect with William McDonoughBill’s websiteConnect on LinkedInFollow on TwitterConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

Jason Scott has been recruiting his coworkers at Google to directly support climate startups as both mentors and investors. Jason is also a partner at ANIM, an early-stage venture fund. He’s built funds and accelerator programs for Google including accelerators for black-led, women-led, and climate-focused companies.He’s also launched the Black Angel Group as a way to take advantage of investing in climate tech companies and have a tangible impact on climate change. It’s also a great opportunity to learn from and collaborate with others. He shares numerous practical insights in this episode of Invested in Climate. In Today’s Episode, we cover:[4:12] Learn all about Google's climate accelerator[8:17] How Google helps startups get to the next level[11:40] How to be considered for future accelerators[12:47] Jason’s experience recruiting volunteers from within Google[16:36] How Jason supports climate tech startups through angel groups[21:16] What it’s like to be a member of Jason’s collective[23:02] The intersection between climate and underrepresented founders[25:41] Why now is the time to invest in a climate-focused startup[29:04] Learn about Jason’s global digital-first entrepreneurship fund[31:43] How to get involved in Jason’s endeavors[33:18] Ways to create positive change around issues you care aboutResources & People MentionedBlocPower™https://startup.google.com/AngelListConnect with Jason ScottConnect on LinkedInBlack Angel GroupANIMConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

Jamie Beck Alexander argues convincingly that to mitigate climate change, every job must be a climate job. What does that mean? You have to recognize the influence you have no matter your role, industry, or the level you’re at in your organization. You can be part of what’s driving change: a movement of committed employees who help their companies do more to address climate change. As the founding Director of Drawdown Labs, Jamie helped develop the “Climate Solutions At Work” guide and provides hands-on support to dozens of companies. In this episode of Invested in Climate, Jamie shares some tangible steps we can each take to accelerate progress. In Today’s Episode, we cover:[3:20] The mobilization of talent toward climate change jobs[5:23] Learn more about Project Drawdown and Drawdown Labs[8:31] The private sector’s role in addressing climate change[12:38] Jamie’s mantra: Every job must be a climate job[14:24] Learn about the “Climate Solutions at Work” guide[21:50] How to hold companies accountable to their green initiatives [28:02] The impact of the Drawdown Project’s workshops[30:53] How to influence the organization you work at[32:43] How you can make an impact in all areas of your lifeResources & People MentionedClimate Solutions at Work GuideChanging Company Culture Requires a Movement, Not a MandateSEC Proposes Long-Awaited Climate Change Disclosure RulesJamie Beck Alexander’s TedX TalkAmazon Employees for Climate JusticeDoughnut EconomicsConnect with Jamie Beck AlexanderProject DrawdownDrawdown LabsConnect on LinkedInFollow on TwitterConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

Most people don’t put that much thought into where they bank. Do you? Do you choose a bank because it’s convenient? Is it simply somewhere your family has always banked? Do you look for the best interest rates? You probably haven’t considered how your bank invests the money you deposit in your savings or checking account(s). The majority of big banks are investing your money into fossil fuels.Today’s guest—Ravi Mikkelsen—is the founder of Atmos Financial, a bank that ensures your deposits only fund climate-positive investments like renewable energy projects. Switching banks may sound like a hassle, but it’s likely easier and far more impactful than you think. In this episode of Invested in Climate, Ravi shares how Atmos Financial works and how you can make an impact with your money. In Today’s Episode, we cover:[3:11] What led Ravi to found Atmos Financial [7:11] How Ravi navigated some bumps in the road[10:40] Lean how Atmos Financial works[15:50] Why should you consider Atmos Financial? [18:34] Does divestment from fossil fuels make a difference?[20:34] Most people don't think twice about where they bank[26:28] Learn the ins and outs of banking with Atmos Financial[29:58] How the debit card works (cashback + roundup program) [32:10] Why they have the ability to offer higher savings rates[33:55] How to get started with Atmos Financial[35:32] What else can listeners do to invest in climate?[41:15] What’s happening next with Atmos FinancialResources & People MentionedFunding the Transition: A Tale of Two BanksNet-Zero Banking AllianceCarbon CollectiveNewday Impact InvestingEtho CapitalChange FinancePremiums for the PlanetClimate ChangemakersEnvironmental Voter ProjectConnect with Ravi MikkelsenAtmos FinancialConnect with Ravi on LinkedInFollow Ravi on TwitterConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In ClimateAudio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK