Invested In Climate

As we all feel the impacts of climate change more and more each year, the need to invest in climate resilience becomes more and more clear. The World Bank estimates that by 2050, there’ll be more than 1 billion climate refugees.It’s not about choosing between solutions to dramatically cut emissions and investments that help communities prepare for and bounce back from climate events – we need them both to limit human suffering as well as geopolitical risks of destabilization caused by climate change. Today, we’re joined by two leaders working to advance climate resilience. Nate Matthews is the CEO of the Global Resilience Partnership, an organization that supports research, policy and innovation to advance the world’s resilience ecosystem. And Joshua Amponsem is the founder of the Green Africa Youth Organization and a Director of the Youth Climate Justice Fund. In this conversation, we talk about the state of the climate resilience field, inspiring examples of innovation, the case for investing in resilience, how young people, startups and big companies are all contributing, how resilience will be present at the upcoming COP28 conference and much more. Lots to learn and think about in this one. Here we go. In today’s episode, we cover:[3:23] Nate's background & role[4:27] Joshua's background & role[6:20] Understanding climate resilience & its significance[8:17] Exploring the distinctions between resilience & adaptation[9:29] Joshua's perspective on the need for more resilience[11:58] Resilience efforts in the community & success stories[16:29] Identifying challenges & gaps in building resilience[20:15] Introduction to GRP & its role in addressing community needs[22:10] The potential impact of insufficient investment on mitigation efforts[23:30] Advocacy for investing in resilience[26:09] The investment case for supporting resilience efforts[30:50] Overview of the Resilient Agriculture Innovations Challenge[33:22] AI's role in resilience & innovations showcased in the challenge[34:51] Exciting & encouraging innovations in the current moment[38:41] Results and outcomes from the open innovation challenge[40:30] Resilience's presence at COP & goals for the upcoming yearResources MentionedGlobal Resilience PartnershipGreen Africa Youth OrganizationYouth Climate Justice FundCGIARGlobal Center on AdaptationConnect with Nathanial Matthews & Joshua AmponsemConnect with Nathanial on LinkedInConnect with Joshua on LinkedInConnect with Jason RissmanOn LinkedInOn TwitterKeep up with Invested In ClimateSign up for our NewsletterLinkedInInstagramTwitterHave feedback or ideas for future episodes, events, or partnerships?Get in touch!

This episode focuses on impact investing and the particular approach of an impact investing firm based in Chicago named Impact Engine. Now that I’ve said the word impact four times, I should probably unpack the jargon. This class of investing aims to create direct, measurable social and environmental impact alongside a financial return. It’s related to, but distinct from ESG investing, which doesn’t necessarily have specific impact goals so much as it aims to avoid harm or risk by considering environmental, social and governance factors. Global impact investing has surpassed $1 trillion annually, and a top focus area is climate. According to a recent report by the Global Impact Investing Network, 74% of impact investors invest in climate action. So I was thrilled to zoom into the approach of one firm and learn about their climate investing strategy. Today we’re joined by Impact Engine’s Partner & Chief Investment Officer Priya Parrish, as well as Chris Wu, a Vice President who leads their environmental sustainability investments. We talk about Impact Engine’s history, approach and investment thesis, it’s portfolio of investments in climate funds and private companies – from food tech to mobility to energy efficiency, how they see the climate investment space today and what they see coming next year. Lots of great insights in this peek into the impact investing world. Enjoy. In today’s episode, we cover:[4:06] Priya & Chris’ background, roles & how they came to do the work they're doing.[5:01] What is Impact Engine & what sets it apart[8:11] Impact Engine's client base[8:47] Partnership with Alliance Bernstein & its significance[10:58] Impact Engine’s investment thesis in climate explained[12:01] Assessing the current market for climate investors[13:43] Overview of invested funds & key criteria[18:16] Utilizing an impact side letter & impact metrics reporting[20:10] Relationships with larger venture & private equity funds[21:05] The motivations behind direct investments in companies[22:18] Spotlight on selected startups & their significance[23:27] Insights on the food waste startup space & future investment prospects[24:51] The goals & potential impact of Market Wagon[26:24] Circuit’s impact & business potential[29:19] Brightcore Energy's role in energy efficiency & its importance in climate transition[30:59] Unique qualities of Brightcore Energy's team[32:11] Updates on Brightcore Energy's progress[33:50] Economic rationale behind the investment in Brightcore Energy[34:34] Identifying major opportunity drivers for climate tech in the upcoming year[38:00] Addressing blind spots and gaps in climate impact areas in the year aheadResources MentionedImpact EngineAlliance BernsteinMarket WagonCircuitBrightcore EnergyAfreshFull HarvestMatsmartAcreBloom EquityConnect with Priya Parrish & Chris WuConnect with Priya on LinkedInConnect with Chris on LinkedInConnect with Jason RissmanOn LinkedInOn TwitterKeep up with Invested In ClimateSign up for our NewsletterLinkedInInstagramTwitterHave feedback or ideas for future episodes, events, or partnerships?Get in touch!

When it comes to big companies’ sustainability commitments, I’ve long been impressed by Salesforce. They made sustainability a core company value and pledged to put the full power of their business behind protecting the planet. Hold your skepticism for a minute – this is more than just big promises. They achieved net zero residual emissions and transitioned to 100% renewable energy for their operations back in 2021. They’re part of an effort to plant one trillion trees, and they’ve integrated helping other companies accelerate their own sustainability efforts into their core business through their Net Zero Cloud product. There’s much more too and I won’t try to capture it all, but central to their approach has also been leveraging their financial capital to accelerate climate progress. And that’s what we’ll focus on in this episode. Today we’re joined by Salesforce’s SVP of Philanthropy Naomi Morenzoni and the Partner of Salesforce Venture Impact Fund Claudine Emeott. We talk about Salesforce’s history and strategy for using philanthropy and impact investing together to address climate change, some examples of recent investments and partnerships, how philanthropy can help derisk investments and bring more dollars to the table, how AI could be a game changer for climate and much more. Lots to learn and think about in this one. Here we go. In today's episode, we cover:[4:10] Naomi's role and objectives at Salesforce [4:50] Claudine's introduction and background [5:53] Launch and evolution of the Salesforce Venture Impact Fund [7:24] Evolution and approach to nonprofit support at Salesforce [9:33] Solving problems through philanthropy and impact investing [11:56] Example of Pano AI and its alignment with the fund [14:07] Investment in WeaveGrid [15:34] Leveraging Salesforce technology and market presence for portfolio companies [18:12] Philanthropic commitments and frameworks for impact evaluation [18:12] Contrasting focus areas between Naomi and Claudine [21:38] The state of climate philanthropy and the need for increased support [23:33] Introduction and purpose of the playbook [25:41] Financial instruments for climate initiatives and Salesforce's experience [26:38] Levers for climate finance[28:53] Five tips for readers to embark on their climate finance journey [30:37] $8.3 million in grants to climate justice and conservation organizations [33:45] Prospects for commitments to biodiversity and conservation [35:03] Partnerships and initiatives in climate justice [37:41] Supporting diverse teams in climate initiatives [40:26] Impact of AI on climate efforts [44:05] Current challenges in their work [45:50] Lessons from Salesforce's ambitious climate initiativesResources MentionedSalesforce: Environmental SustainabilitySalesforce Venture Impact FundSalesforce & Climate Policy Initiative: The Corporate Climate Finance PlaybookClimate Policy InitiativeElemental ExceleratorPano AIWeaveGridThe Nature ConservancyThe Ocean FoundationNew Energy NexusRE-volvGlobal Forest GenerationGreenWave Island ConservationRainforest ConnectionConnect with Naomi Morenzoni & Claudine EmeottConnect with Naomi on LinkedInConnect with Claudine on LinkedInConnect with Jason RissmanOn LinkedInOn TwitterKeep up with Invested In ClimateSign up for our NewsletterLinkedInInstagramTwitterHave feedback or ideas for future episodes, events, or partnerships?Get in touch!

Today we’re joined by three team members of Braemar Energy Ventures, ESG Head Lori Collins, Partner Don Tappan, a Co-Founder and Managing Partner Bill Lese. I was excited to talk to the Braemar team because their firm has been investing in energy companies for over 20 years and have backed some early category-defining pioneers like ChargePoint and EnerNOC. Since they’re investing in a wide range of companies driving the energy transition, they bring broad insights to today’s climate tech opportunities as well historical lessons from the clean tech 1.0 years. We dive deep into three of their investments, offering insights to the carbon transformation market, applying AI to upgrade the grid and last but definitely not least, nuclear fusion. We talk about the trends in those spaces, why Braemar made the bets that they did, the ESG and impact considerations of their portfolio companies and much more. Enjoy.In today’s episode, we cover:[2:25] Lori’s role & work at Braemar[3:42] Don’s role & work at Braemar[4:20] Bill’s story & founding of Braemar[5:39] How is Braemar different today in talking about the energy transition[7:29] Learnings from the clean tech 1.0 years[9:00] Braemar’s investment thesis[11:13] Learnings over a decade of investing in the space [12:35] ESG & impact both internally & with a portfolio[13:30] Helping portfolio companies reduce emissions & remove carbon [15:03] Profit pools & what spaces are seen as offering the best investment opportunities[17:54] CarbonFree & why Braemar invested[19:55] The state of the carbon transformation market & its future[23:27] Utilidata & why Braemar invested[26:36] AI for the grid[30:45] General Fusion[35:54] The timeframe for fusion[38:47] Predictions for the climate tech space in 2024 & what needs more attentionResources MentionedBraemar Energy VenturesChargePointEnerNOCCarbonFreeUtilidataGeneral FusionConnect with Lori Collins, Don Tappan & Bill LeseConnect with Lori on LinkedInConnect with Don on LinkedInConnect with Bill on LinkedInConnect with Jason RissmanOn LinkedInOn TwitterKeep up with Invested In ClimateSign up for our NewsletterLinkedInInstagramTwitterHave feedback or ideas for future episodes, events, or partnerships?Get in touch!

Ben Hubbard, CEO of Nexus PMG, joins the podcast to discuss opportunities in renewable energy infrastructure, waste conversion into upcycled materials, and biomass. Greenbacker Capital Management's investment in Nexus highlights the importance of investing in sustainable infrastructure. The speakers also explore the use of woody biomass in sustainable aviation fuel, the impact of policy on the renewable energy market, and challenges in scaling low-carbon infrastructure projects.

Heat pumps have gotten a lot of attention lately. They’re one of the technologies most critical to electrifying buildings and removing our dependency on fossil fuels for heating and cooling. And, they’re a technology that’s taking off. Sales of heat pumps have grown by double digits for two years running. According to the Sustainability Trends Report published recently by Al Gore’s investment firm Generation, heat pump sales In Europe grew by 50% and they’re now outselling gas furnaces in the United States.  But did you know there’s more than one kind of heat pump? Today, we’re joined by Kathy Hannun, Founder of Dandelion Energy, a geothermal startup that grew out of Google X and is now growing quickly. Kathy explains how heat pumps work, the difference between air source and geothermal heat pumps, the economics and experience for heat pump buyers, and much more. Whether you’re a homeowner still relying on fossil fuels or simply interested in the future of buildings, this episode has a lot for you. Enjoy. In today's episode, we cover:[3:43] Kathy’s background & she came to found Dandelion [4:46] Developing Dandelion at Google X, the spinout & the complexities[8:11] What heat pumps are, how they work & why they're important from a climate perspective[12:32] The user experience, performance, maintenance & operating costs for homeowners[14:16] Geothermal heat pumps: the difference between air source vs. ground source[17:01] How customers are thinking about the economics of investing in a heat pump[20:06] The longevity of HVAC systems & replacing them[24:07] Dandelion’s focus on the US Northeast[26:08] Where geothermal heat pumps work from a technology perspective [27:09] How national incentives & policy changes have been helpful[28:07] The growth of the heat pump market[29:17] The biggest barriers for Dandelion & the market overall[32:23] The role of HVAC contractors[34:49] The next three to five years & what’s next for DandelionResources MentionedDandelion EnergyGeneration: Sustainability Trends Report 2023Google XConnect with Kathy HannunConnect with Kathy on LinkedInConnect with Jason RissmanOn LinkedInOn TwitterKeep up with Invested In ClimateSign up for our NewsletterLinkedInInstagramTwitterHave feedback or ideas for future episodes, events, or partnerships?Get in touch!

Former Vice President of the United States, Al Gore, and several other notable speakers discuss highlights from New York Climate Week, including the climate march, the role of corporations in cutting emissions, and the challenges faced by developing countries. They delve into topics such as commercialization of clean energy, the lack of commitment from companies in climate action, and the intersectionality of climate change with health, AI, food, and national security.

When it comes to plastics, we’re in a real bind. We have yet to develop and scale attractive alternatives to the petroleum-based plastic products we all use every day, and the plastics industry drives well over a billion tons of greenhouse gasses, that’s roughly 4% of total global emissions and plastic-related emissions are on track to double by 2060. Meanwhile, a small fraction – we’re talking less than 10% – of plastics are recycled. Creating a circular economy for plastics is vital to eliminating the flow of plastic waste into our environment and to reducing the emissions generated from creating new plastic products.  Today’s conversation focuses on an ambitious effort to catalyze and fund the systems change needed to get us there. Circulate Capital is working to unlock a billion dollars to invest in circular solutions, and its partner Circulate Initiative offers research and insights to track this space and help recruit more private and public investment in this space. We’re joined by Ellen Martin, Circulate Capital’s Chief Impact Officer, and Umesh Madhavan, Research Director for Circulate Initiative. We talk about the history and state of the plastics crisis, their current efforts, and the investment opportunities they see. Circulate has impressive momentum in building coalitions of different kinds of investors – from governments to Fortune 100 companies. This blended finance approach is surely a key to mobilizing the commitment we need, and I was grateful to learn so much about it through this conversation. Here we go.  In today’s episode, we cover:[3:18] Circulate Capital, Ellen’s role & where they’re based geographically[4:24] Circulate Initiatives & Umesh’s role[5:24] How Circulate Capital & Circulate Initiatives are connected[6:56] The plastics problem & what’s causing it[8:57] The plastics problem timeline[11:01] Overlaps between plastic pollution, climate, ocean health & circular solutions[13:04] Why Circulate Capital was established & what they’re aiming to do [16:41] De-risking the investments using concessionary capital [19:08] Using a highly collaborative investment ecosystem to solve the plastic waste challenge[19:47] Circulate Capital’s role & how it’s focused[20:59] Working with LPs to scale circular solutions[23:24] What should we all know about the plastics economy & how it works[25:06] Asia & Latin America plastic markets[27:50] Breaking down $4B in investments in the circular economy for plastics[31:27] The greatest opportunities from an investment lens[34:15] What more needs to be done around the plastic waste problem[36:32] The Plastics Treaty, its state of play & what impact will it have[39:15] How plastic economies differ between Asia & Latin America[41:25] Investment opportunities in the US & Europe[43:25] Visions for the future of plasticResources MentionedCirculate CapitalCirculate InitiativeOECD: Plastic PollutionPew Charitable Trusts: Preventing Ocean PlasticsCirculate Capital Ocean FundPrevented Ocean Plastic Southeast AsiaDelterra & Circulate Initiative: Honing the Habit: Four Insights on Spreading Recycling Behavior ReportCirculate Initiative: Plastics Circularity Investment TrackerInternational Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic PollutionCircAcelon Chemicals and Fiber CorporationAceGreenConnect with Ellen Martin & Umesh MadhavanConnect with EllenConnected with UmeshConnect with Jason RissmanOn LinkedInOn TwitterKeep up with Invested In ClimateSign up for our NewsletterLinkedInInstagramTwitterHave feedback or ideas for future episodes, events, or partnerships?Get in touch!

No matter who I talk to – whether startup founders, investors, or corporate sustainability leaders – when I ask what is needed to really move the needle on climate change, everyone always comes back to the to importance of policy change, of making climate an electoral issue and holding political leaders accountable to take bold action. There’s no denying that in recent years one of the most important forces making bold climate action more of a priority, has been the voice of young people. Their cry for change and their committed activism has been impossible to ignore, and the policies they’ve fought for have gained real headway. In the United States, at the center of youth climate organizing is an organization named the Sunrise Movement. They’ve been around for less than a decade but have mobilized effectively and are credited for inspiring and advancing historic climate policies like the Inflation Reduction Act. Today we’re joined by two leaders of the Sunrise Movement, Matthew Miles Goodrich and Aru Shiney-Ajay. Miles was one of the founders of the movement and leads fundraising. Aru has been involved since she was 19 and now leads Sunrise’s strategy. They’re both inspiring representatives of the bold vision and commitment that’s made Sunrise so successful and that we all need to bring to climate work.In today’s episode, we cover:[3:35] Miles’ background, role with Sunrise & how he got involved[5:34] Aru’s background, role with Sunrise & how she got involved[8:31] The origin & history of the Sunrise Movement[11:45] The reach that Sunrise has achieved & how it's been successful at getting young people involved in climate action[13:54] Why has Sunrise gathered so much momentum[17:00] How many people have been involved in Sunrise & how are they able to manage their volunteer army[19:31] Sunrise’s wins & progress[21:55] Sunrise’s role surrounding the Inflation Reduction Act and the impact of the IRA & other recent climate policies[27:57] Sunrise’s current strategy & priorities[32:34] Why is declaring a climate emergency needed & what would it lead to[34:45] Sunrise’s theory of change[37:44] The lawsuit against the state of Montana & implications of the case[39:45] Pivotal moments for climate & the progress being sought[41:20] Hopes for Climate Week[42:01] What else needs to happen to adequately address climate changeResources MentionedSunrise MovementSunrise Movement: Green New DealSunrise Movement: Declare a Climate EmergencyConnect with Matthew Miles Goodrich & Aru Shiney-AjayConnect with MilesConnected with AruConnect with Jason RissmanOn LinkedInOn TwitterKeep up with Invested In ClimateSign up for our NewsletterLinkedInInstagramTwitterHave feedback or ideas for future episodes, events, or partnerships?Get in touch!

Kittu Kolluri, seasoned climate investor, discusses investments in solar, wave energy, energy storage, and risk resilience. AI's role in breakthrough climate tech like Heliogen and CalWave is explored. Opportunities for AI in energy efficiency and building resiliency are emphasized. Neotribe Ventures fills funding gaps for pre-product market fit startups. The investment landscape in climate tech and the impact of government funding are discussed. Common obstacles and leadership advice in clean tech are covered.