This is going to be our last episode for 2022. We’ll be back in January with more great conversations. If you have ideas for episodes or topics you’d like us to explore, please reach out through our contact form or on LinkedIn. I’ve had a blast getting this podcast started and I’m excited for it to only get better as we continue. A big thank you to all our guests, to our listeners providing feedback and reviews, and also to Julie Mai, and Aaron & Carey Green for their help behind the scenes.For our last episode of the year, I’m excited to end where we began – and that’s talking about the importance of local activism and policy. Today’s guest is Adrian Martinez. No, not the football player, nor the baseball player – but the superstar Senior Attorney for Earthjustice. Adrian is working on a program called Right to Zero. In today’s episode, he talks about the critical role Earthjustice’s team of attorneys play at the city, state and federal level to help communities eliminate pollution through decarbonization. I was really energized by this conversation and encouraged to learn that the power we have at a local level can really add up to transformative, widespread change. Hope you enjoy this one. Happy holidays. In today’s episode, we cover:[3:22] What is Earthjustice & how it got started[4:22] What is Right to Zero[5:42] The intersection between environmental action & human health[7:30] What needs to change in the built environment & how Earthjustice is helping[9:46] Local change, how it works & progress for buildings[12:04] How the Inflation Reduction Act will make a difference[13:04] Examples of necessary mandates[14:01] Transportation campaigns, how they’ve worked & the results[17:05] Earthjustice’s role on the pathway to policy change[18:35] Electrifying transit buses - where lawyers are needed[20:38] Other types of fleets Earthjustice is working to decarbonize[23:26] Ways that people can take a stand & be involved[26:03] How equity is factored into Earthjustice’s work[29:22] Who is in opposition & how are they showing up[31:33] The influence of tech on decarbonization efforts[33:51] Adrian’s holiday wishlist for the tech industry[35:27] How climate-invested companies are affecting Earthjustice’s work[37:18] Earthjustice’s other priorities & how listeners can helpResources MentionedEarthjusticeEarthjustice: Right to ZeroEarthjustice Action CenterConnect with Adrian MartinezConnect with Adrian on LinkedInConnect With Jason RissmanInvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

The future is electric - especially when it comes to cars. Demand for electric vehicles is far outpacing supply, and automakers are rolling out more or more EV models as governments around the world set clear timelines for when new gas-powered cars will no longer be allowed. The transition to EV is good news for our climate. Transportation creates over a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions, and about 40% of that comes from cars. This episode focuses on where we’re at in the EV transition and I’m joined by two true experts. Kyle Stock is a Senior Writer for Bloomberg Green. He writes about cars and has his finger on the pulse of EV trends. Cathy Zoi is the CEO of EVgo, the largest public EV charging network in the United States. Cathy has extensive experience in the energy sector and is building the infrastructure we need for the switch to electric vehicles. We talk about the current state of the EV market, which cars are hot and who’s buying them, the impact of recent legislation, our evolving user experience with cars and much more. I learned a lot and am sure you will too. Enjoy. In today’s episode, we cover:[3:13] The state of the EV market today[7:09] The hottest EVs in the US right now & what’s driving the demand[9:15] Kyle’s personal favorite EV[11:38] Cathy’s personal favorite EV[12:28] Who’s actually buying EVs today[14:20] Things you should consider if you’re looking for an EV or new car in general[16:00] How does the cost of EVs compare & tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act[19:28] What is EVgo & the problem they’re aiming to solve[23:10] EVgo’s geographic footprint & the current user experience of EV charging[27:33] The most significant barriers to the EV transition[33:44] The possibility of charging while you drive[37:55] The future of the EV user experience Resources MentionedBloomberg GreenEVgoS&P Global MobilityNational Electric Vehicle Infrastructure ProgramTeslaFord ElectricHyundai ElectricKia EV6Subaru ElectricVolkswagen ElectricGMC Hummer ElectricToyota ElectricChevy ElectricUber ElectricLyft ElectricConnect with Kyle Stock & Cathy ZoiConnect with Kyle on LinkedInConnect with Cathy on LinkedInConnect With Jason RissmanInvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

If you look at climate change as a systems problem (which it is), it doesn’t take long to see the important role of finance. Yes, there’s phenomenal growth in ESG investing, alongside funding in clean energy and climate tech. However, overall, our financial system has failed to factor in climate risks and climate impacts. According to the climate disclosure nonprofit CDP, just 1% of companies provide the information that investors need for assessing if they have credible plans for mitigating risks and transitioning to a low-carbon future. Large greenhouse gas emitters have easy access to capital, yet companies are incentivized to adopt a short-term view, prioritizing quarterly earnings over long-term considerations like the health and safety of their employees, customers, and communities. So what can be done about this? Not many people have the expertise or network to think about transforming finance. That’s where an ambitious organization called Ceres comes in. Ceres works with large investors and corporate boards to create systemic change. In this episode, we hear from two members of the Ceres Accelerator for Sustainable Capital Markets about the work they’re doing to reshape the role of finance in climate change. Steven Rothstein is the Managing Director and brings decades of experience to this question, and Yamika Ketu is a Senior Associate who recently authored a report that looks at the climate lobbying of S&P 100 companies. Tune in to hear about Ceres’ history and growth, the expected SEC rule change that could have dramatic impacts, findings from their recent research, and of course, ways that you can get involved. Here we go.In today’s episode, we cover:[3:58] What is Ceres & how it got started[5:24] The scoop on the Ceres Accelerator for Sustainable Capital Markets[6:53] Yamika’s role & what she’s aiming to do[7:45] Why there’s a need to invest in changing capital markets[10:16] The SEC rule change that would require companies to disclose climate risks[12:39] Public comments & sentiments around the proposed SEC rule change[15:08] Pressure for organizational change[16:38] The resistance & take-off in changing capital markets [19:13] Ceres’ recent analysis & report on the lobbying activities of S&P 100 companies[22:03] What sustainability leaders can do to ensure their work isn't being undone by partner associations[25:15] What Steven sees as a home run for accelerating change[26:49] Events that are changing the system in a dramatic & rapid way[29:35] What investors & participants in today's financial system can do [31:02] Addressing greenwashing through another proposed SEC rule[32:09] Companies that stand out based on their level of commitment & action[34:08] Other work that Ceres is doing & ways for listeners to get involvedResources MentionedCeresCeres Accelerator for Sustainable Capital MarketsCeres Report: Responsible Policy Engagement Analysis 2022SEC Proposed Rule for Climate Risk DisclosuresCeres Global 2023Connect with Steven Rothstein & Yamika KetuConnect with Steven on LinkedInConnect with Yamika on LinkedInConnect With Jason RissmanInvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In ClimateIf you have feedback or ideas for future episodes, events or partnerships, please get in touch!

If you’re interested in venture investing in climate tech, you probably already know about Climate Tech VC (CTVC). It began as a side hustle and small newsletter and now reaches 40,000 people. In my opinion, there’s really no better source of data and insights around climate tech investing. In this episode, I sat down with CTVC's Co-Founder Kim Zou. Kim was an investor at Energy Impact Partners and has been following climate tech investment closely as its taken off over the past several years. In fact, Kim might have actually been the person who coined the term "climate tech." Beyond that bold claim, there’s a lot to learn about regarding the state of climate tech investing in this interview. We talked about how CTVC got started, how climate tech has grown in recent years, where that investment is coming from and going to, how the economic slowdown has affected things and a bunch more. Buckle up and enjoy.In today's episode, we cover:[3:07] What is Climate Tech VC & how did it get started[5:33] Finding synergies for accelerating climate innovation[8:29] CTVC’s growing team & business model[13:29] The scale and growth in climate tech venture investing[15:43] The different spaces within climate tech & areas with the most investment activity[19:08] Built environment opportunities[23:33] How has corporate interest in climate investing changed over recent years[25:56] IRA impacts on climate tech companies and climate tech investing overall[29:50] Valuation & fundraising trends[37:34] Bumps in the road - long term transition to sustainable protein or just climate tech overall[40:25] The influence of elections on climate tech investingResources MentionedClimate Tech VCGreentown LabsKula BioEnergy Impact PartnersSyzygy PlasmonicsConnect with Kim ZouConnect with Kim on LinkedInConnect With Jason RissmanInvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

You're probably aware that venture capital investing in climate has grown very quickly in recent years, from around five billion in 2016 to over 40 billion dollars deployed in 2021. Large funds drive most of that growth, but small vehicles still play an important role - especially in recruiting new investors to start investing in climate. Sundeep Ahuja has helped many investors dip their toes into climate. He's invested in over 100 companies through syndicates that he's led. Full disclosure: I've backed a couple of his syndicated deals. Now, he's focusing on developing funds to deploy more capital into climate startups. Sundeep has a fascinating background, having been a software engineer, product manager, marketer, and business leader for technology companies, Kiva.org, Republic, and many others. He also wrote a novel and a television pilot as part of his effort to fuel more climate action. Sundeep has great insights to the world of investing in climate startups today. If that's the world you're curious about, I think you'll enjoy this episode. Here we go. In today’s episode, we cover:[3:39] Sundeep’s history of climate investing & current work at Climate Capital[4:37] The difference between syndicates, rolling funds & traditional venture funds[8:56] Climate Capital’s investment thesis[10:49] Climate Capital’s screening process [12:34] Examples of companies & industries that Climate Capital is focused on [15:49] The outlook for climate tech investing[17:49] Geopolitics & climate investing[19:27] The vision for “building the A16z of climate”[21:44] The role of community-building[25:08] Activating people through communication[27:31] Opportunities for non-accredited investors[30:18] The case for investing in climateResources MentionedClimate CapitalClimate Capital CollectiveRepublicWefunderAngelListConnect with Sundeep AhujaConnect with Sundeep on LinkedInConnect With Jason RissmanInvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

Have you come across the idea yet that we need to electrify everything? It's the concept that we need to replace gas appliances with electric ones and power those with renewable energy. It's a simply idea really, and yet it's crucial to eliminating pollution, protecting the environment, saving a whole lot of money and eliminating the illnesses caused by burning fossil fuels. The benefits are massive – but so is the complexity of decarbonizing billions upon billions of buildings.At the forefront of the movement to electrify everything is Rewiring America, an ambitious organization focused on the systemic change needed to make clean, electric appliances the default. For this episode, I spoke with Rewiring America’s CEO Ari Matusiak. We spoke about the organization's approach to systems change, the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), their work to aggregate demand for electrification and much more. I learned a ton and am excited to share this episode as there are many ways we can all help make the mantra “electrify everything” a reality. Enjoy. In today’s episode, we cover:[3:36] What is Rewiring America & the problem they’re aiming to solve[5:05] The criticality of electrifying buildings in the United States[7:17] The scale of change that Rewiring America is working towards[9:50] User experience considerations & opportunities for electrification[13:50] Thinking about systems change to address the magnitude of scale[18:12] How to aggregate local demand in a systematic way[22:43] Signs of increasing local demand & progress[25:04] What the IRA means for individual consumers[27:41] The national level impacts of the IRA[31:02] The follow on effects of the IRA[33:14] The flywheel for electrification & systems change[37:01] Advocating for local policy change & accelerating electrification beyond homes[41:45] Raising awareness & urgency to decarbonize the built environment[44:56] What next year holds for Rewiring America & how listeners can helpResources MentionedRewiring AmericaRewiring America: IRA Savings CalculatorRewiring America: Get InvolvedConnect with Ari MatusiakConnect with AriConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

Tackling climate change can’t be left to companies and governments. The nonprofit sector plays a crucial role in everything from research, education, conservation, helping communities cope with climate impacts and much more. There’s literally tens of thousands of environmental nonprofits, and almost all depend on philanthropy to do the vital work they do. And yet, only a tiny fraction of global giving goes to climate. That’s part of why Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard set up an ambitious program called 1% for the Planet. The idea is simple really - companies donate 1% of their revenue to environmental nonprofits. Currently, over 5,000 companies have signed on. Today’s episode focused on an innovative new initiative that aims to significantly grow 1% for the Planet’s fundraising. The Planet Impact Fund is a partnership between 1% for the Planet, the National Philanthropic Trust and impact investing enabler CapShift that leverages potential of investment returns to increase philanthropic support. I was joined by Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet, and Jesse Simmons, a Managing Director at CapShift. Through our conversation, I learned a lot about climate philanthropy, impact investing, donor advised funds, and the importance of innovative partnerships that unlock more capital for climate. Hope you enjoy. In today’s episode, we cover:[3:51] What is 1% for the Planet & the problem they’re aiming to tackle[5:16] How much capital is going into climate philanthropy[11:11] What is CapShift & the problem they’re aiming to tackle[12:30] CapShift’s traction & the amount of investments that they’re facilitating[13:41] The Planet Impact Fund: A Partnership between 1% for the Planet & CapShift[19:06] The donors & investors that the Planet Impact Fund is intended for[22:13] The rise of intergenerational wealth transfer[24:47] How investments are selected for the Planet Impact Fund[26:17] How today’s investments are faring[28:23] Nonprofit partners in Planet Impact Fund’s network[31:47] The opportunity to create a Donor Advised Fund (DAF)[33:35] Addressing the criticism around DAFs[36:17] Other ambitious partnerships around climate[40:06] Learning across public-private partnerships[42:31] Tips for anyone considering climate philanthropy & investingResources & People MentionedThe Planet Impact Fund1% for the PlanetCapShift1% for the Planet Network DirectoryProject DrawdownUN Sustainable Development GoalsConnect with Kate Williams & Jesse SimmonsConnect with KateConnect with JesseConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

Ever get carry out food and then feel guilty about all the plastic packaging? Single use plastics are a real problem. Every year over 14 millions tons of plastic end up in our oceans, and plastic that ends up in landfills release toxins that pollute our soil, waterways and food chain. This is not to mention the carbon emissions of producing plastic packaging to begin with. The convenience of carry out food isn’t going anywhere, and so we need to find alternatives to plastic packaging. That’s where Dispatch Goods come in. They’re an innovative startup that’s already replaced over 1 million pieces of plastic packaging with reusable containers. In this episode, I spoke with Dispatch Goods’ CEO Lindsey Hoell and Christina O’Conor, a partner at Congruent Ventures who led a seed investment in Dispatch. We talked about Dispatch’s history and progress, the challenges of scaling circular economy businesses and what our future might look like as companies like Dispatch grow and enable us all to return packaging and materials for future use. Hope you learn as much as I did. Enjoy. In today’s episode, we cover:[3:09] What is Dispatch Goods & the problem they’re aiming to solve[4:45] Dispatch’s partners & how their business works[5:40] The scale of our waste problem[7:15] Does recycling plastics work[8:49] Lindsey’s journey developing traction & where Dispatch is at today[11:33] The materials that Dispatch is currently focused on[13:00] What is Congruent Ventures, their investment thesis & why did they invest in Dispatch Goods[16:13] How is Dispatch scalable & what will it take to scale[20:52] Dispatch’s vision for the future & key strategies for growth[25:37] The scalability challenges of circular businesses from an investor’s perspective[26:36] What Christina & Congruent are looking for from entrepreneurs[27:24] Congruent’s investments in Planet FWD & other ventures[30:26] The investment opportunity for consumer products-related companies[32:04] Untapped opportunities that deserve more attention[35:08] What if the unit economics don’t make sense yet[35:46] The scope of what Dispatch will be doing in the futureResources MentionedDispatch GoodsCongruent VenturesPlanet FWDParallel SystemsLydian LabsKodamaConnect with Lindsey Hoell and Christina O’ConorConnect with LindseyConnect with ChristinaConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

I’ve been really curious about seaweed. I hear a lot about seaweed-based businesses, and there’s a lot of hope and hype around the potential for seaweed as a climate solution. The seaweed market has grown to become a $15 billion industry and it's projected to grow to $25 billion by 2028.  To learn more, I caught up with two aspiring seaweed startup founders: Alexia Akbay and Julia Marsh. Their companies couldn’t be more different – one is using seaweed to eliminate plastic packaging and the other is feeding seaweed to cows so they burp less. This conversation helps highlight the range of possibilities for seaweed, what’s so special about seaweed to begin with, some of the challenges seaweed startups are facing, and a spicy question that helped me understand one of the more radical seaweed ideas floating about these days. OK, I promise no more puns, or maybe just a couple, but lots of insights to chew on. Enjoy!In today’s episode, we cover:[3:19] What is Sway & the problem they’re aiming to solve[4:13] What is Symbrosia & the problem they’re aiming to solve[6:02] What's so special about seaweed & why is it being looked at as a climate solution[9:25] How Alexia & Julia got started [10:26] Other exciting applications for seaweed & the potential ahead[13:42] The technological breakthroughs that set Symbrosia & Sway apart & how far along they are in their journey[20:15] What are the biggest barriers to scale & what needs to change[23:58] The unit economics & value for partners[27:51] Considerations for entrepreneurs & investors thinking about seaweed [29:57] The growing market & what this means for seaweed companies[33:13] Super spicy talk around seaweed right now[35:14] What consumers should know about seaweed[37:51] How Sway & Symbrosia can support a bigger ecosystemResources MentionedSymbrosiaSwayOceans 2050: Seaweed ProjectInstitute for Abundant OceansConnect with Alexia Akbay & Julia MarshConnect with Alexia on LinkedInConnect with Julia on LinkedInConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate

A couple weeks ago our episode focused on Speed & Scale, a comprehensive action plan to cut  emissions in half by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. It's a book and an ambitious ongoing effort to track global progress on addressing climate change. This week we focus again on a book and ambitious ongoing effort: The Carbon Almanac. Over 300 volunteers created the book, and now it's a movement of over 1,900 people who are continuing to add resources to help the world get the facts straight about climate. The founder and lead organizer of this ambitious project is someone you’ve likely heard of before: Seth Godin. Seth has written over 20 best selling books. He’s widely recognized as a thought leader on marketing, how ideas spread, leadership, creativity and change. I was thrilled to have the chance to talk to Seth and he was just as fun and thought provoking as I hoped.  And, a little warning – something happens in the background towards the end of episode. Normally we’d edit it out for you but it actually led to a really interesting discussion about a way everyday people can have a lot of impact. I’ll let it remain a surprise for you but you’ll know it when you hear it. Enjoy!In today’s episode, we cover:[3:19] What is The Carbon Almanac & how it came to be[4:57] What motivated Seth to look at climate change[7:17] What role do individuals have in systems change[9:09] Today’s culture in regards to climate change and how it's changing [11:04] What it takes to get to the next level of action[14:17] What we need to change and what is Seth most excited to work on[19:20] How systems change [21:24] Comparing the climate era to the digital transformation era[23:08] What we need from leaders today[24:33] The influence of corporations[27:57] Narratives that (don’t) work for bold climate action[29:10] Action around leaf blowers[30:14] What Seth is working on next & his call to action[32:29] The role in design in making a new future tangibleResources MentionedThe Carbon AlmanacConnect with Seth GodinConnect with Seth on LinkedInConnect With Jason Rissmanhttps://InvestedInClimate.com On LinkedInOn TwitterSubscribe to Invested In Climate