SmarterMarkets™

Dave Ernsberger and Mark Eramo, Co-Presidents of S&P Global Commodity Insights, share their insights on climate policy post-New York Climate Week. They discuss the shift towards a business-focused approach to climate action, emphasizing investment returns and capital discipline. Mark highlights the U.S. administration’s pragmatic stance on energy dominance, while Dave sheds light on global players like China and India in energy transitions. They explore how competition drives innovation and the ongoing commitment of companies to sustainability despite geopolitical shifts.

Hannah Hauman, Global Head of Carbon Trading at Trafigura, navigates the evolving landscape of international carbon markets. She discusses Article 6's impact on investment-grade credits, shaping compliance markets and attracting diverse buyers. Hauman highlights the importance of cautious investment behavior pre-regulation and anticipates a surge in capital flow as standardized registries emerge. The conversation covers how countries define climate ambitions, the balance between compliance and voluntary market evolution, and the crucial role of emissions reporting in shaping future trade.

Dirk Forrister, President & CEO of the International Emissions Trading Association, shares insights on the evolving landscape of carbon markets. He highlights the rapid expansion of national carbon markets in Asia and Latin America and discusses challenges posed by U.S. policy changes. Dirk emphasizes IETA's role in guiding market cooperation and the importance of harmonization ahead of the North America Climate Summit in 2025. He also addresses Brazil's innovative approaches to clean-fuel potential and regional leadership in carbon accounting.

We continue Catching Up On Climate this week by welcoming Alexia Kelly back into the SmarterMarkets™ studio. Alexia is Managing Director of Carbon Policy and Markets Initiative at High Tide Foundation. David Greely sits down with Alexia to discuss what's been happening beneath the quiet surface of the voluntary carbon markets in order to get them ready for prime time and unlock the institutional capital these markets need.

David Shukman, a veteran journalist and former BBC Science Editor, dives into the local impacts of climate change and the urgent need for effective storytelling. He emphasizes how governments and corporations must adapt their responses as climate realities become more immediate. Shukman critiques 'green hushing,' where companies silence their climate actions, and discusses the importance of relatable communication in fostering public urgency around climate issues. He calls for immediate action and collaboration to confront escalating climate threats.

Nobuo Tanaka, Executive Director Emeritus at the International Energy Agency, dives into the complex energy landscape in Japan and Korea. He discusses the energy trilemma, balancing security, affordability, and sustainability. The challenges of post-Fukushima nuclear energy are candidly addressed, alongside strategies for enhancing public trust. Tanaka also explores the potential of LNG and innovations in nuclear technology, emphasizing international collaboration for greener energy solutions. A thought-provoking conversation on the future of energy!

Helima Croft, Managing Director & Global Head of Commodity Strategy at RBC Capital Markets, returns to discuss the intricate dynamics of energy markets amid global conflicts. She delves into the ongoing issues in Ukraine and the Middle East, how U.S. tariffs may impact Russian energy exports, and the delicate balance of U.S. energy policy. Helima also highlights Iran's military challenges and the evolving landscape of global energy, advocating for awareness through her summer reading list.

On this week’s installment of Summer Playlist 2025, we welcome DJ Watkins and Chanel Host, Founder and Director of the Aspen Design Conference, into the SmarterMarkets™ studio. David Greely sits down with DJ and Chanel to discuss their relaunch and reimagining of the historic International Design Conference in Aspen. Together, they explore how design thinking transforms ideas into innovations that build businesses and change our lives – and how design thinking  can be applied to help solve our biggest challenges.  

This week on Summer Playlist 2025, we welcome Yassir Benjelloun-Touimi, Co-Founder & CEO of ARTEX Global Markets, into the SmarterMarkets™ studio. David Greely sits down with Yassir to discuss how ARTEX is building the market infrastructure to broaden access to trading and investing in museum quality fine art – as well as the challenges and opportunities in creating a new asset class.

Catherine Flax, CEO of Zefiro Methane Corp., dives into the pressing issue of methane emissions by focusing on the cleanup of abandoned oil and gas wells. She discusses navigating the turbulent landscape of carbon finance and the dual revenue streams that sustain her company. Catherine highlights Canada's rising interest in hydrocarbon expertise and the vital role operational know-how plays in sealing wells. The conversation also touches on the team's resilient mindset and their commitment to growth amid challenges.