A Sustainable Future

Professor Saleem Ali from the University of Delaware discusses the global dynamics of rare earths and critical minerals, emphasizing the political and economic pressures shaping supply chains. He highlights the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, revealing the resource demands and environmental implications involved. Ali advocates for a circular economy and proposes a mineral trust to ensure equitable access and sustainable practices. The conversation also touches on the role of blockchain in enhancing traceability within resource management.

What happens if access to US climate data becomes more limited? Listen to Jason Mitchell discuss with Professor Benjamin Horton, Director of the Earth Observatory of Singapore, about what the political changes in the US could mean for the international scientific community; how that impact translates into access and availability of critical climate datasets; and why some climate scientists are already thinking about substitutes plans and worst case scenarios.

How are asset owners reallocating towards sustainability? Listen to Jason Mitchell discuss with Dan Mikulskis, People’s Partnership CIO, about how the People’s Partnership is doing to evolve its investment strategy; what that means functionally for in a responsible investment context; and why asset owners like People’s Partnership are taking on a bigger leadership role in sustainable finance.

Hortense Bioy, Head of Sustainable Investing Research at Morningstar, dives into the evolving landscape of sustainable investing. She discusses how investment flows have shifted in recent years and what the suspension of net zero initiatives means for investors. Bioy highlights the challenges posed by greenwashing and the need for greater transparency in the industry. Additionally, she delves into the contrasting sustainability regulations between Europe and the U.S., emphasizing the implications for future investment strategies.

In this discussion, Professor Tom Gosling, a specialist in financial markets from the London School of Economics, shares insights on the future of net zero commitments among investors. He examines whether financial institutions will reset their strategies, recalibrate their goals, or retreat entirely amidst shifting alliances. The conversation highlights the complexities of climate initiatives, the evolving significance of the 1.5°C target, and the necessity for genuine engagement in decarbonization efforts. Gosling argues that investor influence, while constrained, remains vital for effective climate policy.

Is sustainable investing facing its own replication crisis? Listen to Jason Mitchell discuss with Professor Andrew King, Boston University, about what the replication crisis represents for sustainable finance; how to think about the incentive problems impacting academic research; and why academic journals and the academic-practitioner community need to be more open to the replication and challenge of existing studies.

How do neighbourhoods shape economic opportunities for children? Listen to Jason Mitchell discuss with Professor Stefanie Deluca, Johns Hopkins University, about why neighbourhoods matter for creating social mobility; some of the outcomes and challenges in her recent paper, “Creating Moves to Opportunity”; and what it takes to create more high-opportunity zones, so families don’t have to continually uproot and move.Professor Stefanie DeLuca is the James Coleman Professor of Sociology and Social Policy at the Johns Hopkins University, director of the Poverty and Inequality Research Lab, and Research Principal at Opportunity Insights at Harvard University. She is one of the foremost qualitative mixed methods researchers on housing and higher education policy. Professor DeLuca co-authored Coming of Age in the Other America, which was named an Outstanding Academic Title from the American Library Association, and won the William F. Goode Award from the American Sociological Association. Stefanie has also been awarded a National Academy of Education/Spencer Foundation Fellowship and a William T. Grant Foundation Scholars Award. She serves on a Federal Research Advisory Commission at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and was named Scholar of the Year by the National Alliance of Resident Services in Assisted and Affordable Housing.

What’s at stake for climate and nature in the current politicalenvironment? Listen to Jason Mitchell discuss with Paul Bodnar, Bezos EarthFund, about the vital role of philanthropic capital; the mission of the BezosEarth Fund; and how its thinks about funding efforts across mitigation andadaptation as well as the Global North and Global South. Note: This episode was recorded prior to the recent US election.Paul Bodnar is the Director of Sustainable Finance, Industry, and Diplomacy at the Bezos Earth Fund. He most recently served as Global Head of Sustainable Investing at BlackRock, where he helped build the firm's $500 billion sustainable funds business. Prior to Blackrock, Paul was Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Council member at RMI (formerly Rocky Mountain Institute), where he founded the Center for Climate-Aligned Finance. Paul served in the Obama White House as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Energy and Climate Change at the National Security Council. Prior to that, Paul served at the State Department as US lead negotiator for climate finance.

What grade does the finance industry deserve in terms of pricing climate risk? Listen to Jason Mitchell discuss with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Chief Scientist Dr. Sarah Kapnick, about the scope of NOAA’s mission; NOAA’s billion-dollar Weather and Climate Disasters dataset and what it means for weather attribution; and why NOAA itself represents a remarkable value to the US people as an argument against dismantling or privatising it.Dr. Sarah Kapnick is Chief Scientist at NOAA, which plays a critical role in understanding and predicting changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts. Bringing a unique mix of science and finance to NOAA, Dr. Kapnick's background includes serving as a senior climate scientist at JP Morgan Chase, a leadership role at NOAA's Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, and an early career in investment banking.Note: This episode was recorded prior to Dr. Kapnick’s departure from NOAA.

Is ESG a “hopeless muddle”? Listen to Jason Mitchell discuss with SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, about free markets and free minds; climate and ESG disclosures; the implications of Loper Bright on the Chevron Doctrine and agency authority; and the merits of financial innovation in crypto versus ESG.Commissioner Hester Peirce was appointed by President Donald Trump to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2018. Before joining the SEC, Commissioner Peirce conducted research on the regulation of financial markets at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. She was a Senior Counsel on the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, where she advised Ranking Member Richard Shelby and other members of the Committee on securities issues. Commissioner Peirce served as counsel to SEC Commissioner Paul S. Atkins. She also worked as a Staff Attorney in the SEC’s Division of Investment Management.