Shaken Not Burned

Welcome to another week of Shaken Not Burned!If you live in today's world, you may be inclined to think that capitalism is the only viable way for our economies to exist. After all, it's been like that for centuries, but this system is not serving the vast majority of people, and certainly not the environment.Most companies today have the main goal of growth: expanding their market share, increasing revenue and profits, boosting returns to shareholders. However, we live on a planet that has finite resources – endless growth is just not possible.The concept of degrowth has emerged as an alternative to the current extractive system, proposing that economic activity focuses on human needs and well-being. In this week’s episode, Giulia interviews Sara Mahdi, degrowth scholar at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, to unpack the meaning of degrowth and how it can be applied in practice.Further reading:What is degrowth?Degrowth can work — here’s how science can helpStakeholder capitalism: A brief history of GDP and its useOur episode on stakeholder capitalismDegrowth lessons from CubaIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram – and why not spread the word with your friends and colleagues?

Over the last couple of years forest carbon credits have become an increasingly contentious solution to the climate challenge because of questions around additionality, permanence and leakage. Scandals have emerged over how carbon credits are estimated and assessed, much of which stems from outdated or flawed methodologies. The risk of greenwashing is a core concern, that credits have been used by companies to appear climate-friendly without delivering real impact.With advancing technology, stronger regulation and the introduction of dynamic baselines however, nature-based solutions like forest conservation and reforestation are critical to the capture and storage of CO2 in natural ecosystems. The market is evolving quickly, offering significant opportunities as it matures.In this episode, Felicia Jackson sits down with Lisett Luik, co-founder of Arbonics, to dive into the challenges and potential of nature-based carbon removal, from using satellite data and LiDAR to build a “digital twin” of forests, to navigating the complexities of carbon markets, trust, and transparency. The conversation also explores how companies like Microsoft are evolving their carbon removal strategies, highlighting the spectrum of approaches available—from avoidance and forest conservation to cutting-edge technological removals. It examines what makes forest carbon credits either valuable or controversial, and emphasizes the essential role nature-based solutions will play over the next 30 to 50 years, even if their impacts aren't always permanent.And for those of you interested in the articles discussed on the podcast, or want some further reading:Measuring Forest Carbon (remembering allometric equations)Realigning Climate Finance: Is It Time We Move From Oil to Soil?We won't achieve gigatonne carbon removalCarbon Removal’s Wrong TurnThe Frontier Coalition for Carbon Dioxide Removal (technical)The Symbiosis Coalition for Nature Based Carbon RemovalsIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram – and why not spread the word with your friends and colleagues?

In our current economic system, a company director's primary responsibility is widely considered to be to maximise profits for its shareholders. Their interests take precedence over those of other stakeholders – such as employees, communities, and customers – but this comes at a cost. When the return on investment is prioritised, the consequences are socialised: for example, air pollution caused by industry affects public health, which local communities and, ultimately, the government are likely to pay for. Such externalities are not included in the cost of operations. The roots of this ideology can be traced back to economist Milton Friedman, who argued in the 1970s that corporate executives' main duty is to their employers: the shareholders. But what happens if we prioritise stakeholders instead?In this week’s episode, Giulia discusses this issue with Rob Karpati, partner and senior advisor at investment advisory firm The Blended Capital Group. As they cover the differences between shareholder capitalism and stakeholder capitalism, Rob emphasises that prioritising stakeholders isn’t charity, but smart investment that fosters sustainable relationships and creates value for all parties involved.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram – and why not spread the word with your friends and colleagues?

Agriculture is responsible for around a quarter of global emissions, yet the environmental impact isn’t reflected in the cost of food. The food industry faces the challenge of balancing supply and demand in a world of finite resources, alongside the externalities that modern food production has created – from biodiversity loss to rising health concerns linked to ultra-processed foods.This week Felicia talks to Alastair Cooper, head of venture at Cibus Capital, to explore one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the need for a sustainable food system. The conversation uncovers the hidden costs of agriculture, the investment gap in sustainable farming, and the innovations that could revolutionise how we produce food.Despite growing awareness, investment in agri-tech and sustainable farming solutions remains far behind other sectors like renewable energy. Alastair explains why private capital is essential for scaling solutions such as robotic precision spraying, microbe-based soil enrichment, and pheromone-based pest control, which could significantly reduce the industry’s environmental footprint. At the same time, shifting government policies and new regulations on natural capital could play a pivotal role in reshaping the food economy.This episode is a must-listen for investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and consumers looking to understand how financial flows, government policies, and technological breakthroughs can drive the food transition.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram – and why not spread the word with your friends and colleagues?

The energy transition is firmly part of the mainstream discourse: politicians and companies often talk about it but, at times, it can feel like an abstract concept.Maybe our lives don't look much different at the moment – sure, there are more electric vehicles on the road and solar panels on roofs – but there is a huge amount of work going on in policy and industry to decarbonise our energy systems. While these new strategies require a whole set of changes on the supply and demand side, they bring out enormous opportunities.In our latest episode, Giulia speaks to Isabella Suarez, Southeast Asia lead at TransitionZero, to understand where we are with the energy transition. The conversation covers the definition of the energy transition, the technological advancements we can count on and the challenges we are facing.We touch upon the importance of energy efficiency, the world’s dependency on fossil fuels, and how professionals can engage in the energy transition. It’s a massive endeavour that requires different types of action depending on the country where it’s taking place, but it’s one of the most crucial steps we can take to mitigate climate change.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram – and why not spread the word with your friends and colleagues?

Climate resilience is essential to protect communities in vulnerable regions against extreme weather events. But the volume of funding for adaptation in the Global South, which bears the brunt of climate change, remains far smaller than that for mitigation, which is driving communities to find their own homegrown solutions. Richer nations, which contribute the majority of emissions, must be held accountable. This week, Felicia talks to Ashfaq Zaman, strategic communication advisor for Aspire to Innovate (a2i), the Bangladeshi government’s innovation agency, about resilience, vulnerability and reorganising the way we understand value.We dive into climate resilience, climate justice, and the role of frugal solutions in tackling climate change, especially in the Global South. Our discussion explores how communities historically adapted to climate challenges and how innovation – both technological and mindset-driven – can drive sustainable change, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable innovation, policy reform, and equitable financial commitments to mitigate climate risks.The key challenge today is to integrate natural, frugal, and homegrown solutions into modern climate strategies. While international climate initiatives and financial pledges have fallen short, local communities continue to innovate and adapt without external support. For example, farmers in Bangladesh are developing indigenous crops which can sustain high salinity by trial and error.Our episode on the just transitionFrugal innovation as a source of entrepreneurshipClimate change is a matter of justice: here’s whyClimate change initiatives of BangladeshIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram – and why not spread the word with your friends and colleagues?

In order to transition the global economy to a more sustainable basis, we have to reshape economic systems to balance growth with environmental protection and social equity – and that means putting people at the heart of that transformation.The just transition is about ensuring that nobody is left behind; it's about upholding human rights, minimising negative impacts on workers, and boosting equality and opportunity. In this week’s episode, Giulia interviews Gosbert Chagula MBE, co-founder and head of programmes at the Startup Discovery School. He also sits on the UK Department of Business and Industrial Strategy’s SME Engagement Group, which advises the government on issues and opportunities relating to entrepreneurship and small business.Giulia and Gosbert discuss the role of entrepreneurship in driving the transition, the implications of climate justice, and the effectiveness of global events, such as the World Economic Forum in Davos, in fostering action and championing diversity. Financial inclusion is going to be crucial if we’re going to successfully address global challenges, because it ensures that everyone – especially marginalised communities, small businesses, and workers in high-risk industries – has the financial resources and opportunities to adapt, innovate, and thrive in a more sustainable economy. Gosbert provides examples of good practices in the private and public sector, concluding with his recommendations for governments looking to implement the just transition. Because not everyone holds the same power: those who do will need to lift the others up.Reading materials:Definition, history, and principles of the just transition Gosbert’s opinion piece on the World Economic Forum’s diversity problemStartup Discovery School’s impact reportUK climate tech investment surges almost 25%: PwCIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram – and why not spread the word with your friends and colleagues?

Multilateral treaties underpin so much of what's needed to achieve climate and sustainability goals, but few understand the complexities of international treaties or the real challenges of global cooperation.Nearly 200 nations with different economic and geopolitical interests have to negotiate emissions cuts, financial responsibilities, commitments and strategies for how to achieve their goals. Is it any wonder that most of us look at the annual climate meetings and wonder why progress is so slow?This week Felicia talks to Dr. Harald Heubaum, chair of the Centre for Energy and Climate Policy at SOAS, University of London about the Paris Agreement, the challenges it faces and the potential for change.  Corporate and local action has a critical role to play, as these international treaties change the norms underpinning how we are expected to behave. We unpack the obstacles businesses face in meeting climate goals and the solutions that can drive meaningful change. With the US pulling out of the Paris Agreement for the second time, we explore the role of local action, from states and cities, to corporations and citizens.Reading materials:Breaking Barriers Toward a Net-Zero Economy5 Challenges the UNFCCC Must Overcome To Spur Climate ActionHow Businesses Can Achieve Net-Zero GoalsGlobal Climate Agreements: Successes and Failures30 Years of International Climate Negotiations: Are They Still Our Best Hope?Corporations and Climate Change: An OverviewIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram – and why not spread the word with your friends and colleagues?

Biodiversity is the foundation of nature’s ability to function, yet it’s vanishing at an alarming rate; so much so that experts call it the sixth mass extinction. With over half of the world’s GDP relying on nature, businesses ignoring this crisis risk major disruptions: biodiversity loss, largely driven by resource extraction and industrial activity, already has major effects on global supply chains and the economy. This week, Felicia chats with Nicole Sherwin, chief impact officer at sustainability intelligence company EcoVadis, about why biodiversity matters for businesses and how a rising tide raises all boats. There is extraordinary potential within nature to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss - and one thing that we can all do is start the conversation.She highlights how biodiversity loss is deeply connected to climate change, supply chain resilience, and social issues such as fair wages. Addressing it requires a holistic approach that integrates environmental, social, and economic factors. Nicole encourages businesses and individuals alike to take action, whether by setting biodiversity policies, embracing sustainable practices, or investing in nature-based solutions.The takeaway? Biodiversity isn’t just about compliance: it’s an opportunity. Companies that lead in conservation will be more resilient, earn consumer trust, and stay ahead of evolving regulations. While the challenge is huge, every effort, big or small, helps reverse biodiversity loss and build a more sustainable future.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram – and why not spread the word with your friends and colleagues?

An effective sustainability strategy is now a necessity, but sometimes it can feel like yet another task to add to the pile. In times of uncertainty, however, sustainability isn’t just another chore – it’s the foundation for resilience, competitive advantage, and long-term survival. In this episode, Giulia interviews Mike Penrose, co-founder of sustainability management and reporting ecosystem Sustainability Group and FuturePlus, who argues that sustainability needs to be integrated into core business, rather than being addressed as a standalone endeavour.The conversation covers the role of chief sustainability officers, the impact of regulations, and why businesses should adopt proactive sustainability strategies.Measuring data such as carbon emissions, natural resource consumption, and social impact can provide insights that can help plan for more efficient, future-proof and, ultimately, profitable, operations. This data can prove pivotal in raising funding and complying with legislation, which is getting tighter in many jurisdictions. As Mike says, sustainability comes with upfront costs, but retrofitting the business later down the line may prove significantly more expensive.Reading materials:ESG performance has positive impacts on its resilience in the form of stability and flexibility: studyGuide on global sustainability reporting frameworks, standards, and protocolsOECD’s Global Corporate Sustainability Report 2024, which analyses the evolving landscape of corporate sustainability practices worldwideSustainability or profitability? Increasingly, you can have both: Boston Consulting GroupIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram – and why not spread the word with your friends and colleagues?