The Earthshot Podcast

Epizodes

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  Freedom, Progress and Our Relationship with Nature — with Robbie Miles 21.09.2026 1h 22min

  Robbie Miles spent much of his career in sustainable investment, including running major sustainability funds at Allianz Global Investors. He eventually left finance to join the Live and Let Live Foundation, where his work now sits at the intersection of law, individual freedom and environmental protection.In this episode, Robbie and Troy explore some big and occasionally uncomfortable questions about how humans relate to one another and the natural world.They debate the role of regulation and private property in protecting nature, whether pollution can be approached as a violation of others’ rights, and where carbon markets fit within that thinking. Troy pushes the conversation further into the limits of individual freedom, our responsibilities toward other species, and whether human progress can continue without treating nature as expendable.The discussion eventually moves beyond economics and law into agency, courage and spirituality: why people who care deeply about nature often struggle to express those beliefs within companies and institutions, and what might change if more people did.https://liveandletlive.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbie-miles/
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  The Human Side of Permanence - with Ina Walter & Corné de Louw 18.06.2026 47min

  Many climate, agriculture, and development projects begin with strong science, committed funding, and good intentions.Yet years later, practices are abandoned, participation fades, and the outcomes that once looked promising begin to unravel.Why?In this episode, Troy Carter sits down with Ina Walter and Corné de Louw to explore one of the most overlooked dimensions of permanence: people.Drawing on decades of experience across carbon markets, regenerative agriculture, rural finance, coffee supply chains, and community development, Ina and Corné argue that lasting change depends on something many projects still underestimate: whether the people expected to sustain a system had any hand in shaping it.The conversation explores:Why participation and ownership are not the same thingWhat carbon markets can learn from decades of development experienceHow household dynamics influence project outcomesWhy trust matters as much as methodologyThe tension between speed, scale, and meaningful engagementHow banks, funders, and project developers can build systems that endureAt the heart of the discussion is a simple but challenging question: Did the people expected to sustain the system have any hand in building it?Whether you work in carbon markets, conservation, agriculture, climate finance, or systems change more broadly, this conversation offers a perspective that is often missing from discussions about scale, permanence, and impact.🔗 Ina Walter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/inawalter/🔗 Corné de Louw: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cornedelouw/🎙️ The Earthshot Podcast
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  Dr. Delton Chen on Financing Climate at a Planetary Scale 08.04.2026 48min

  What if the biggest barrier to solving climate change isn’t technology — but the way we finance it?In this conversation, Troy Carter sits down with Dr. Delton Chen, founder of the Global Carbon Reward, to explore a radically different approach to funding climate and ecological action at the scale the problem demands.Delton’s idea starts with a simple observation: there is a massive global shortfall in climate finance. Projects struggle to get off the ground, and current market structures rely on fragmented standards, voluntary demand, and complex chains of intermediaries. The Global Carbon Reward proposes something different — a system where:Climate-positive actions are directly rewarded through a new financial asset (XCR)Central banks act as guarantors of a long-term price floorPrivate capital is mobilised by treating climate action as an investable, low-risk assetCarbon is no longer traded for offsetting, but accounted for and retired at the point of impactThey go deep into:Why the world faces a multi-trillion dollar climate finance gapHow current carbon markets compare to a reward-based systemThe role central banks could play in stabilising long-term climate investmentWhether this kind of system can realistically emerge — and where it might beginThe deeper challenge: how to price and manage systemic risk to the Earth’s carbon cycleThis is a wide-ranging conversation that steps back from day-to-day project work and asks a more fundamental question:If we were designing the system from scratch, how would we fund the transition to a stable climate?🔗 Dr. Delton Chen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deltonchen/🌐 Global Carbon Reward: https://globalcarbonreward.org/🎙️ Listen on Spotify / Watch on YouTube: The Earthshot Podcast
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  What It Takes to Finance Nature: Greg Adams of Chestnut Carbon 28.01.2026 50min

  Greg Adams - CFO of Chestnut carbon (Greg's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-adams-0ba79a5/)https://chestnutcarbon.com/What does it actually take to finance nature at scale — not in theory, but in practice?In this episode, Troy Carter speaks with Greg Adams, about what it took to turn large-scale reforestation in the U.S. into something banks, buyers, and long-term capital could support.Greg walks through Chestnut’s journey from early land acquisition to signing long-term offtake agreements with Microsoft, and ultimately closing one of the most significant project finance deals the nature-based carbon market has seen to date. The conversation goes deep into why contract structure matters, why land ownership changes the risk profile, and how lessons from energy and infrastructure finance can be applied to forests.They explore:Why long-term offtake agreements are foundational for scaling nature projectsWhat made Chestnut’s reforestation projects bankable to major lendersHow quality, integrity, and cost discipline have to coexistThe role of registries and standards in building buyer confidenceWhy carbon markets need fewer “snowflakes” and more common structureHow conservation can be both high-integrity and financially durableThis is a candid, practical conversation for developers, financiers, buyers, and anyone trying to understand what it will take for restoration and reforestation to move from pilot projects to real infrastructure.
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  The Infrastructure Carbon Markets Need - with Anthony Stevens (Northern Trust) 02.12.2025 52min

  In this episode, Troy Carter sits down with Anthony Stevens, who leads innovation across digital assets and financial markets at Northern Trust, to talk about the less-visible work that determines whether carbon markets can really grow up: the systems that make credits trackable, transferable, and trustworthy at institutional scale.Anthony brings a capital-markets perspective to a practical question: what has to be true for large financial institutions to participate with confidence?They explore:What “trust” looks like in practice: custody, controls, auditability, and clean dataWhere today’s carbon markets still create friction and riskHow registries, standards, and market participants can better alignWhat digital rails and tokenization can help with (and what they can’t)What it would take for carbon markets to become stable enough for long-term capitalIf you’re following the evolution of carbon markets, this one gets into the details that shape everything downstream.🔗 Anthony Stevens: https://linkedin.com/in/anthony-stevens-933147/?skipRedirect=true🌐 Northern Trust: https://www.northerntrust.com🎙️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_NxN6lxB9A8
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  Diego Justiniano on Scaling Carbon Removal from the Heart of Bolivia 13.11.2025 35min

  Diego's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diego-justiniano-aa92a09/In this episode, Troy Carter speaks with Diego Justiniano, CEO of Exomad Green, about how Bolivia is building one of the most ambitious climate operations on the planet — and what it means for a nation to lead from its forests, not its factories.Exomad Green transforms what was once forest waste into biochar — a stable form of carbon that locks CO₂ away for centuries while restoring soil health. But this conversation isn’t just about biochar. It’s about the rise of a new kind of industry — one that’s circular, restorative, and deeply local.Troy and Diego discuss:- How Exomad Green built one of the world’s largest carbon removal operations- Why Bolivia’s forests can anchor a new era of regenerative industry- The challenges of scaling climate infrastructure in the Global South- What partnership and trust really mean in high-integrity carbon markets- How climate action can create jobs, dignity, and resilience — not just offsetsThis is a story about transformation - where industrial power meets ecological wisdom.From the heart of South America, Diego offers a vision of what a truly regenerative economy could look like when it begins with community, courage, and the forest itself.🎙️ Listen on Spotify and YouTube: The Earthshot PodcastOverview of ExomadExomad Green specializes in biochar production, transforming sustainable forestry waste—otherwise incinerated by sawmills—into biochar, a valuable resource that supports a circular economy and reduces environmental impact. Our biochar production plays a crucial role in carbon removal by sequestering CO2, aligning with global climate goals. With the support of the CDR market, we are able to donate our biochar production to local farmers and communities, enhancing agricultural yields and driving extensive research to advance sustainable farming practices. Exomad Green is committed to environmental stewardship, fostering local economic growth, and creating lasting benefits for communities and ecosystems.Website - www.exomadgreen.com
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  Marcelo Behar on Brazil’s Bioeconomic Revolution Ahead of COP30 04.11.2025 16min

  Marcelo Behar on Brazil’s Bioeconomic Revolution Ahead of COP30A special pre-COP30 conversation.Marcelo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelo-behar-0b5b5744/As the world turns its attention to COP30 in Belém, this episode features Marcelo Behar - sociologist, lawyer, and Special Envoy for COP30, representing Brazil’s emerging bioeconomy movement.Marcelo joins Troy Carter to explore how Brazil is redefining climate leadership through bioeconomy, sociobioeconomy, and forest-based value creation. Together, they discuss the initiatives that could shift the global economy toward valuing standing forests and traditional knowledge - from the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) to new models of carbon finance and circularity.This episode dives into:Why COP30 in the Amazon marks a historic turning point for climate diplomacy.How bioeconomic innovation is reshaping agriculture, finance, and energy.The role of traditional communities as stewards of biodiversity and cultural heritage.The design of the TFFF, a mechanism to channel lasting investment into tropical forests.The spirit of mutirão: Brazil’s idea of collective action - as the soul of regeneration.Marcelo reminds us that the answers to the climate crisis may not come from new technologies alone, but from reconnecting with the people and places that have always lived in balance with the Earth.🎙️ Listen now on Spotify and YouTube :https://youtu.be/BOadr879Rvo
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  Eron Bloomgarden: The Era of Free Emissions Is Over 30.10.2025 53min

  Eron Bloomgarden: The Era of Free Emissions Is OverEron's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eron-bloomgarden-4406183/In this episode, Troy Carter sits down with Eron Bloomgarden, founder and CEO of Emergent—the organization behind the LEAF Coalition and one of the leading voices in global climate finance.Eron shares his journey from the early days of carbon markets to designing multi-billion-dollar initiatives that protect forests and accelerate corporate climate action. Together, they unpack how we can move beyond fragmented efforts and build a social movement around one simple truth:“Every ton should be paid for.”This conversation explores:The creation of the LEAF Coalition and its vision for large-scale forest protection.How carbon markets evolved—and what they must become next.Why climate finance needs cultural momentum, not just capital.The role of companies, governments, and investors in ending the era of free pollution.What it takes to turn climate conviction into real, coordinated demand.Eron’s message is both clear and urgent: to protect what remains and restore what’s been lost, pollution can no longer be free.
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  From Commodities to Carbon - Luke Oliver on Building a Market That Works 25.09.2025 45min

  Luke's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-oliver-3054787/Description:What happens when carbon markets are treated like any other commodity?In this episode, Troy Carter speaks with Luke Oliver, Head of Climate Investments at KraneShares, about the evolution of carbon as an asset class—and what that means for climate action.Luke shares his journey from managing some of the world’s largest commodity ETFs to leading carbon market strategy at KraneShares. Together, they unpack:Why compliance carbon markets (Europe, California) are maturing into powerful price signals.The volatility and “dot-com bubble” moments of voluntary markets—and what might survive the shakeout.The convergence challenge: when and how voluntary credits could integrate into compliance systems.Why capital flows depend on predictable demand signals and clear standards.A vision for scaling climate finance so it becomes “boring”—stable, investable, and massive in scale.If you want to understand where finance meets carbon markets - and why liquidity and trust are the missing links—this is an episode not to miss.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Climate Investments05:56 The Evolution of Carbon Markets12:02 Compliance vs. Voluntary Carbon Markets17:45 The Future of Carbon Pricing and Market Dynamics23:53 Understanding Market Dynamics in Carbon Trading26:02 Navigating Early Stage Project Investments27:39 The Role of Compliance in Carbon Markets30:41 The Future of Carbon Investment Strategies31:48 Envisioning a Sustainable Future36:24 Innovative Solutions for Climate Action39:38 The Economic Case for Ecological Restoration
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  Scaling Carbon Removal Responsibly - Stacy Kauk of Isometric 18.09.2025 53min

  Stacy's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-kauk-p-eng/https://isometric.com/In this episode, Troy Carter sits down with Stacy Kauk, Chief Science Officer at Isometric and former Head of Sustainability at Shopify, to explore how the carbon markets can regain trust and scale responsibly.Stacy shares her journey from UN climate negotiations to building Shopify’s pioneering carbon removal program, founding Frontier, and now shaping a new kind of registry at Isometric. She and Troy dig into:Why speed and responsibility must go hand-in-hand in carbon markets.How dynamic baselines, tech-enabled verification, and transparent methodologies can rebuild trust in nature-based credits.The role of community engagement and FPIC as the true foundation of durable projects.The tension between today’s patchwork of registries and the need for convergence and clear quality bars.Why persistence—and intention—matter as much as science in this fight against climate change.This is a thoughtful, candid conversation on how to make carbon markets work for both people and planet.
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  Ollie Potter on the Future of Nature Tech 10.09.2025 42min

  Ollie's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/potterollie/https://www.naturetechmemos.com/SummaryIn this episode of The Earthshot Podcast, Troy Carter sits down with Ollie Potter, founder of NatureTech Memos and strategist at Deloitte, to explore the future of NatureTech and how innovation can move from hype to real-world impact.Ollie shares what he’s seeing across the climate startup landscape—from the explosion of MRV and CDR providers to overlooked opportunities like invasive species, ocean resilience, and bioprospecting. He also reflects on what corporates are getting right (and wrong) as they engage with climate and nature risk, and why storytelling and problem-first thinking matter more than ever.Key TakeawaysWe’re in a “second wave” of NatureTech: 400+ MRV and CDR providers, with the most successful solving real problems rather than chasing tech-first hype.Invasive species pose massive ecological and economic risks but remain under-discussed—an area ripe for innovation.Corporates in mining, energy, and agriculture are beginning to integrate nature-positive strategies, driven by material risk, not just regulation.New frontiers like bioprospecting show how ecosystems and AI discovery could create win–win models for conservation and industry.At the heart of it all: technology is only as strong as the trust and intention that guide its use.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Nature Tech and Ollie Potter03:00 The Current Landscape of Nature Tech06:04 Emerging Trends and Innovations in Nature Tech08:48 Corporate Engagement in Nature and Sustainability11:59 Understanding Material Risks in Supply Chains14:51 The Intersection of Science and Storytelling17:44 Nature Tech vs Climate Tech: A Comparative Analysis20:40 Success Stories in Nature Tech23:36 The Role of AI in Nature Tech26:26 Ocean Conservation and Innovative Solutions29:29 Community-Led Conservation Efforts32:22 The Future of Nature Tech and Closing Thoughts
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  Building an Equitable Earth: The Role of Conservation 04.09.2025 1h 1min

  What does it actually take to keep forests standing—and make that fair for the people who steward them?Troy Carter sits down with his friend Thibault Sorret, Co-Founder & CEO of Equitable Earth, to unpack a shift from single projects to landscape thinking: protect what’s left, reconnect what’s fragmented, restore where it fits, and build real livelihoods around it. They talk plainly about REDD+, the messy realities of additionality, and why community agency matters as much as any model or tool.You’ll hear:Why Equitable Earth moved decisively into conservation, and what that unlocks for fundingHow to design for whole landscapes (conservation, restoration, agroforestry) rather than one-off fixesA practical take on additionality today—and where better instruments might emerge tomorrowWhy trust is built in the field, not in a spreadsheetIf you work in nature finance—or just care about how these decisions get made—this conversation stays close to the real constraints and the real people doing the work.Links:Earthshot Labs: https://www.earthshot.eco/Thibault's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thibaultsorret/Equitable Earth: https://www.eq-earth.com/
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  Building Trust in Nature Markets — Oliver Bolton (Earthly) 28.08.2025 38min

  What does it take to truly finance nature with integrity?In this episode, Troy Carter speaks with Oliver Bolton, Co-Founder of Earthly, about the realities of building trust in a market that’s often misunderstood. They discuss the gap between ambition and action, why public perception of carbon credits has become so negative, and how to separate high-quality projects from the noise.Oliver shares his personal journey — from becoming a B Corp founder to dedicating his career to nature after the birth of his son — and why trust and data have become central to Earthly’s mission. Together, Troy and Oliver explore the promise of biodiversity credits, the role of technology like bioacoustics MRV, and how businesses can engage authentically with nature.If you’re interested in how climate finance is evolving, what’s slowing it down, and where real hope lies, this conversation offers an honest window into the challenges and bright spots of nature markets today.Links:Earthshot Labs: https://www.earthshot.eco/Oliver's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-bolton/Earthly: https://earthly.org/
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  The Carbon Market Era's Tour with JP Moscarella 25.08.2025 50min

  John Paul (JP) MoscarellaCo-Founder @ CoolPact Capital & Resilient Earth Capital | Scaling Climate Tech with $1.5B+ in Investments mobilized | Cleantech Pioneer | Carbon credits PioneerJP's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpmoscarella/Summary:In this episode of the EarthShot podcast, Troy Carter speaks with JP Moscarella, a veteran in the carbon markets sector, about the evolution of carbon markets over the past three decades. They discuss JP's journey into the field, the lessons learned from past experiences, and the current complexities surrounding compliance and demand in carbon markets. The conversation also touches on the balance between scientific rigor and simplicity in methodologies, the societal engagement needed for effective climate action, and the perception of carbon markets in today's world. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of creating a culture of sustainability and the need for collective action to address climate change.Takeaways:JP Moscarella's journey into carbon markets began in the late 80s.The 1990s served as a pilot phase for carbon markets.Compliance and demand signals are crucial for market success.The complexity of compliance across jurisdictions poses challenges.There is a need for a balance between rigor and simplicity in methodologies.Societal engagement is essential for the success of nature-based solutions.Carbon markets are often viewed skeptically, impacting their effectiveness.Creating a culture of sustainability is vital for future success.The perception of carbon markets as a scam hinders progress.Innovative technologies and community involvement are key to advancing carbon markets.Chapters:00:00 The Origins of Carbon Markets07:05 The Evolution of Carbon Market Regulations12:41 Lessons from 30 Years of Carbon Markets19:11 The Shift to Voluntary Carbon Markets22:58 Balancing Rigor and Simplicity in Carbon Projects25:10 Empowering Local Communities in Project Ownership26:04 Advancements in Data and Community Engagement27:30 Connecting Local Economies to Carbon Markets29:28 The Evolution of Carbon Markets and Public Sentiment31:18 The Current State of Nature and Environmental Awareness33:30 The Role of Corporations and Societal Engagement35:01 The Intersection of Spirituality and Environmentalism37:23 The Importance of Collective Goals and Community Spirit39:41 Carbon Credits as an Asset Class42:37 Overcoming Skepticism and Building Trust45:12 The Need for Compelling Stories in Sustainability48:36 The Future of Technology and Environmental Solutions
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  Post-Capitalist Philanthropy with Lynn Murphy & Alnoor Ladha 13.04.2023 59min

  Lynn Murphy & Alnoor Ladha - Post-Capitalist Philanthropy “Doing the decolonizing, deprogramming, deconditioning, unlearning work, as well as thinking non-laterally and moving the dominant ontology and dominant cosmology from this rationalist-separatist-materialist worldview to one that's more relational, more quantum, more queer, more based on interbeing, is going to open up vistas of possibility that we can't even imagine from our current vantage point.” -Alnoor Ladha“We’re looking at how do we liberate capital and alchemize wealth in service of life,if you understand the structure how capital markets function they are not in service to life, and they aren’t often looked at through a framework of liberation “-Lynne Murphy In this episode, host Armando Davila interviews Lynn Murphy and Alnoor Ladha of Transition Resource Circle about our world’s necessary shift beyond late-stage capitalism. This vibrant and out-of-the-box conversation starts with exploring our current economy and why leaving the house of capitalist modernity over the next ten to twenty years is crucial. Then the fun really begins when Lynn and Alnoor Ladha paint a picture of how this shift might look and the tools they are using to catalyze this transition. This radical conversation will open your mind to new ideas and possibilities for shifting beyond capitalism and creating a sustainable future. IN THIS EPISODE: An introduction to Post-Capitalist Philanthropy Lynn & Alnoor Ladha’s backgrounds and how they came to this work The Transition Resource Circle Why our current growth-based economy isn’t sustainable for the Earth The impending collapse of late-stage capitalism How to leave the house of capitalist modernity The importance of creating more local resilience & self-reliance in communities How doing inner work can open up unimaginable possibilities Releasing resistance to letting go of certainty and comfort Why the approach to using capital to build a post-capitalist infrastructure is so important The 5 element mandala Lynn & Alnoor Ladha use as a tool for exploring transition pathways The importance of gifting and redistributing wealth for decolonization and liberation How to work with Lynn and Alnoor Ladha and their Transition Resource Circle RELEVANT LINKS: Transition Resource Circle: www.transitionresourcecircle.org, Post Capitalist Philanthropy Book: https://www.postcapitalistphilanthropy.org/ Earthshot Labs: www.earthshot.eco Intro & Outro Music by Little Whale: https://littlewhale.bandcamp.com
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  Assisted Natural Regeneration with Robin Chazdon 06.04.2023 1h 20min

  “Restoration is not just about planting trees or about making an area look beautiful again. It's about recreating a social ecological system that is more resilient and is more aligned with natural processes.” -Robin Chazdon This episode features legendary ecologist Robin Chazdon with hosts Armando Davila, Patrick Leung, & Pedro Ribeiro Piffer for an adventure through the world of assisted natural regeneration. Robin discusses active versus passive regeneration, how to increase the capacity of local communities to lead restoration, and the importance of honoring traditional knowledge. Robin then paints a vision of a fair trade carbon market, discusses biodiversity monitoring, and explores the challenges of involving corporations in restoration projects. This rich conversation ends on an inspirational note as Robin skillfully describes how we are all interconnected with each other and the natural world. IN THIS EPISODE: How Robin started her journey as an ecologist and how her work has evolved over her career Her current projects including the UN’s Best Practices Task Force An overview of assisted natural regeneration Active regeneration vs. passive regeneration How to support farmers in regenerating their land Robin’s view on monoculture plantations How to decide which restoration approach to use The important social considerations of restoration projects How to increase the capacity of local communities to lead restoration The importance of honoring local and traditional knowledge Robin’s vision of a fair trade carbon market Biodiversity monitoring as a way to measure the effects of restoration projects The dangers of viewing nature as a corporate asset The importance of channeling funds through ground-based mechanisms What it will take for corporations to change their practices towards greater sustainability The importance of recognizing that we are all in this together How our humanity is dependent on our relationship with the natural world The importance of multi-disciplinary collaboration & infiltrating the corporate sector RELEVANT LINKS: Earthshot Labs: www.earthshot.eco Robin’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-chazdon-96218a59/  Intro & Outro Music by Little Whale: https://littlewhale.bandcamp.com
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  Legalizing The Rights of Nature with Earth Law Center 29.03.2023 1h 13min

  Grant Wilson and Michelle Bender of Earth Law Center - Legal Rights of Nature “How do you give nature a voice within carbon markets?” -Grant Wilson Grant Wilson, Executive Director of Earth Law Center, & Michelle Bender, Ocean Campaigns Director of Earth Law Center, join hosts Armando Davila & Troy Carter for a discussion about the Rights of Nature Movement. After an overview of how this movement advocates for nature to have rights just as humans do, Grant and Michelle discuss traction that the movement is gaining in Ecuador and New Zealand and explore how this movement can be integrated with the carbon market’s financial approach to protect nature to the fullest extent possible. This deep conversation also includes a heart-centered discussion about how humanity, society, economics, and law are inseparable from nature and also explores the unique challenges of protecting the rights of our oceans. You’ll also learn more about the Earth Law Center and how you can get involved. IN THIS EPISODE: An overview of the rights of nature movement and Earth law Rights of nature laws that are being enacted internationally The articles of Ecuador’s rights of nature An example of a successful lawsuit in the name of rights of nature A journey into Ecuador’s Los Cedros cloud forest and how Earth law saved it from mining, setting a precedent for respecting the rights of nature New Zealand’s journey of granting legal rights to its rivers What rights of nature means in relation to indigenous worldviews How the rights of nature movement can be integrated with the carbon market’s financial approach to protecting nature Unique corporate structures where nature can be a shareholder or sit on a board of directors How humanity, society, economics, and law are inseparable from nature The dangers of viewing Earth as a machine and focusing on technological solutions for the climate crisis How listeners can get involved in the rights of nature movement Approaching decisions that may support human/societal development but may be harmful to nature (ie mining precious metals for technology) How the rights of nature apply to oceans How legal victories can change public opinion and vice versa About the Earth Law Center RELEVANT LINKS: Earthshot Labs: www.earthshot.eco Earth Law Center: https://www.earthlawcenter.org/  Intro & Outro Music by Little Whale: https://littlewhale.bandcamp.com
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  Verra: Setting the Standard for Carbon Markets 09.03.2023 1h 20min

  “We need all hands on deck in all areas, all sectors, and all approaches. So that means we need governments setting aggressive climate policy and regulation to control as far and fast as possible top-down, we need corporates and industry to do their part and do everything they can to decarbonize and squeeze out emissions…and then we also need market mechanisms like what Verra pioneers and helps manage that bring integrity and the ability for finance to flow to other activities that otherwise wouldn't be supported and are critical for us addressing the climate challenge.” -Toby Janson-Smith David Antonioli, CEO at Verra, & Toby Jason-Smith, Chief Program Development & Innovation Officer at Verra, join hosts Armando Davila & Oliver Miltenberger for a rich discussion about carbon markets and the importance of standards and transparency. David and Toby begin by introducing us to Verra, a nonprofit organization setting the world’s leading standards for climate action and sustainable development, and continue on to discuss the past, present, and future of the carbon market and its role in addressing the climate crisis. They masterfully address questions, critiques, and challenges alive in the carbon market sector today and discuss what is needed for the carbon market to successfully play its part in creating a sustainable future for all. IN THIS EPISODE: An overview of nonprofit organization Verra as well as David’s and Toby’s roles there The history of Verra and its evolution to what it is today A history of the carbon market and how and why standards have been developed The systems and processes needed to continue to scale the carbon market successfully Why offsetting carbon is not enough and what else must be done How the volunteer carbon market is positioned to put pressure on corporates to make internal carbon reductions Why direct action within our economy to reduce emissions is needed first and foremost to address the climate crisis How the carbon market is designed to offset residual emissions that cannot be reduced Carbon markets as a way to jumpstart finance for new climate technologies and activities How some countries are implementing carbon taxes to support the carbon market Why clarity is needed around what carbon credit claims corporates can make and what these claims mean How to address the current confusion in the carbon market today The Integrity Council for Voluntary Carbon Markets and other initiatives meant to ensure that carbon credit issuers are meeting standards Additionality explained Why renewable energy projects are no longer creditable under Verra’s standards Carbon removals vs avoidance reductions Baselines explained Creating a framework that values nature when projects don’t qualify for carbon credits Climate community and biodiversity standards that are being used in addition to the core carbon standards The challenges of estimating the actual success of project before it’s executed How to ensure indigenous communities are being supported by local projects The importance of learning and not letting perfect be the enemy of the good that’s happening RELEVANT LINKS: Earthshot Labs: www.earthshot.eco Verra: https://verra.org Kasigau Project: https://www.innovationforum.co.uk/articles/the-kasigau-corridor-redd-project Intro & Outro Music by Little Whale: https://littlewhale.bandcamp.com
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  Consuming Less Energy: Our Critical Transition with Richard Heinberg 03.03.2023 1h 9min

  1. Richard Heinberg - Consuming Less Energy: Our Critical Transition “Nature will win in the end and balance will be reestablished. The question is how is it going to happen and if we're working in the direction of rebalancing things and doing it from the standpoint of minimizing the casualties and maximizing the opportunities of the survivors.” -Richard Heinberg Richard Heinberg, author and Senior Fellow at Post Carbon Institute, joins hosts Patrick Leung and Armando Davila for a deep conversation on the importance of reducing energy consumption for humanity’s transition to a sustainable existence on Earth. Richard sheds light on the harm that energy consumption causes, the history behind it, and the factors making it difficult to reduce. The discussion then moves to practical ways to reduce energy consumption, countries that are doing so on a large scale, how nature is supporting us in this transition, and how we can work together with nature to create a beautiful and sustainable future. IN THIS EPISODE: The impact of affluence on energy consumption How using energy almost always causes environmental harm The serious challenges with renewables The only way the energy transition is likely to work Why green growth is not enough without downsizing industrial society Practical ways to live a lower consumption lifestyle The hidden energy usage behind the green industry How the field of economics is energy blind The historical roots of consumerism The importance of social innovation How moving away from consumption is an act of resistance Why continuous economic growth is unsustainable The importance of periods of economic retraction The countries that are leading the way in methods for reducing consumption How consuming less doesn’t need to equate with a less happy life The importance of conserving wild ecosystems for future generations Nature’s tendency to always reestablish the balance of power Why we need more optimistic post-apocalyptic fiction The power of beauty and nature’s deliberate production of it RELEVANT LINKS: Earthshot Labs: www.earthshot.eco Richard’s Website: https://richardheinberg.com Post Carbon Institute: https://www.postcarbon.org/ Intro & Outro Music by Little Whale: https://littlewhale.bandcamp.com
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  Patrick Leung, Armando Davila, & Troy Carter - Season 1 Finale 12.12.2022 36min

  In this season 1 wrap-up episode, hosts Patrick, Troy, and Armando reflect on the first season of the Earthshot Podcast, including themes and insights that emerged, favorite moments with guests, and the evolution of the podcast, of Earthshot Labs, and of the state of the climate crisis. Stay tuned for Season 2, coming in 2023! RELEVANT LINKS: Earthshot Labs: www.earthshot.eco Troy Carter’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/troyearthshot Patrick Leung’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/puiwah Armando Davila’s Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/armando-davila-49681716 Intro & Outro Music by Little Whale: littlewhale.bandcamp.com