Data For Future

61 : Crafting Data-Driven Carbon Accounting Products | Prakhar Agarwal

Did you know that over 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions are generated by just 100 companies? Managing and reducing these emissions requires a robust understanding of carbon footprints, and that’s where carbon accounting steps in. By identifying emission sources, optimizing reduction strategies, and increasing accountability, carbon accounting is becoming a cornerstone of sustainability efforts worldwide. 🎙️ Joining us is Prakhar Agarwal, a product manager at Carbon Direct and a passionate advocate for leveraging technology and data to tackle climate challenges. In this episode, we discuss: * The essence of carbon accounting: How it uncovers hidden emissions and drives real climate action, making it a linchpin for achieving net-zero goals. 🌍 * The power of data in innovation: How smarter, data-driven carbon accounting tools are reshaping the way businesses measure and reduce their environmental impact. 📊 * Big challenges and bold opportunities: From untangling the complexity of Scope 3 emissions to creating accessible solutions for companies of all sizes. ⚙️ * Prakhar’s transformative journey: His leap into climate tech, embracing failure as a catalyst for growth, and his practical, empowering advice for anyone ready to turn passion into impact. 💡 This conversation offers valuable insights into how businesses and individuals can leverage data to drive meaningful climate action. Don’t miss it! Tune in to learn how data and innovation are shaping the future of sustainability. 🎧

60 : Academia to Action: How Data Science Powers Climate Risk Forecasting | Chloé Prodhomme

In this Data for Future episode, we dive into the critical world of climate risk forecasting and how data science is paving the way for better climate resilience. Our guest, Chloé Prodhomme, transitioned from a decade in academic research to using data science on the frontlines of climate risk prediction. She now dedicates her work to turning complex climate insights into actionable strategies for a more resilient future. 🎙️ With a rich background in climate data and a passion for practical impact, Chloé shares: * Why accurate climate risk forecasting matters in a rapidly changing world 🌡️ * The types of climate risks—like floods, wildfires, and heatwaves—that need data-driven monitoring 🔥🌊 * Challenges in climate data collection and the breakthroughs we need for precision 📊 * Her inspiring journey from academia to impactful, real-world applications 🌍 Don’t miss this conversation on how data science is helping predict and prepare for the climate risks ahead! Tune in to discover the data-driven innovations shaping tomorrow’s climate resilience. 🎧 Book Recommendation: Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet by Thich Nhat Hanh

59: The Cow Burp Problem | Barrett Olafson, Spark

Cows and climate change? You bet! In this Data for Future episode, we explore the role of cow burps in methane emissions and the innovative solutions being developed to tackle this surprisingly significant problem. 🎙️ Our guest, Barrett Olafson, is the Project Manager for Spark’s livestock enteric methane mitigation program. With over 15 years of experience leading major projects for brands like Carhartt, Levi’s, and Under Armour, Barrett now manages stakeholder engagement, policy coordination, and roadmapping efforts for methane reduction. 🎧 Listen to this episode to discover: * Why methane matters for climate change 🌡️ * Enteric methane and cow digestion 🐮 * Innovative solutions like feed additives, seaweed, and more 🧬 * Real-life challenges in reducing methane on farms 🚜 * Barrett's unique journey to climate career🌱 Don’t miss this insightful discussion on how we can cut methane emissions and move toward a more sustainable future! Tune in and enjoy! 🎙️ Book Recommendation: Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard, by Chip & Dan Heath [https://www.amazon.com/Switch-Change-Things-When-Hard/dp/0385528752]

58 : Building Carbon Literacy and Empowering Women in Climate | Michelle Li, Smart Carbon

What if understanding your carbon footprint was as easy and fun as reading a nutrition label? What if women around the world were leading the charge in climate action, creating a powerful community rooted in education and empowerment? In this episode, we're diving into the world of carbon literacy and discovering how the innovative platform Smart Carbon is making sustainability hip, relatable, and accessible to all. We’ll also explore how a unique climate community is amplifying the voices of women, driving change from the ground up. During our conversation with Michelle, you'll uncover key insights into: * The motivation behind transitioning from big tech to climate action, and what it takes to lead such a pivotal change. * How Clever Carbon is revolutionizing carbon literacy, making it easier for everyone to understand and reduce their carbon footprint. * The role of storytelling in climate education and why connecting with diverse audiences is crucial for impactful change. * The power of community, especially for women in climate, and how fostering a supportive network can inspire greater collective action. * Real-world tips for public speaking and effective communication in the climate space. Join us as we unravel these stories and more, revealing how data, education, and community can combine to build a brighter, more sustainable future. 🌱💡 𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙧 𝘽𝙞𝙤: Michelle transitioned from a career in big tech firms into climate by founding the company Clever Carbon, a platform to help teach people about carbon footprint in a hip, fun, and relatable way. Michelle is also the founder of Women and Climate, a non-profit organisation that inspires climate action by creating a joyful and safe space for more women to learn and talk about climate. She is a TEDx, SXSW, Bloomberg, and COP28 speaker on the topic of carbon literacy and is a United Nations content contributor. Michelle believes that a carbon literate society will accelerate solutions and actions, because what gets measured gets changed. Cheers! 🍃

57 : Career of an Investment Firm Sustainability Manager | Louis Chan, Golden Energy and Resources

Welcome to another episode of Data for Future, where we dive into the intersection of data and sustainability! 🌍✨ This season, we’re focusing on careers in the growing climate sector. Today, we’re joined by Louis Chan, a seasoned sustainability manager with extensive experience across industries. Louis leads sustainability initiatives at an investment holding company, conducts ESG due diligence, and oversees sustainability reporting. Beyond his day job, he’s a trustee for a UK charity, shaping sustainability policies, and a co-founder and advisor to multiple climate tech startups. In this episode, we explore sustainability management, climate tech trends, and actionable insights for professionals in the field. Key Discussion Points: * The Role of a Sustainability Manager: Louis discusses his daily responsibilities and the dynamic nature of his work. * Sustainability in the Commodities Sector: Challenges and opportunities in implementing sustainability strategies, how to stay up to date with upcoming policies and emerging technologies. * Understanding ESG Reporting: Key metrics, decision-making processes, and challenges in data quality and scope 1,2,3 emissions. * Biodiversity Data and TNFD: The growing importance of biodiversity data, challenges in obtaining it, and emerging solutions. * Energy Market Trends and Climate Tech: Insights into promising climate tech sectors such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Direct Air Capture (DAC) * Staying Ahead: Louis’s approach to continuous learning, including highlights from the MIT sustainability program, with LCA and learnings on circular economy * Career Development Advice: Tips on transitioning into sustainability roles, networking, and the importance of volunteering. More specifically mapping out your ideal role, and work backward to find people who has been on that path to seek inspirations. Speaker Bio: Louis Chan is a sustainability manager at an investment holding company, leading sustainability strategies, ESG due diligence, and reporting. He is also a trustee for a UK charity, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030, and a co-founder and advisor to climate tech startups. Louis is passionate about driving sustainable investments through capital markets. Resources Mentioned: * TNFD - Nature-Related Financial Disclosure Recommendations [https://tnfd.global/publication/recommendations-of-the-taskforce-on-nature-related-financial-disclosures/] * MRV - Measurement, Reporting, and Verification of Carbon Credits [https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2022/07/27/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-measurement-reporting-and-verification-mrv-of-carbon-credits] * Australian Safeguard Mechanism [https://cer.gov.au/schemes/safeguard-mechanism#:~:text=The%20Safeguard%20Mechanism%20requires%20Australia's,must%20manage%20any%20excess%20emissions.] Stay tuned for more episodes where we continue to explore the intersection of data and sustainability. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed the show! 🎧🌱