SustainNOW Podcast - Exploring Climate Solutions with Innovators and Entrepreneurs

As climate ambition ramps up, one question still looms: Is net zero really enough? In this episode, we sit down with Olly Bolton, CEO and co-founder of Earthly [https://earthly.org/], a climate tech company helping businesses invest in high-quality, science-backed nature-based solutions. Earthly isn’t just another carbon offset platform — it’s building the infrastructure for regeneration. Through a rigorous 106-point project assessment, Earthly ensures that investments go beyond carbon to also deliver on biodiversity and social impact. Only 8% of projects pass their standards, which tells you something about the state of the market — and the need for reform. We explore: * Why net zero is no longer the end goal — and what needs to come next * The emerging market for biodiversity credits * How Earthly is helping rebuild trust in climate action * What “We are nature” really means in a business context * The role of future generations in shaping the mission behind Earthly If you're working in sustainability, regeneration, or climate strategy — or if you're simply asking what actually works — this is a conversation worth tuning into. Check further shownotes in our Blog SustainNOW.ch

In this conversation, Friederike and Marian Krüger delve into the intersection of climate technology and entrepreneurship, exploring Marian's journey from a background in basketball to becoming a key player in the carbon removal space. They discuss the founding of a drone-based photovoltaic diagnostic company, the lessons learned from its exit, and the transition to focusing on carbon dioxide removal (CDR) methods. The conversation highlights the importance of various CDR technologies, the potential of the Global South in carbon removal, and the market dynamics surrounding this emerging industry. We also touch on the implications of political changes and the future of carbon removal in the context of sustainability and profitability, the evolving landscape of impact companies and the challenges faced by startups in the carbon removal sector. Check out more shownotes on website www.sustainnow.ch [sustainnow.ch]

In this engaging conversation, Friederike von Waldenfels speaks with Zoe Gamble about the pressing transition to clean energy, exploring Zoe's unique career path, the current landscape of renewable energy in the U.S., and the challenges and trends shaping the industry. They discuss community solar projects, the role of Clean Choice Energy, and reflect on the experiences of women in the energy sector, culminating in a forward-looking perspective on achieving net zero by 2050.

In this episode ⁠Berk Birand⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/berkbirand/] discusses the intersection of AI and sustainability, sharing his journey from a young tech enthusiast to the co-founder of ⁠Fero Labs⁠ [https://www.ferolabs.com/]. He highlights the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of integrating AI into manufacturing processes, and the evolving role of sustainability in industry. Berk emphasizes the need for companies to adapt to changing market conditions and the potential of AI to drive efficiency and reduce environmental impact. In this conversation, Berk Birand discusses the role of AI in creating a sustainable future, addressing the dual nature of AI in the labor market, and the importance of human-AI collaboration. He reflects on the historical impact of automation on the workforce, the limitations of current AI technology, and the significance of explainable AI in industrial settings. The discussion also covers the focus areas of his company, the importance of sustainability in attracting investors, and the lessons learned from enterprise sales. Hosted by Tech Entrepreneur ⁠Friederike von Waldenfels⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fvwaldenfels/?originalSubdomain=ch] Check out further details on ⁠sustainnow.ch⁠ [https://www.sustainnow.ch/] ⁠⁠ [https://www.sustainnow.ch/] & our ⁠socials ⁠ [https://linktr.ee/nowsustain]

In this episode we focus on Regenerative agriculture, which presents a transformative approach to combating climate change while enhancing the soil's health.⁠ Francisco Roque de Pinho⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/francisco-roque-de-pinho-1291aa/] shares insights into how ⁠the Land Group⁠ [https://www.the-land-group.com/] scales regenerative practices for financial and environmental benefits, while also intertwining his passion for surfing and resilience with his entrepreneurial journey.  In this episode we address:  • Exploration of regenerative agriculture and its significance • Discussion of the Land Group's mission and investment model • Challenges of scaling regenerative practices • Financial mechanics of transitioning to sustainable operations • Carbon capture opportunities through livestock management • Overcoming barriers in capital and education for better practices • Crop management strategies within regenerative frameworks • Connection between big-wave surfing lessons and business resilience • The importance of profitability alongside environmental impact Credits: Intro music by ⁠Oleksandr Stepanov⁠ [https://pixabay.com/users/penguinmusic-24940186/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=228038] from ⁠Pixabay⁠ [https://pixabay.com/music//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=228038]Intro voice Wondercraft.ai/studioEditing by Maria Elena Escalona Please check out show notes and background information: www.sustainnow.chIdeas for a podcast episode? Please contact us here: fvw@forestrock.ch