SUGI is a unique global organization that brings pocket forests -- ultra-dense, biodiverse forests leveraging the proven Japanese Miyawaki Method -- to cities all over the world. The group has built 200 pocket forests in 42 cities so far, with each providing a key form of "urban acupuncture" that can protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and even better reconnect people to nature. Founder and CEO Elise Van Middelem shares more about SUGi and how it got started - and the unique ways these projects are reviving places from England to Cameroon.  This interview was recorded at the Urban Transformation Summit in Detroit, Michigan in October 2023. 

The founder using 'pocket forests' to transform cities and protect biodiversity

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Mining is an industry that many of us probably rarely think about, but one that provides the raw materials for so many of the things we use, not least the modern technologies such as smart phones and electric vehicles that require certain minerals that are not always in abundant supply. The International Energy Agency predicts that the demand for minerals will double by 2040. So how can we meet that demand in the most energy efficient and sustainable way? UpLink, the open innovation platform of the World Economic Forum, is inviting entrepreneurs who have answers to that question to take part in its Sustainable Mining Challenge - a competition that aims to pick the most promising startups in the field. On this episode we speak to Vivek Salgaocar, the founder of Prospect Innovation, which is the leading funder and business partner of the Sustainable Mining Challenge, and to Megan O'Connor, CEO and Co-founder of Nth Cycle, a company which is innovating in ways to better recycle mining waste. This podcast is published around the World Economic Forum's Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development. Find more information at  and across social media using the hashtag #specialmeeting24. Links: UpLink Mining Challenge:  Related podcasts:   Check out all our podcasts on :  -   - :   - :   - :  Join the :

Where are the innovations that can make mining more sustainable?

Norsk Hydro was founded nearly 120 years ago to tackle global famine. Today, it has evolved to take on a bigger challenge: climate change. The company focuses on low- and no-carbon aluminium, a material that will be key in electric vehicles, construction and comprises 2% of emissions. CEO Hilde Merete Aasheim shares the unique technologies and partnerships that are helping to drive a green energy transition. She also takes us through her unique path to the top job, one that has spanned a range of roles, from plant manager to auditor to HR leader. She shares how seemingly unrelated roles can help you better understand yourself and how you can contribute as a leader -- better motivating people and tapping the full capabilities of your team.   This episode was recorded at the Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, 2024. 

Speak last, lean on your team, and one CEO's other top lessons learned: Norsk Hydro

What are the new technologies that can help us reach net zero? And how do we bring them to scale fast enough? World Economic Forum Managing Director Jeremy Jurgens joins us to talk about the Advanced Energy Solutions community, and we hear from three of its members, from widely different sectors and geographies, implementing the energy solutions of tomorrow. Guests: Ann Mettler, Vice President, Europe, Breakthrough Energy VK Samudrala, President, Amara Raja Energy & Mobility Maarten Michielssens, Founder and CEO, EnergyVision Special Meeting This episode is related to the Forum’s Special Meeting on Global Cooperation, Growth and Energy for Development held in Riyadh on 28-29 April 2024.  Links: Advanced Energy Solutions community:  Related podcasts:     Check out all our podcasts on :  -   - :   - :   - :  Join the :

Advanced Energy Solutions: scaling up the tech that can help us get to net zero

In a polarised world, with the most powerful nations and the UN unable to prevent or end many wars, could the so-called 'middle powers' step up? This week's two guests, both members of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Geopolitics, think so, and say those countries might even consider setting up an 'M-10' of middle powers seeking to resolve conflicts and other problems. This podcast is published ahead of the World Economic Forum's Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development. Find more information at  and across social media using the hashtag #specialmeeting24. Guests: Susana Malcorra, Senior Advisor at Spain’s IE University and former Argentinian foreign minister and UN Secretary General Chief of Staff. Bruce Jones, Senior Fellow with The Brookings Institution Co-host: Nicolai Ruge, Lead, Geopolitics and Trade at the World Economic Forum. Links: Davos 2024 session:  Global Future Council on the Future of Geopolitics:  Shaping Cooperation in a Fragmenting World:  Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development:  Related podcasts:       Check out all our podcasts on :  -   - :   - :   - :  Join the :

The founder using 'pocket forests' to transform cities and protect biodiversity

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