Altitude

David Hodgson, a former designer of computer games, is using his systems design expertise to support ecosystem regeneration strategies in Central and South America.  He explains the origins of the concept and why we so desperately need more of it.  The advancement of creative financing mechanisms and communication about these solutions are developing and will further support greater ecosystem restoration around the world.

S2G Ventures is investing from soil to shelf in the sustainable food & agtech industries, finding where innovation can drive healthier and more environmentally conscious food choices. Aaron Rudberg, Managing Director sits down with us to tell us the motivation behind their investing strategy, how they tell the difference between a trend and a fad, and where they see this market going.

Paul Seidler, Managing Director of Clean Energy Trust, sits down to explain the 501(vc) model and investment thesis behind CET and the role that CET's early-stage investment plays in accelerating clean tech solutions.  He tells us about some of the most promising companies in CET's portfolio, the technological innovation he is most excited about, and where he sees the fund headed the next 2-3 years.

Join us for a conversation with the Rodale Institute, the pioneers of the organic standard, and the people behind the longest running field trials of organic versus conventional agriculture.  Their work has helped shape the present and future of chemical-free agriculture, and now they are setting their sights on proving the links to carbon sequestration and human health.

Chad Reed of Blue Forest Conservation explains the concept of a Forest Resilience Bond, which is a new investment tool to incentivize proactive forest restoration, which can reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire.  There are numerous ecological benefits associated with forest restoration, as well as job creation and protection of tourism, commercial, and insurance economic interests.

We sat down for a live conversation at Northwestern Law School with Eric Cohen, former associate regional counsel of the EPA Region 5, and Jane Montgomery, environmental attorney at Schiff Hardin to discuss EPA's new rule to regulate carbon dioxide from coal-fired power plants, known as the Affordable Clean Energy Plan, a replacement for the Clean Power Plan, which was stayed by the Supreme Court two years ago.  Jane and Eric debate the pros and cons of the new rule and its likely impact.

Nicole Chavas, CEO of Greenprint Partners, shares how the company found an innovative financing structure to advance the installation of green stormwater infrastructure in urban cities across the US, and all of the benefits that go along with it: cleaner water, lower costs for water utilities, enhanced gardens and parks for residents, and habitat for birds and insects. All of that, plus a positive financial return, which makes Greenprint Partners an attractive option for impact investors.

An author tells us how her personal health issues led her on a journey to discover industrial agriculture, GMOs, pesticides, and herbicides, and the potential side effects for human health.  Caitlin points out that many chemicals that Rachel Carson sounded the alarm 50 years ago are still in use across America, including 2, 4-D, one of the major parts in Agent Orange. We are presented with an opportunity to choose organic, especially for our kids, and to tell everyone we know why.

A geomorphologist explains the significance of healthy soil to the survival of civilizations throughout human history and the simple practices that can be adopted to rejuvenate soil health and reduce the need for chemical pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides. In addition to restoring soil health, regenerative agricultural practices can increase yields for farmers and reduce the need for labor and inputs.

Sustainability strategy is not limited to green buildings. Mike Stopka tells us about how he approaches sustainability holistically, by looking at an entire organization's footprint, what their brand is, how they define their objectives, and the values of their community, which results in a powerful cultural shift toward more environmentally conscious policies. He also explains how we have moved beyond LEED toward carbon drawdown and living buildings.