In the second episode of The Transition Tapes, we’re talking with Sean Kidney, CEO and Co-founder of the Climate Bonds Initiative about its theory of change, and the scaling of an organisation that helped birth a market of trillions of assets in climate and sustainability bonds. How does that actually happen?

Sean explains how his interest in using finance to lower costs for critical societal issues became a catalyst for change. His driving principle: "Follow the Money", get finance to decide it has to change, then look for ways for the money to express itself.

Hugh Wheelan challenges Sean on a crucial question: if green bonds have scaled to trillions, why are CO₂ emissions still rising? Sean also reveals where the only reported green bond scam happened (you might be surprised), and shares how simple net-zero planning incentives could turbocharge the green bond market for property development.

Beyond the work, we explore Sean's preferred books, his Transition Tapes playlist and the career advice he offers to the next generation of sustainability leaders.

Sean's Transition Tapes playlists:

Spotify

Apple Music