In this episode of One Step Ahead, we focus on the role energy producers can and should play in the race to “Net Zero” emissions. The key date is 2050, enshrined in the Paris Agreement, which commits nearly 200 countries to contain global warming at a maximum of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. One company well on its way in the low carbon transition is Spanish electric utility Iberdrola. Isabel Sánchez Herrero, Head of Investor Relations at Iberdrola, explains why the company is already 20 years ahead of the curve, and reveals its plans to help secure our planet’s future. From increased investments in renewables, to smart grid development, to the exciting potential of green hydrogen, the opportunity set for companies and investors willing to make a difference looks promising.

This episode was presented by Libby Potter

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In this episode of One Step Ahead, we take a deep dive on a key component of the future mobility value chain – electric batteries. With close to a quarter of global carbon emissions coming from the transport sector, phasing out internal combustion engines (ICE) in favour of electric vehicles (EV) will be essential in the race to Net Zero. Benoit Lemaignan, Co-founder and CEO of French battery maker Verkor, and Diego Pavia, CEO of EIT InnoEnergy, an EU-backed investor in sustainable energy projects, talk us through the challenges and opportunities of electrifying transport. They explain why a rapid scaling up of battery production is needed to meet the growing demand for EVs, how battery recycling contributes to the circular economy, and why the new mobility business segment could be up to seven times bigger over the next decade.

This episode was presented by Libby Potter

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***As of 28 December 2021, Novo Nordisk completed its acquisition of Dicerna Pharmaceuticals. This episode was recorded prior to the acquisition on 26 August 2021.***

In this episode of One Step Ahead, Douglas Fambrough, Ph.D., President and CEO at Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, talks us through “RNA interference,” an innovative technique that can target and silence certain disease-causing genes. From kidney-related disease to neurological disorders – and potentially even alcohol use disorder – he asserts that gene-based medicines have the potential to be a safe and effective approach to treating disease. According to Dr. Fambrough, we’re at the early stages of a “big bang” for gene-based medicine, and RNAi is just one of many disruptive technologies set to change the future of healthcare.

This episode was presented by Libby Potter.

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In this episode of One Step Ahead, we spoke to Robert Bodor, President and CEO at Protolabs, and Bjoern Klaas, Vice President and Managing Director EMEA at Protolabs Europe. As a leader in digital manufacturing, Protolabs plays a key part in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or “Industry 4.0”. Our guests explain how digitally powered manufacturing is accelerating lead times and life cycles across industries, how Artificial Intelligence and machine learning can help, and how the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the sector. They also explain why 3D printing – or additive manufacturing – can lead to more sustainable and climate-friendly product designs.

This episode was presented by Libby Potter, and features an introduction on Industry 4.0 by Robert Harrison, Professor of Automation Systems and Head of the Digital Technologies Directorate at Warwick Manufacturing Group, University of Warwick.

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In this episode of One Step Ahead, we spoke to Margaret Johnston-Clarke, Global Chief Diversity Equity Inclusion Officer at L’Oréal, a recognised leader for gender equality, and Diana van Maasdijk, CEO and Co-Founder at Equileap, a data provider and research organisation dedicated to gender equality. They shared their thoughts on where we stand today on gender equality, and how a lot more still needs to be done to close the gender gap. They also highlight the growing evidence of gender-diverse workforces having a positive impact on corporate bottom lines.

This episode was presented by Libby Potter.

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In our inaugural episode of One Step Ahead, we spoke to Samu Slotte, Global Head of Sustainable Finance at Danske Bank, and Sean Kidney, CEO and Co-Founder of Climate Bonds Initiative. They gave their honest take on the urgent need to tackle the climate emergency, and the crucial role investors must play to enact change. Samu also gave concrete examples of green projects financed by Danske Bank’s green bonds, ranging from green buildings to renewable energy.

This episode was presented by Libby Potter.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.