Straight Talking Sustainability

In this thought-provoking solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow returns from her travels to Oslo, Norway, with some uncomfortable truths about sustainability assumptions that might just change how you view the climate conversation forever.

Fresh from a four-day trip to one of the world's most sustainable cities, Emma peels back the glossy green exterior of Norway's environmental success story to reveal a startling foundation: oil money.

With 100% renewable electricity, the world's highest per capita EV fleet, and pristine public infrastructure, Norway appears to be the ultimate sustainability success story...until you dig into the $1.8 trillion sovereign wealth fund largely built on fossil fuel extraction.

This episode challenges two dangerous assumptions that are paralysing sustainability progress:

1. That you need wealth to be sustainable, and
2. That some countries are inherently "good" while others are "bad."

Through candid observations and historical context, Emma dismantles the myths that prevent real action and offers a refreshing perspective on moving forward without the burden of comparison.

Drawing parallels between Norway's oil wealth and the UK's coal-powered industrial revolution, this episode reveals why judgmental thinking about sustainability credentials (whether for countries or companies) creates barriers rather than solutions.

In this sustainability reality-check episode, you'll discover:

• Why Norway's green credentials are built on the same fossil fuel foundation critics condemn in other nations
• How wealth-based sustainability assumptions create false barriers for businesses and countries
• The historical context that reveals all developed nations built their prosperity on fossil fuels
• Why comparing yourself to sustainability "icons" prevents progress rather than inspiring it
• How to start meaningful climate action from your current position without waiting for perfect conditions
• The danger of perpetuating "good country/bad country" narratives in climate discussions

Key Challenging Sustainability Moments:

(01:43) Emma observes Oslo's impressive infrastructure: "For every road, there is a pedestrian crossing... pretty much every car you see is an EV."

(02:23) The wealth-sustainability assumption: "One of them is that you can only really be sustainable if you're wealthy... so it's always low down your list of priorities until you're absolutely sloshing around with money."

(05:33) The oil revelation: "So it turns out...Norway found loads of oil and gas, oil predominantly...in the sixties. That's where the money came from."

(06:26) The uncomfortable truth: "Norway is held up as a sustainable country... But the way they've reached that point, the evolution that they've been on, has been at the expense, arguably, of the climate."

(08:30) Historical context: "Our wealth in the UK was based on coal... in 1922, the UK was the world's largest coal exporter and producer. That's only a hundred years ago."

(10:25) The action imperative: "If you have recognized climate change in your organization as a crisis or an emergency, is it better to spend five years talking about why you can't do it because you're not Norway... Or would it be better just to say, we recognize we've got a crisis?"

(12:30) The hypocrisy challenge: "To criticize those countries who are now doing exactly that... The economic need is exactly the same. The economic desire is the same. To criticize those countries or indeed companies I think is just naïve."

Connect with Emma

Website

Email

Emma Burlow - LinkedIn

Book an enquiry call with Emma

https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/20min

In this transformative episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow interviews Virginia Cinquemani, a sustainability communication expert, coach, and author who specialises in helping sustainability leaders engage audiences and communicate their message powerfully.

Virginia brings a unique background combining architecture, sustainable building expertise, and coaching to help sustainability professionals overcome the barriers that prevent sustainability from becoming mainstream.

As the author of "The Good Communicator: How to Make Sustainability Irresistible," she works with sustainability leaders who know what needs to be done but struggle to convince and engage their audiences.

This enlightening conversation explores the evolution of sustainability from compliance-focused technical work to the current communication age, where success depends on mindset shifts, relationship building, and strategic engagement rather than just technical expertise.

Virginia shares her proven methodology for transforming sustainability from a "nice-to-have" into something irresistible by understanding audience needs and wants, building trust-based relationships, and moving away from the confrontational "eco-warrior" mindset that often creates resistance.

In this sustainability communication podcast episode, you'll discover:

• How to shift from being a "professional rememberer" to truly understanding client problems and needs
• Why sustainability leaders must reset their nervous systems and manage their energy before engaging others
• The power of seeing audiences as co-creators rather than opponents in sustainability initiatives
• Strategic approaches to building relationships with decision-makers before formal presentations
• How to make sustainability "irresistible" by connecting it to real business needs and personal values
• Essential mindset shifts that prevent burnout while maintaining impact in sustainability roles
• Why asking "How can I help you?" is more powerful than prescriptive sustainability solutions

Key Sustainability Communication Highlights:

(08:28) "Health and safety wasn't a thing really, right? A few decades ago... And now people do it. And there is no question... That's what I want sustainability to become, the norm. And then when it's not done sustainably, people go and say, oh my God, that this is shameful."

(14:19) "It's the simple question, right? What are your problems? I'm going to sell you the solution that addressed your problems. I'm not going to sell you, you know, if you want oranges, I'm not going to sell you fish because that's not what you want right now."

(18:31) "The first meeting when you... shouldn't speak. You should just shut up, ask the question and close your mouth because the first meetings are always to find out about your audience."

(24:36) "We take all of the sustainability work as fighters, you know, we are the eco warriors. But it's very consuming, isn't it?... There is a lot of fighting language in the way, but unfortunately language is very important."

(33:29) "How can I help you? Which is a fundamental question... Because we come across as sustainability professionals sometimes as you need to do this, we are like the preachers. Well, actually, when we say, look, I know that you have your... monetary targets... How can I help you with the work that I do to reach your targets?"

(38:53) "You need to be curious. Just think about them, not as a land to be conquered, but as a... an exploration... try and help them to get where they want to get, because they will be more inclined to listen to you if you do that."

Connect with Virginia

Virginia's Website

Virginia's Book - The Good Communicator: How to make sustainability irresistible

Virginia's LinkedIn

Green Light Power Sessions

Connect with Emma

Website

Email

Emma Burlow - LinkedIn

Book an enquiry call with Emma

https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/20min

In this reflective solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow shares powerful insights from her holiday experiences that reveal how climate change and sustainability conversations are happening everywhere; we just need to know how to recognise and join them.

Fresh from a transformative trip to Costa Rica, Emma challenges the common belief that sustainability professionals are fighting an uphill battle to get people to care about climate change.

Emma's experiences on holiday demonstrate that climate conversations are simmering just below the surface in everyday interactions with business owners, lodge operators, and even weather-delayed flights.

This thought-provoking episode explores why sustainability feels like such a challenge when climate impacts are omnipresent in our daily lives.

Emma reveals how the perception that we're "challengers" fighting against indifferent audiences is actually counterproductive and plays into the hands of those who don't want climate action.

Emma introduces a new approach to sustainability engagement: instead of being the "challenger" who brings up difficult topics, become the curious connector who meets people where they are and discovers what they already care about.

Emma shares practical strategies for finding the sustainability connections that already exist in people's lives without using trigger words or creating confrontation.

In this sustainability engagement podcast episode, you'll discover:

• Real-world evidence that climate change conversations are happening naturally across different sectors and situations
• Why the "challenger" mindset in sustainability communication is exhausting and counterproductive
• How to avoid trigger words like "climate change" while still having meaningful environmental conversations
• The power of curiosity over confrontation when engaging people on sustainability topics
• Why asking "what do you care about?" opens doors that technical sustainability arguments can't
• How to recognise that people already care about climate impacts, they just might not call it that
• Practical strategies for joining existing sustainability conversations rather than starting battles

Key Sustainability Engagement Highlights:

(04:51) Emma shares multiple examples from Costa Rica where locals, unprompted, brought up climate impacts on their businesses and operations

(07:13) "The chap who runs the business said that the season had been cut short by changes in the rainy season... And he said, It's because of climate change. The climate is really affecting our business. Those were his words."

(11:22) "We have created a challenge... We're the challengers. We are fighting climate change... And I don't think that's actually true. I think it's absolute nonsense... It plays into the hands of those people who don't want us to act on this."

(13:48) "It is not one size fits all... they might have more clout, they might have more influence, they might have more drive, they might have more time, they might have anything frankly that we need to solve this."

(15:12) "Ask people what they care about... What are they involved in? Outside of work? What's their holiday like?... And you will immediately get to something within one layer that relies on a stable climate and a healthy society."

(16:43) "Avoid terms like climate or global warming in case, just in case, they're a trigger... You might talk about changing weather, like, how extreme and how unusual. You might talk about the intensity of storms. People care about this stuff."

(17:38) "Being kind first and being curious is the whole thing about meeting people where they are. You have to have no expectation."

Connect with Emma

Website

Email

Emma Burlow - LinkedIn

Book an enquiry call with Emma

https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/20min

In this empowering episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow interviews Sharon Oranekwu, an award-winning ESG consultant and sustainability leadership expert, for the third instalment of the "Speak Up Woman" series.

Sharon specializes in ESG reporting, CSRD compliance, corporate sustainability strategy, and environmental governance, helping companies across Europe navigate complex sustainability regulations and reporting requirements.

This in-depth conversation covers women in sustainability careers, ESG implementation strategies, and sustainable business practices.

Sharon shares her proven problem-solving methodology for corporate environmental challenges and explains why women leaders are driving innovation in the ESG and corporate sustainability space.

The discussion explores sustainability career development, climate action in business, and how female leadership brings strategic thinking and data-driven approaches to environmental governance and corporate responsibility.

In this sustainability leadership podcast episode, you'll discover:

• Essential problem-solving strategies for ESG professionals and sustainability consultants
• How to build confidence and competence in corporate sustainability and environmental careers
• Female leadership approaches that drive successful ESG implementation and climate action
• Why ESG frameworks align with business values despite political resistance to sustainability initiatives
• Data-driven strategies for presenting environmental governance solutions to corporate boards
• Preventing sustainability professional burnout while maintaining environmental impact
• The evolution from CSR to ESG to future sustainability frameworks and corporate responsibility models

Key Sustainability and ESG Highlights:

(05:45) "I got here by problem-solving. That's the biggest, most important thing to me... Every business that starts, they're essentially saying, hey, there's a problem out there and we think we can give it a go."

(08:44) "A massive part of my confidence comes from competence... Competence is the ability to keep going and keep asking questions. That's how you know you're competent when you haven't let the space beat you."

(29:21) "I show up to the boardroom with data. That's what I show up with... Because as much as our field is known for passion, we're also known for data."

(34:45) "If someone was to change the branding let them so long as we still do the work... Call it whatever you want. We're going to keep doing the work because the work matters."

(42:16) The "calm down, woman!" Pub incident that inspired Emma's "Speak Up Woman" sustainability leadership series

Connect with Sharon

Sharon's LinkedIn

Sharon's Email

Emboldened

Corp N' Femme

Connect with Emma

Website

Email

Emma Burlow - LinkedIn

Book an enquiry call with Emma

https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/20min

In this thought-provoking episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow sits down with climate comedian Stuart Goldsmith to explore the unexpected intersection of humour and environmental action.

Stuart, who has been performing comedy for 20 years and moved into climate comedy four years ago, shares his unique journey from traditional stand-up to addressing the climate crisis on stage, including performing at venues like the Apollo and major sustainability conferences.

This conversation reveals how comedy can serve as a powerful tool for corporate sustainability engagement and behavioural change.

The discussion delves deep into the psychology of climate communication, exploring why traditional data-driven approaches often fail to inspire action and how humour can break through resistance and create meaningful connections.

They explore the concept of "winning the argument" versus genuine dialogue, the importance of addressing your own vulnerabilities upfront, and how comedy can serve as a "zip file" for complex climate information.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How comedy serves as a "zip file" for complex climate information that audiences can unzip and own
• Why naming your vulnerabilities upfront disarms audience resistance and creates a connection
• The class dynamics that have made climate action feel exclusive, and how to break them down
• Stuart's "win the argument" approach to overcoming presentation anxiety and memory challenges
• Why helping climate professionals is as valuable as trying to solve the crisis yourself
• How to identify and address the "unspoken things" that everyone's thinking but afraid to say
• The power of strategic self-deprecation in climate communication

Highlights:

09:18 – "I want to write a brilliant joke about the collapse of the AMOC so that more people know and understand it. So I have this confluence of reasons that really excite me about wanting to learn more and romp around in it and write more."

13:04 – "When you go to the pub and you chat to your mate about why Christopher Nolan's Inception is the best film in the world, for example, you haven't prepped an argument beforehand. You just passionately feel some things and know some things."

21:47 – "I don't have to solve the climate crisis. I can help people who are trying to solve the climate crisis. And that counts."

28:58 – "It's not my job to convince you, there's no cult and this isn't a recruitment drive."

45:35 – "Work out what is the unspoken thing. What's the thing that you're scared to say in the room that you'd only say to a sustainability professional friend and work out how to say that."

Connect with Stuart

www.stuartgoldsmith.com

Stuart Goldsmith (@stuartgoldsmithcomedy) • Instagram photos and videos

Stuart Goldsmith - YouTube

Connect with Emma

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Email

Emma Burlow - LinkedIn

Book an enquiry call with Emma

https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/20min

In this empowering solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow tackles a challenge familiar to many sustainability professionals: feeling stuck.

Drawing on years of experience, Emma offers a compassionate but practical framework for getting unstuck, starting with self-awareness, small wins, and intentional discomfort.

This is not about fixing everything overnight. It’s about building momentum, one micro-step at a time, and creating a safe space to reflect, be honest, and act, even when the big picture feels too heavy.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I doing enough?” or “Where do I even begin?”, this episode is your invitation to stop spiraling and start experimenting, with courage, clarity, and community.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why starting small is the most powerful way to get unstuck
• How internal blockers, not lack of knowledge, keep us frozen
• The trap of perfectionism and the fear of judgment
• A simple, 3-step personal framework to move forward
• Why micro discomfort leads to macro change

Highlights:

02:00 – Why the sustainability community needs self-reflection more than judgment

05:00 – “Start with micro wins.” Emma breaks down her 3-part unsticking method

08:00 – Reframe fear: Can’t vs. won’t vs. don’t want to

11:00 – You don’t need a big idea, just a small move

13:00 – Emma: “Get out of your comfort zone in a micro way.”

Mia Mottley PM Barbados - Gordian Knot

Speech: Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados at the Opening of the #COP26 World Leaders Summit

Liz Gadd LinkedIn Post

Connect with Emma:

Website

Email

Emma Burlow - LinkedIn

Book an enquiry call with Emma

https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/20min

In this episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, Emma sits down with Gareth Kane, sustainability author and creator of the “Green Jujitsu” engagement model, for a wide-ranging conversation that challenges long-held assumptions about how we drive environmental action inside organizations.

From the pitfalls of PowerPoint preaching to the psychology behind real behaviour change, Gareth shares decades of insight into what actually works when trying to get colleagues, clients, and even sceptics on board.

Rather than pushing harder, Green Jujitsu is about aligning with what motivates your audience, even if it means stepping far outside your own communication comfort zone.

Emma and Gareth cover a lot of ground in this rich, fast-paced interview, including:

• Why the classic "green team" model often fails
• The growing influence of psychology in climate work
• Why data doesn’t always persuade, and what to use instead
• How internal blockers aren’t always villains; sometimes, they’re mirrors

This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to spark sustainable change in complex environments, especially those feeling stuck, burned out, or unheard. As Gareth reminds us: it’s not about what you know, it’s about what they believe.

Highlights:

01:46 — What is Green Jujitsu?

06:33 — Stop selling sustainability like a moral crusade

13:18 — Why PowerPoint doesn't work (and what does)

20:04 — The silent art of listening and waiting

27:51 — Engagement is shifting: from compliance to emotion

35:10 — Employee motivation is now a sustainability driver

39:08 — The ultimate takeaway: humility over expertise

Connect with Gareth: 

Gareth Kane | LinkedIn

Books by Gareth 

Sustainability Resources - Terra Infirma

Net Zero Business Podcast:

https://shows.acast.com/655cb69d415230001259567c

Connect with Emma:

Website

Email

Emma Burlow - LinkedIn

Book an enquiry call with Emma

https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/20min

In this powerful solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, Emma delves into the profound difference between passion and commitment in the world of sustainability.

We've all been called "passionate" about our work, but is that enough? Emma makes a compelling case that true, lasting impact comes not from fleeting enthusiasm, but from deep, unwavering commitment, especially when the outcomes are unknown.

Inspired by Solitaire Townsend’s recent reflections and personal conversations with leaders like Phil Korbel of the Carbon Literacy Project, Emma explores:

• Why being called "passionate" can feel reductive
• The emotional weight of working in sustainability without certainty
• What true commitment looks like and how it liberates you
• The “sea of apathy” and how to bridge the gap between interest and action
• Practical questions to ask yourself: Am I committed? What’s stopping me?

Whether you're new to the field or years into your sustainability journey, this episode is a call to check in, dig deep, and claim your place in the movement—not just as a participant, but as someone fully committed.

Highlights:

01:14 Are you committed?

05:12 Commitment over passion is a weight off your shoulders

08:01 The outcome is uncertain, the worth is in the doing

10:14 Get off the fence

Solitaire Townsend

It's All Going To Be Ok - by Solitaire Townsend

Dr Navjot Sawney

Dr Navjot Sawhney | LinkedIn

Connect with Emma:

Website

Email

Emma Burlow - LinkedIn

Book an enquiry call with Emma

https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/20min

In this energising and honest conversation, Emma and Carbon Literacy Project co-founder Phil Korbel dive into what truly makes carbon literacy impactful. Spoiler: it’s not just about what you know, it’s about how you apply it, talk about it, and make it real in your organisation.

From training Nobel-adjacent scientists in Antarctica to working with major corporations facing internal resistance, Emma and Phil share practical insights, surprising lessons, and powerful encouragement for anyone looking to move climate action from the margins to the mainstream.

Whether you're a seasoned sustainability professional or just carbon-curious, this episode is a masterclass in meeting people where they are, and bringing them with you.

Here are the highlights:

0:00 Introduction to Phil and his Journey

06:00 The Birth of the Carbon Literacy Project

11:59 Challenges in sustainability Training

17:50 Balancing Climate Awareness with Mental Health

23:00 Empowering Others Through Peer Training

25:00 Curiosity and Learning in Climate Change

28:00 Building a Community of Trainers

29:00 Scaling Carbon Literacy Training

33:00 The Role of Governance in Sustainability Projects

36:00 Overcoming Resistance to Carbon Literacy

40:00 Trends and Future Directions in Carbon Literacy

Connect with Carbon Literacy Project & Phil:

Website

Phil Korbel - LinkedIn

Connect with Emma:

Website

Email

Emma Burlow - LinkedIn

Book an enquiry call with Emma

https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/20min

Book Carbon Literacy Training for yourself or colleagues

Upcoming Courses | Lighthouse Sustainability

This week I’m sharing part of our summer series - 12 simple sustainability tips (numbers 27–38) that are easy to action even when you’re in holiday mode. From switching your search engine to Ecosia, to skipping the lawnmower, there are plenty of small changes that make a big difference.

We’re covering everything from flea treatments and sunscreen to eco-friendly ways to host a party and travel during summer. I also touch on why the “eco” setting on your washing machine isn’t just good - it’s legally required to be the most efficient.

Have a listen and let me know which one you’re going to try first. The full list and links are in the show notes - happy summer greening!

Here are the highlights:

Saving Water: Basic Tips and Workplace Practices (3:29)

Reducing Pesticide Use (8:23)

Marine Conservation (10:29)

Reducing Travel Impact (15:54)

Reducing Food Waste (17:50)

Carbon Literacy (21:46)

Defosseling Homes (25:01)

Connect with Emma:

Website

Email

Emma Burlow - LinkedIn

Book an enquiry call with Emma

https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/20min

Book Carbon Literacy Training for yourself or colleagues

Upcoming Courses | Lighthouse Sustainability

Download the free 52 Simple Sustainability Hacks e-book: https://lighthouse-sustainability.co.uk/52-simple-sustainability-hacks-a-free-ebook/