Welcome to the very first episode of Sustainability Pep Talk! From a sunny park bench in Paris—fresh from a transformative training with 800 climate activists—host Evelina Lundqvist sets the tone for this new podcast series: honest, challenging, and hopeful conversations about sustainability, circularity, human rights and the future of business.
In this debut episode, Evelina is joined by Ana Maksimovic, a sustainability consultant with deep expertise in climate strategy, procurement, and resilient supply chains. Together, they explore three powerful sustainability stories that reflect the urgency and complexity of doing business in today’s world.
What We Talked About
1. Major Sustainability News
“36 Companies Responsible for Over Half of Global Emissions in 2023”
Ana and Evelina reflect on a recent report naming just 36 fossil fuel firms behind over 50% of global emissions. They explore the implications for Scope 3 reporting, business accountability, and the opportunities for transformation.
Read more: https://www.euronews.com/green/2025/03/05/these-36-fossil-fuel-firms-are-responsible-for-half-of-global-emissions-report-reveals
2. Emerging Trend or Industry Shake-Up
Nauru’s Golden Passport Scheme
The Pacific Island nation of Nauru is offering citizenship to wealthy individuals in exchange for investment in climate adaptation. Evelina and Ana dive into the ethical questions this raises around climate justice, sovereignty, and class privilege.
Read more: https://www.euronews.com/green/2025/02/26/buy-a-passport-naurus-unique-plan-to-fight-climate-change
3. Under-the-Radar but Important
Dr. Bronner’s Drops B Corp Certification
Dr. Bronner’s steps away from B Corp certification, launching its own Purpose Pledge and calling for more rigorous sustainability standards. Ana unpacks what this move means for certifications, regulation, and business leadership in a time of ESG backlash.
Read more: https://sustainablebrands.com/read/14-brands-new-standard-purpose-driven-business
About Ana Maksimovic
Ana helps companies navigate climate, procurement, and sustainability challenges through strategy development, carbon management, and supply chain risk assessments. Her expertise spans corporates, SMEs, startups, and certification bodies. She’s currently based between Belgrade and Berlin.
Website: www.anamaksimovic.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ana-maksimovic
Quotes:
“The future cost of inaction is not higher insurance premiums. It’s the loss of land, displacement, and irreversible damage.” – Ana Maksimovic
“Just because you can buy your own fire department doesn’t mean you’re safe from a burning planet.” – Evelina Lundqvist
“It’s not about whether fossil fuel companies will be held accountable. The real question is: how prepared will your business be when the transition accelerates?” – Ana Maksimovic
“Accountability is evolving. The most forward-thinking businesses won’t wait for certifications or regulators to dictate the pace of change—they’ll set their own bar and raise it.” – Ana Maksimovic
Get Involved
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Chapter Markers
00:00 – Introduction from Paris
00:18 – Climate Activism & Reflections
01:49 – Meet Ana Maksimovic
05:08 – Green Growth vs. Degrowth
06:39 – Should Circular Economy Be Mandatory?
07:48 – Will Unsustainable Businesses Survive?
09:43 – Major Sustainability News: Top Emitting Companies
18:40 – Nauru’s Golden Passport Scheme
29:30 – Dr. Bronner’s & the Future of B Corp
40:12 – Wrap-Up and Reflections
42:38 – Closing Remarks
