In this engaging episode, Tamara Muruetagoiena, Vice President of Sustainability at the International Fresh Produce Association, joins John and Liandra to discuss the intersection of agriculture and sustainability, with a focus on climate smart agriculture practices in the fresh produce industry. The conversation delves into the challenges of improving farming practices, reducing food waste and the environmental impact of packaging. They explore the emerging concept of regenerative agriculture, comparing it to sustainable farming, and discuss how innovations in packaging and farming can contribute to a more sustainable future. Additionally, Tamara shares insights from her diverse career and highlights the importance of increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables for both personal and planetary health. The episode emphasizes the complex but vital role of consumer choices, growers’ engagement, and broader industry efforts in creating a more sustainable world.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:30 Understanding Fresh Produce and Sustainability02:08 Challenges in Fresh Produce Industry05:21 Regenerative Agriculture Explained09:56 Plant-Based Diets and Sustainability15:21 Organic Farming and Its Future17:48 Carbon Farming and Forestry22:34 Innovations in Packaging30:03 Climate Smart Agriculture Pilot Projects31:59 Final Takeaways and Conclusion

In this episode, Dave and Lysandra sit down with Dick Bakker. Director at Ottawa Renewable Energy Cooperative (OREC). 

The conversation spans the founding and mission of OREC, the current and future role of community-owned renewable energy projects, and the intricacies of electricity regulations in Ontario. 

Dick shares insights on the cooperative's efforts to decentralize the grid, advocate for policy changes, and integrate various renewable technologies like solar, wind, and batteries. The discussion also touches upon historical and future perspectives on energy demand, efficiency, and the potential for community engagement in accelerating the energy transition.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:06 Guest Introduction: Dick Bucker

01:17 Overview of Ottawa Renewable Energy Cooperative (OREC)

03:43 Role of Community-Owned Renewable Energy

07:05 Challenges and Regulations in Ontario

10:49 Policy Changes for Renewable Energy

19:21 Emerging Renewable Technologies in Ottawa

31:45 Energy Storage Opportunities and Challenges

36:59 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Join hosts Dave, John and Lysandra as they welcome Nicole Yazbek-Martin, head of taxonomy and natural capital at the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute. In this episode, Nicole demystifies the concept of sustainable finance taxonomy and its pivotal role in transitioning Australia to a low-carbon economy. Learn about the significance of taxonomies, Australia's unique approach compared to other frameworks, and the critical role of the financial services sector, including banks and insurers, in driving sustainable finance practices. Nicole also shares insights on integrating nature-related risks, the challenges of developing sustainable economic activity definitions, and the importance of making these frameworks user-friendly. Whether you're well-versed in finance or just getting started, this episode offers valuable takeaways on sustainable finance and its transformative potential.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:54 Understanding Sustainable Finance Taxonomy

04:39 Australia's Approach to Sustainable Finance

08:24 Global Collaboration and Transition

09:23 Government and Market Stability

11:25 Nature-Related Financial Disclosures

14:51 Challenges and Local Adaptation

25:21 Role of Financial Institutions

33:15 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In this episode, hosts Dave and John are joined by Jon Norman, President of Hydrostor, for the third time.

They discuss Hydrostor's rapid growth, innovative compressed air energy storage technology, and recent project milestones in California and Australia. Jon Norman shares insights into the company's expansion plans, the importance of long-duration energy storage in the global energy transition, and the critical role Hydrostor plays in replacing fossil fuel generation.

They also touch on the broader implications of their projects, including infrastructure development, regulatory challenges, and future growth strategies in emerging markets.

Join hosts Dave, John, and Lysandra as they break down their Spotify Wrapped 2024 stats and discuss some of the year's most impactful episodes. From remarkable audience growth to popular episodes like 'Zero Carbon Industrial Heat' and 'Future of Clean Tech,' the hosts cover listener demographics, geographic reach, and the influence of certain episodes on their thinking. They also highlight key takeaways for various audiences, including executives and those in the manufacturing industry, emphasizing the importance of innovation, sustainable practices, and the urgency of addressing climate change.

00:00 Welcome Back and Spotify Wrapped Overview

02:22 Listener Demographics and Global Reach

05:48 Top Episodes and Listener Favorites

09:35 Impactful Episodes and Personal Reflections

13:08 Executive Recommendations and Industry Insights

19:18 Biggest Takeaways and Aha Moments

31:03 Final Thoughts and Thank You

Join hosts Dave, John, and Lysandra as they delve into COP 29, the 29th Conference of the Parties held in Baku, Azerbaijan. This episode explores the purpose of COPs, the significance of the Paris Agreement, the outcomes related to climate finance and Article 6, and the conference's attendance and organizational dynamics. The hosts discuss the challenges of reaching international agreements, the role of private and public investment in climate finance, carbon trading mechanisms, and the geopolitical context surrounding the conference. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis of COP 29 and its implications for global climate action.

00:57 Overview of COP 29

01:27 Location and Purpose of COP 29

03:23 Delegates and Attendance

06:10 Notable Absences and Political Context

18:33 Climate Finance and Article 6

34:38 Reflections and Future Outlook

41:40 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

oin hosts Dave and Lysandra as they engage in an enlightening conversation with Ed Crooks, Vice Chair of Americas at Wood Mackenzie and host of the Energy Gang podcast. Ed shares his insights on shaping the discourse around critical energy topics through fact-based, topical, and diverse perspectives. Discover the significance of accessible explanations in complex subjects like climate policy and energy markets, the evolution of the Energy Gang podcast, and the value of connecting U.S. trends with global energy developments. Whether you're in the industry or simply interested in energy, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and thought-provoking insights.

Join hosts Dave, John, and Lysandra as they engage in an enlightening discussion with Mohammad DoostMohammadi, the founder of PH7 Technologies.

This episode delves into the impacts and future of renewable energy, with a special focus on sustainable metal extraction. Mohammad explains the role of PH7 in reducing the environmental footprint of mining through innovative circular economy practices and sustainable mining methods. Key topics include the company's unique approach to recycling metals, the challenges faced in scaling its technology, and its commitment to social responsibility.

Discover how PH7 Technologies is leading the way in creating a greener future for the mining industry.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:30 Exploring Renewable Energy and Metal Extraction

01:59 Understanding Circular Economy and Sustainable Mining

03:47 PH7's Role in Circular Economy

07:30 Environmental and Social Responsibility

14:09 Challenges and Innovations in PH7 Technologies

21:16 Staying Ahead in the Industry

25:04 Recent Breakthroughs and Future Prospects

28:52 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Join hosts Dave, Lysandra and John in this timely episode as they dive into Bill C 59 and its implications for Canadian businesses making environmental claims, together with industry expert Sarah Keyes. She breaks down the often-misunderstood concept of "greenwashing" and explores how Bill C 59 aims to establish clearer standards for marketing claims related to climate and sustainability.

Sarah shares insights on recent high-profile cases, like the Competition Bureau’s investigation into Lululemon, and the response from major Canadian oil and gas companies. Learn about the serious financial penalties tied to deceptive green marketing and how companies can avoid these pitfalls by fostering transparency and accountability. Don't miss this in-depth discussion on how Bill C-59 is set to impact brand reputation, consumer trust, and the future of sustainable business in Canada.

Join hosts Dave and John in this insightful episode as they are joined by Gerald Leonard, CEO and founder of Turnberry Premiere, to discuss the financial benefits of investing in eco-friendly practices for businesses. Gerald shares success stories, practical advice for SMEs, and the importance of government policies in driving sustainability. Learn about the impact of sustainability on brand reputation, customer loyalty, and how businesses can start their journey towards a greener future. Don't miss Gerald's personal experiences and expert guidance on making sustainable investments profitable.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:57 Guest Introduction: Gerald Leonard

01:26 Financial Benefits of Eco-Friendly Practices

03:29 Success Stories in Sustainability

05:47 Starting the Sustainability Journey for SMEs

09:24 Government Policies and Sustainability

12:57 Brand Reputation and Customer Loyalty

14:51 Common Misconceptions About Sustainability Costs

16:57 Final Takeaways and Conclusion