The Earthshot Podcast

By EarthshotTechnology

The Earthshot Podcast episodes

September 10, 2025Ollie Potter on the Future of Nature Tech
Ollie's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/potterollie/
https://www.naturetechmemos.com/
Summary
In this episode of The Earthshot Podcast, Troy Carter sits down with Ollie Potter, founder of NatureTech Memos and strategist at Deloitte, to explore the future of NatureTech and how innovation can move from hype to real-world impact.
Ollie shares what he’s seeing across the climate startup landscape—from the explosion of MRV and CDR providers to overlooked opportunities like invasive species, ocean resilience, and bioprospecting. He also reflects on what corporates are getting right (and wrong) as they engage with climate and nature risk, and why storytelling and problem-first thinking matter more than ever.
Key Takeaways
We’re in a “second wave” of NatureTech: 400+ MRV and CDR providers, with the most successful solving real problems rather than chasing tech-first hype.
Invasive species pose massive ecological and economic risks but remain under-discussed—an area ripe for innovation.
Corporates in mining, energy, and agriculture are beginning to integrate nature-positive strategies, driven by material risk, not just regulation.
New frontiers like bioprospecting show how ecosystems and AI discovery could create win–win models for conservation and industry.
At the heart of it all: technology is only as strong as the trust and intention that guide its use.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Nature Tech and Ollie Potter
03:00 The Current Landscape of Nature Tech
06:04 Emerging Trends and Innovations in Nature Tech
08:48 Corporate Engagement in Nature and Sustainability
11:59 Understanding Material Risks in Supply Chains
14:51 The Intersection of Science and Storytelling
17:44 Nature Tech vs Climate Tech: A Comparative Analysis
20:40 Success Stories in Nature Tech
23:36 The Role of AI in Nature Tech
26:26 Ocean Conservation and Innovative Solutions
29:29 Community-Led Conservation Efforts
32:22 The Future of Nature Tech and Closing Thoughts
43 min
September 04, 2025Building an Equitable Earth: The Role of Conservation
What does it actually take to keep forests standing—and make that fair for the people who steward them?
Troy Carter sits down with his friend Thibault Sorret, Co-Founder & CEO of Equitable Earth, to unpack a shift from single projects to landscape thinking: protect what’s left, reconnect what’s fragmented, restore where it fits, and build real livelihoods around it. They talk plainly about REDD+, the messy realities of additionality, and why community agency matters as much as any model or tool.
You’ll hear:
Why Equitable Earth moved decisively into conservation, and what that unlocks for funding
How to design for whole landscapes (conservation, restoration, agroforestry) rather than one-off fixes
A practical take on additionality today—and where better instruments might emerge tomorrow
Why trust is built in the field, not in a spreadsheet
If you work in nature finance—or just care about how these decisions get made—this conversation stays close to the real constraints and the real people doing the work.

Links:
Earthshot Labs: https://www.earthshot.eco/

Thibault's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thibaultsorret/

Equitable Earth: https://www.eq-earth.com/
1 hr 2 min
August 28, 2025 Building Trust in Nature Markets — Oliver Bolton (Earthly)
What does it take to truly finance nature with integrity?
In this episode, Troy Carter speaks with Oliver Bolton, Co-Founder of Earthly, about the realities of building trust in a market that’s often misunderstood. They discuss the gap between ambition and action, why public perception of carbon credits has become so negative, and how to separate high-quality projects from the noise.
Oliver shares his personal journey — from becoming a B Corp founder to dedicating his career to nature after the birth of his son — and why trust and data have become central to Earthly’s mission. Together, Troy and Oliver explore the promise of biodiversity credits, the role of technology like bioacoustics MRV, and how businesses can engage authentically with nature.
If you’re interested in how climate finance is evolving, what’s slowing it down, and where real hope lies, this conversation offers an honest window into the challenges and bright spots of nature markets today.

Links:
Earthshot Labs: https://www.earthshot.eco/

Oliver's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-bolton/

Earthly: https://earthly.org/
39 min
August 25, 2025 The Carbon Market Era's Tour with JP Moscarella
John Paul (JP) Moscarella
Co-Founder @ CoolPact Capital & Resilient Earth Capital | Scaling Climate Tech with $1.5B+ in Investments mobilized | Cleantech Pioneer | Carbon credits Pioneer
JP's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpmoscarella/

Summary:
In this episode of the EarthShot podcast, Troy Carter speaks with JP Moscarella, a veteran in the carbon markets sector, about the evolution of carbon markets over the past three decades. They discuss JP's journey into the field, the lessons learned from past experiences, and the current complexities surrounding compliance and demand in carbon markets. The conversation also touches on the balance between scientific rigor and simplicity in methodologies, the societal engagement needed for effective climate action, and the perception of carbon markets in today's world. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of creating a culture of sustainability and the need for collective action to address climate change.

Takeaways:
JP Moscarella's journey into carbon markets began in the late 80s.
The 1990s served as a pilot phase for carbon markets.
Compliance and demand signals are crucial for market success.
The complexity of compliance across jurisdictions poses challenges.
There is a need for a balance between rigor and simplicity in methodologies.
Societal engagement is essential for the success of nature-based solutions.
Carbon markets are often viewed skeptically, impacting their effectiveness.
Creating a culture of sustainability is vital for future success.
The perception of carbon markets as a scam hinders progress.
Innovative technologies and community involvement are key to advancing carbon markets.

Chapters:
00:00 The Origins of Carbon Markets
07:05 The Evolution of Carbon Market Regulations
12:41 Lessons from 30 Years of Carbon Markets
19:11 The Shift to Voluntary Carbon Markets
22:58 Balancing Rigor and Simplicity in Carbon Projects
25:10 Empowering Local Communities in Project Ownership
26:04 Advancements in Data and Community Engagement
27:30 Connecting Local Economies to Carbon Markets
29:28 The Evolution of Carbon Markets and Public Sentiment
31:18 The Current State of Nature and Environmental Awareness
33:30 The Role of Corporations and Societal Engagement
35:01 The Intersection of Spirituality and Environmentalism
37:23 The Importance of Collective Goals and Community Spirit
39:41 Carbon Credits as an Asset Class
42:37 Overcoming Skepticism and Building Trust
45:12 The Need for Compelling Stories in Sustainability
48:36 The Future of Technology and Environmental Solutions

51 min
April 13, 2023Post-Capitalist Philanthropy with Lynn Murphy & Alnoor Ladha
Lynn Murphy & Alnoor Ladha - Post-Capitalist Philanthropy
“Doing the decolonizing, deprogramming, deconditioning, unlearning work, as well as thinking non-laterally and moving the dominant ontology and dominant cosmology from this rationalist-separatist-materialist worldview to one that's more relational, more quantum, more queer, more based on interbeing, is going to open up vistas of possibility that we can't even imagine from our current vantage point.” -Alnoor Ladha“We’re looking at how do we liberate capital and alchemize wealth in service of life,if you understand the structure how capital markets function they are not in service to life, and they aren’t often looked at through a framework of liberation “-Lynne Murphy
In this episode, host Armando Davila interviews Lynn Murphy and Alnoor Ladha of Transition Resource Circle about our world’s necessary shift beyond late-stage capitalism. This vibrant and out-of-the-box conversation starts with exploring our current economy and why leaving the house of capitalist modernity over the next ten to twenty years is crucial. Then the fun really begins when Lynn and Alnoor Ladha paint a picture of how this shift might look and the tools they are using to catalyze this transition. This radical conversation will open your mind to new ideas and possibilities for shifting beyond capitalism and creating a sustainable future.
IN THIS EPISODE:
An introduction to Post-Capitalist Philanthropy

Lynn & Alnoor Ladha’s backgrounds and how they came to this work

The Transition Resource Circle

Why our current growth-based economy isn’t sustainable for the Earth

The impending collapse of late-stage capitalism

How to leave the house of capitalist modernity

The importance of creating more local resilience & self-reliance in communities

How doing inner work can open up unimaginable possibilities

Releasing resistance to letting go of certainty and comfort

Why the approach to using capital to build a post-capitalist infrastructure is so important

The 5 element mandala Lynn & Alnoor Ladha use as a tool for exploring transition pathways

The importance of gifting and redistributing wealth for decolonization and liberation

How to work with Lynn and Alnoor Ladha and their Transition Resource Circle
RELEVANT LINKS:
Transition Resource Circle: www.transitionresourcecircle.org,
Post Capitalist Philanthropy Book: https://www.postcapitalistphilanthropy.org/
Earthshot Labs: www.earthshot.eco
Intro & Outro Music by Little Whale: https://littlewhale.bandcamp.com
1 hr
April 06, 2023Assisted Natural Regeneration with Robin Chazdon
“Restoration is not just about planting trees or about making an area look beautiful again. It's about recreating a social ecological system that is more resilient and is more aligned with natural processes.” -Robin Chazdon
This episode features legendary ecologist Robin Chazdon with hosts Armando Davila, Patrick Leung, & Pedro Ribeiro Piffer for an adventure through the world of assisted natural regeneration. Robin discusses active versus passive regeneration, how to increase the capacity of local communities to lead restoration, and the importance of honoring traditional knowledge. Robin then paints a vision of a fair trade carbon market, discusses biodiversity monitoring, and explores the challenges of involving corporations in restoration projects. This rich conversation ends on an inspirational note as Robin skillfully describes how we are all interconnected with each other and the natural world.
IN THIS EPISODE:
How Robin started her journey as an ecologist and how her work has evolved over her career

Her current projects including the UN’s Best Practices Task Force

An overview of assisted natural regeneration

Active regeneration vs. passive regeneration

How to support farmers in regenerating their land

Robin’s view on monoculture plantations

How to decide which restoration approach to use

The important social considerations of restoration projects

How to increase the capacity of local communities to lead restoration

The importance of honoring local and traditional knowledge

Robin’s vision of a fair trade carbon market

Biodiversity monitoring as a way to measure the effects of restoration projects

The dangers of viewing nature as a corporate asset

The importance of channeling funds through ground-based mechanisms

What it will take for corporations to change their practices towards greater sustainability

The importance of recognizing that we are all in this together

How our humanity is dependent on our relationship with the natural world

The importance of multi-disciplinary collaboration & infiltrating the corporate sector
RELEVANT LINKS:
Earthshot Labs: www.earthshot.eco
Robin’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-chazdon-96218a59/
Intro & Outro Music by Little Whale: https://littlewhale.bandcamp.com
1 hr 21 min
March 29, 2023Legalizing The Rights of Nature with Earth Law Center
Grant Wilson and Michelle Bender of Earth Law Center - Legal Rights of Nature

“How do you give nature a voice within carbon markets?” -Grant Wilson
Grant Wilson, Executive Director of Earth Law Center, & Michelle Bender, Ocean Campaigns Director of Earth Law Center, join hosts Armando Davila & Troy Carter for a discussion about the Rights of Nature Movement. After an overview of how this movement advocates for nature to have rights just as humans do, Grant and Michelle discuss traction that the movement is gaining in Ecuador and New Zealand and explore how this movement can be integrated with the carbon market’s financial approach to protect nature to the fullest extent possible. This deep conversation also includes a heart-centered discussion about how humanity, society, economics, and law are inseparable from nature and also explores the unique challenges of protecting the rights of our oceans. You’ll also learn more about the Earth Law Center and how you can get involved.
IN THIS EPISODE:
An overview of the rights of nature movement and Earth law

Rights of nature laws that are being enacted internationally

The articles of Ecuador’s rights of nature

An example of a successful lawsuit in the name of rights of nature

A journey into Ecuador’s Los Cedros cloud forest and how Earth law saved it from mining, setting a precedent for respecting the rights of nature

New Zealand’s journey of granting legal rights to its rivers

What rights of nature means in relation to indigenous worldviews

How the rights of nature movement can be integrated with the carbon market’s financial approach to protecting nature

Unique corporate structures where nature can be a shareholder or sit on a board of directors

How humanity, society, economics, and law are inseparable from nature

The dangers of viewing Earth as a machine and focusing on technological solutions for the climate crisis

How listeners can get involved in the rights of nature movement

Approaching decisions that may support human/societal development but may be harmful to nature (ie mining precious metals for technology)

How the rights of nature apply to oceans

How legal victories can change public opinion and vice versa

About the Earth Law Center
RELEVANT LINKS:
Earthshot Labs: www.earthshot.eco
Earth Law Center: https://www.earthlawcenter.org/
Intro & Outro Music by Little Whale: https://littlewhale.bandcamp.com
1 hr 14 min
March 09, 2023Verra: Setting the Standard for Carbon Markets
“We need all hands on deck in all areas, all sectors, and all approaches. So that means we need governments setting aggressive climate policy and regulation to control as far and fast as possible top-down, we need corporates and industry to do their part and do everything they can to decarbonize and squeeze out emissions…and then we also need market mechanisms like what Verra pioneers and helps manage that bring integrity and the ability for finance to flow to other activities that otherwise wouldn't be supported and are critical for us addressing the climate challenge.” -Toby Janson-Smith
David Antonioli, CEO at Verra, & Toby Jason-Smith, Chief Program Development & Innovation Officer at Verra, join hosts Armando Davila & Oliver Miltenberger for a rich discussion about carbon markets and the importance of standards and transparency. David and Toby begin by introducing us to Verra, a nonprofit organization setting the world’s leading standards for climate action and sustainable development, and continue on to discuss the past, present, and future of the carbon market and its role in addressing the climate crisis. They masterfully address questions, critiques, and challenges alive in the carbon market sector today and discuss what is needed for the carbon market to successfully play its part in creating a sustainable future for all.
IN THIS EPISODE:
An overview of nonprofit organization Verra as well as David’s and Toby’s roles there

The history of Verra and its evolution to what it is today

A history of the carbon market and how and why standards have been developed

The systems and processes needed to continue to scale the carbon market successfully

Why offsetting carbon is not enough and what else must be done

How the volunteer carbon market is positioned to put pressure on corporates to make internal carbon reductions

Why direct action within our economy to reduce emissions is needed first and foremost to address the climate crisis

How the carbon market is designed to offset residual emissions that cannot be reduced

Carbon markets as a way to jumpstart finance for new climate technologies and activities

How some countries are implementing carbon taxes to support the carbon market

Why clarity is needed around what carbon credit claims corporates can make and what these claims mean

How to address the current confusion in the carbon market today

The Integrity Council for Voluntary Carbon Markets and other initiatives meant to ensure that carbon credit issuers are meeting standards

Additionality explained

Why renewable energy projects are no longer creditable under Verra’s standards

Carbon removals vs avoidance reductions

Baselines explained

Creating a framework that values nature when projects don’t qualify for carbon credits

Climate community and biodiversity standards that are being used in addition to the core carbon standards

The challenges of estimating the actual success of project before it’s executed

How to ensure indigenous communities are being supported by local projects

The importance of learning and not letting perfect be the enemy of the good that’s happening
RELEVANT LINKS:
Earthshot Labs: www.earthshot.eco
Verra: https://verra.org
Kasigau Project: https://www.innovationforum.co.uk/articles/the-kasigau-corridor-redd-project
Intro & Outro Music by Little Whale: https://littlewhale.bandcamp.com
1 hr 21 min
March 03, 2023Consuming Less Energy: Our Critical Transition with Richard Heinberg
1. Richard Heinberg - Consuming Less Energy: Our Critical Transition
“Nature will win in the end and balance will be reestablished. The question is how is it going to happen and if we're working in the direction of rebalancing things and doing it from the standpoint of minimizing the casualties and maximizing the opportunities of the survivors.” -Richard Heinberg
Richard Heinberg, author and Senior Fellow at Post Carbon Institute, joins hosts Patrick Leung and Armando Davila for a deep conversation on the importance of reducing energy consumption for humanity’s transition to a sustainable existence on Earth. Richard sheds light on the harm that energy consumption causes, the history behind it, and the factors making it difficult to reduce. The discussion then moves to practical ways to reduce energy consumption, countries that are doing so on a large scale, how nature is supporting us in this transition, and how we can work together with nature to create a beautiful and sustainable future.
IN THIS EPISODE:
The impact of affluence on energy consumption

How using energy almost always causes environmental harm

The serious challenges with renewables

The only way the energy transition is likely to work

Why green growth is not enough without downsizing industrial society

Practical ways to live a lower consumption lifestyle

The hidden energy usage behind the green industry

How the field of economics is energy blind

The historical roots of consumerism

The importance of social innovation

How moving away from consumption is an act of resistance

Why continuous economic growth is unsustainable

The importance of periods of economic retraction

The countries that are leading the way in methods for reducing consumption

How consuming less doesn’t need to equate with a less happy life

The importance of conserving wild ecosystems for future generations

Nature’s tendency to always reestablish the balance of power

Why we need more optimistic post-apocalyptic fiction

The power of beauty and nature’s deliberate production of it
RELEVANT LINKS:
Earthshot Labs: www.earthshot.eco
Richard’s Website: https://richardheinberg.com
Post Carbon Institute: https://www.postcarbon.org/
Intro & Outro Music by Little Whale: https://littlewhale.bandcamp.com
1 hr 10 min
December 12, 2022 Patrick Leung, Armando Davila, & Troy Carter - Season 1 Finale
In this season 1 wrap-up episode, hosts Patrick, Troy, and Armando reflect on the first season of the Earthshot Podcast, including themes and insights that emerged, favorite moments with guests, and the evolution of the podcast, of Earthshot Labs, and of the state of the climate crisis. Stay tuned for Season 2, coming in 2023!
RELEVANT LINKS:
Earthshot Labs: www.earthshot.eco
Troy Carter’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/troyearthshot
Patrick Leung’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/puiwah
Armando Davila’s Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/armando-davila-49681716
Intro & Outro Music by Little Whale: littlewhale.bandcamp.com
37 min

About The Earthshot Podcast

From the publisher's feed

The Earthshot Podcast is a project of Earthshot Labs. Our mission is to restore and protect nature at planetary scale, using carbon markets to support financing to meet the scale of the challenge.