In this episode of the NatureBacked podcast, we take a deep dive into one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: plastic pollution in our oceans.

Join us as we welcome Boyan Slat, the founder of The Ocean Cleanup, a pioneering non-profit organization dedicated to ridding the world's oceans of plastic.

Boyan shares his vision and the innovative technologies being employed to tackle this global crisis. Discover how The Ocean Cleanup aims not just to clean up existing waste but also to prevent future plastic from entering our oceans.

With a mission that is bold enough to ultimately put themselves out of "business", Boyan discusses the organization's journey, the challenges faced, and the advancements in technology that make this ambitious goal achievable.

The episode was recorded on sidelines of Latitude59 conference in May 2025 in Tallinn.

Get ready to be inspired as we explore the potential solutions to a cleaner, healthier planet. Tune in to learn how each of us can play a role in this vital mission!

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In this conversation, Sophie Dembinski discusses Ecosia, a search engine dedicated to environmental sustainability and reforestation.

She explains the company's mission to plant trees and combat climate change by allocating 100% of its profits to these efforts. Sophie elaborates on Ecosia's unique business model, its challenges in competing with larger search engines, and the importance of ethical choices in the digital realm.

"We need to take action online," Dembinski said. "Action is the antidote to despair."

The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on the search market and Ecosia's future growth plans.

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John Brenard shares the origin story of Southview Timberland Investments, detailing his transition from finance to timberland investing. He discusses the advantages of investing in timberland, particularly in the Southeast US, where the market is robust and diverse.

The conversation covers the various products derived from timber, the investment opportunities available, and the benefits of direct ownership of timberland. John also addresses the risks associated with climate change and biodiversity, emphasizing the sustainability of timberland investments, which could be seen as an inflation hedge.

"The trees are steady growing, like clockwork," he said.

He concludes by outlining the current investment opportunities and the positive outlook for the timber industry in the US economy.

Takeaways

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The episode brings two distinct but interconnected perspectives on the green transition: harnessing the immense power of our oceans and transforming established energy giants from within. Get ready for insights into offshore wind development and the complex journey of greening a legacy fossil fuel company.

The NatureBacked podcast, direct from the vibrant atmosphere of Impact Day 2024, was hosted by Fiona Alston, who dives deep into the critical shifts shaping our energy landscape.

First, Fiona speaks with Charles Ogilvie, Executive Director of Ocean Energy Pathway.

Charles sheds light on the burgeoning world of offshore wind energy, explaining why the seas offer superior wind quality allowing for colossal turbines, and how his organization helps governments worldwide build sustainable offshore wind sectors. He addresses the crucial environmental balance, discussing how, counterintuitively, well-managed wind farms can potentially aid marine ecosystem recovery in previously degraded areas, alongside their primary role in climate change mitigation.  

Next, the conversation shifts to the intricate challenge of industrial transformation with Kristjan Kuhi, Management Board Member at Eesti Energia. Kristjan candidly discusses the journey of an 85-year-old company, historically reliant on Estonia's oil shale, as it pivots towards renewables like wind and solar, explores grid solutions like batteries and hydrogen, and even seeks circular economy applications for its legacy infrastructure. He highlights the internal and external drivers for this capital-intensive change and the forward-thinking required in R&D.

Recorded live (and featuring a brief, real-time electrical hiccup!), this episode offers compelling insights from the front lines of the energy transition. Tune in to explore the vast potential unlocked by tapping into ocean winds and the pragmatic realities of steering a traditional energy player towards a sustainable future, understanding what needs to be built anew and what must be fundamentally transformed.

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What does it take to secure climate tech investment now? Is the era of software-only solutions over? Tarmo Virki probes Kavita Patel and Logan Grizzel from climate investors MUUS Climate Partners on the tough questions facing the sector.

They discuss the undeniable need for physical infrastructure, the growing importance of grid tech and resilience, and why a laser focus on customer needs and business basics is paramount. How has the capital stack evolved, and what hard truths must founders accept to navigate today's market?

Takeaways

Muus Climate Partners focuses on advanced technology and decarbonization.

Natural disasters have impacted over 90% of Americans recently.

Grid technology is becoming increasingly important due to load growth.

Software alone cannot solve climate issues; physical solutions are essential.

Adaptation and resiliency are now central themes in climate investment.

Fundamentals in business are crucial, especially in uncertain times.

Founders must understand their customers' pain points to succeed.

The capital stack for climate tech has matured, allowing for creative financing.

Realism about market conditions is key for founders seeking investment.

Predictability and stability are vital for business success in the current climate.

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Can packaging be both beautiful and environmentally responsible? This week on NatureBacked, we explore this critical question with eco-packaging expert Elizabeth Corbett.

From navigating the maze of recycling systems to turning ocean waste into valuable resources, Elizabeth reveals the secrets to smarter, greener packaging.

Join us for a fascinating conversation that will change how you see the products you buy.



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Did you know that most sunflower seeds end up as oil or animal feed? Our guest is challenging the centuries-old status quo of sunflower seed usage. 

Join us as we speak with Dmitri Eivin, the co-founder and CEO of Sunfly. The episode was recorded live at Impact Day 2024 in Tallinn, Estonia.

While over 95% of sunflower seeds are traditionally relegated to oil and animal feed, Sunfly is pioneering a disruptive approach. Discover how they're utilizing 100% of the seed to create a remarkable range of plant-based, protein-rich, and top 14 allergen-free products – from delicious seed spreads to dairy and even meat alternatives – all while drastically reducing their environmental footprint. Prepare to be inspired by Sunfly's commitment to a zero-waste future and its powerful impact on land use, water consumption, and CO2 emissions.

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Francisco Roque De Pinho, co-founder of the Land Group, discusses in this episode the transformative potential of regenerative agriculture in South America and beyond.

He shares insights into the practices that make agriculture more sustainable, the challenges faced in implementing these practices, and the importance of capital in driving change. 

The discussion also touches on the role of carbon markets and the future of regenerative agriculture as it gains traction among investors and consumers alike.

The Land Group has been quietly operating since 2016 from a base in Europe. It has acquired, and transformed 40,000 hectares of farmland in South America to drive a regenerative agriculture shift while delivering strong financial returns and asset appreciation.

Formally launching in September of last year, with €120 million assets under management, it’s now ramping up its focus on adaptive-grazing based approaches to regenerative agriculture.

takeaways

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Anthony Milewski discusses the global energy transition with host Tarmo Virki, emphasizing the shift from coal to cleaner energy sources like nuclear and renewables. He highlights the importance of critical minerals in sustainable energy and the ethical dilemmas surrounding their sourcing. The discussion also touches on consumer responsibility and the environmental impact of electric vehicles, urging listeners to consider the broader implications of their consumption choices.

Anthony is a 4x founder and trailblazer in energy transition and critical minerals, driving investments that power global industries while balancing profits with environmental impact. 

His two passions — investing and outdoor adventures — converge in his role as a pioneer in the electrification of industries. From nickel for EV batteries to carbon markets to preserve forests to AI solutions that reduce the environmental impact of farming — Anthony focuses on investments that power the renewable energy revolution while driving high eco-friendly returns. 

takeaways

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Conner Tidd, co-founder and CEO of Just Vertical discusses the innovative approaches to vertical farming, emphasizing the ease of use and productivity of their systems. He shares insights into the sustainability of hydroponics, the challenges faced by startups in the agricultural sector, and the growth of the consumer market for indoor farming solutions. Tidd also highlights future milestones for Just Vertical, including technological advancements and the impact of current economic conditions on food prices.

Just Vertical builds indoor vertical farms globally.

Their systems are designed for ease of use and productivity.

They have grown over 350,000 plants in various locations.

Hydroponics allows for controlled growth conditions.

Indoor farming complements traditional agriculture, not replaces it.

The startup mentality drives their innovation and growth.

Farming remains a labor-intensive industry despite technology.

The consumer market for indoor farming is stable and growing.

Economic conditions are affecting food prices significantly.

Refining technology is crucial for future growth and sustainability.

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