No Plastic Left Behind? Boyan Slat on The Ocean Cleanup's Grand Plan
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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30:27
Ecosia: The Search Engine That Plants Trees
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.
Takeaways
Ecosia is a search engine that plants trees.
The company dedicates 100% of its profits to climate action.
Ecosia operates as a for-profit company but gives all profits away.
The search engine relies on advertising revenue to fund its initiatives.
Ecosia focuses on biodiversity hotspots for tree planting.
AI is disrupting the search engine market significantly.
Ecosia aims to provide users with ethical digital choices.
The company maintains high standards for tree planting projects.
Ecosia is 200% carbon positive, using solar power for its servers.
The future growth of Ecosia involves reaching new audiences and combating misinformation.
titles
Sound Bite
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30:21
Investing in Timberland: A Southeast Perspective
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
Southview Timberland Investments was founded to offer timberland investment opportunities.
The Southeast US region is the largest timber producer in North America.
Timberland investments provide a hedge against inflation.
Investing in timberland allows for direct control over assets.
The timber industry is evolving with new technologies and products.
Cash flow can be generated from timberland investments through various means.
Sustainable practices are integral to timberland management.
The timberland asset class is less volatile than public markets.
Investors can access timberland through various investment vehicles.
The current political climate is favorable for the timber industry.
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39:46
Ocean Winds & Energy Giants: Charting the Course for a Greener Future (Live from Impact Day 2024)
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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32:38
Navigating the Climate Investment Landscape: Insights from MUUS
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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Are you looking to understand the business of a better future? Welcome to NatureBacked. For three years and through more than 125 episodes, we've been on a mission to uncover how investors and entrepreneurs worldwide tackle climate change, from the complexities of emissions to the devastating reality of floods. We explore the personal choices and inspiring journeys driving this critical work. Join us to hear from the experts, innovators, and changemakers who are not just talking about change but actively creating it. As a top-three U.S. investment podcast and in the top 2.5% of all podcasts globally, NatureBacked offers the insights you need to navigate the evolving landscape of a sustainable world.NatureBacked was founded by Tarmo Virki, a passionate environmentalist who believes that nature has the solutions to many of the challenges we face today. In each episode, Tarmo or co-host Fiona Alston interviews a guest who shares their knowledge, experience, and vision on a specific topic related to nature and sustainability. We would love to hear from you, so feel free to email us at tarmo@naturebacked.com with your feedback, questions, or suggestions. Thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy the show!Stay curious and stay green 💚
Ireland