This is what Nigel has been reading, listening to and watching across the sustainability spectrum over the past month:

 

The economics of clean energy ‘just get better and better’ 

It's always good to step back from the day-to-day and look at the bigger, long-term trends on sustainability, so I really enjoyed watching (you can also read a summary) the Carbon Brief interview with Chris Stark CBE on the energy transition and the ever-improving economics of clean power link. 

 

What Interface still gets right about sustainability

Staying on the theme of 'long-term trends', Interface - the carpet tile and flooring company - has for many years set the benchmark for good sustainable business, so it was great to listen to this interview with Liz Minné, Ph.D. at Interface on the ever-excellent 'Two Steps Forward' podcast hosted by Joel Makower and Solitaire Townsend. The focus on business innovation and competitive advantage is particularly pertinent for all sustainability professionals link. 

 

Regenerative Agriculture at Scale

The need for agriculture to be more sustainable is a topic that doesn't get enough attention, so it was great to listen to this two-part interview with Tom Brennan from McKinsey & Company on the Harvard Business Review podcast 'Climate Rising' link. 

 

All about CBAM, the cross-border carbon levy

Although the pace of new sustainability regulations has slowed in most jurisdictions, there are still some interesting developments in the EU, not least the introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which will try to bring equivalence to carbon costs, irrespective of where a key set of materials and commodities are produced. This podcast from Bruegel - Improving economic policy explains CBAM link. And I also listened to and learned from the Chatham House 'The Climate Briefing' podcast titled What does the EU's CBAM mean for countries in the Global South? link.

 

The Empowering Consumers Directive: What the latest EU rules mean for businesses’ green claims

Another new EU rule I'll be keeping an eye on is the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (ECGT) directive which is endeavouring finally to put 'Greenwash' to the sword. Its important for sustainability professionals to understand what the new directive says and how they can help their organisations present their sustainability credentials positively. This article from edie is a good starting point link.
 

About Sustainability InSight

'Sustainability InSight' is Nigel's regular roundup of recent insightful sustainability content. His aim is to improve understanding and knowledge across the sustainability spectrum - not just the environment and climate change - to help us all lead a more sustainable life. If you see any content that you'd recommend, then just let him know https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelgclark/

Until the next edition of Sustainability InSight.