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GreenBiz 350 Podcast

Episode 194: California's Newsom and Nichols, the power of diversity, actions speak louder

Plus, former Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm on the secret to creating clean economy jobs.

Week in Review

Here's what people were talking about at VERGE 19.

California’s leadership on display (10:00)

Gov. Gavin Newsom addresses the need to include equitable housing and land use policy in the climate action dialogue, why the state's pension funds are throwing their financial weight behind clean economy investments and where the state can do better.

Shifting into a higher gear on EVs (15:02)
California Air Resources Board chairwoman Mary Nichols wants to shift gears on hard-to-decarbonize transportation sectors, such as fleets and heavy trucking — it's not just a matter of technology, it's an infrastructure concern. Among the things on her mind: planning the most effective electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Why diversity is the secret weapon in economic growth (19:03)
Angela Glover Blackwell, founder and president of PolicyLink, has spent decades studying the challenges of "toxic inequality" and building solutions for an equitable economy, housing, transportation and infrastructure. During her VERGE Talk, she addresses the generational advantage that America could have over other global economies, if the nation finds a credible way to build on the talents and skills of young people of color.
Want a clean economy, fix the way we train people (26:20)
Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Ryan Popple, CEO of electric bus maker Proterra, chat about why cleantech requires an entirely new approach to training and apprenticeship — not just from the education systems but in the corporate world.

Features

How UPS prioritizes its electrification agenda (35:45)

Peter Harris, international sustainability director for the global logistics company, talks about the progress of a pilot in London and how the company shares knowledge from location to location.

The evolving Wells Fargo sustainable finance agenda (45:46)

Executive Vice President Mary Wenzel, who spearheads the financial services firm's sustainability and corporate responsibility agendas, offers a progress report on its latest commitment — $200 billion in green bonds, loans, venture capital and incubation. Plus, what's behind the new focus on agricultural technology and climate analytics.

What PG&E thinks of blockchain (54:42)

CK Umachi, a product expert with Pacific Gas & Electric's Grid Edge team, chats about potential applications the utility is exploring, including a system for managing carbon credit transactions.

*Music in this episode by Lee Rosevere: "Knowing the Truth," "I Bet You Wonder Why," "Start the Day" and "Thinking It Over." Plus, a cappella interlude by The SeaStars. 

What's new at GreenBiz?

The power of nature. Wondering how to put natural climate solutions to work for your business? The participants on this interactive webcast will discuss how to use a new GHG accounting framework to address deforestation, soil health, land-use change, biodiversity, regenerative agriculture and more. Register for this interactive webcast at 11 a.m. EST Nov. 12.

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