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GreenBiz 350 Podcast

Episode 220: Big business lobbies for clean recovery, the wisdom of John Elkington

Plus, a peek into the world of climate scenario modeling tools.

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Week in Review

Commentary on this week's news highlights begins at 6:05.

Features

Climate scenario modeling is getting easier (24:25)

Boston VC firm Clean Energy Ventures created a methodology to help its climate tech portfolio companies measure their emissions reduction potential. We chat with David Miller, co-founder and managing director, about emerging approaches such as the En-ROADS and CRANE modeling tools.

The bottom line on diaper recycling (38:05)

Liz Turrigiano, CEO of Esembly, chats frankly about the behind-the-scenes development of its "sustainable diapering system," including materials choices for its diapers, creams and detergent. 

Why Nestle is lobbying for a green recovery (49:35)

This week, CEOs and executives from more than 300 businesses including Microsoft, General Mills, Nike and Salesforce began to lobby federal lawmakers — asking them to focus on ensuring that future pandemic stimulus packages focus on the transition to a net-zero economy. They're part of LEAD on Climate 2020, a new campaign coordinated by nonprofit Ceres. Here with more details are Anne Kelley, vice president of government relations for Ceres, and Meg Villarreal, government affairs manager at Nestlé. 

The wisdom of John Elkington (1:01:05)

A highlight from Thursday's conversation with the highly respected authority on corporate sustainability, who recently published his 20th book, "Green Swans: The Coming Boom in Regenerative Capitalism." Watch the archived webcast here. Read our book excerpt

*This episode was sponsored by Villanova University. 

*Music in this episode by Lee Rosevere: "Waiting for the Moment That Never Comes," "4th Ave Walkup," "Thinking It Over," "Curiosity," "I'm Going for a Coffee," "Here's the Thing" and "As I Was Saying"

Virtual Conversations

Mark your calendar for these upcoming GreenBiz webcasts. Can't join live? All of these events also will be available on demand.

Circularity goes digital. You don't have to wait until August for three great discussions on the circular economy. We'll debate "Reusable Packaging in the Age of Contagion," "Can Recycled Plastic Survive Low Oil Prices" and "Repair, Resilience and Customer Engagement." Register here for our half-day event starting at 1 p.m. EDT May 18.

Scaling municipal fleets. Experts from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, ChargePoint, Smart City Columbus and the city of Oakland, California share tips at 1 p.m. EDT May 26.  

This is climate tech. Join respected venture capitalists Nancy Pfund (DBL Partners), Andrew Beebe (Obvious Ventures) and Andrew Chung (1955 Capital) for a discussion at 1 p.m. EDT May 28 about compelling solutions and startups that address the climate crisis — and how big companies can play a role in scaling them.

Resources galore

State of the Profession. Our sixth report examining the evolving role of corporate sustainability leaders. Download it here.

The State of Green Business 2020. Our 13th annual analysis of key metrics and trends published here.

Do we have a newsletter for you! We produce six weekly newsletters: GreenBuzz by Executive Editor Joel Makower (Monday); Transport Weekly by Senior Writer and Analyst Katie Fehrenbacher (Tuesday); VERGE Weekly by Executive Director Shana Rappaport and Editorial Director Heather Clancy (Wednesday); Energy Weekly by Senior Energy Analyst Sarah Golden (Thursday); Food Weekly by Carbon and Food Analyst Jim Giles (Thursday); and Circular Weekly by Director and Senior Analyst Lauren Phipps (Friday). You must subscribe to each newsletter in order to receive it. Please visit this page to choose which you want to receive.

The GreenBiz Intelligence Panel is the survey body we poll regularly throughout the year on key trends and developments in sustainability. To become part of the panel, click here. Enrolling is free and should take two minutes.

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