Inside ESG

The War Below by our guest Ernest Scheyder delves into the complexities of obtaining critical minerals needed for the green energy transition. Through Scheyder's investigative lens, the book travels the maze of obstacles faced by mining companies, highlighting how the extraction of minerals like lithium, nickel, and copper is often accompanied by technical, regulatory,  environmental, and ethical challenges. Scheyder pushes us ...

Commercial buildings are the source of a surprising 38% of global carbon dioxide emissions, and a Finnish startup is deploying solutions to capture it around the world. Using direct air capture technology, Soletair Power’s devices for HVAC systems are turning buildings from major carbon sources into carbon sinks, which absorb more CO2 than they emit. In this episode, Soletair CEO Petri Laakso shows how commercial property owners an...

Welcome to a special recap episode of the Inside ESG podcast, where we reflect on the significant insights and discussions from our journey through the complex world of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues over the past six months.

Episode Highlights:

1. Introduction to the Gray Rhino: We explore how this metaphor for obvious yet overlooked dangers applies to the ESG landscape. Our discussion with Michele Wucker in...

Inside ESG Podcast host Maureen Upton engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Matt McMonagle, CEO and Founder of NovoHydrogen, unveiling the role of green hydrogen in the decarbonized energy mix.

Main Points:

1. Hydrogen and Climate Perspective:

Matt discusses the critical importance of hydrogen in addressing climate issues, emphasizing the need to transition from fossil fuel-derived hydrogen to cleaner alternatives.

2. Un...

How do ESG factors influence the sustainability of electric vehicle (EV) batteries throughout the supply chain? In this episode, hear from Dr. Charlotte Selvey Miller, Head of Sustainability at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, as she delves into the world of EVs, batteries, and their interconnectedness with sustainability. 

Explore how ESG reporting is shaping the landscape of battery supply chains and the broader EV industry. Charl...

In this episode of Inside ESG, our host Maureen Upton is joined by Jessica Roberts, Head of Forecasting for Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. Jessica shares insights into the intricate world of the lithium-ion battery supply chain, and you won't believe how many factors are at play.

Key Takeaways:

- Discover the critical components of the lithium-ion battery supply chain, including cathode and anode raw materials, battery chemica...

Buckle up for an exclusive on-the-ground look at China's New Silk Road expansion in Kazakhstan from Zhanar Faizuldayeva, seasoned ESG consultant. Hear what she learned while auditing the historic IPO of the world's largest uranium producer Kazatomprom, and the hurdles the country will face in launching its nuclear power sector, which will be critical to meet net zero goals. Hear how Kazakhstan prepares to enter the global m...

The focus on ESG is often through the lens of risk: its identification, mitigation, and management. Corporate board directors have begun using the term Gray Rhino - was the pandemic a Gray Rhino? How about the war in Ukraine? They're not talking about the pachyderm found in Africa and Asia, but rather the term coined by Michele Wucker, author of the international bestseller The Gray Rhino: How to Recognize and Act on the Obviou...