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 ...
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No Plastic Left Behind? Boyan Slat on The Ocean Cleanup's Grand Plan
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30:27In 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…
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Ecosia: The Search Engine That Plants Trees
30:21
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30:21In 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 la…
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Investing in Timberland: A Southeast Perspective
39:46
39:46
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39:46John 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 op…
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Ocean Winds & Energy Giants: Charting the Course for a Greener Future (Live from Impact Day 2024)
32:38
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32:38The 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 …
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Navigating the Climate Investment Landscape: Insights from MUUS
32:11
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32:11What 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…
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Navigating the Future of Packaging with Elizabeth Corbett
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18:35Can packaging be both beautiful and environmentally responsible? This week on NatureBacked, we explore this critical question with eco-packaging expert Elizabeth Corbett. From navigating the maze of recycling systems to turning ocean waste into valuable resources, Elizabeth reveals the secrets to smarter, greener packaging. Join us for a fascinatin…
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What Can You Make From a Sunflower Seed? Sunfly's Surprising Answer
13:34
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13:34Did you know that most sunflower seeds end up as oil or animal feed? Our guest is challenging the centuries-old status quo of sunflower seed usage. Join us as we speak with Dmitri Eivin, the co-founder and CEO of Sunfly. The episode was recorded live at Impact Day 2024 in Tallinn, Estonia. While over 95% of sunflower seeds are traditionally relegat…
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Transforming Agriculture: The Regenerative Approach of The Land Group
34:31
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34:31Francisco Roque De Pinho, co-founder of the Land Group, discusses in this episode the transformative potential of regenerative agriculture in South America and beyond. He shares insights into the practices that make agriculture more sustainable, the challenges faced in implementing these practices, and the importance of capital in driving change. T…
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Navigating the Energy and Mineral Transitions with Anthony Milewski
25:54
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25:54Anthony Milewski discusses the global energy transition with host Tarmo Virki, emphasizing the shift from coal to cleaner energy sources like nuclear and renewables. He highlights the importance of critical minerals in sustainable energy and the ethical dilemmas surrounding their sourcing. The discussion also touches on consumer responsibility and …
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Revolutionizing Agriculture: The Just Vertical Approach
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25:13Conner Tidd, co-founder and CEO of Just Vertical discusses the innovative approaches to vertical farming, emphasizing the ease of use and productivity of their systems. He shares insights into the sustainability of hydroponics, the challenges faced by startups in the agricultural sector, and the growth of the consumer market for indoor farming solu…
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Ecocide: A New Frontier in Environmental Law
32:21
32:21
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32:21In this conversation, Jojo Mehta, the head of Stop Ecocide International, discusses the concept of ecocide, its definition, and the importance of criminalizing severe environmental harm. She shares her journey into environmental advocacy, the global legislative progress, and the role of international law in addressing ecocide. The discussion highli…
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Can We Buy Our Way to Sustainability? A VC's Perspective
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30:23Ramanan Raghavendran, founder of a venture capital firm Amasia, outlines their investment thesis, which emphasizes behavior change and the circular economy, and shares insights on the challenges facing clean tech and sustainability startups. Ramanan also highlights the importance of consumer behavior in driving sustainable choices and offers advice…
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Running Dry? Building a Climate-Resilient World With Alix Lebec
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41:52In this conversation, Tarmo Virki interviews Alix Lebec, an expert in innovative finance, focusing on the intersection of finance and sustainability. They discuss the importance of innovative finance in addressing climate challenges, particularly in water infrastructure. Alix talks about her journey from the World Bank to building WaterEquity with …
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Beyond Bottled: Making Water From Thin Air with Jeff Szur
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33:32Jeff Szur from Altitude Water discusses the innovative approach to water purification through atmospheric water generation. Szur emphasizes the importance of nature's processes in creating pure water and the company's unique technology that utilizes ozone for purification. The conversation with host Tarmo Virki explores the growing industry of atmo…
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Profit Meets Purpose: The Future of Impact Investing with Nia's Kristin Hull
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27:51In this conversation, Kristin Hull discusses the mission and operations of Nia Impact Capital, an asset management firm focused on aligning investments with values, particularly in the context of sustainability and social impact. She emphasizes the importance of investing in companies that contribute to a just and sustainable economy while debunkin…
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Is Nature the Next Big Investment? (And How to Profit Without Destroying It)
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14:10Joonas Plaan, a board member of the Estonian Fund for Nature (ELF), discusses the importance of sustainable investing, the role of NGOs in guiding corporate responsibility, and the challenges of quantifying nature's value. Joonas shares insights on successful restoration projects in Estonia and the growing trend of companies supporting environmenta…
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From Spotify to Impact Investing: Anna Lundin of Norrsken VC
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14:12In this episode Fiona Alston interviews Anna Lundin, an investor at Norrsken VC, Europe's largest early-stage impact investor. They discuss Norrsken's mission, Anna's transition from Spotify to impact investing, the importance of funding in Africa, and the future of impact investing, emphasizing the need for profitability alongside social and envir…
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Laughing Through the Climate Crisis with Stuart Goldsmith
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45:34In the spirit of sharing, we swapped episodes with Ryan Grant Little of Another Climatetech Podcast, and we are airing one of his great interviews: a conversation with comedian Stuart Goldsmith. Goldsmith shares his unique approach to addressing climate change through humour, and his journey from experiencing climate anxiety to using comedy for res…
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Beyond Carbon: Native Launches Holistic Approach to Ecosystem Restoration
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25:37We discuss the mission of Native; a company focused on protecting and restoring rainforests, mangroves, and coral reefs while supporting Indigenous guardians. Founder Rob Cobbold emphasizes the importance of engaging the public in climate action through transparent carbon markets and the need for a holistic approach to valuing ecosystems. The conve…
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Unmasking Factory Farming: A Call to Action
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32:23In this conversation, Thom Norman from FarmKind discusses the critical issues surrounding factory farming, its impact on animal welfare and climate change, and the importance of charitable donations in addressing these challenges. He emphasizes that individuals can make a difference without necessarily changing their diets and highlights the global…
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From Space Ventures to Battery Recycling with tozero
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30:16In this episode of the NatureBacked podcast, Fiona Alston interviews Sarah Fleischer, co-founder and CEO of tozero, a company focused on lithium-ion battery recycling. They discuss the journey of starting tozero, the challenges of being a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, and the innovative processes involved in recycling lithium. S…
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The Forest's Secret Lab: A Conversation with Metsä's Erik Kolehmainen
36:12
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36:12In this conversation, Erik Kolehmainen discusses his role at Metsä Spring, the innovation arm of Metsä Group, focusing on sustainable forestry practices and developing new bio-based products. He highlights the unique co-operative structure of Metsä Group, which forest owners own, and how this influences long-term business strategies. The discussion…
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Lithuania's Green Surge: A Deep Dive into the Nation's Thriving Green Tech Ecosystem
31:25
31:25
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31:25The episode explores Lithuania's vibrant green tech ecosystem, focusing on the growth of renewable energy, mobility, and circular economy innovations, and the challenges startups face. Teresė Škutaitė, head of the Green Tech Hub, discusses the impact of geopolitical shifts on the cleantech sector and the importance of energy independence. At the sa…
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Behavioral Science: The Human Element in Conservation
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38:11Brett Jenks discusses Rare's mission to inspire change for the benefit of both people and nature. He emphasizes the importance of understanding human behavior in conservation efforts and shares insights on how community engagement and behavioral science can drive sustainable practices. "People are a huge opportunity for conservation," he said. "We …
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Turning Off The Tap: Why Small Steps Won't Solve Climate Crisis, with Niklas Kaskeala
17:54
17:54
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17:54Climate activist Niklas Kaskeala, founder and chief impact officer at ImpactOffice.Earth, highlights the urgency of addressing climate change and the role of corporate responsibility in fostering a sustainable future. Kaskeala emphasizes the need for businesses to move beyond traditional sustainability practices and focus on creating positive impac…
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Creating Cities For People, With Bolt's Martin Villig
36:46
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36:46In this conversation, Martin Villig, co-founder of Bolt, discusses his journey towards a sustainable lifestyle and the importance of urban planning that prioritizes people over cars. He shares insights on how his personal experiences led to a shift in his lifestyle and the mission of Bolt to create cities that foster independence and community enga…
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Balancing Conservation and Business With Larry Selzer from the Conservation Fund
29:00
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29:00This podcast episode with Larry Selzer from the Conservation Fund discusses balancing economic development with environmental conservation. Larry discusses the Fund's mission to protect critical lands in the U.S. while supporting sustainable economic activities. "It's not an easy endeavour, because there's a long history, over a century, of keeping…
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Microbes and Wellness: Urbanization's Hidden Health Costs
21:42
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21:42In this conversation, Kari Sinivuori discusses the significant health benefits of nature and the alarming trend of urbanization leading to a disconnect from natural environments. The discussion highlights a research study that emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature, particularly through innovative products that incorporate natural mi…
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Towards a Regenerative Crop System With NuCicer's Chickpeas
29:08
29:08
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29:08NuCicer is a startup focused on breeding better chickpeas to have a positive impact on the environment and the growing population. The founders, Kathryn Cook and her father, aim to connect the fragmented food and agriculture system by bridging the gap between ag technologies and food brands. "By understanding the challenges that consumer brands and…
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Redefining Activism: Clover Hogan on Climate Action and Communication
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34:15In the episode, Clover Hogan discusses her journey from a nature-loving child in Australia to a climate activist. She emphasizes the need for systemic change and regulation to address climate issues, highlighting the limitations of relying on corporate goodwill. Hogan also stresses the importance of diverse approaches, including nonviolent direct a…
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Innovating Sustainable Water Solutions with Mott Corp's Pat Hill
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22:16Pat Hill from Mott Corporation discusses his background and the company's history. Mott Corporation, founded over 60 years ago, specializes in porous metal products used in various industries. Pat explains their involvement in green hydrogen production through electrolysis and their role in making traditional industries like oil, gas, and chemicals…
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Making Sustainability Sexy with Impact Day's Erkki Kubber
13:59
13:59
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13:59Erkki Kubber, co-founder of Impact Day, says that the festival aimed at making sustainability appealing and fostering B2B partnerships has grown significantly, attracting more attendees each year, and plans to expand internationally. Despite its growth, the festival emphasizes reducing environmental impact through various measures, such as using re…
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From Recycling to Organic: Deyan Angeloev's 20-Year Journey to a Sustainable Future
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28:38In this podcast episode, Deyan Angeloev, founder of Organic Tee Star, shares with Tarmo Virki his journey of building a green future over the past 20 years, starting with recycling projects and moving into the organic market. He highlights the importance of certified organic products and the benefits they bring to the environment and human health. …
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1MTN's Bamboo Revolution: Building Trust, Opportunities in African Voluntary Carbon Market
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29:33The keys to unlocking climate financing in Africa lie in the digitalisation of records and the rolling out of new financing products, said Anete Garoza, co-founder of 1MTN, a carbon credit developer focused on restoring degraded lands in Africa using bamboo. "We still see a huge investment gap in the climate financing," Garoza said. "And it's not b…
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Navigating Impact: Venturebeam's Journey to Fund the Future of Sustainable Innovation
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33:44Venturebeam focuses on raising funds for impact-driven companies with substantial revenue and proven market fit, says its head, Oli Harris. Harris highlights the importance of self-awareness and small actions in making a significant impact and introduces Venture Impact Score. Venturebeam's first funding round was for Xocean, an Irish company develo…
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Data-Driven Green: Gerald Leonard on Composing a Sustainable Future for Business
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33:08With a background in music and project management, Gerald J. Leonard, CEO of Turnberry Premier, orchestrates a discussion on the critical role of data-driven processes in creating sustainable workplaces and reducing carbon footprints. "Your climate strategy is your business strategy today," Leonard stressed. Leonard shares insights on the importanc…
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Biomaterials Revolution: Nature2Need's Quest for Negative Emission Plastics
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34:03Sid Kitisakkul from Nature2need discusses their mission to decarbonize the plastic industry by incorporating agricultural residues into the polymer, potentially achieving negative emissions. The company has been operational since 2017, with a production facility in China, producing 4,000 tons of decarbonized plastic raw material annually. They are …
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Compassiviste Unveiled: Starting To Change The World With Ali Horriyat
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37:30Ali Horriyat transformed from a top-tier capitalist to an activist founding Compassiviste, a movement advocating for systemic change through education and practical action. His journey began with a life-altering trip to Ecuador, leading to the relinquishment of his wealth and the pursuit of meaningful societal contributions. Compassiviste, structur…
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Revolutionising Materials: Arkio Unveils Robust Cellulose Monomaterial for a Sustainable Tomorrow
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29:40Arkio Industries pivoted from bioplastics to developing a sustainable monomaterial from cellulose. Founder Timo Haanpää highlights the material's flame resistance and aesthetic qualities, emphasizing the importance of design in sustainability. He discusses the company's strategy to produce high-quality, desirable products with a focus on circularit…
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Turning Air To Water With Aquaria's Brian Sheng
24:15
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24:15Aquaria, a technology company producing Atmospheric Water Generators, aims to make commonplace its innovation of creating clean drinking water out of thin air. "We have a very large vision, and that is to build Aquaria into a technology solution for water that one day at least we have the option actually to replace tap water," said founder and Chie…
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Harvesting Hope: How HeavyFinance Is Cultivating a Greener Future
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27:56HeavyFinance incentivizes farmers to adopt climate-friendly practices by providing financial support for the transition from conventional to regenerative farming. Founder Laimonas Noreika, with a background in FinTech, was inspired to start the company after learning about the financial challenges faced by farmers, he said in an interview on sideli…
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From Deserts To Dividends: Innovo's Martin Kelly Talks About Profits and Algae
32:10
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32:10Martin Kelly from Innovo Network discusses the company's mission to halve global greenhouse gas emissions by promoting and deploying profitable clean technologies. "It is now actually technologically and profitably possible to achieve this reduction, but a huge amount has to happen in terms of the scale of the capital investment, and so on," Kelly …
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Growing Beyond Gardens: The Global Impact of Native Plants with Garden for Wildlife
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33:17Garden for Wildlife is an e-commerce business that simplifies the process of learning about and purchasing native plants for customers' yards. Founder Shubber Ali shares his personal journey from a career in management consulting to becoming passionate about gardening and the environment after reading a book called "Nature's Best Hope." This book h…
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Revolutionizing Spaces: Gregory Dewerpe Aims To Change The Future of Construction and Real Estate with A/O
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27:12Gregory Dewerpe, the founder of A/O, a venture capital firm, talks about his company's focus on "positively transforming" the built world, which includes real estate and construction. A/O, launched in 2020, is the largest VC firm in Europe and globally in this sector. The company invests in various solutions, including satellite companies and AI, t…
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Cutting Down on Carbon in Concrete, with Alex Hall from Concrete.ai
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33:17Concrete is one of the most widely used and important materials in the world. It is essential for building infrastructure, improving human development, and providing shelter. However, it also has a huge environmental impact, as it accounts for about 8% of the global CO2 emissions due to the use of cement, its main ingredient. But what if there was …
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Saving Pandas (and the Planet) with Jana Budkovskaja from Beamline
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30:03With international actions on halting climate change showing no signs of progress, the mission to save the planet and the environment has been left to startups, said Jana Budkovskaja, the head of Beamline Accelerator. "That's why I'm here — because I truly believe that these are the only ones who can save, only startups. All the, in a good way, cra…
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How to Use AI and Programming Language to Heal Yourself (and the World)
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39:47Leo Treadwell, a visionary who has developed an organic intelligence language model, shares his story, his insights, and his tips on how to use AI and programming language to heal yourself and the world. Treadwell is the founder of the Organic Intelligence Language Model, a system that uses artificial intelligence and natural language to understand…
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Looking Into Promising Year With Practica's Helery Pops
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12:53The year 2024 looks promising for both, startups and investors, says investor Helery Pops from Practica Capital, a pan-Baltic investment firm which has backed several green tech startups in the region. "It's going to need a lot of work, it's going to need a lot of effort because money isn't that easy to come by at the moment, investors are doing mu…
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How To Fix Carbon Markets, With Kenny Kaluiji
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34:48Kenny Kaluiji, a seasoned professional in the realm of carbon markets and climate equity, gave NatureBacked listeners a deepdive into the state of the carbon markets. We spoke about: how to fix carbon markets emerging market for biodiversity credits trust challenge of carbon markets how local communities should benefit credit markets After completi…
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Novobiom, the winner of the Future is Fungi Startup Award, is cleaning contaminated soils using fungi, and is raising funding to build fungal fermentation pilot during 2024. "We aim by using fungi is to turn bulk waste into high value applications using a fungal micro refinery," Novobiom co-founder Caroline Zaoui said in the NatureBacked podcast. "…
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