May 17The Truth Shall Set You FreeNot to mention deflect criticism, build goodwill, and accelerate progress. — I had a meeting last week that I think makes for an interesting (and important) parable. I met with the CEO of an excellent environmental NGO — one that I very much respect and am pleased to advise. The organization is planning to initiate some new strategies that I believe…5 min read5 min read
Mar 28, 2022ESG (Even In a Time of War)Dear newsletter readers, Sorry about the recent lag between issues. As you know, my day job is encouraging business leaders to pursue environmental opportunities in the most ambitious way they can. …Esg4 min readEsg4 min read
Feb 8, 2022So You Want to Save the World…Or How do you get to Carnegie Hall? There’s an old joke most people know that goes like this: A visitor gets lost in New York City and is late for a concert. He sees a man on the street carrying a violin case. …6 min read6 min read
Jan 16, 2022The Year of Living RealisticallyTen Predictions for the New Year Call me optimistic but — fingers crossed — when it comes to private sector environmental initiatives, I think 2022 will be a year of 1) less talk, more action; and 2) less emphasis on reducing harm, more on preservation and restoration. So to start…7 min read7 min read
Jan 2, 2022Objects in Mirror are Closer than They Appear2022 Will Be a Critical Year for Environmental Initiatives by Business It’s been easy to lose track of time during the prolonged pandemic. Even as we tried to resume a sense of normalcy in 2021, the overall feeling seemed to be of time standing still. …20214 min read20214 min read
Dec 12, 2021ETFs for the Amazon? LBOs for Biodiversity?Creative Deal Making Will Help Us Reach Our Conservation Goals It was great to see the world pay close attention to the climate crisis during the UN’s Annual Climate Summit held last month in Glasgow. …7 min read7 min read
Nov 14, 2021Shareholders to CEOs: “Act on Climate or Else!”Will The New (Green) Corporate Raiders Accelerate Progress? Say you’re the CEO of a publicly-traded company in the Fortune 500. Chances are you’ve already made a net-zero commitment with a 2050 deadline. Thank you. Your company has also likely taken some real action. You’ve told your team to pursue all…Net Zero5 min readNet Zero5 min read
Nov 2, 2021The Climate Revolution Will be ElectricSaul Griffith’s new book provides a clear climate crisis game plan “What’s the game plan?” is a question I get a lot. “How exactly should we address climate change in the United States?” It sounds like a challenge. Those posing the questions imply that climate-concerned leaders have dithered and failed to put forth a credible path forward. …Climate Change Solutions4 min readClimate Change Solutions4 min read
Oct 5, 2021Who Pays For Corporate Net-Zero Commitments?A few weeks ago, I posted a Wall Street Journal article on LinkedIn about the availability of zero-carbon steel but at significantly higher prices. I asked the question: “Who will pay these higher costs?” The consensus reaction from my environmentally-concerned LinkedIn friends was: “We all should.” I agree. …Net Zero6 min readNet Zero6 min read
Oct 1, 2021WHAT ABOUT CHINA?Climate Influence Starts at Home Over the summer break, some friends who subscribe to The Instigator challenged me with the following question: “What about China? Even if business leaders in the US follow your advice and pursue the ambitious corporate strategies to address climate change that you recommend, will it even matter? China keeps building…Climate7 min readClimate7 min read
