Suzanne DiBianca

🌤 Investing in climate resilience? Check out this new impact measurement framework for investors, hot of the press from the Adaptation and Resilience Investors Collaborative, and join the launch webinar on May 7. We love to be a part of any initiative to promote standardized and easy-to-use impact metrics!! UN Environment Programme Cadlas Craig Davies British International Investment 60 Decibels #impactmeasurement #adaptationfinance

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I cannot highlight enough how important this development is. Massive kudos to Google, Meta, Microsoft and Salesforce for demonstrating true leadership. For too long we in the natural climate solutions community have been involved in endless debates over carbon accounting, and have really neglected to discuss what is easily the biggest obstacle to scaling NCS at the urgent pace required by the climate crisis: project finance. Traditional project finance strategies will not work for high quality NCS, because a) they don't allow equitable revenue sharing with local communities; b) these projects take a long time to ramp up and begin issuing credits; and c) if we're rigorously accounting for impact, it's difficult to predict credit flows. The answer to all of these problems is for buyers to venture out of their comfort zones and provide financing directly to projects through AMCs. In so doing they will also benefit by a) securing high quality carbon credits essential to their net zero targets b) getting in on the "ground floor" with projects so they can deeply understand them (essential for good risk management), c) being able to tell their story on carbon management much more authentically and d) signaling the seriousness of their intent to shareholders, employees and stakeholders. AMCs are a win-win-win-win-win. To see these corporates stepping up to own this challenge is great news for carbon markets, for the communities that manage natural resources, for the climate, for biodiversity, for the companies themselves, AND for the planet. Now we need EVERY corporate to understand the value of a similar approach!

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How do we implement climate adaptation & evaluate impacts? Many of us at the National Adaptation Forum are working at different levels, from neighborhoods to regions, but there are some key steps, says Teresa (Tess) Sprague, PhD -- from: 👀 starting with existing data and insights 🗣️ working with stakeholders to set priorities 📋 using a wide range of measures to assess how things are going #NAF2024 #climateadaptation

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There is so much more to this investment by Microsoft than is touched on by the Wall Street Journal. (To be fair, the news was covered by markets reporter in a markets publication. That means markets coverage - great appreciation to the Wall Street Journal for that.) Take the report in today's Guardian that shows the U.S. and other rich countries are not paying their fair share to restore nature -- not even close. Yes, we can and should continue to pressure governments to shift funding to the protection and restoration of nature (rather than subsidizing its destruction). Still, we can do even more: use the incredible value of nature to drive private investments. Counting on public funding and philanthropy is not enough when the stakes are this high.

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Climate Capital Guidebook: The Biden-Harris Administration is releasing a new Climate Capital Guidebook to provide a simple, comprehensive map of capital programs across the federal government that are available to climate-related start-ups, small- and medium-sized businesses, and their investors. While larger, institutionally-backed climate companies may have the resources to identify and access federal funding opportunities, smaller enterprises may face greater challenges in navigating these federal programs. https://lnkd.in/eJ3QV4Fw #climatechange #climatetech

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One big idea: Let's pledge as #sustainability and #climate practitioners to equally invest in #emissionreduction and #offset / #removal efforts (at least, if not more in reductions). Why it matters: There are nine technologies that need to scale in order for us to reach Net Zero, carbon removal is only one of them but is getting all the attention (and likely funding). Four other technologies are mature, commercially scalable, and have proven business models - EVs, renewable power, storage, and grids. This could be the solution to ensuring we don't stumble into the next "#carbonneutral" dumpster fire.

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Dear CSOs, think of SBTi as the GPS for your company’s climate strategy 🌍🧭 …. CSOs are often navigating a complex landscape of confusing climate standards and initiatives. To clarify what the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is and how it can be instrumental in your sustainability efforts, here’s a handy analogy to think of it as your professional GPS: 🔍 Finding Your Route: Just like a GPS helps you find the best route to your destination, the SBTi guides your company in setting realistic and science-backed goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It ensures you're on the right path to meet global climate targets, specifically those outlined in the Paris Agreement. 🎯 Setting Milestones: Imagine you're on a road trip with several stops along the way. The SBTi helps you set clear milestones for your emissions reductions, ensuring you're making steady progress. These targets aren't just pulled out of thin air—they're grounded in the latest climate science. 🏆 Achieving the Destination: Ultimately, the SBTi aims to help you reach a 'climate safe' destination. This means your company is doing its part to keep global warming in check, ideally below 1.5°C. The SBTi framework supports you in making this journey with precision and accountability, ensuring your efforts are both ambitious and credible. 🔗 Complementing Other Standards: You might have heard of other frameworks like VCMI. Think of these like different maps or tools you can use on your trip. While VCMI focuses on the integrity of carbon credits and how to use them as part of your carbon footprint reduction strategy , SBTi is about your emissions reduction path. They can complement each other, but SBTi is your primary guide for setting and achieving science-based targets. By utilizing the SBTi, you can navigate the complexities of corporate climate action with confidence and clarity. It offers a well-defined route to achieving substantial and credible emissions reductions. For a deeper dive into setting science-based targets, I recommend downloading the SBTi’s comprehensive guide. It's an essential resource for steering your sustainability efforts in the right direction. 👇 https://lnkd.in/dJnFDhYB

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Sharing an outstanding new resource from The White House - "The Climate Capital Guidebook aggregates current federal funding opportunities—including grants, loans, loan guarantees, and cooperative agreements—for small- and medium-sized companies, both start-ups and established businesses, focusing on clean energy technologies and other climate solutions. This resource includes programs funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), as well as those funded by annual appropriations. The Guidebook also notes which programs are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Each program is accompanied by a summary of the eligible entities, eligible projects, average deal or award size, application timeline, contact information, and additional useful information."

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Check out this recent IUCN report on the Regenerative Blue Economy if you are interested in what the future of the blue economy should look like. Below, I share my perspective as a member of the advisory committee of this initiative, on the main message and a couple features I found particularly striking. ✅The main message (as I read it): The report builds a historical perspective to explain why the 'blue economy', or even the 'sustainable blue economy', are not sufficient anymore. As the decline of ocean life has already been so dramatic that there is not much left to sustain or conserve, we need to raise our ambition and aim at a 'Regenerative Blue Economy'. One that actively addresses climate change an biodiversity loss. Alexandra Cousteau first convinced me of this in 2018 and it has guided my efforts in the space since. As a member of the advisory committee of this report, this was the main message I tried to pass on. 🧬The report (page 11, box 1) says the Regenerative Blue Economy is based on "scientifically grounded assessments". Indeed, I believe we will succeed in building a Regenerative Blue Economy only if we can embed science at the core of economic decisions. We need to overhaul our economic governance (shareholder meetings, boards, investment committees, etc...) to achieve this. This is why for example at SWEN Blue Ocean we created an Impact Committee composed of science and conservation experts to help us make the right investment decisions. We need to do this at scale, across the economy. 🌟Pages 30-31 of the report recognizes the potential of the impact framework of the Ocean Impact Navigator, developed by 1000 Ocean Startups, to apply to the economy as a whole, not just startups. I have always believed that, meaning the impact of the Navigator may expand beyond ocean startups at some point. Helping characterize what belongs to the Regenerative Blue Economy is a step in that direction. Congratulations to the lead authors, RAPHAELA LE GOUVELLO, Francois Simard, and the IUCN team. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to contribute. Adrien Vincent Minna Epps https://lnkd.in/eNKPxYZ4

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I am excited to share Esgity Advisors' first newsletter for Q1 2024! The issue covers: 1. Emerging rules on climate action and reporting - including the new EU CSDDD and US SEC's federal climate disclosures law 2. Impact of elections on climate action - as almost half of the world's population prepares to vote this year! 3. Industry-specific news from a sustainability lens - focusing on EVs, BFSI and real estate Check out the newsletter at https://lnkd.in/gmW453sA P.S.: If you haven't already subscribed to our blog, you may do so at https://lnkd.in/gj5Q-mHC. This way you can receive updates directly in your mailbox! #esg #sustainability

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In her recent address, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen highlighted the Biden Administration's dedication to tackling climate change and emphasized the potential of voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) in driving decarbonization across sectors. As a longstanding participant in the VCM since the early 2000s, I echo Secretary Yellen's optimism regarding these markets' potential while acknowledging the challenges they confront. One crucial hurdle is ensuring the transparent identification and communication of carbon credit quality to buyers and investors. Unlike physical goods, carbon credits' emissions savings are intangible, making verifying their actual impact complex. To bridge this gap, stringent standards and transparent methodologies are essential. Implementing frameworks that evaluate the environmental integrity, transparency, and sustainability impact of carbon projects is key to ensuring that carbon credits truly represent emissions reductions. Challenges like fragmentation, opacity, and high transaction costs also impede the VCM's efficiency and growth. Nevertheless, these obstacles present opportunities for innovation. Collaboration among stakeholders and the development of creative solutions can streamline transactions, boost transparency, and foster trust in the market. The Treasury Department's commitment to backing high-integrity VCMs is a positive advancement. Clear principles and guidelines set by the government can establish fair competition among market participants and encourage the growth of credible carbon offset programs, attracting more investment and accelerating climate action efforts. Navigating the VCM's dynamic landscape requires vigilance regarding potential risks, such as the anticipated decline in REDD+ issuances and uncertainties surrounding the Paris Agreement's impact on deforestation projects. Proactively addressing these challenges and embracing innovation can invigorate the VCM, making it a potent tool for climate action. Moving forward, the VCM must prioritize integrity, transparency, and collaboration. By uniting efforts, we can construct a resilient market that delivers tangible climate benefits, steering us towards a net-zero future.

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The Science Based Targets initiative announcement scope 3 abatement has created a lot of noise and a lot of confusion about environmental attribute certificates (EACs), what they are, what they aren’t and why they matter. This excellent webinar hosted by C2ES is well worth the time if you’re trying to understand their implications for voluntary corporate action and accountability. Experts and scientists break down why EACs like Sustainable Aviation Fuel Certificate are essential for within value chain decarbonization and how central carbon credits are for driving finance into the key IPCC identified mitigation actions in nature. If you’re interested in going beyond the hysterical headlines this is your chance. # marketswork

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It was so great to be 65 people and take action on climate. 💡 I learned something new - that without increased transmission capacity, it will be difficult to transition to a 100% clean power grid. Battery storage alone is not enough to adequately and efficiently balance a grid with significant solar and wind generation, we need to add total capacity and improve interregional transmission across the entire U.S. power grid.

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🩵 Why is now a good time for carbon removal and ecosystem restoration? 🩵 🦋 US funding from the IRA and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is trickling down for #CarbonRemoval. 🦋 Debates around disclosure requirements will create clarity for new reporting standards. For more insight, look at POLITICO's "How Green is Your Pension." 🦋 First movers are voluntarily embedding environmental responsibility into their value chain. Check out recent commitments from Octopus Investments, Frontier, and Klarna. 🦋 The financial sector, while conscious of political shifts, continues to make sustainable finance commitments. Examples include Allfunds and MainStreet #SFDR tool for #WealthManagers, plus more in the post below. Finally, let's not forget the ever-growing need for solutions that help the world adapt to a rapidly changing climate. If your company is in carbon removal and is based in the US, check out this list of public funding initiatives. NyxCarbon https://lnkd.in/g8Yf8En2

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We’re bringing back Climate Draft invite-only cohorts! The next one in late May will be focused on senior finance leaders (e.g., CFOs, VPs of Finance) who want to learn more about climate tech. We’re saving a few spots for open nominations, so tag folks in the comments who you think we should invite to this exclusive opportunity to connect with leading investors, founders, and experts in climate tech.

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There is so much to learn in scaling up a material and manufacturing process from lab to pilot to commercial scale. NYSERDA' Scale for Climate Tech program is jus the perfect fit, and at the right time, to navigate the scale-up of Volexion's breakthrough Graphene Encapsulation technology for Li-ion batteries. https://lnkd.in/gmcfhpS9

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Yesterday, top US administration officials unveiled the first comprehensive US government guidelines for carbon markets. This initiative is significant for us at Hyphen, as it aligns with our vision and focus on atmospheric measurement for enhanced Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV). These new guidelines are an important element for emission reductions and offsets in the US, serving as a critical tool to guide a multi-sector approach in the global fight against climate change. This complements the White House’s National Strategy to Advance an Integrated U.S. Greenhouse Gas Measurement, Monitoring, and Information System, which calls for: improving activity-based and atmospheric-based emissions quantification and estimates; making data on greenhouse gas emissions more accessible and interoperable; and supporting the development of science-based standards to ensure consistent and accurate emissions measurements.

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Mark your calendars! Our CEO, Nelli Garton, PhD, is leading a crucial discussion at the GIIN West Coast Impact Forum: Using data to measure impact. Nelli will be joined by industry leaders Mandira Reddy (Capricorn Investment Group) and Kristin Sadler (Quona Capital) to unpack how investors can use data as a strategic tool to maximize their social and environmental impact. When: June 4, 2024 (Time TBA) Where: GIIN West Coast Impact Forum Can’t make it in person? No worries, we’ll be sharing key takeaways from the session. Stay tuned! #GIIN #ImpactInvesting #MeasuringImpact #DataDriven

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