Der Große Neustart

“We’re not in an energy transition. We’re in an energy addition.” In this wide-ranging conversation, Andy Brown OBE, ⁠President of the Energy Institute ⁠and ⁠Vice Chairman of Ørsted⁠, breaks down the real state of the global energy system with rare clarity. Drawing on the Statistical Review of World Energy, Andy reveals what the data actually shows: – Global energy demand rose 2% – CO₂ emissions rose 1% – Every energy source — fossil and renewable — grew simultaneously The transition, he argues, is not yet a transition at all. It is an addition. We explore: 1. The global energy picture – Why decarbonising electricity is the world’s most urgent task – Why electrification — still only 20% of final energy use — must accelerate dramatically – How China has become both the problem and the solution: • 57% of all new renewables • Two-thirds of global EV sales • Electricity growth equal to adding an entire Germany in a single year 2. Ørsted — leadership through turbulence Andy discusses Ørsted’s rise to the world’s offshore wind leader — and the hard lessons from recent U.S. setbacks, supply-chain pressures, and a $9bn equity raise. He explains how risk management, staged commitments, and culture helped stabilise the organisation during crisis. 3. Carbon capture — from theory to reality A deep dive into one of the world’s most advanced CCS chains: Ørsted’s biogenic CO₂ capture, liquefaction, transport via Northern Lights, and permanent storage 2.6 km beneath the Norwegian seabed. Andy explains why CCS may be essential — and why without a global CO₂ price, it cannot scale to the levels required by the IPCC. 4. Leadership at scale Reflecting on leading Pearl GTL in Qatar — one of the largest industrial projects ever built — Andy shows how a culture of care delivered world-record safety performance. He shares what leadership requires when systems are in flux, and how incumbents can be moved from fossil to future. 5. Talent, purpose, resilience From developing the next generation of leaders to surviving a five-artery heart bypass, Andy speaks openly about purpose, vulnerability, and creating environments where people dare to step beyond what they were asked to do. 6. The long view Andy closes with a profound shift in perspective: “Everyone thinks in decades. We should think in centuries.” This episode is a masterclass in systems thinking — energy, economics, geopolitics, leadership — and what it truly takes to transform the foundations of modern society. A conversation for anyone shaping, or trying to understand, the next era of global energy. For more information: Ørsted, Energy Institute

What happens when a city once defined by conflict becomes a global hub for responsible innovation? In this episode of Der Große Neustart speaks with Catalina Restrepo Carvajal, Executive Director of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Medellín — the only C4IR in Latin America and part of a global network created in collaboration with the World Economic Forum. From AI education and digital health to ethical GovTech and climate-smart urban design, Catalina shares how Medellín is leading Latin America’s tech revolution — and what it means to build trust, inclusion, and public value through emerging technologies. A powerful conversation about dignity, systems change, and the future we choose to create.

In this moving and timely episode, Der Große Neustart welcomes Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of CGIAR, the world’s largest agricultural research network—leading 9,000 scientists across 89 countries. CGIAR’s research powers 60% of the world’s wheat and 50% of its rice, and for over 50 years has shaped how the world grows food—securing food systems and lifting millions out of poverty. We speak with Dr. Elouafi about what it takes to feed 10 billion people in a world of climate shocks, shrinking biodiversity, and deep global inequality—and how science must be at the center of the solution. She reminds us: “Eight hundred million people go hungry today. With a 2-degree rise in temperature, that number could rise by 180 million. With a 4-degree rise? Two billion.” 🔍 Topics we explore: - Why soil, science, and survival are inseparable - The launch of CGIAR’s new 2025–2030 global research portfolio - The promise of gene editing—and why it shows the need to democratize science - Why old models can’t guide our future in a time of irreversible biodiversity loss - The need for differentiated climate policy, with stark global disparities in consumption: → Americans eat 128kg of meat/year → Nigerians: 7kg, Indians: less than 1kg - Why we must diversify beyond a handful of crops: “There are 30,000 edible plants in the world. Why are we relying on just a few?” - How investing in women farmers unlocks food security and community transformation Recognized by The New York Times as one of 10 women redefining leadership, Dr. Elouafi offers not only scientific clarity, but a compelling call to action—grounded in public good, equity, and dignity. “We must design a system that benefits everyone—especially the most vulnerable.”

"I think we need an entire revolution in the fashion industry," says⁠ Runa Ray⁠, my first guest of 2025. And she is making it happen—as a designer, activist, and visionary. Her journey spans the⁠ Global Peace Flag Initiative⁠, endorsed by the United Nations and hailed as the largest art movement for peace and climate action, to presenting collections at Monte Carlo Fashion Week, the Grammy Awards, and shaping policy at the World Bank. Through pioneering innovations like algae-based textiles, zero-stitch techniques, and plant-based dyes, Runa challenges both designers and consumers to rethink their role in the system. She shares profound insights: witnessing coral graveyards in the Maldives, confronting the staggering waste of the fashion industry, and advocating tirelessly for an integrated ocean system. Born in India and refined by her work with Dior and Galliano in Paris, Runa has turned couture into a powerful tool for change—blending sustainability, peacebuilding, and innovation to redefine the very purpose of fashion. Runa is stitching together peace, sustainability, and transformation—one design at a time.

María Mendiluce, CEO of the We Mean Business Coalition, is one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Climate Leaders. As the Coalition celebrates its 10-year anniversary, María reflects on the milestones that have mobilized over 17,000 companies—representing half of the world’s market capitalization—to commit to climate action. 💬 “We have the commitment of 17,000 companies with half of the world's market capitalization,” says María. “Everybody's business is part of somebody else's supply chain.” Key topics include: - Progress since the Paris Agreement and how businesses are driving climate action - Lessons Europe can learn from China’s advancements in green technology - The urgent need to transition from fossil fuels - How AI can optimize supply chains while addressing the challenge of high energy consumption - The critical role of SMEs and how businesses can prepare for a sustainable future - The importance of corporate accountability and radical collaboration across sectors - The impact of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) 💬 “Supporting the ISSB is very important to have a global baseline,” María emphasizes, highlighting the need for alignment across geography, sectors, and industries. As we approach New York Climate Week and COP 29 in Baku, this episode is the perfect refresher on how we can all be a force for good in addressing the climate crisis.

With endorsements from the G20, UN, World Bank, IOSCO, the ⁠International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) ⁠stands at the forefront of standard-setting efforts, shaping the future of sustainable finance and reporting worldwide. Founded in 2021 at COP26 in Glasgow, under the stewardship of ⁠Emmanuel Faber as Chair⁠, the ISSB has become a globally recognized and respected standard-setter. Within its first two years, the ISSB has issued the inaugural IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards: IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information and IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures. It reduced the ‘alphabet soup’ of sustainability disclosures by incorporating standards and frameworks from the Value Reporting Foundation, the Climate Disclosure Standards Board, and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) into ISSB Standards. - It secured endorsement of its Standards by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and published a roadmap for supporting jurisdictional adoption. - Already, on Finance day at COP28, close to 500 organizations from 64 jurisdictions, representing $120 trillion in assets, have signed the statement of support. - Global regulatory backing comes from regulators and standard setters from 40+ jurisdictions, including ASEAN, EU, Japan, UK, and more. ⁠Emmanuel Faber, a pioneer for decades⁠ - leading as CEO and Chairman of Danone to become a global leader in corporate sustainability - was named one of the "World’s 50 Greatest leaders" by Fortune. This background makes him the perfect fit for the ISSB to revolutionize sustainability reporting. Key topics include: - The rationale behind new global ISSB standards - The implementation of a global scanning system for the company's entire value chain. - The significance of Scope 3. - Future-proofing businesses. - Up-skilling boards. - The urgency of addressing climate change. - Aligning corporate practice with ESG and SDG principles to drive long-term value creation. And more.

Florent Kaiser⁠, CEO of Global Forest Generation and ⁠Earthshot Prize Winner⁠, has unveiled the extraordinary accomplishments of ⁠Acción Andina⁠. This grassroots initiative, co-founded by Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos, is deeply rooted in ancient Inca principles of "Ayni and Minka." Together, they have planted nearly 10 million native trees since 2018, rejuvenating over 4,000 hectares of Andean forests. The activities are already helping thousands of people by increasing food and water security, providing new income opportunities. What's the goal? By 2045, they aim to protect and restore one million hectares of high Andean native forest ecosystems across Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Why is this crucial? The Andean Forest isn't just a habitat for endangered species; it's a lifeline for indigenous communities and a guardian of water security for millions. Over the years, deforestation, animal grazing, and mining have depleted high Andean forests, leaving less than 10% of the region’s native forests. This has severe consequences for local and indigenous communities. Florent: "The native forests of the Andes region are not only one of the world’s richest and most diverse ecosystems but also a critical tool in our fight against climate change." We delve into Florent's personal journey and his work with ⁠Constantino Aucca Chutas, Co-Founder and President of Acción Andina⁠ and explore their common mission, challenges, and the search for solutions – and everything necessary to protect and restore our planet's ecosystems.

🌐 ⁠Sanda Ojiambo, the Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the United Nations Global Compact⁠, shines a spotlight on the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative and the driving force behind the ⁠Sustainable Development Goals⁠ (SDGs). With over 18,000 corporate participants spanning 160 countries, the UN Global Compact aligns businesses with principles in human rights, labor, the environment, and anti-corruption. 🎙️ "The SDGs are the singular uniting force across all sectors, nations, and economies.” The UN Global Compact stands as an unwavering pillar in the global landscape, however, the sobering truth is that only 15% of the SDGs are currently on track. Sanda Ojiambo shares her perspectives on why this is the case and outlines the necessary steps to drive progress. 🎙️ “The SDGs are the North Star for business.” She reaffirms the profound influence of the SDGs on the corporate world. We explore critical topics such as the widening financial gap, currently estimated at $3.9 trillion, and the pivotal need for reform in multilateral development banks. 🤝 Our discussion extends to the transformative impact of the ⁠UN Global Compact's Ten Principles⁠, shaping responsible business practices in diverse industries. 🤝 We also uncover the potential of the ⁠UNGC Academy⁠, where companies seamlessly integrate the SDGs into their core strategies, further accelerating progress. 💡 Sanda Ojiambo unveils the UN Global Compact's new strategy, and the power of strategic partnerships in driving change. 🌍 Gain insights into the organization's Africa strategy, the influential role of Science-Based Targets, and the delicate equilibrium between the private and public sectors in fostering tangible change. It is also an inspiring journey through Sanda Ojiambo's remarkable career and her tireless efforts to make a positive impact on our world.

Monaco⁠, the most densely-populated sovereign state in the world, smaller than New York's Central Park, has emerged as a powerful advocate for ocean and marine life conservation. Prince Albert, Head of State and president of his foundation, played a significant role in shaping ⁠SDG 14⁠, the United Nations sustainable development goal entirely dedicated to the Ocean. He also spearheaded a campaign to ban global fishing of the endangered Atlantic Blue Fin Tuna. „When the world turned a blind eye, he rallied the local community to take action“, reveals ⁠Olivier Wenden, CEO and Vice President⁠ of the ⁠Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation⁠. As a result, every restaurant and retailer in principality removed this precious species from their shelves and menus. "We are doers, we are collaborative activists.“ Their commitment to environmental stewardship and collaborative activism is showcased through 750 projects dedicated to biodiversity, climate, the ocean, and water resources. As Monaco celebrates its⁠ first Green Shift Festival⁠, transforming the principality into a hub of ecological discussions, we delve into the festival, the foundation's numerous initiatives, Monaco's role in safeguarding the planet's health, and the path to creating a better future. A wonderful optimistic conversation.

Áslak Holmberg, President of the Saami Council, is a pioneering leader who fights for the rights of 80.000 Indigenous people in the Arctic - on the global stage. Speaking at the UN, the IPCC or in Davos, Áslak makes sure the world understands what it means to be Indigenous in the middle of Europe; being European citizens, whose rights to their land, their water and their traditional way of making a living, through fishing and reindeer herding, is being denied. “We are colonized by 4 European countries: Finland, Norway, Russia and Sweden. That means, we are not in charge of our own territories, governing or livelihood.” Throughout this Podcast my key thought is, “How can we sustain the planet if we don’t empower the very people who dedicate their life to it?” In our conversation, Àslak and I talk about: 🎤 Indigenous communities as the Custodians of our planet, because they live in peace with nature. They are driven by sustainability, not by growth, by their love of the environment not by terrorizing it. 🎤 Despite comprising 5% of the world‘s population, Indigenous people protect 80% of the Earth's biodiversity. We are in urgent need of their knowledge if we really want to tackle climate change and the loss of biodiversity. 🎤 The Saami deserve a seat at the table – so do all representatives of the global Indigenous community. There are more than 476 million Indigenous people in the world, spread across 90 countries and representing 5,000 different cultures, living in all geographic regions. 🎤 Since 2007, the UN’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples contains a legally vague, yet symbolically significant, recognition of Indigenous people’s rights over the development of their own territories. It can only be just the start. 🎤 Today, young leaders like Áslak are being listened to in the international arena – but not in the nation states that occupy them and strip them of their rights. Norway, for example, has illegally built the world’s largest onshore wind farm with 1,000 turbines on Saami land, effectively killing one of the two ways the Saami can make a living in that area. 🎤 Áslak has for the past decade worked with Saami and indigenous issues through NGOs, the Saami parliament, as well as through activism and academia. He is a fisherman, teacher and holds a master’s degree in Indigenous studies.

The First Successful Breast Surgery in the Metaverse. Dr Pedro Gouveia, Surgeon of the Breast Unit of the Champalimaud Clinical Centre in Lisbon, performed the first successful breast cancer operation in the Metaverse. While he and the patient were in the operating theatre at the Champalimaud Foundation in Portugal, his colleague was intervening and supervising from the University of Zaragoza in Spain - 900 kilometres away. But there is more to this story than the wonders of the Metaverse. The technology used by Dr Gouveia and his colleagues means that the entire process - tumour identification, diagnosis, surgery and treatment - dramatically reduces the risks and trauma to patients. This extraordinary pioneering undertaking has won Pedro Gouveia, the “Best and Greatest Portuguese Technology award.” Dr Gouveia talks about 🎤 his medical breakthrough 🎤 surgical Metaverse education & Metaverse emotions 🎤 a digital, non-invasive methodology that allows surgeons to very precisely locate the tumour to be extracted 🎤 Breast 4.0, Health 4.0 and the 4th Industrial Revolution also: 🎤 why breast cancer is today, the most common cancer in the world 🎤 why mainly women in the West are so vulnerable to this disease 🎤 future advantages for the digital patient / digital hospital / digital healthcare system 🎤 AND: that we have to change our lifestyle

Destination Earth is a high precision digital model of the Earth. It is the EU’s flagship initiative to create a digital replica of our entire planet. "This replica is a Digital Twin in fact. It’s a gigantic task, that requires the world’s biggest computing to create the most precise data to tackle climate change.” That’s how Dr. Peter Bauer describes this 7 billion Euro project which he heads. It's part of the EU’s Green Deal to tackle climate change and it is meant to provide pinpoint evidence-based support to enable Member States to implement the green transformation. Destination Earth aims to provide the complex software and hardware environment needed for the next generation of very high-resolution prediction models. By 2030, it is expected to have been achieved. DestinE Actors: EU Commission, European Space Agency, European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites Peter Bauer talks about: - How Destination Earth can help the planet to heal - first digitally, then in reality - How to improve our understanding of climate change and enable solutions at global, regional and local level - How to predict where to live safely for the next five decades - What Destination Earth has in common with the Metaverse - Obstacles and finances including the impact of the energy crisis