Navigating Net Zero with Alexia Kelly

Host Alexia Kelly sits down with Richard Lawrence, founder of Overlook Investments Group and co-founder of multiple climate-focused organizations, to discuss carbon markets, climate philanthropy, and what has driven his work in both over the decades. Richard shares how a medical mission to Honduras transformed into a 20-year journey of installing more than 400,000 fuel-efficient cookstoves and how high-integrity carbon finance makes it possible.Key Topics Discussed:The Origin of Proyecto Mirador: How an 11-year-old girl identified a public health crisis that led to a massive climate solution.Continuous Improvement: Why technical innovation—like a simple $1 ash wiper—is the key to project durability.The "Top of the Pyramid": Comparing high-performance investment portfolios to high-integrity carbon projects.The Future of the Market: The role of transparency, the ICVCM, and transitioning from "voluntary" to "verified" carbon markets.Tripling Down on Climate Philanthropy: Why the ultra-wealthy need to increase their payout ratios to address the climate crisis.

Alexia Kelly interviews Dr. Lea Borkenhagen, SVP at Environmental Defense Fund, about her career spanning economics, NGOs and corporate sustainability. Dr. Borkenhagen traces her path from studying orangutans in Borneo to exploring how markets shape resource use, then working with WWF and earning a PhD before joining Oxfam to help launch the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil. They discuss Dr. Borkenhagen’s experience at Nike, and what it really takes to “win hearts and minds” as a sustainability professional. Dr. Borkenhagen’s work at EDF focuses on sustainability as a driver of business value—and she shares her expert perspective on how emerging topics like CBAM, climate impacts on supply chains, innovation, methane action, and more are reasons for hope in corporate climate progress, despite political headwind.

In this episode of Navigating Net Zero, Alexia Kelly speaks with Dr. Britt Wray, a leading voice on climate resilience and mental health, about the emotional challenges associated with the climate crisis. Dr. Wray, author of 'Generation Dread' and director at Stanford University’s CIRCLE initiative, shares her journey and work in addressing climate anxiety. They discuss the significance of acknowledging and processing climate grief and its role in driving purposeful action. Various supportive resources, including the Good Grief Network, are highlighted for those seeking community and coping mechanisms. The conversation also touches on the integration of emotional and technical approaches in the climate movement, especially in balancing professional and personal spheres. Tune in for an engaging discussion on navigating the emotional landscape of the climate crisis and the importance of mental resilience.

In this episode of Navigating Net Zero, host Alexia Kelly is joined by Holly Lahd to discuss the intersection of carbon accounting and energy strategy. Holly shares her experiences working on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol's Scope 3 standard, her transition to corporate decarbonization efforts, and insights on regulated and wholesale energy markets. The discussion covers the evolution of electricity markets, the complexities of corporate climate strategies, and the challenges of Scope 3 emissions. Holly emphasizes the importance of large-scale renewable energy projects and the crucial role of corporate purchasing in driving decarbonization. The episode examines the interaction between financial structuring, market dynamics, and the need for both attributional and consequential accounting practices in corporate climate action. Tune in to explore how companies can navigate the transitional period of ambiguous guidelines and make impactful decisions.

In this episode of Navigating Net Zero, Alexia Kelly welcomes Peter Freed, a seasoned clean energy strategist with over two decades shaping the future of corporate clean energy and climate strategy. Peter, who has led energy strategy at Meta and now advises companies through Near Horizon Group, shares his journey from early work at Terra Pass to advancing corporate renewable energy initiatives. The discussion delves into the evolution of clean energy strategies, from initial carbon offsets to current greenhouse gas accounting practices.Peter highlights the importance of practical sustainability measures and the role of voluntary targets in driving corporate action. The conversation also covers the economic shifts in renewable energy procurement, noting a transition from a buyer’s to a seller’s market, and addresses the complexities of international markets, particularly in developing countries. They explore the significance of precise greenhouse gas accounting and the potential of AI to revolutionize grid management and materials science for clean energy. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) are identified as crucial for managing fossil fuel emissions amidst the clean energy transition.The episode concludes with reflections on maintaining corporate commitment to sustainability amidst evolving market and policy landscapes. Overall, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities in achieving net zero, offering valuable insights for professionals navigating the complexities of corporate sustainability and clean energy innovation.

In this episode of Navigating Net Zero, Alexia Kelly is joined by Chris Davis, a seasoned climate and sustainability expert. They discuss Chris's extensive career in climate action spanning government, industry, and civil society, highlighting his recent work at Amazon and as a senior fellow at the High Tide Foundation. The conversation delves into the complexities of corporate climate action, the intricacies of greenhouse gas accounting, and the newly launched Task Force for Corporate Action Transparency (TCAT). They explore the need for and launch of two new corporate climate action guidance documents — the Mitigation Action Accounting and Reporting Guidance (MAARG) and the Target Accounting and Reporting Guidance (TARG) — and their role in helping companies navigate and report their climate actions transparently and consistently.

In this episode of Navigating Net Zero, host Alexia Kelly is joined by CSO Copilot’s Ashley Allen, whose career has spanned climate leadership at the United States Department of State, spearheading climate and land use initiatives at Mars, and serving as Oatly’s Chief Sustainability Officer. They discuss the challenges and strategies of setting ambitious net zero goals, the complexities of tackling supply chain emissions, and the vital role both large multinationals and smaller startups play in driving lasting change. The conversation also covers the impact of recent political shifts on global sustainability efforts and the promising future of nature-based solutions.

Navigating Net Zero is a new podcast dedicated to highlighting practitioners and experts navigating the complex realities of corporate decarbonization and sustainability. Hosted by international climate leader Alexia Kelly & The High Tide Foundation’s Carbon Policy & Markets Initiative, this series explores what really works from the people who do the work.Through candid conversations, we aim to address challenges, uncover opportunities, and empower listeners—whether they’re corporate sustainability professionals, policymakers, or engaged members of the public—to take meaningful action in their own spheres of influence.Season 1 of Navigating Net Zero focuses on dynamic, eye-opening conversations with corporate sustainability leaders. What is it actually like to lead a Fortune 500 company’s sustainability efforts? What do people not fully understand about the past, present, and future of corporate climate action? What comes next? Tune into Navigating Net Zero to hear and learn from the smart, effective professionals trailblazing the crucial but challenging work of finding effective climate solutions. Episode 1 is set for release on August 27th.