The Green Hour

The Green Hour

di Preston Poag Jr.

Redefining Development: Creating the SDGs with Paula Caballero, Creator of the Sustainable Development Goals' Concept

On today's episode of the Green Hour, we're learning about the creation of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Joining us is Paula Caballero, former Director for Economic, Social and Environmental Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia. Paula is recognized as having created the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals concept, which is considered to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.” In this episode, we explore the vital importance of global goals in sustainable development, delving into the historical context and progress of global goals. We examine the Millennium Development Goals which were adopted in 2002, looking at their creation, minimalist fashion, and evaluate their success. Paula Caballero guides us through the evolution from MDGs to the groundbreaking idea of SDGs, discussing the challenges and key actors in their launch. Lastly, we explore the United Nations’ negotiation process as well as the form of informal diplomacy Paula used to help launch the SDGs.

Closing the Loop on Food Waste with Justin Kamine, CEO of Do Good Foods

On today's episode of the Green Hour, we're diving into the problem of food waste in the United States. Joining us is Justin Kamine, CEO of Do Good Foods, a company that produces sustainable meat by diverting food waste from a system of supermarkets to use as animal feed. Do Good Foods was ranked by Fast Company amongst the Top 50 Most Innovative Companies in the World; Kamine was also named one of Forbes 30 Under 30 for Food and he has received the Clean Tech Equity Award presented by the Prince of Monaco. In this episode, we explore the food waste problem in the U.S., its economic implications, and the environmental impact on climate change. We dive into Do Good Foods' closed-loop system, preventing waste and reducing emissions. Join us for a conversation on reducing food waste, combating climate change, and shaping a better future on this episode of The Green Hour.

Using Plant Vogtle as a Nuclear Blueprint with Tim Echols, Georgia Public Service Commissioner

On today's episode of the Green Hour, we're diving into the first newly constructed nuclear units to be built in the United States in more than 30 years. Joining us is Tim Echols, Georgia Public Service Commissioner. We explore the U.S.'s leadership in nuclear energy and the challenges faced during the construction of Plant Vogtle. We dive into the national security perspective and implications for the workforce and explore the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on the nuclear industry. Lastly, we look into the future of nuclear energy, considering lessons from Plant Vogtle and the potential of modular reactors.

Making Recycling Accessible for All with Ryan Smith, CEO and Founder of Recyclops

On today's episode of the Green Hour, we're tackling the challenge of recycling in areas without proper infrastructure. Joining us is Ryan Smith, the Founder and CEO of Recyclops, a company that focuses on providing recycling services in areas with limited or no access to traditional recycling infrastructure. We'll delve into their mission to make recycling universally accessible through smart-routing and a gig-economy model. Recyclops is currently operating in 30+ states, bringing accessible recycling to over 1 million households! In 2022 alone, the company recycled over 6.5 million pounds of materials including cardboard, aluminum, plastic, and glass. Ryan’s success has earned him a spot on the prestigious Forbes 30 under 30 list for the Social Entrepreneur category.

The Summit Series: Andy Kireta Jr., President of the Copper Development Association

Coming to you live from the Concordia Annual Summit in New York City with Andy Kireta Jr., President of the Copper Development Association. In this episode, we explore the critical role of copper in driving environmental innovation. From understanding why copper is an essential component in clean energy technologies to its impact on the electric vehicle industry, we'll uncover the intricacies of this multi-faceted metal. Delving into the challenges faced by the copper industry, we'll discuss regulatory hurdles, supply chain disruptions, and the need for efficient permitting processes. Join us as we navigate the dynamic landscape of copper's significance in promoting a greener and more sustainable future.

The Summit Series: Lisa Jacobson, President of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy

Coming to you live from the Concordia Annual Summit in New York City with Lisa Jacobson, President of The Business Council for Sustainable Energy. In this episode, we explore the last decade's changes in the energy sector, covering record-breaking renewable energy adoption, challenges like energy security and climate change. We discuss the U.S.' progress on Paris Agreement commitments, emphasizing the power industry's role, addressing obstacles like supply chain disruptions and rising interest rates. Delving into global and U.S. private clean energy investments, we highlight the growth of renewable generation and the urgency for accelerated decarbonization. Join us as we navigate clean energy's evolution and the pressing need for decisive action.

The Summit Series: Crystal Upperman, Senior Manager at Deloitte

Coming to you live from the Concordia Annual Summit in New York City with Crystal Upperman, Senior Manager in Deloitte's Government and Public Services consulting practice. In this episode, we're talking about air pollution and how it impacts both health and fairness in our communities. We'll uncover how lower-income areas, particularly those of color, carry a heavier burden of air pollution, leading to significant health disparities among vulnerable groups. But we're not stopping there; we'll also explore the link between air pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Summit Series: Christian Spano, Director of Innovation for The International Council on Mining and Metals

Coming to you live from the Concordia Annual Summit in New York City with Christian Spano, Director of Innovation for The International Council on Mining and Metals. ICMM is an industry association comprising major global mining and metals companies, dedicated to promoting sustainable development, responsible mining practices, and environmental and social performance improvement within the sector. Today, we're delving into the world of Circular Economy in Mining. Join us as we explore sustainable practices, game-changing research initiatives, and the importance of circular principles in reshaping the future of mining. It's a journey towards a more responsible and eco-friendly industry.

The Summit Series: Sonia Scarselli, VP of BHP's XPlor Program

Coming to you live from the Concordia Annual Summit in New York City with Sonia Scarselli, VP of BHP's XPlor Program. BHP is a leading global resources company with a diverse portfolio, encompassing mining and exploration activities in sectors such as iron ore, copper, coal, petroleum, and more. In this episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of BHP, a $60 billion giant, as it pioneers the creation of an entrepreneurial culture within its massive framework. Join us as we explore BHP's XPlor program, an accelerator initiative designed to support early-stage explorers and startups focused on finding new resources of critical minerals, offering funding, mentorship, and access to BHP's network of experts. Discover how this initiative not only reflects a commitment to workplace dynamism but also positions BHP at the forefront of industry evolution. And stay tuned to hear how sustainability is seamlessly integrated into every facet of this groundbreaking program, shaping the future of corporate culture.

The Summit Series: Rajiv Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation

Coming to you live from the Concordia Annual Summit in New York City with Rajiv Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation. In this episode, learn about his impactful experiences working alongside Bill and Melinda Gates in pioneering global vaccination initiatives. Delve into his key role as Administrator of USAID during the Obama administration, where he led responses to humanitarian crises, notably the Haiti earthquake, and orchestrated efforts to combat the Ebola outbreak. Dr. Shah's unique perspective, shaped by his collaborations with influential figures, unfolds in his book "Big Bets: How Large-Scale Change Really Happens."Explore the Rockefeller Foundation's groundbreaking commitment of over $1 billion towards addressing climate change and fostering inclusive economies. This thought-provoking conversation invites you to reconsider the scale of impact, challenge the status quo, and join the movement toward positive, large-scale transformation in our ever-evolving world.Check out Raj's book 'Big Bets':https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Big-Bets/Rajiv-Shah/9781668004388
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