Curiosity, applied.

** Share your feedback on the Curiosity, Applied podcast. Share now ** Global supply chains are under immense stress. Whether it’s a case of  sanctioned goods and impure materials or unethical labour practices, the potential for hidden risks in your supply chain is greater than ever before.  Understanding the true origin of your product can be the difference between building an enduring and sustai...

** Share your feedback on the Curiosity, Applied podcast. Share now ** The Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) role has undergone a radical evolution. Once focused primarily on voluntary reporting, policy formation and goal-setting, today’s CSO are strategists, futurists and value creators, that drive commercial impact while shaping business culture and long-term performance. In this episode, Liz B...

Climate change is not about 2050 – it’s a present-day business reality. From heatwaves changing travel patterns, floods shutting down hotels and transport hubs, and wildfires disrupting operations, climate events are affecting revenue, insurance costs, workforce safety, critical infrastructure and asset value. Organizations that succeed in the next decade will be those that adopt adaptive, climate...

In 2025, shifting regulations, ambitious targets and increasing scrutiny on ROI continued to shape an uncertain sustainability landscape. As leaders across business, policy and finance gathered for one of the biggest moments in the sustainability calendar - New York Climate Week 2025 –the theme of “Power On” posed a crucial question: how can sustainability leaders maintain momentum and keep drivin...

In today's market, sustainability has become an essential attribute for many brands and products. But as companies grow increasingly complex, and with many companies making similar claims, how can you authentically express your commitment in a unique voice, and what steps do you need to take to make sure you fulfil your promise to the consumer? In this episode Al Iannuzzi , Vice President Sus...

AI can play a powerful role in accelerating sustainability - from optimizing energy use, to improving climate models and monitoring biodiversity – but it also brings with it a significant environmental footprint of its own. As AI’s rapid growth drives up energy consumption and increases pressure on data infrastructure, a critical question emerges for the tech sector: can it deliver economic growth...

Businesses are under immense pressure to not only ensure the continuity of their operations but also to demonstrate ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship, and long-term risk management. As supply chains stretch across borders and involve countless stakeholders, building resilient supply chains isn’t just about managing logistics—it’s about securing the future of both business and the communi...

Buildings contribute 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions, making the built environment one of the most critical frontiers in the fight against climate change. But as geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions grow more unpredictable, the urgency to decarbonize buildings has never been higher - not just to meet climate goals, but to safeguard operational continuity and long-term b...

As the geopolitical landscape continues to reshape corporate responsibility and sustainability strategy, businesses must navigate increasing fragmentation, evolving regulatory demands, and changing stakeholder expectations. Strategic foresight and adaptable planning have become essential for executives guiding their organizations through this complex period of transition.  In this episode, Laurent...

With the regulatory spotlight on sustainability brighter than ever, most forward-thinking companies have long recognized that sustainability creates business value and opportunity far beyond compliance. By embedding opportunity-driven transformation into their core strategy, organizations are unlocking new growth avenues, fuelling innovation, and building long-term resilience. In this episode, Jua...

The convergence of AI and other cutting-edge technological advancements with escalating sustainability concerns has placed digital transformation at the forefront of every organization's agenda. In this episode R. Mukund of Benchmark Gensuite and Lori Coombs, former NASA Sr. Principal Technical Manager and current DHS Sr. Networking Engineer, explore the critical intersection of digital innov...

The era of ambiguous net zero pledges is over. It’s time for organizations to translate their commitments into concrete action plans and measurable results. In this episode Stuart Wright of Aviva and Simin Zhou from UL Solutions share their insights on tackling one of the most pressing challenges for sustainability and net-zero leaders: moving from setting ambitious targets to achieving tangible o...

As the clock ticks down and the window for action narrows, the next 5-10 years are critical for shaping the future of our planet. With 2050 climate goals looming, all eyes are on 2025 as the year for Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) to take immediate, measurable action in driving real change in global climate outcomes.  The challenge, however, no longer belongs to CSOs alone—it demands full-sc...

With all eyes on next week’s election in the United States, Verdantix Principal Analyst Jessica Pransky provides a briefing on what the outcome will mean for sustainability leaders. Looking beyond the differing approaches of the two administrations, we dive into the impact of state level changes and the nuances that are often by the headlines. Enjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you d...

As biodiversity climbs to the top of the business agenda, companies are finding that protecting nature isn't just about fulfilling environmental obligations - it's also key to long-term profitability and resilience. In this episode, we examine how biodiversity initiatives can shape corporate success and contribute to a healthier planet. We delve into the current landscape of biodiversity...

Wildfires are raging across the globe, with devastating consequences. In 2023, nearly 400 million hectares were scorched by wildfires worldwide, with this year’s toll already surpassing 167 million hectares. While advances in technology are aiding in the mitigation and response to wildfires, the threat is also  growing as the climate becomes more extreme. In this episode we delve into the critical...

Water scarcity isn't just an environmental issue, it's a business risk. From droughts in India to delays on the Rhine and disruptions in France's nuclear plants, the requirement for comprehensive water strategies has never been clearer. In this episode we explore the necessity of aligning sustainability with business continuity planning, the drivers and challenges of water stewardsh...

The finance sector is at a critical crossroads, facing pressure from regulators and stakeholders to take action on climate change, yet significant challenges hinder its effectiveness. Wielding considerable influence as a catalyst for change, can banks lead the charge on climate action? In this episode, we delve into the complex world of financed emissions and explore how measuring and managing the...

Translating ambitious corporate sustainability goals into tangible results can be a complex challenge that requires transformative leadership.   In this episode we explore the multifaceted and fast-evolving role of Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO). Our expert guests share their perspectives on contending with financial pressures, untangling supply chain complexity, forging relationships across o...

Amidst the challenges posed by climate change, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation, the call for businesses to adopt circular practices resonates louder than ever.  In this episode we navigate the challenges that businesses face in their quest for sustainability and integrating circularity into business operations. Our expert guests discuss how the concept of circularity is increasing...

Facing an increasingly complex matrix of fluctuating and escalating carbon prices across global markets, businesses are reassessing their investment strategies and overhauling risk management approaches as they transition towards a more sustainable future.  In this episode, we dive into the intricate world of carbon pricing. We examine the impact of rising carbon prices on businesses, discuss the...

The convergence of risk and sustainability teams is now of boardroom importance as they unite on their common purpose: building climate resilience within their organizations.  In this episode, our expert guests delve into the critical intersection of sustainability and risk management. They reveal their collaborative strategies, offer an understanding of how processes are coordinated and responsib...

This year's New York Climate Week was bigger than ever, highlighting the corporate world's growing commitment to climate action. With the theme "we can, we will" for 2023, the event emphasized immediate action and innovation in the face of climate risks, resource shortages, and the need for advancements.  In this episode, guest hosted by Verdantix senior analyst Joy Trinquet, o...

Innovative solutions are crucial to making a meaningful impact in the ongoing battle against climate change. In this episode our expert guests explain the complexities of the Carbon Dioxide Removal market, including demand drivers, supply-side constraints and the pace and direction of technological change. Covering the broader context of voluntary emissions, the economics of Direct Air Capture and...

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently announced that there is a 66% chance of average global land surface temperatures exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius for at least one year between 2023 and 2027. This prediction, arriving at the same time as a series of extreme global climate events, is focusing minds on an accelerated trajectory for global warming. In this podcast, we explore the imp...