Climate Hive presents What Do You Solve?

What If Water Could Warn Us - Nature Dots is Building Prdeictive INtelligence for Water

What if water data were as accessible as weather data? In this episode of Climate Hive: What Do You Solve?, Kevin Drolet and Mike Higgins sit down with Snehal Verma, CEO and Co-Founder, and Mohammad Aatish Khan, COO and Co-Founder of NatureDots. NatureDots is building predictive intelligence for water, helping aquaculture businesses, water utilities, energy companies, conservation organizations and researchers understand what is changing in a water system before it becomes expensive or catastrophic. The conversation starts with small-scale fish farmers, whose entire harvest can be lost when water quality shifts in a matter of hours. From there, we explore how NatureDots uses AI, digital twins, virtual sensors and billions of data points to make water intelligence more accessible, affordable and actionable. They also unpack why water remains a massive data gap, how predictive insights can support risk mitigation and insurance, and what it takes to build a water-tech company at the intersection of climate, nature and AI. Learn more about NatureDots: https://naturedots.com/ In this episode: 💧 Why water data should be as accessible as weather data 🐟 How real-time alerts can help fish farmers avoid devastating losses 🌎 What changing water regimes mean for communities and industry 🤖 How NatureDots combines AI, digital twins and virtual sensors 📈 Predicting water risks from hours to months ahead 🏗️ Why water intelligence has applications across aquaculture, utilities, energy, conservation and insurance 📚 Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:23 Solving water intelligence through AI 04:14 Why NatureDots began with fish farmers 12:40 Expanding water intelligence across industries 14:52 Climate change and changing water regimes 22:59 How NatureDots technology works 30:02 The origin story behind NatureDots 35:34 Founder challenges and bootstrapping 👉 Like, comment and subscribe for more global conversations with climate game changers. #ClimateHive #WhatDoYouSolve #NatureDots #WaterIntelligence #WaterTech #AI #Aquaculture #ClimateTech

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The Super Pollutant Hiding in Wastewater | Jose Porro, Cobalt Water Global

Every day, wastewater treatment plants are doing essential work most of us never think about. But in the process, they can also release nitrous oxide, or N₂O, a largely overlooked super pollutant with roughly 273 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over 100 years. In this episode of Climate Hive: What Do You Solve?, Kevin Drolet and Mike Higgins sit down with Jose Porro, CEO & Founder of Cobalt Water Global, to unpack one of the least-discussed climate problems hiding inside wastewater treatment. Jose has spent years studying nitrous oxide emissions from wastewater systems and is now building an AI-powered emissions intelligence platform designed to help treatment plants identify, understand and reduce those emissions. The surprising part? Reducing nitrous oxide isn't only a climate win. Because N₂O production is closely linked to how the biological treatment process is operating, the same changes that lower emissions can also improve plant performance and, in some cases, reduce energy consumption and operating costs. Jose explains why wastewater facilities often aren't already doing this, and the answer isn't necessarily a lack of motivation. In many cases, they simply don't have enough visibility into what they're emitting. Cobalt Water Global combines emissions measurement, wastewater data and AI to help operators understand when emissions are occurring, why they're happening and what operational changes could reduce them. We also get into the bigger picture: • Why nitrous oxide receives so little attention compared with CO₂ and methane • How wastewater treatment produces N₂O • Why the same biological process can produce very different emissions under different conditions • How AI can mimic the analysis of a wastewater emissions expert • Why reducing emissions can also reduce operating costs • How cities in the US, Canada and Europe are approaching wastewater emissions • Why Europe is moving faster on N₂O monitoring and reduction • The relationship between nitrous oxide and agriculture • Why methane could be the next major layer of Cobalt Water Global's platform • How wastewater could become a source of recovered energy, nutrients and water • Where carbon credits could fit into emissions reduction • Why Jose describes himself less as an entrepreneur and more as a missionary solving a problem The long-term vision is bigger than nitrous oxide alone. Jose sees Cobalt Water Global evolving into a broader wastewater emissions intelligence platform, providing visibility into N₂O, methane, CO₂ and other emissions while helping utilities operate more efficiently. 🎥 Subscribe to Climate Hive for a new episode of What Do You Solve? each week: @climatehiveconnect Connect with Jose -https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-c-porro-13893752 Learn more about Cobalt Water Global - https://cobaltwater-global.com/

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This Serial Entrepreneur is Levering AI to Solve Our Massive Food Waste Problem

What if one of the biggest opportunities to cut food waste isn't at the trash can, but before the food is even served? In this episode of Climate Hive: What Do You Solve?, we sit down with Fengmin Gong, CEO of Metafoodx, to explore how artificial intelligence, computer vision, sensors, and better data could transform the way commercial kitchens plan, prepare, and serve food. Globally, roughly 30% of food produced is lost or wasted somewhere between the farm and our plates. But Fengmin argues that preventing waste upstream is one of the most important opportunities. The challenge? Kitchens often don't have accurate, real-time information about what they're producing, how much people are actually consuming, portion sizes, food temperatures, or how demand changes from one day to another. Metafoodx is building an AI-powered data layer designed to change that. Fengmin takes us inside the technology, including a portable AI scanner that can recognize food, measure weight and food area, capture temperature information, and generate operational data in seconds, without asking already-busy kitchen teams to manually track everything. We also explore why the human side of technology matters. Fengmin shares how feedback from chefs and kitchen operators changed Metafoodx's product design and why technology has to fit into existing workflows if it's going to create meaningful impact. The conversation goes far beyond restaurants. We discuss the potential applications across universities, corporate dining, healthcare, senior living, hotels, resorts, cruise ships, food suppliers, and eventually even cooking robotics. Fengmin also shares his unexpected journey from cybersecurity and building technology companies to tackling food waste, and why he believes AI's next major chapter will happen when it moves beyond chatbots and deeper into the physical world. In this episode: • Why so much food is wasted before it ever reaches the consumer • How inaccurate forecasting leads to overproduction • Why food operations still contain major data blind spots • How AI and computer vision can recognize and track prepared food • Why preventing food waste matters more than simply managing it afterward • How real-time data can improve kitchen planning and efficiency • Why Metafoodx designed its technology around kitchen workers • What universities and large-scale dining operations can teach food-tech companies • The opportunity for AI across cruise ships and institutional dining • How food consumption data could eventually improve the wider supply chain • Why AI's biggest impact may come when it connects with the physical world The future of food may not simply be about producing differently. It may be about finally understanding, in real time, what we actually need to produce. Subscribe to Climate Hive for more conversations with the founders, scientists, operators, investors, and innovators working on some of the world's biggest climate challenges. What Do You Solve? asks one simple question: What problem are you solving, and why does it matter? Learn more www.metafoodx.com Contact@metafoodx.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/metafoodx/

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Why Hyperlocal Temperature Data Will Become So Valuable | Jay Sadiq, FortyGuard

What if the temperature data guiding critical business and city decisions isn’t nearly precise enough? In this episode of Climate Hive: "What Do You Solve?*, we speak with Jay Sadiq, founder and CEO of FortyGuard, about why hyperlocal temperature intelligence will become increasingly important as the climate changes and extreme heat reshapes our cities, infrastructure, energy systems, and daily lives. Jay explains the crucial difference between temperature data and traditional weather data—and why conditions can vary dramatically from one neighborhood, street, or building to the next. FortyGuard’s AI-powered technology transforms data from satellites, sensors, weather stations, and other sources into highly localized temperature insights that organizations can use to make smarter decisions. We discuss: • Why accurate temperature data is becoming critical climate infrastructure • The business case for FortyGuard • How FortyGuard’s temperature intelligence technology works • Why hyperlocal data can reveal what traditional weather forecasts miss • How heat affects energy, infrastructure, logistics, public health, and urban planning • How Jay’s experience as a four-time founder led him to the temperature problem • Why FortyGuard evolved from developing cooling materials into a data-driven technology company • How the company is already engaging cities, businesses, developers, and other market stakeholders As rising temperatures create new risks and costs, FortyGuard is working to turn heat from an invisible problem into actionable intelligence. Learn more about FortyGuard: https://www.fortyguard.com/ Connect with Jay Sadiq on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jihadsadiq/ Subscribe to *What Do You Solve?* for more conversations with founders, innovators, and leaders developing solutions for people and the planet. #ClimateTech #TemperatureIntelligence #ExtremeHeat #UrbanHeat #ClimateAdaptation #ArtificialIntelligence #SmartCities #ClimateResilience #FortyGuard #WhatDoYouSolve

The Future of Solar Technology - Visiting the Tandem PV Factory In Fremont California

What does it take to move next-generation solar technology from a laboratory breakthrough to commercial manufacturing in the United States? In this live, on-location episode of *What Do You Solve?*, we sit down with Tandem PV CEO Scott Wharton inside the company’s new 65,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Fremont, California. Scott discusses the challenges of reaching this milestone, what the factory means for the future of American solar manufacturing, and how Tandem PV’s breakthroughs in perovskite-silicon technology could transform the performance and economics of solar energy. The conversation explores: • Tandem PV’s journey from research and pilot production to commercialization • How perovskite-silicon tandem panels capture more of the solar spectrum and generate more power from the same footprint • The rapidly growing electricity demands of AI data centers and an increasingly electrified economy • Why domestic manufacturing matters for energy security, supply-chain resilience, innovation, and job creation • The challenges of turning promising laboratory results into repeatable manufacturing • Tandem PV’s roadmap for customer validation, commercial production, and high-volume manufacturing Tandem PV’s Fremont factory has approximately 40 megawatts of annual nameplate capacity and is designed to demonstrate reliable production of large-format tandem solar panels. The company has begun producing initial modules, plans to support customer validation trials, and is targeting high-volume manufacturing in 2028. Tandem PV combines a thin perovskite light-absorbing layer with conventional silicon solar technology. The company has reported nearly 30% panel efficiency in internal testing, along with accelerated durability results showing less than 1% average annual power loss. Recorded live inside the operating factory, this interview offers a firsthand look at the people, technology, equipment, and manufacturing infrastructure working to shape the next era of solar energy. ### Learn More About Tandem PV Website: https://www.tandempv.com/ Factory announcement: https://www.tandempv.com/news/tandem-pv-opens-california-factory-for-next-generation-solar-manufacturing Partnership and general inquiries: [info@tandempv.com](mailto:info@tandempv.com) Press inquiries: [press@tandempv.com](mailto:press@tandempv.com) Tandem PV 3500 Gateway Boulevard Fremont, CA 94538 Watch the full interview to learn how Tandem PV is working to restore U.S. leadership in advanced solar manufacturing while helping meet the world’s rapidly increasing demand for electricity. #TandemPV #Perovskite #SolarEnergy #SolarManufacturing #USManufacturing #CleanEnergy #ClimateTech #EnergyInnovation #AIDataCenters #RenewableEnergy #MadeInAmerica

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Scaling Community Based Clean Energy Projects To End Energy Poverty

In this episode of Climate Hive: What Do You Solve?, we sit down with Emily Teitsworth, Executive Director of the Honnold Foundation, to explore how clean energy can transform lives, strengthen communities, and help address energy poverty around the world. ☀️🌍 Emily shares the story behind the Honnold Foundation, how it began through the vision of legendary climber and founder Alex Honnold, and how the organization has grown its global impact in under a decade. We talk about what it takes to build resilient, community-led clean energy projects, why energy access is so closely tied to opportunity, and the challenges facing communities still living without reliable power. ⚡ We also reference insights from the 2025 Impact Report, highlighting the Foundation’s expanding reach and the meaningful outcomes being created through its work. 📊 And yes, this episode includes a very special cameo from show co-host Mike Higgins’ senior pug, Eddie. 🐶✨ Learn more about the Honnold Foundation and their mission: https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/#mission In this episode: ☀️ The origin story of the Honnold Foundation 🧗 Alex Honnold’s vision for climate and energy access 🌱 How community-led clean energy projects create lasting resilience ⚡ The global challenge of energy poverty 📊 Highlights from the 2025 Impact Report https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/news/2025impact 🐾 Eddie the pug’s unforgettable guest appearance #ClimateHive #WhatDoYouSolve #HonnoldFoundation #CleanEnergy #EnergyAccess #ClimateAction #EnergyPoverty #AlexHonnold #Sustainability #Podcast #ClimateSolutions #RenewableEnergy

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Rethinking Water Demand, Supply and Management - What You Need To Know

In this episode of Climate Hive’s What Do You Solve? Show, we sit down with Heather Cooley, Chief Research and Program Officer, and Nicole Wickenhauser, Chief Growth Officer, from the Pacific Institute — a globally respected, nonpartisan water think tank founded in 1987. For nearly four decades, the Pacific Institute has helped advance practical, science-based solutions to some of the world’s most pressing water challenges. Together, we explore how water demand, supply, and management are changing in real time — and how governments, businesses, and communities can respond with resilience, equity, and action. Heather and Nicole share how the Pacific Institute advises organizations and decision-makers, highlights success stories, and supports meaningful change across sectors. We discuss the Colorado River crisis, behavior change, international collaboration through the UN Global Compact CEO Water Mandate / Collective Action work, and how our personal relationship with water shapes broader climate resilience. Throughout the conversation, one theme comes through clearly: water is not just part of the climate conversation — it is where climate change becomes visible, urgent, and deeply human. Learn more about the Pacific Institute: https://pacinst.org/ In this episode, we cover: – How Pacific Institute supports governments, companies, and organizations – Real-world shifts in water demand, supply, and management – Lessons from the Colorado River crisis – Global water stewardship and collective action – Stories of behavior change and systems change – Why water is central to climate resilience – What gives the Pacific Institute hope Featured guests: Heather Cooley — Chief Research and Program Officer, Pacific Institute Nicole Wickenhauser — Chief Growth Officer, Pacific Institute About Climate Hive: Climate Hive brings together leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers working on the most important climate challenges of our time. #ClimateHive #PacificInstitute #WaterSecurity #ClimateAction #WaterStewardship #ColoradoRiver #ClimateResilience #Sustainability #WhatDoYouSolve

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The Future Of Solar Is A Game Changer

🌍 What Do You Solve? | Scott Wharton, CEO of Tandem PV | Perovskite Solar & The Future of Clean Energy In this episode of Climate Hive: What Do You Solve?, we sit down with Scott Wharton, CEO of Tandem PV, to explore the future of Perovskite solar technology and its role in accelerating the clean energy transition. Scott shares his journey from successful tech entrepreneur to clean tech innovator, explains why he joined Tandem PV, and breaks down what makes Perovskite solar such a promising advancement in renewable energy. We dive into his perspective on the current state of the energy transition, the challenges ahead, and what gives him hope for a sustainable future. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:09 The Stanford Origins 04:05 Coming Full Circle to Solar 06:29 What is Perovskite Solar? 08:51 Solving for Durability 10:34 The "Holy Grail" of Solar 11:37 The 3-Phase Manufacturing Plan 13:39 The "Solar of Things" 15:28 Indoor Use & Abundant Materials 17:42 A Hopeful Global Outlook 19:35 Winning on Economics 23:34 China's Solar Deployment 25:43 How to Compete with China 28:18 Why Focus on Utility-Scale? 29:47 Innovation vs. "Doom-and-Gloom" 33:20 The "Valley of Death" 35:38 How to Help & Driving the Market Forward 👉 Topics Covered: What is Perovskite solar technology? Why Scott Wharton joined Tandem PV How Tandem PV is changing the solar game Scott’s entrepreneurial background What gives Scott hope about the climate future 📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay updated on more interviews with leaders tackling the climate crisis. 🔗 Learn more about Tandem PV: https://www.tandempv.com/ Scott Wharton CEO Scott is the CEO of Tandem PV, a disruptive solar panel company based in Silicon Valley. Prior to Tandem, Scott was the Vice President and General Manager of Logitech for Business, a division that generates ~$2 billion in annual revenue and includes all products, software, and services for business and enterprise customers. Before leading the B2B group, Scott drove 25x growth in the Video Collaboration division, starting as a small player in 2015 ($62m) to over $1 billion in revenue, becoming the global market leader for video equipment. Under his leadership, Logitech has developed award-winning products recognized by CES, iF Design, Red Dot, and IDA for design innovation. For product excellence, the honors include TIME Best Inventions in 2022 and 2024 and Fast Company Next Big Thing in Tech for two consecutive years. Scott has held market-leading roles throughout his career in the communications space including as the founder of Vidtel, a pioneer in cloud-based video conferencing services. Vidtel had a successful exit in 2013. Scott was an early executive at BroadSoft (IPO; acquired by Cisco) and VocalTec (IPO) where he spearheaded numerous groundbreaking initiatives, including the development of the first commercial VoIP product, the creation of the cloud PBX market, and the VoIP service provider industry. Scott holds an MBA from Yale University. #PerovskiteSolar #CleanEnergy #ClimateTech #ScottWharton #TandemPV #EnergyTransition #Entrepreneurship #WhatDoYouSolve #ClimateHive #SustainableFuture

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Is The Future Of Energy Perovskite Solar?

🌍 What Do You Solve? | Scott Wharton, CEO of Tandem PV | Perovskite Solar & The Future of Clean Energy In this episode of Climate Hive: What Do You Solve?, we sit down with Scott Wharton, CEO of Tandem PV, to explore the future of Perovskite solar technology and its role in accelerating the clean energy transition. Scott shares his journey from successful tech entrepreneur to clean tech innovator, explains why he joined Tandem PV, and breaks down what makes Perovskite solar such a promising advancement in renewable energy. We dive into his perspective on the current state of the energy transition, the challenges ahead, and what gives him hope for a sustainable future. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:09 The Stanford Origins 04:05 Coming Full Circle to Solar 06:29 What is Perovskite Solar? 08:51 Solving for Durability 10:34 The "Holy Grail" of Solar 11:37 The 3-Phase Manufacturing Plan 13:39 The "Solar of Things" 15:28 Indoor Use & Abundant Materials 17:42 A Hopeful Global Outlook 19:35 Winning on Economics 23:34 China's Solar Deployment 25:43 How to Compete with China 28:18 Why Focus on Utility-Scale? 29:47 Innovation vs. "Doom-and-Gloom" 33:20 The "Valley of Death" 35:38 How to Help & Driving the Market Forward 👉 Topics Covered: What is Perovskite solar technology? Why Scott Wharton joined Tandem PV How Tandem PV is changing the solar game Scott’s entrepreneurial background What gives Scott hope about the climate future 📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay updated on more interviews with leaders tackling the climate crisis. 🔗 Learn more about Tandem PV: https://www.tandempv.com/ #PerovskiteSolar #CleanEnergy #ClimateTech #ScottWharton #TandemPV #EnergyTransition #Entrepreneurship #WhatDoYouSolve #ClimateHive #SustainableFuture

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When Owning Locks Us Into the Past and Renting Is a Pathway to Change

What does it really take to drive behavior change in construction and industrial operations? In this episode of What Do You Solve?, we sit down with Bevan Hurlbert of Sunbelt Rentals to explore how electrification is reshaping jobsites, improving worker health and safety, and changing the way companies think about equipment ownership. We dig into why buying equipment can sometimes lock organizations into yesterday’s technology — and why renting creates a unique opportunity to experiment with electric equipment, reduce risk, and accelerate innovation. Bevan also shares insights from his own professional journey, how Sunbelt Rentals is approaching sustainability at scale, and what the future of cleaner, quieter, safer jobsites could look like. Topics covered include: Behavior change in construction and industrial operations The health and safety impact of electric equipment Why rental models can accelerate innovation adoption The hidden risks of long-term equipment ownership Electrification trends in construction Sustainability goals at Sunbelt Rentals Bevan Hurlbert’s career journey and perspective on industry transformation If you're interested in construction innovation, sustainability, electrification, fleet strategy, or the future of industrial operations, this conversation is for you. Learn more about Sunbelt Rentals: https://www.sunbeltrentals.com/ Connect with Bevan Hurlbert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bevanhurlbert/ #Construction #Sustainability #Electrification #EquipmentRental #Innovation #SunbeltRentals #CleanTech #IndustrialInnovation #BehaviorChange #WorkplaceSafety

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Spreading the Gospel of Water with Alexis Morgan - WWF Global Water Stewardship Lead

Water is everywhere — yet somehow absent from many of our biggest climate conversations. In this episode of Climate Hive: What Do You Solve?, we sit down with Alexis Morgan, Global Water Stewardship Lead at WWF (World Wildlife Fund), to explore why the future of climate resilience, business, food systems, AI infrastructure, and human wellbeing all depend on how we rethink our relationship with water. Alexis opens by challenging a critical idea: the shift from water management to water stewardship. What does stewardship actually mean? And how do companies, governments, communities, and industries work together at the scale needed to solve global water challenges? This conversation goes far beyond drought headlines and water scarcity statistics. We unpack: Why water may be the most underestimated climate issue How the global water crisis is already showing up around the world The hidden connections between water, food, ecosystems, and economic stability Why sediment matters more than most people realize The growing tension between AI data centers and water demand Why collaboration — not isolated action — is essential for meaningful impact How your personal “water story” shapes the way you see the world Alexis brings a rare systems-level perspective to one of the most urgent and misunderstood challenges of our time. If you care about climate, sustainability, business, innovation, or the future of society, this episode will change how you think about water. 🌍 Learn more about WWF’s water stewardship work: https://www.wwf.se/english/hm-partnership-results/water/ Subscribe to What Do You Solve? for conversations with leaders solving the world’s toughest challenges through innovation, collaboration, and systems thinking.

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Spreading the Gospel of Water with Alexis Morgan the WWF Global Water Stewardship Lead

Water is everywhere — yet somehow absent from many of our biggest climate conversations. In this episode of Climate Hive: What Do You Solve?, we sit down with Alexis Morgan, Global Water Stewardship Lead at WWF (World Wildlife Fund), to explore why the future of climate resilience, business, food systems, AI infrastructure, and human wellbeing all depend on how we rethink our relationship with water. Alexis opens by challenging a critical idea: the shift from water management to water stewardship. What does stewardship actually mean? And how do companies, governments, communities, and industries work together at the scale needed to solve global water challenges? This conversation goes far beyond drought headlines and water scarcity statistics. We unpack: Why water may be the most underestimated climate issue How the global water crisis is already showing up around the world The hidden connections between water, food, ecosystems, and economic stability Why sediment matters more than most people realize The growing tension between AI data centers and water demand Why collaboration — not isolated action — is essential for meaningful impact How your personal “water story” shapes the way you see the world Alexis brings a rare systems-level perspective to one of the most urgent and misunderstood challenges of our time. If you care about climate, sustainability, business, innovation, or the future of society, this episode will change how you think about water. 🌍 Learn more about WWF’s water stewardship work: https://www.wwf.se/english/hm-partnership-results/water/ Subscribe to What Do You Solve? for conversations with leaders solving the world’s toughest challenges through innovation, collaboration, and systems thinking.

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Is Nature Our Next Infrastructure - Tripp Wall on Nature-Based Solutions

Climate Hive Show | What Do You Solve? Tripp Wall on Nature-Based Solutions, Water Risk, Carbon Markets & Regenerative Investment What happens when we finally start treating nature like critical infrastructure? In this episode of Climate Hive: What Do You Solve?, Kevin Drolet (Kdro) and Mike Higgins sit down with Tripp Wall, CEO & Co-Founder of Pantheon Regeneration and Founder of Trail Head Capital, for a wide-ranging conversation on the business case for nature-based solutions, water security, regenerative land stewardship, and the future of climate investing. Tripp shares why ecosystems are no longer a “nice-to-have” sustainability discussion — they are rapidly becoming central to corporate balance sheets, insurance markets, energy infrastructure, AI/data center growth, and long-term economic resilience. The discussion explores how Pantheon Regeneration is working to protect and restore critical carbon sinks including peatlands, while creating scalable investment opportunities that align ecological restoration with financial returns. We also dive deep into the growing global water crisis, environmental inflation, regenerative agriculture, and why investors and enterprises can no longer afford to ignore natural capital risk. If you're interested in climate innovation, natural capital, carbon markets, water infrastructure, regenerative finance, or the future of sustainable investing — this conversation is packed with insight. Learn More 🌎 Pantheon Regeneration https://pantheonregen.com/ 🌱 Trail Head Capital https://trailhead.capital/ climatehive.co Key Topics Covered Why nature is the foundation of the global economy The business and investment case for nature-based solutions Environmental inflation and its impact on corporate balance sheets Water scarcity, aquifer stress, and infrastructure risk AI, hyperscalers, and data center water consumption Regenerative agriculture and land stewardship Protecting peatlands and critical carbon sinks Natural capital investing and climate finance Why ecosystems should be treated as infrastructure Episode Timeline 00:00 – Welcome to Climate Hive: What Do You Solve? 01:10 – Introduction to Tripp Wall and his climate investment background 02:30 – “What do you solve?” — Tripp’s mission around ecosystems and infrastructure 05:10 – Why the economy is a wholly owned subsidiary of nature 07:45 – The evolution and limitations of ESG investing 10:15 – Environmental inflation and corporate balance sheet risk 13:00 – Insurance market disruption from climate impacts 15:40 – Water scarcity, infrastructure stress, and rising operational costs 18:25 – AI data centers, hyperscalers, and water consumption challenges 21:10 – Why natural capital is entering mainstream financial consciousness 24:00 – Pantheon Regeneration’s approach to protecting peatlands and carbon sinks 28:30 – Building scalable regenerative investment opportunities 32:15 – Regenerative agriculture and long-term land stewardship 36:40 – The future of climate finance and nature-based infrastructure 40:00 – Final thoughts and where to follow Tripp Wall About Tripp Wall Tripp Wall is the CEO & Co-Founder of Pantheon Regeneration and Founder of Trail Head Capital. His work spans climate investing, water management, regenerative agriculture, land conservation, and natural capital strategy. He also serves as President and Chairman of the Colorado Wildlife Foundation and Western States Water. 👍 Like, Subscribe & Share if you want more conversations with leaders shaping the future of climate, business, and sustainability. #ClimateTech #NatureBasedSolutions #RegenerativeFinance #WaterSecurity #ClimateInvesting #CarbonMarkets #NaturalCapital #Sustainability #ClimateHive #RegenerativeAgriculture #Peatlands #ESG #ClimateInnovation

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Making Impact: Carbon Markets with Bill Flederbach Jr. President & CEO of ClimeCo

What Do You Solve? with Bill Flederbach, President and CEO of ClimeCo 🌍 In this episode, we sit down with Bill Flederbach, founder of ClimeCo, for a wide-ranging conversation on the past, present, and future of the carbon market. Bill takes us back to the early days when carbon solutions were far from mainstream and shares how he saw opportunity where others didn’t. 🚀 We dive into the origins of ClimeCo and the conviction it took to build in an emerging space long before the market caught up. Since 2009, ClimeCo has helped reduce, avoid, or remove more than 50 million metric tons of carbon, and Bill unpacks what it really takes to translate climate ambition into measurable impact. 📉 The conversation also explores how carbon markets are evolving today, where they’re headed, and the growing role of technology, including AI, in accelerating climate solutions at scale. 🌱 What changes when intelligence, data, and automation meet environmental markets? Beyond the market itself, Bill shares candid insights on leadership: how to build and scale a mission-driven business, navigate uncertainty, and stay grounded while tackling complex global challenges. 💡 If you’re interested in learning more about ClimeCo’s work or connecting directly, you can visit , reach the team at info@climateco.com or https://climeco.com or connect with Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-flederbach/ This episode is a thoughtful look at what it means to solve real climate problems combining vision, execution, and resilience to drive lasting impact.

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Carbon Markets with Bill Flederbach Jr. President & CEO of ClimeCo

What Do You Solve? with Bill Flederbach, Founder of ClimeCo 🌍 In this episode, we sit down with Bill Flederbach, founder of ClimeCo, for a wide-ranging conversation on the past, present, and future of the carbon market. Bill takes us back to the early days when carbon solutions were far from mainstream and shares how he saw opportunity where others didn’t. 🚀 We dive into the origins of ClimeCo and the conviction it took to build in an emerging space long before the market caught up. Since 2009, ClimeCo has helped reduce, avoid, or remove more than 50 million tons of carbon, and Bill unpacks what it really takes to translate climate ambition into measurable impact. 📉 The conversation also explores how carbon markets are evolving today, where they’re headed, and the growing role of technology, including AI, in accelerating climate solutions at scale. 🌱 What changes when intelligence, data, and automation meet environmental markets? Beyond the market itself, Bill shares candid insights on leadership: how to build and scale a mission-driven business, navigate uncertainty, and stay grounded while tackling complex global challenges. 💡 If you’re interested in learning more about ClimeCo’s work or connecting directly, you can visit , reach the team at info@climateco.com or https://climeco.com or connect with Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-flederbach/ This episode is a thoughtful look at what it means to solve real climate problems combining vision, execution, and resilience to drive lasting impact.

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Future-Proofing Business with David Tulauskas

Future-Proofing Business 🌍 Talking Climate Resilience & Circular Economy with David Tulauskas What will it take for companies not just to survive—but to lead—as climate pressures reshape the global economy? In this episode of What Do You Solve?, we sit down with David Tulauskas of EY, a leader with a uniquely powerful vantage point shaped by decades inside major global corporations and his work today advising organizations at the highest levels. David’s journey into sustainability is anything but typical. Having operated deep within large enterprises, he understands how real decisions get made—where momentum builds, where it breaks, and what it actually takes to embed sustainability and circularity into core business strategy. In this conversation, we unpack: 🔹 The turning points that led David to champion sustainability and circular economy thinking 🔹 What he learned from inside some of the world’s largest companies—and how that shapes his advice today 🔹 Why smaller, more focused companies can drive disproportionate impact 🔹 How circularity is becoming a true competitive advantage ♻️ 🔹 What “future-proofing” really means—and how leaders should be preparing for the years ahead David brings both strategic clarity and real-world experience—offering a perspective that’s grounded, honest, and highly relevant for leaders navigating uncertainty. If you're building toward long-term resilience or trying to understand where business and climate intersect next, this episode will expand how you think about what’s possible. ⚡ Learn more about David: https://www.ey.com/en_us/people/david-tulauskas #FutureProofing #ClimateResilience #CircularEconomy #SustainabilityLeadership #WhatDoYouSolve #ClimateStrategy

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Play It Green Changing Behaviors On Climate

In this episode of Climate Hive, we sit down with Richard Dickson, founder of Play It Green, to explore how companies can turn climate ambition into measurable action. #Reduce #Repair #Regive Play It Green is redefining what corporate sustainability looks like making it accessible, behavioral, and scalable across organizations of all sizes. Richard shares the story behind launching the company, the pivotal moments that shaped its mission, and why empowering everyday employee actions is key to driving meaningful environmental impact. Key topics we cover: 🌍 From idea to impact — Richard Dickson shares the origin story behind Play It Green and the moment that sparked its mission 🧠 Why behavior change matters — how small, consistent employee actions can drive large-scale environmental outcomes 🏢 Making sustainability accessible — breaking down how companies of any size can take meaningful climate action 📊 Beyond pledges — turning climate commitments into measurable, trackable progress 🤝 Engaging teams, not just policies — how to build a culture where sustainability becomes part of everyday work 🚀 Scaling climate action — Richard’s vision for the future of Play It Green and its role in the global transition Whether you're a sustainability leader, founder, or simply climate-curious, this conversation offers practical insight into making climate action part of how your organization operates—every day. If you’re interested in practical pathways to climate action and the mindset shifts required to get there this conversation offers both inspiration and a clear sense of what’s possible. Richard Dickson is the CEO of Play It Green, a platform helping organizations deliver measurable sustainability, nature repair, and social impact at scale. With a background in psychology and over two decades in retail, he brings a commercially grounded approach to driving behavior change and engagement. As former Head of Global Partnerships at Carbon Free Dining, Richard played a key role in planting more than one million trees through strategic collaborations. He now leads Play It Green with a clear philosophy of conscious capitalism—helping partners integrate sustainability in ways that are both impactful and commercially relevant. Contact info https://playitgreen.com/about-play-it-green/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardiandickson/ https://playitgreen.com/contact/

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Why your 401k is not helping the climate or your savings

What if your retirement savings were quietly funding the very problem you care about solving? In this episode of *What Do You Solve?*, we sit down with Alex Wright-Gladstein, Founder and CEO of Sphere, to unpack the surprising realities behind 401(k) investing and why portfolios are still tied to less profitable fossil fuels investments without people realizing it. Alex shares the moment that led her to build Sphere, a platform designed to help individuals align their investments with their values—without sacrificing returns. We explore the hidden gaps in traditional retirement investing, why climate-focused portfolios can actually outperform, and how small shifts in behavior can unlock both financial and environmental impact. Learn more about Sphere: https://www.oursphere.org https://www.oursphere.org/fund hello@oursphere.com If you’ve ever wondered where your money is really going—or how to make it work harder for both your future and the planet this conversation will change how you think about investing. 🎧 Topics we cover: – The untold story behind most 401(k) investments – Why many investors are missing out on better-performing, climate-aligned options – How Sphere is redefining impact investing – The psychology behind financial decision-making and behavior change Alex is an entrepreneur with a passion for addressing climate change. Prior to founding Sphere, she co-founded and was founding CEO of Ayar Labs, which makes data centers and supercomputers faster and more energy efficient by using light to move data between chips. She has also been the energy entrepreneurship practice leader at MIT, and an energy efficiency program manager and energy markets specialist at smart grid company EnerNOC. She received an MBA from MIT and a BA in Political Science and Economics from Tufts University. Subscribe for more conversations with founders and leaders solving real-world problems at scale. #WhatDoYouSolve #ClimateInvesting #SustainableFinance #ImpactInvesting #401k #ClimateTech #Leadership

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The Huge Opportunity in Solving Food Waste - You Didn’t Realize!

What if the biggest climate problem in your kitchen isn’t what you’re cooking… but what you’re throwing away? In this episode of *What Do You Solve*, we sit down with Andrew Shakman, CEO & Founder of Leanpath, to unpack one of the most overlooked (and fixable) climate challenges: **food waste**. We dive into: * Why food waste is a massive contributor to climate change (hint: methane from landfills is no joke) * The hidden energy and economic costs behind wasted food * How Leanpath is helping the hospitality industry cut waste across **50+ countries** * Why solving food waste is *way easier than most people think* * And how businesses can actually **save serious money** while doing the right thing If you think sustainability has to be expensive or complicated… this episode might change your mind. --- ### 🎙️ About Andrew Shakman Andrew Shakman is the CEO and Founder of Leanpath. From the beginning, Andrew has worked to catalyze the global movement to address the food waste crisis. He has been featured in **BusinessWeek, NPR, Forbes, and Fast Company**, and has spoken at the **World Bank, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, the Culinary Institute of America, Harvard**, and hundreds of other stages worldwide. --- ### 🔗 Learn More 🌍 Leanpath Website: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewshakman](https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewshakman)

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The Art and Science of Building International Climate Start Ups with Exec Director Robyn Mcguckin

The Art and Science of Building International Climate Startups | Robyn McGuckin | What Do You Solve? What does it take to build climate startups that are not only innovative—but economically viable and capable of scaling internationally? In this episode of What Do You Solve?, Climate Hive sits down with Robyn McGuckin, Executive Director of P4G. KDRO and Higgo learn how Robyn and P4G are growing global climate start ups and shaping real success stories in Africa, Asia and Europe. https://p4gpartnerships.org/ P4G - Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 - contributes to green and inclusive growth in low- and middle-income countries by helping early-stage businesses become investment ready and supporting country climate transitions in food, water and energy systems. Since 2018, P4G has funded 75 partnerships that have leveraged more than US $90 million in commercial investment. P4G partnerships have avoided more than 10 million metric tons of CO2 emissions, generated more than 1,000 jobs and positively affected 1.6 million people.  P4G supports early-stage climate startups by providing holistic support that helps them become financially viable businesses while delivering measurable climate impact. Through partnerships with governments, investors, NGOs, and corporate partners, P4G helps founders refine their business models, strengthen partnerships, and scale solutions in emerging markets. The organization currently focuses its work in six partner countries: Colombia, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, South Africa, and Vietnam, supporting startups addressing major climate challenges in areas such as clean energy, sustainable food systems, water resilience, mobility, and the circular economy. In this conversation, Robyn shares how climate innovation moves from promising ideas to real companies that can survive, grow, and create impact at scale. In this episode we explore: • The challenge of building climate startups that are economically viable • Why partnerships between governments, NGOs, investors, and entrepreneurs matter • How early-stage climate companies move from concept to scalable business • Lessons from supporting climate startups across multiple countries • The intersection of climate impact and financial sustainability • Why emerging markets are critical to global climate innovation About Robyn McGuckin Robyn has spent her career helping organizations develop and advance projects in the areas of clean energy, water, climate, and sustainable development. Most recently she worked in senior management for the non-profits Winrock and Global Communities. Prior to that, she was a business unit leader for the global engineering firm MWH (now Stantec). She also worked at USAID in the Middle East and South Asia, managing energy projects and infrastructure reconstruction. Prior to she was a consultant to the US EPA, US DOE’s EERE, the World Bank and UNDP. She has lived or worked in over 20 countries spanning the US, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Robyn holds an M.S. in Biological and Agricultural Engineering from the University of Georgia, and a B.S. in Biosystems Engineering from Virginia Tech. About What Do You Solve? What Do You Solve? is a podcast and video series from Climate Hive featuring innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders working on real climate solutions. climatehive.co Each episode centers around one question: What problem do you solve—and how are you solving it? Subscribe for more conversations with the people building the future of climate innovation. #ClimateTech #ClimateStartups #ClimateInnovation #Sustainability #ClimateSolutions #CleanEnergy #CircularEconomy #ClimateHive

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