The Future of Sustainability

What does it take to make sustainable travel the norm rather than the exception? In this episode of the Future of Sustainability podcast, Michael Hanf speaks with Rebecca Thompson, CEO and Founder of Sustainable Travel Tech, about how data and transparency can transform tourism.Rebecca’s journey began as a frustrated traveler. With a background in economics and climate policy, she knew the impact of tourism on emissions, but she struggled to find easy ways to book low-carbon trips. Blogs and certifications provided pieces of information, but nothing matched the seamless experience of mainstream platforms. This gap inspired her to build Sustainable Travel Tech, a B Corp social enterprise that helps accommodation providers measure their climate impact and present verified data at the point of booking.Travel is highly emotional, and people want their holidays to inspire joy rather than guilt. Rebecca stresses that the goal is not to shame travellers but to provide clear information so they can make the choices they already want to make. Surveys show most people prefer sustainable stays, but few have time to research. Verified data can make climate impact another simple metric alongside price and amenities, while storytelling around food, nature, and community experiences keeps the emotional side of travel intact.For accommodation providers, data is more than marketing. Measuring energy use and emissions creates a baseline, reveals hidden strengths, and guides investment in efficiency or renewables. Benchmarking against country averages can show where improvements are needed and highlight progress over time. As Rebecca puts it, “Without the data, you can’t show progress.”The conversation also explores broader challenges in tourism:Over-tourism concentrated in specific hotspots, often driven by social media.Certifications that are valuable but sometimes too complex or opaque for travellers to understand.Economic leakage, where local communities see little benefit from visitors.On greenwashing, Rebecca is clear: broad claims like “we are sustainable” no longer suffice. Operators should use specific, verifiable statements such as “50 percent of our energy is renewable.” At the same time, she warns against greenhushing, where fear of saying the wrong thing leads companies to stay silent about genuine progress. Verified, third-party data can help solve both problems by giving providers the confidence to communicate honestly.Looking ahead to 2030 and beyond, Rebecca envisions a travel industry where climate impact data for accommodation is as standard as flight emissions are today. Platforms like Skyscanner already display which flights have lower emissions. With enough property-level data, the same will be true for hotels, lodges, and resorts. This will create transparency for travellers, competitive pressure for providers, and better decision-making for tour operators and platforms.In this episode, recorded with Rebecca Thompson of Sustainable Travel Tech, you will hear:• Why she left policy to build practical tools for decarbonizing tourism• How emotional experiences and verified data can work together in travel decisions• Why measuring emissions is a competitive advantage for hotels• How greenwashing and greenhushing are shaping tourism marketing• What a sustainable booking process could look like in 2030The future of travel will not be defined by slogans but by trust. Data, transparency, and authenticity will determine whether sustainability becomes embedded in tourism or remains an afterthought. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you talk about climate change in a way that opens minds instead of shutting down conversations?In this episode of the Future of Sustainability podcast, host Michael Hanf speaks with Kathleen Biggins, President and Founder of C-Change Conversations, a nonprofit dedicated to creating science-based, nonpartisan dialogue about climate change.Since founding C-Change in 2014, Kathleen has led the development of the C-Change Primer, a widely acclaimed multimedia presentation that has reached more than 23,000 people in 33 states and abroad. Rather than presenting climate change as a partisan or abstract environmental issue, the Primer reframes it as a risk management challenge with tangible implications for our health, economy, and national security.In their conversation, Kathleen shares why she founded C-Change Conversations after realizing that even friends, family, and colleagues lacked a clear understanding of climate risks. She explains how the organization developed strategies to "wake people up without turning them off" by grounding discussions in credible science, relatable examples, and the universal language of risk assessment.Listeners will learn:Why climate change is best understood not as politics, but as physics, chemistry, and riskHow different audiences respond to different entry points, from family safety and health to economic competitiveness and national securityThe evolution of the climate conversation in the United States, from denial to reluctant acceptance to concerns about costHow respectful engagement can transform skepticism into curiosity and open space for dialogueWhy personal actions, when visible and shared, can be contagious and help build momentum for systemic changeKathleen also discusses the challenges of working in polarized environments and highlights the importance of local action, personal agency, and community leadership. She argues that while global momentum toward clean energy is strong, the United States faces unique cultural and political headwinds that must be addressed through trust-building and consensus.Throughout the episode, one theme stands out: nobody wants to sacrifice their children's future. By framing climate change as a matter of stewardship, risk, and opportunity, C-Change Conversations is helping to create the social will that can unlock the political will for meaningful action.This episode is for anyone who has ever struggled to talk about climate change with colleagues, friends, or family, and for leaders looking to understand how to engage diverse audiences in one of the most important conversations of our time.Tune in to hear how Kathleen Biggins and C-Change Conversations are building a wave of consensus for climate action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Future of Sustainability, host Michael Hanf speaks with Vidar Helgesen, IOC Executive Secretary of Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO and former Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment. Helgesen shares his journey from politics and diplomacy to leading the UN’s central body for ocean science, and why safeguarding our oceans is one of the defining challenges of our time.The ocean is more than a vast expanse of water. It is Earth’s life-support system. It produces half the oxygen we breathe, regulates climate and weather, and sustains biodiversity and livelihoods worldwide. Yet it remains the least understood and least protected part of our planet. Only 27 percent of the seafloor has been mapped, and vast regions of marine life remain undiscovered. As Helgesen warns, “We need to learn more and faster about the ocean.”Together, Michael and Vidar explore:The role of Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO in coordinating global ocean science and turning knowledge into policyWhy investing in ocean observation such as satellites, buoys, tide gauges, and data sharing is critical for disaster preparedness, agriculture, fisheries, and climate actionThe growing importance of international agreements like the High Seas Treaty and the 30x30 biodiversity pledgeHow businesses and industries can support sustainable ocean economies and why innovation will be key to unlocking opportunities in food, health, and technologyThe challenges of public awareness, including why plastics have captured attention while issues like nutrient pollution, dead zones, and destructive fishing remain under the radarPractical steps individuals can take as consumers, from choosing sustainable seafood to supporting better ocean policiesHelgesen calls the ocean “the beating blue heart of our planet,” reminding us that all societies depend on its health, whether we live by the coast or thousands of kilometers inland. From rainfall patterns and food production to weather extremes and marine biodiversity, our futures are tied to the ocean’s fate.Looking ahead to 2030 and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, Helgesen envisions a world where ocean knowledge is not just generated by scientists but widely shared, owned, and acted upon by governments, industries, and citizens alike. Building this collective awareness, he argues, is the essential first step toward safeguarding the ocean for future generations.Tune in to hear why the ocean must move to the center of the sustainability agenda and what we can all do to keep our planet’s blue heart beating strong. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Future of Sustainability podcast, Michael Hanf speaks with Dr. Debbie Saunders, Co-Founder and CEO of NatureHelm and Founder and former CEO of Wildlife Drones. Debbie’s career spans more than 25 years as a conservation ecologist, moving from hands-on fieldwork with endangered migratory birds to building groundbreaking technologies that help businesses and researchers better understand and protect biodiversity.Debbie shares her personal journey from tracking parrots in Australia to founding two deep-tech ventures that are transforming how society engages with nature. With Wildlife Drones, she pioneered a radio-telemetry system that allows researchers to track dozens of animals simultaneously across challenging landscapes. Today, that technology supports conservation projects worldwide, from pangolins in Vietnam to finches in the Galápagos Islands. But her story didn’t stop there. Recognizing that biodiversity data was fragmented and underutilized, Debbie launched NatureHelm to bring clarity, intelligence, and actionable insights to corporations and supply chains.The discussion explores the intersection of science, technology, and entrepreneurship, and how these can work together to scale solutions for the planet. Debbie explains how NatureHelm aggregates data from diverse sources, integrates ecological knowledge, and leverages AI to identify risks, dependencies, and opportunities for businesses. Whether it’s understanding the role of pollinators in supply chains, visualizing global migratory patterns from a single urban site, or mapping the ecosystem services behind water use, NatureHelm helps companies move beyond reporting into meaningful action.Throughout the conversation, Debbie highlights the challenges and opportunities of building biodiversity intelligence:Why businesses often underestimate their biodiversity footprint and how to change that mindset.How regulatory frameworks like the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) are driving corporate engagement.Why technology alone is not enough, and why user-centric design and storytelling are essential to building impact.The critical role of resilience, from regenerative cotton production in India to sustainable asset managers advancing industry standards.Debbie also offers candid insights into her entrepreneurial path: the importance of validating ideas, securing funding, and surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision. Her advice to young researchers and aspiring change-makers is simple yet powerful, be passionate, create value, and keep going despite the sceptics.This episode is both a call to action and a source of hope. It shows that with the right blend of ecological expertise, innovative technology, and business leadership, companies can contribute to a nature-positive future while strengthening their own resilience. From parrots to platforms, Debbie Saunders’ journey illustrates how personal passion can grow into global impact.Tune in to hear how biodiversity intelligence is reshaping the future of sustainability and why every business, whether in fashion, food, technology, or finance, has a role to play in protecting the ecosystems that sustain us all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean to move forward in a world where disruption has become the baseline? At the Nordic Business Forum 2025 in Helsinki, the Future of Sustainability podcast explored this question with keynote speakers, contributors, and participants from across the event.Howard Yu, LEGO Professor of Management and Innovation at IMD, explained why the most future-ready companies reject the trade-off between short-term performance and long-term transformation. “The best companies do not balance. They excel at both,” he argued. Yu pointed to industries like automotive, where software capabilities are now indispensable both for competing today and for preparing for tomorrow’s mobility. His message to leaders: identify the few capabilities that strengthen both horizons and pursue them with discipline. “Budget is not a plan,” Yu emphasized. “Strategy is about making trade-offs and scaling what matters.”Peter Hinssen, entrepreneur and author, added a mindset perspective. He described today’s reality as the never normal, a state of continuous disruption where stability no longer applies. “In the never normal, resilience is not about bouncing back. It is about bouncing forward,” he told the audience. Using Microsoft’s reinvention under Satya Nadella as an example, Hinssen illustrated how companies can transform by letting go of what he calls “yesterwork,” the routines and processes that once delivered results but now hold organizations back. “Yesterwork is the silent killer of organizations,” he warned. For Hinssen, leadership today is about cultivating curiosity, creating reversible “two-way door” decisions, and building organizations designed to learn at scale.On the HS Visio Live Studio stage, Riina Bhatia, Research Scientist at VTT, broadened the lens to society as a whole. She reminded the audience that seven of nine planetary boundaries have already been transgressed. Moving forward, she argued, requires redefining growth itself. “Economic success cannot simply mean ‘more,’” Bhatia noted. Instead, harmful sectors must shrink while those that contribute to well-being expand. Metrics beyond GDP—covering health, education, and resource efficiency—are mature enough to be adopted, she emphasized.Voices from the forum floor reinforced these themes with practical perspectives. Atte Jääskeläinen, President of Finnish Innovation Fund SITRA, stressed that progress begins with honesty about where we are now. Without this, ambition risks being built on illusion. Juha Mattsson, CEO of Futures Platform, highlighted the importance of agency: foresight and signal detection only matter when leaders act on them before certainty arrives.From the next generation, Sara Makkonen, Commercialization Associate at Aircohol, called for courage and openness. She urged decision-makers to give new technologies the space to succeed, even if that means allowing for failure along the way. And from the aviation sector, Finnair’s Senior Sustainability Manager, Tarja Koski, reminded listeners that transformation in hard-to-abate industries will require incremental steps and broad collaboration rather than quick fixes.Taken together, these voices sketch a clear picture of what moving forward means in 2025. It is not about restoring stability or accelerating blindly into the future. It is about clarity of priorities, courage to dismantle what no longer serves, and discipline to invest in what matters most. Leaders must perform and transform at the same time, bounce forward instead of back, and redefine success to align with both human well-being and planetary limits.Moving forward is not a slogan. It is the discipline of leadership in the never normal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can motorsport help fast-track the hydrogen economy? And what does it take to build the world’s first hydrogen-powered off-road racing series from the ground up?In this episode of The Future of Sustainability podcast, host Michael Hanf speaks with Ali Russell, Managing Director of Extreme H, the world’s first hydrogen-powered motorsport championship, launching in 2025. Building on the success of Extreme E and Formula E, Extreme H is more than a race. It is a testbed for innovation, a global media platform, and a bold experiment in sustainable mobility.Together, we explore how motorsport can become a powerful engine of change in the energy transition, accelerating innovation in hydrogen fuel cells, logistics, and storage systems. Russell, a pioneer at the intersection of sport and purpose, shares how Extreme H is designed to deliver real-world impact far beyond the racetrack.In this episode, we discuss:🔹 Why hydrogen is a critical component in the clean mobility mix🔹 How Extreme H is built to validate hydrogen at every level, from fuel cells and safety to infrastructure and public perception🔹 The technical challenges of racing hydrogen vehicles in extreme environments🔹 How collaboration with automakers, energy companies, and regulators enables innovation🔹 Why equality, inclusion, and storytelling are integral to the championship’s broader sustainability agenda🔹 How Extreme H uses media and short-format racing to engage new generations and global audiences🔹 The long-term vision for hydrogen adoption in sectors beyond cars, including aviation and shippingRussell also discusses the unique role of motorsport in compressing innovation cycles and explains why the series is structured to allow OEMs like Toyota, Hyundai, and General Motors to test and showcase their hydrogen technologies. By creating an open but focused platform centred on hydrogen innovation, Extreme H aims to deliver both return on investment for manufacturers and inspiration for millions of fans.This is not just about sport. It is about creating the conditions for systemic change in how we think about performance, energy, and the future of transportation.🎧 Tune in to hear how Extreme H is reimagining racing as a tool for sustainable transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Future of Sustainability, we dive into a conversation that challenges how we think about innovation, technology, and impact. Host Michael Hanf is joined by Serish Gandikota, internationally recognised expert in Frugal Innovation and Frugal AI. Serish is the co-founder of InnoFrugal and co-leads the Frugal AI Hub at Cambridge Judge Business School. His work spans continents and sectors, pushing forward a bold but practical vision: innovation should be inclusive, efficient, and sustainable; not just powerful.We live in a time where AI is developing at breakneck speed. But while large language models and high-performance computing are gaining ground, the gap between those who can access these technologies and those who cannot is also growing. The mainstream AI narrative focuses on scale, speed, and raw power but what about the communities, organisations, and governments with limited infrastructure, budgets, or bandwidth?Enter Frugal AI: an approach that asks not how big or complex a system is, but whether it truly serves its purpose with minimal waste and maximum value. In this episode, Serish breaks down what Frugal AI means in practice. We explore five core principles behind it: compute efficiency, climate-aware design, cultural and linguistic inclusion, affordability, and local relevance.Throughout the episode, Serish shares stories from across the globe, from rural India to African cities and European municipalities, highlighting how innovation looks radically different depending on context. Whether it’s developing voice-based AI for illiterate populations, or deploying mobile-first tools in low-connectivity environments, Frugal Innovation is about making technology work for the realities people live in, not the other way around.We also unpack the importance of rethinking total cost of ownership in AI deployments. Serish explains why many public and private sector organisations underestimate the long-term energy, financial, and operational costs of AI systems and how frameworks developed at Cambridge aim to address that.A central theme of the conversation is mindset. Serish draws a clear line between short-term tech enthusiasm and long-term systemic change. He emphasises the importance of shifting away from a one-size-fits-all model of innovation toward a more context-aware and partnership-driven approach. Impact, he argues, doesn’t come from a single product or platform. It comes from trust, uptake, and working closely with local communities to develop and scale solutions that last.Listeners will also hear about the work of the Frugal AI Hub and its Adoption Labs, which match local challenges with startups using Frugal AI techniques to create meaningful, scalable outcomes.Key topics include:What is Frugal AI and why it mattersThe global innovation gap and why context is everythingPractical examples from India, Africa, and EuropeThe hidden costs of AI and how to plan for long-term sustainabilityThe role of mindset, policy sandboxes, and inclusive procurementHow to get involved in the Frugal AI ecosystemTo learn more, visit frugalai.org or join the Frugal AI Initiative on LinkedIn and WhatsApp.If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review. Your support helps us bring more voices, insights, and stories to The Future of Sustainability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This short preview introduces the Waves Gathering, taking place 11–13 September in Finland. Host Michael Hanf is joined by organizers Thomas Holm and Sara Lindeman to share what makes Waves unique, the themes of unlearning, collaboration, and finding new pathways, and why this gathering matters now.Learn more: www.wavesgathering.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can climate journalism cut through the noise, overcome climate fatigue, and help us make sense of a rapidly changing world?In this episode of The Future of Sustainability podcast, host Michael Hanf is joined by Graihagh Jackson, Senior Broadcast Journalist at the BBC and the voice behind The Climate Question, the BBC’s flagship programme on climate change.With a background in science communication and a passion for storytelling, Graihagh shares how she and her team bring complex climate topics to life. From covering electric mobility in Delhi to the emotional realities of child marriage in Bangladesh, The Climate Question blends rigorous reporting with human-centered narratives to make climate issues tangible, relevant, and accessible.Together, we explore: 🔹 The BBC’s commitment to informing rather than influencing 🔹 What works (and what doesn’t) when engaging audiences who are overwhelmed or disengaged 🔹 How storytelling, solutions, and surprise are key to connecting with listeners 🔹 The global diversity of questions and perspectives Graihagh receives from the show’s audience 🔹 The role of climate journalism in countering disinformation and holding institutions accountableGraihagh also shares standout episodes, including stories from Malawi, India, and Bangladesh, and explains how The Climate Question is creating space for constructive conversations in a world that too often feels divided.Whether you are a long-time listener of climate content or new to the space, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how trusted journalism can play a transformative role in the sustainability transition.🎧 Listen now to discover why The Climate Question has become a global reference point for climate storytelling done right. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Future of Sustainability, Michael is joined by Aino Försti-Smith, Head of Communications at Bayer Finland and Board Member at UN Women Finland, for a powerful conversation on the strategic importance of women’s health and reproductive rights in shaping more equitable, resilient societies.Drawing from her dual role in corporate leadership and global advocacy, Aino shares personal insights into what drives her commitment to advancing access to contraception and reproductive health services, especially for women and girls in low- and middle-income countries. She discusses Bayer’s century-long role in women’s health, its goal to reach 100 million women with access to modern contraceptives by 2030, and the deep community engagement required to create lasting impact.We explore:How Bayer’s purpose-driven approach aligns commercial success with global health equityThe transformational impact of contraception on education, economic opportunity, and gender equalityThe role of local partnerships, education, and destigmatization in driving true accessLessons from on-the-ground engagement in Kenya, Egypt, and IndiaWhy male involvement and cross-sector collaboration are essential for systemic changeWhat other companies can do to support women’s health through innovation, investment, and partnershipsThis episode is both a call to action and a reminder that behind every statistic is a human life. Aino’s perspective highlights the power of purpose-led communication, long-term commitment, and authentic partnerships to move the needle on one of the most pressing global challenges of our time.If you’re interested in sustainable development, social innovation, or purpose-driven business, this conversation will leave you inspired and informed.Listen now to discover how empowering women can transform entire communities and why the future of sustainability must be inclusive, intersectional, and deeply human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can capitalism become a force for good? In this episode, Fair Trade USA founder Paul Rice shares the story behind one of the most impactful ethical sourcing movements of our time and why every purchase we make can drive systemic change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Future of Sustainability, we explore how one of the world’s most iconic motorsport series is rewriting the rules of performance with sustainability at its core.Michael Hanf is joined by Marc de Jong, Head of Business Development at the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). With more than two decades of experience in motorsport and international business, Marc is helping to steer WRC through a transformative era where innovation, climate responsibility, and global fan engagement converge.From introducing 100% sustainable fuel and hybrid technologies to implementing biodiversity initiatives in Kenya and mobile health clinics in Mexico, WRC is proving that motorsports can be a testbed for sustainable innovation with real-world impact. Marc shares the thinking behind WRC’s five-pillar sustainability strategy, the lessons learned in deploying new technology across vastly different geographies, and why “beyond rally” logistics and infrastructure matter just as much as the action on the stages.We also dive into WRC’s role as a global communications platform and how the championship is using its reach to showcase new technologies like fossil-free plastics, connected mobility, and carbon-lite broadcasting infrastructure.Whether you're a rally fan, a sustainability leader, or someone curious about how traditional industries can drive meaningful change, this episode offers a compelling look at the fusion of speed, strategy, and sustainability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peppi Stünkel, creative, activist, and founder of I Was Born a Girl, shares how art and poetry can spark global conversations around gender equality and human rights. From grassroots work in Mexico to exhibitions at the UN, Peppi discusses how creative expression creates safe spaces for reflection, healing, and action. She also explains how her work with Team Creativity Finland is helping businesses unlock empathy and transformation through collaborative art. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alena (14) and Sophie (10) Saleem, the sister duo behind Glowie.fi, share how they built a privacy-first AI chatbot to support teens with everyday challenges, from mental wellness to relationships. In this episode, they talk about their road trip across Europe to learn AI, building a glass-box model without data tracking, and pitching at the World Economic Forum. A powerful story of youth-driven innovation, trust tech, and designing AI for good. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gary A. Bolles, Chair for the Future of Work at Singularity University, shares his insights on redesigning work, learning, and economic systems to be more human-centered, adaptive, and sustainable. He explores the mindset and skillset shifts needed in a world of exponential change, the role of technology as a learning enabler, and how inclusive capitalism and systems thinking can drive long-term impact. Learn how reimagining the future of work can unlock human potential and support a regenerative, purpose-driven society. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Heidi Hautala, former Vice President of the European Parliament, shares her personal and political journey in advancing sustainability, human rights, and responsible business conduct. From her early activism in Helsinki to shaping EU policy in Brussels, Heidi reflects on the evolution of the sustainability agenda, the growing role of business, and why transparency, justice, and citizen engagement are key to a sustainable future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Future of Sustainability podcast, where leaders, innovators and changemakers share how sustainability is reshaping business, society and everyday life. Hosted by Michael Hanf, each episode explores breakthrough ideas, bold strategies and inspiring stories from the front lines of change. Tune in to discover what’s next and how we can build a sustainable tomorrow together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.