The Green Hour

Episode 2 | The Road to COP30 – A Series with The Nature Conservancy Deforestation remains one of the most urgent challenges in the global fight against climate change. At the center of this crisis is the Amazon—the world’s largest rainforest and one of Latin America’s most vital ecosystems. In this second episode of our six-part series, we sit down with José Otavio Passos, Director of the Brazilian Amazon for The Nature Conservancy, to unpack the forces driving deforestation—and the solutions that can turn the tide. 🎧 In this episode, we explore: The powerful economic drivers behind deforestationWhy preserving the Amazon creates global climate and biodiversity benefitsHow the Pará Sustainable Cattle Program is transforming cattle ranching with full traceability ➡️ Subscribe to The Green Hour Podcast and follow the full Road to COP30 series for more in-depth conversations with global sustainability leaders. ________________________________________ About The Green Hour Podcast The Green Hour Podcast is a global platform that connects sustainability leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to share insights on sustainable solutions. With a growing audience across six continents, The Green Hour continues to be at the forefront of global conversations on environmental action. About The Nature Conservancy The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global environmental nonprofit organization that works to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Founded in 1951 in the United States, TNC partners with local communities, governments, and private businesses to protect biodiversity and address climate change through various methods, including land purchases, conservation easements, and the promotion of sustainable practices. Important Links The Nature Conservancy website: https://www.nature.org/en-us/ The Green Hour Podcast website: https://thegreenhourpodcast.com/

Episode 1 | The Road to COP30 – A Series with The Nature Conservancy In this first episode of our six-part series, The Road to COP30, we’re joined by: Paula Caballero, Regional Managing Director, Latin America, The Nature ConservancyMarcio Sztutman, Executive Director, Brazil, The Nature Conservancy Together, they unpack why COP30’s return to Latin America—and specifically to the Amazon in Brazil—is such a powerful global signal. From Brazil’s role as host nation to the convergence of climate action and sustainable development, this conversation sets the stage for what’s at stake on the road to COP30. 🎧 In this episode, we explore: Why COP30 matters for Latin America and the worldBrazil’s unique role in shaping climate negotiationsThe importance of Indigenous leadership and local solutions ➡️ Subscribe to The Green Hour Podcast and follow the full Road to COP30 series for more in-depth conversations with global sustainability leaders. ________________________________________ About The Green Hour Podcast The Green Hour Podcast is a global platform that connects sustainability leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to share insights on sustainable solutions. With a growing audience across six continents, The Green Hour continues to be at the forefront of global conversations on environmental action.About The Nature ConservancyThe Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global environmental nonprofit organization that works to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Founded in 1951 in the United States, TNC partners with local communities, governments, and private businesses to protect biodiversity and address climate change through various methods, including land purchases, conservation easements, and the promotion of sustainable practices.Important LinksThe Nature Conservancy website: https://www.nature.org/en-us/The Green Hour Podcast website: https://thegreenhourpodcast.com/Get a Copy of Paula Caballero's "Redefining Development: The Extraordinary Genesis of the Sustainable Development Goals": https://www.amazon.com/Redefining-Development-Extraordinary-Genesis-Sustainable/dp/1955055262

Coming August 2025 — The Road to COP30A six-episode podcast series in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy exploring the bold ideas and on-the-ground solutions shaping Latin America’s path to COP30 in Belém, Brazil.🎧 Episode Guide:Episode 1: Overview of COP30 & Brazil as a Host Country🎙️ Paula Caballero, Regional Managing Director, Latin America🎙️ Marcio Sztutman, Executive Director, Brazil📅 Coming August 6, 2025Episode 2: The Role of Traceability in Combating Deforestation🎙️ Jose Passos, Director, Amazon Region🎙️ Josefina Vecino, Sustainable Soy Coordinator, Gran Chaco Region📅 Coming August 13, 2025Episode 3: Community-Led Conservation of Freshwater & Fisheries🎙️ Flavia Rocha, Global Freshwater Policy Advisor🎙️ Fernanda Silva, Amazon Freshwater Fisheries Scientist📅 Coming August 20, 2025Episode 4: Building a Sociobioeconomy in the Amazon🎙️ Lisa Ferguson, Director, Regenerative Economies & Community Finance📅 Coming August 27, 2025Episode 5: Providing Access to Direct Funding to Indigenous Peoples🎙️ Carolina Polania, Community-Based Conservation Specialist🎙️ Fernanda Bartoloto, Climate Policy Specialist📅 Coming September 3, 2025Episode 6: Rethinking Carbon Markets🎙️ Julio Giraldo, Carbon Markets Lead, Latin America🎙️ Beatriz Machado, Senior International Climate Policy Advisor📅 Coming September 10, 2025🔔 Subscribe now and join us on the road to the most important climate dialogue of the year

Episode 6 | Conservation Across Africa – A Series with African Parks In the final episode of our six-part series, we’re joined by Evan Trotzuk, Bazaruto Research & Monitoring Coordinator at African Parks, to explore efforts to protect East Africa’s last known viable dugong population. Once widespread along the continent’s eastern coastline, dugongs are now on the brink—making Bazaruto Archipelago National Park a critical stronghold for their survival. 🎧 Tune in as we discuss: • Why dugongs are so rare in Africa • The ecological importance of Bazaruto• How research and monitoring are shaping conservation strategiesWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RRuJrourygs?si=L0bVHp6GprXzZ0WA-------------------------------------------------Watch the Previous Episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyjdkjacNUyHkzzoY7xd6kNLYKIxtoDmU&si=6t8zVojdl6v863Sc-------------------------------------------------Website: https://thegreenhourpodcast.com/African Parks: https://www.africanparks.org/

Episode 5 | Conservation Across Africa – A Series with African Parks In this episode, we’re joined by Gwili Gibbon, Conservation Manager at African Parks to explore efforts to protect one of Africa’s most iconic and critically endangered species — the Western Lowland Gorilla. Found deep within the rainforests of Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo, this species faces immense pressure from poaching, disease, and habitat loss. Tune in as we discuss: 🌿 The challenges of conserving gorillas in dense rainforest ecosystems 🛡️ The role of rangers and community-led protection efforts📈 What long-term survival looks like for this elusive speciesWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_Gz9S_lGjlc?si=pfUoDJZMrBgGE3bS-------------------------------------------------Watch the Previous Episodes:Episode 1: A $1B Conservation Commitment | https://youtu.be/kLPMX0LT6e4?si=MumM1auAWAlNtDHqEpisode 2: Rewilding 2,000 Southern White Rhinos | https://youtu.be/EMt7qTEawfg?si=rLyQe95LYX9FscWXEpisode 3: The Largest Land Mammal Migration on Earth | https://youtu.be/f_UvXzZkt_8?si=t70jKDQ_yJKTmectEpisode 4: Shoebill Conservation in Bangweulu | https://youtu.be/WBlidHaoxjk?si=dBWd3NeXmvTOvbDI-------------------------------------------------Website: https://thegreenhourpodcast.com/ African Parks: https://www.africanparks.org/

Episode 4 | Conservation Across Africa – A Series with African ParksIn this episode, we’re joined by Maggie Hirschauer, Shoebill Program Manager at African Parks, to explore one of the most fascinating and elusive birds in Africa — the Shoebill.Found in the remote Bangweulu Wetlands of Zambia, the Shoebill is known for its prehistoric appearance, massive bill, and mysterious behavior.We dive into:• The Shoebill’s unique biology and behavior• Why it’s one of the most vulnerable birds in Africa• African Parks’ groundbreaking captive rearing program• The critical role of local communities in conservationDiscover what it takes to protect one of Africa’s most iconic — and endangered — birds.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WBlidHaoxjk?si=VXbVsjUNgCqWVksD________________________________________Watch the Previous Episodes:Episode 1: A $1B Conservation Commitment | https://youtu.be/kLPMX0LT6e4?si=SYzyAxaSpHvpId63Episode 2: Rewilding 2,000 Southern White Rhinos | https://youtu.be/EMt7qTEawfg?si=gr-QOOLanjyeg5veEpisode 3: The Largest Land Mammal Migration on Earth | https://youtu.be/f_UvXzZkt_8?si=CRH49KtMv5jGkvWW________________________________________Website: https://thegreenhourpodcast.com/African Parks: https://www.africanparks.org/

Episode 3 | Conservation Across Africa – A Series with African Parks In this episode, we sit down with Mike Fay, Landscape Coordinator at African Parks, to dive into the largest land mammal migration on Earth — the annual journey of 6 million antelope across the remote landscapes of South Sudan to Ethiopia.Learn how this little-known migration is being studied, protected, and brought into the global spotlight. ________________________________________About The Green Hour PodcastThe Green Hour Podcast is a global platform that connects sustainability leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to share insights on sustainable solutions. With a growing audience across six continents, The Green Hour continues to be at the forefront of global conversations on environmental action.YouTube: https://youtu.be/f_UvXzZkt_8?si=wFn-8vfrl8Wh28-oWebsite: https://thegreenhourpodcast.com/African Parks: https://www.africanparks.org/Listen to Episode 1 of the Series: https://youtu.be/kLPMX0LT6e4?si=BisZfOPdi_iLAOj7Listen to Episode 2 of the Series: https://youtu.be/EMt7qTEawfg?si=I0dBBkP2voAph3pv

Episode 2 | Conservation Across Africa – A Series with African ParksIn this episode, we sit down with Donovan Jooste, Rhino Rewilding Project Manager at African Parks, to explore the groundbreaking Rhino Rewild Project.In September 2023, African Parks acquired the world’s largest captive rhino breeding operation—securing the land, equipment, and all 2,000 southern white rhinos, representing nearly 15% of the global population. Now, they’re working to rewild these rhinos and translocate them to secure, well-managed protected areas across Africa over the next decade.🎯 Goal: Translocate up to 300 rhinos per year🌍 Timeline: 10 years🦏 Mission: Rewild 2,000 rhinos and restore balance to Africa’s ecosystemsTune in to hear how this bold conservation plan is unfolding, the challenges of large-scale translocation, and what it takes to give these iconic animals a second chance in the wild.________________________________________YouTube: https://youtu.be/EMt7qTEawfg?si=v7RR2AyNHTQA4LbOWebsite: https://thegreenhourpodcast.com/African Parks: https://www.africanparks.org/________________________________________Listen to Episode 1 of the Series: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7AyFgQRG53BnSzVR9sVUKD?si=sB1Z7WKwT_q4JZleJbs-Yw

To kick off our new series, Conservation Across Africa – A Series with African Parks, we sit down with Peter Fearnhead, CEO of African Parks Network. In this episode, we explore the organization’s groundbreaking $1 billion commitment to conservation, aimed at scaling their impact across the continent. Peter shares insights into African Parks’ ambitious plan to expand from managing 23 protected areas to 30 by 2030 — a bold move to safeguard biodiversity, support local communities, and build climate resilience across Africa. Tune in to learn how this historic investment is transforming the future of conservation at scale. ________________________________________ About The Green Hour Podcast The Green Hour Podcast is a global platform that connects sustainability leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to share insights on sustainable solutions. With a growing audience across six continents, The Green Hour continues to be at the forefront of global conversations on environmental action. Website: https://thegreenhourpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/kLPMX0LT6e4?si=InniLcnwxLVPBylIAfrican Parks: https://www.africanparks.org/

Coming June 2025 – Conservation Across Africa is a six-episode series in collaboration with African Parks, highlighting the people, partnerships, and protected areas driving one of the most ambitious conservation efforts on the continent. 🎧 Episode Guide:Episode 1: Overview of African Parks and the $1B Conservation Commitment 🎙️ Peter Fearnhead, CEO of African Parks Network 📅 Coming June 3, 2025Episode 2: Relocating 2,000 Southern White Rhinos 🎙️ Donovan Jooste, Rhino Rewilding Project Manager 📅 Coming June 5, 2025Episode 3: The Largest Land Mammal Migration in the World 🎙️ Mike Fay, Landscape Coordinator 📅 Coming June 10, 2025Episode 4: Sustaining a Vulnerable Bird Species – The Shoebill 🎙️ Maggie Hirschauer, Shoebill Program Manager 📅 Coming June 12, 2025Episode 5: Saving the Western Lowland Gorilla 🎙️ Gwili Gibbon, Conservation Manager 📅 Coming June 17, 2025Episode 6: Protecting the Dugong in Bazaruto National Park 🎙️ Evan Trotzuk, Research & Monitoring Coordinator 📅 Coming June 19, 2025🔔 Subscribe now and journey with us through Africa’s most ambitious conservation efforts.

On this episode of The Green Hour, we speak with Mutuma Muriuki, Founder of Eco Bristo, a company on a mission to empower sustainable farming by providing alternative, affordable, and eco-friendly pest-control technology and solutions.In this episode, we discuss:🕰️ The History of Pesticide Use across Africa⚠️ The Environmental, Social & Health Risks of Pesticides☀️ Eco Bristo’s Solution: Solar Pest Traps🌾 Scaling Agroecology in Kenya________________________________________Visit our WebsiteCheck out our recent Biodiversity Series: Conversations from Latin America with The Nature Conservancy

On this episode of The Green Hour, we sit down with Gerald Torres, Professor of Environmental Justice and Law at Yale University, Board Chair of Earth Day, and Trustee of the Natural Resources Defense Council.In this episode, we dive into:🌱 The crucial role of Native peoples in environmental conservation🌍 The disproportionate impacts of climate change, pollution, and resource extraction on Native lands⚖️ The Trump administration’s policies affecting Native communities⛏️ The environmental, economic, and societal implications of drilling and mining on Native land🌍 The #LandBack Movement: the return of lands and responsibilities to Indian Tribes

This week on The Green Hour, we sit down with Quill Robinson, Assistant Director and Associate Fellow at the Energy Security and Climate Change Program for CSIS and Senior Adviser with ConservAmerica, to explore what U.S. climate policy could look like under a second Trump administration. How much will it diverge from Biden’s approach, and what key policies could be reversed or reshaped?We break down the major shifts that may be on the horizon, including:Regulatory Rollbacks vs. Clean Energy Incentives – Trump’s deregulatory stance compared to Biden’s investment in clean energy technologies.The Future of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) – Will Trump scale back or dismantle Biden’s landmark climate legislation?Tariffs & Critical Minerals – How trade policies could impact global supply chains for key energy technologies.Paris Agreement & U.S. Climate Commitments – What an exit could mean for international climate cooperation.Join us as we examine the policies, politics, and global implications of a shifting climate agenda.

On this episode of The Green Hour, we’re joined by Don Weatherbee, CEO of Regenx Tech Corp., to discuss their innovative process for recovering precious metals from diesel catalytic converters.In this episode:🔧 Understanding catalytic converters in gasoline and diesel engines⚪ The valuable precious metals hidden inside catalytic converters🧪 How Regenx’s innovative chemical separation process achieves 99.9% purity🌍 The role of critical material supply chains in a circular economy♻️ A life cycle assessment of raw vs. regenerated materials________________________________________Visit our WebsiteCheck out our recent Biodiversity Series: Conversations from Latin America with The Nature Conservancy

On this episode of The Green Hour, we’re joined by Sydney Rodman, CEO of Green Revival, to explore an innovative solution to the invasive species crisis—transforming these plants into valuable biomass supply chains.In This Episode: 📉 The Growing Problem: How invasive plant species are impacting U.S. ecosystems 🌾 Turning a Crisis into Opportunity: Sourcing invasive plants for sustainable biomass________________________________________Visit our WebsiteCheck out our recent Concordia Summit Series: Conversations during NYC Climate Week

On this episode of The Green Hour, we sit down with Dan Koukol, CEO of Digit Software, to explore how Digit is transforming the manufacturing and recycling industries. Dan shares insights into how their innovative software solution is helping manufacturers streamline operations, uncover new opportunities, and enhance overall efficiency.In This Episode:👎 Why many recyclers are still relying on outdated, manual processes for data collection.🖥️ How Digit’s software provides actionable insights to manufacturers, enabling smarter decision-making.📊 Real-world case studies from recyclers who’ve experienced measurable success using Digit's solution (33:45).________________________________________Visit our WebsiteCheck out our recent Concordia Summit Series: Conversations during NYC Climate Week

Closing the Funding Gap for SDG-related investments in Developing Countries In the final episode of our Concordia Summit Series, we speak with Naomi Nwokolo, Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact Nigeria, about the staggering $2.5 trillion funding gap for SDG-related investments in developing countries. Join us as we unpack: 🌍 The UN's report reveals we’re only on track to achieve 17% of the SDGs by 2030. 💡 How private sector financing can bridge the gap and drive impact. 🔑 The Transformational Governance Toolkit, empowering Nigerian businesses to align with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Watch on YouTubeVisit our Website________________________________________

Calculate your Building's Carbon Footprint Easily with this Tool! On Episode 9 of the Concordia Summit Series we sit down with Erika Gupta, Head of Sustainability for Siemens Financial Services. Learn about Siemens' newly launched Decarbonization Business Optimizer (DBO™)—a powerful tool that: ✅ Delivers baseline carbon assessments ✅ Identifies efficient pathways to Net Zero ✅ Adapts to your facility's location, type, and size Plus, hear about Siemens' own journey to becoming Net Zero by 2030! Watch on YouTubeVisit our Website________________________________________Learn more about Siemens Financial ServicesLearn more about The Decarbonization Business Optimizer (DBO™)Access The Decarbonization Business Optimizer (DBO™)

Proteger 500.000 acres de selva amazónica de la extracción de petróleoEn el episodio 8 de la serie Summit nos sentamos con Nemonte Nenquimo y Mitch Anderson, cofundadores de Amazon Frontlines.En este episodio, exploraremos sus memorias recién publicadas, 'We Will Be Jaguars', que comparten la historia de vida de Nemonte, la sabiduría ancestral de su pueblo y la lucha indígena para proteger el Amazonas. También discutiremos las recientes victorias contra las grandes petroleras y el trabajo de Amazon Frontlines, que recientemente recibió el premio Hilton Humanitarian Prize. Ver en YouTubeVisita nuestro sitio web________________________________________Para obtener más información sobre 'We Will Be Jaguars': https://wewillbejaguars.org/Para obtener más información sobre Amazon Frontlines: https://amazonfrontlines.org/

Protecting 500,000 Acres of Amazon Rainforest from Oil ExtractionOn Episode 8 of the Concordia Summit Series we sit down with Nemonte Nenquimo and Mitch Anderson, Co-founders of Amazon Frontlines. In this episode, we’ll explore their newly released memoir, 'We Will Be Jaguars', which shares Nemonte’s life story, her people’s ancestral wisdom, and the Indigenous fight to protect the Amazon. We’ll also discuss recent victories against Big Oil and the work of Amazon Frontlines, which was recently awarded the Hilton Humanitarian Prize. Watch on YouTubeVisit our Website________________________________________To learn more about 'We Will Be Jaguars': https://wewillbejaguars.org/ To learn more about Amazon Frontlines: https://amazonfrontlines.org/