208: The Hidden Secrets Behind Profit-Driven Climate Action with Joel Makower

Update: 2025-09-25

Description

There’s a spectrum of ways to fight against climate change and smart, intentional business lies right in the middle of that spectrum. Joel Makower, Chairman of Trellis Group and a pioneering figure in green business practices takes us behind the scenes of the economics of climate action in this revealing episode of A Climate Change. Tune in for an exploration of the intersection of business innovation and environmental sustainability - from Pentagon-inspired sustainability strategies to corporate environmental initiatives worth $16 trillion in economic power. Joel’s expertise shines a light on the New Age of American environmentalism and why walkable communities, regenerative agriculture, and resource productivity aren't just environmental solutions - they're crucial elements of America's economic resilience and security in an increasingly unstable world.

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Joel Makower Bio:

Joel Makower is the Chairman and Co-founder of Trellis Group and a pioneering voice in sustainable business practices since 1991. Known as "the guru of green business practices" by the Associated Press, Joel has been instrumental in shaping corporate sustainability strategies for over three decades. He is the co-author of "The New Grand Strategy: Restoring America's Prosperity, Security and Sustainability in the 21st Century," drawing from Pentagon initiatives, and has gone on to write a dozen books on environmental business practices.

Starting with the Green Business Letter newsletter in 1991, Joel built what would become a global platform connecting sustainability professionals from major corporations representing over $16 trillion in combined revenue. Through Trellis Group, he orchestrates influential conferences and knowledge-sharing networks that have helped launch significant corporate sustainability initiatives. Joel's expertise in connecting business profitability with environmental stewardship has made him a leading voice in demonstrating how sustainability initiatives drive both corporate success and environmental progress.

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