SustainabiliTea Podcast

“Mining and refining is what you have to prevent” - at Circular Republic, Dr. Matthias Ballweg advocates for a circular economic model to close the resource loops. But in a room of strategists and CEOs Matthias does not mention resource extraction and biodiversity loss. He asks them about their China Strategy. He asks them about the resilience of their supply chains.

In this episode, Matthias illustrates the importance of narrative in engaging with decision-makers on the economics of a circular system. He explains how the work of Circular Republic as a neutral innovation platform is focused on immediate action and change, using latest technology to pilot circular business models end to end across industries - from batteries to textiles.

We engage on the potential as well as the challenges CE faces: How does the perception of CE and collaboration around it evolve? How can AI enable more efficient reuse and repair models? What obstacles do waste legislation and antitrust laws pose towards circular businesses?

Episode Hosts: Christina Bukow & Hannah Sassi

Will nature be the next big asset class? Prof. Dr. Martin Stuchtey, CEO of The Landbanking Group, thinks so—and he’s on a mission to redefine wealth by making natural capital investment-grade and accessible to businesses worldwide. In this episode, Martin shares how his 20 years at McKinsey informed his vision for system-focused consulting and his current work aligning natural capital accounting with cutting-edge technology. We discuss rewarding land stewards for ecological outcomes, the role of market-based solutions, and why every company must rethink prosperity to include nature. Learn how The Landbanking Group aims to make investing in nature as mainstream as any other asset class while developing a new narrative for inclusive wealth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about aligning economic and ecological resilience.

Episode Hosts: Christina Bukow & Ashley Bang

What role does the courtroom play in the fight against climate change? Join us as Dr. Benjamin Franta unpacks the rapidly growing field of climate litigation, where science meets justice to hold fossil fuel giants and governments accountable. Drawing striking parallels with the tobacco industry, Dr. Franta unpacks landmark liability cases, explores the use of scientific attribution in legal battles, and examines how these efforts are driving global accountability. From the unique challenges faced by the Global South to the mounting risks for corporations, this conversation sheds light on how legal strategies are transforming the energy industry. Think Suits, but for the planet—this episode is a high-stakes exploration of how litigation is reshaping the rules of climate action and the future of corporate responsibility. If you care about the intersection of justice, climate, and global accountability, this conversation is one you can’t afford to miss.

Episode Hosts: Gita Briel & Shivaun Chandiramani

What does sustainability look like in the world’s most iconic fast-food chain? Jordan Calverley takes us behind the scenes of McDonald’s sustainability strategy, revealing the challenges of integrating eco-conscious practices into a global franchise model. We explore the complexities of carbon lock-in, the trade-offs of working for a multinational corporation, and the truth behind McDonald’s controversial reputation. Jordan also tackles the big questions facing sustainability professionals: Can meaningful change arise from working within imperfect organisations, or should sustainability professionals prioritize firms that already align with their ethical values? Get ready for an exploration of how even the biggest corporations can take steps toward a greener future—and what that means for the professionals driving this change.

Episode Hosts: Isobel Laughton & Gita Briel

In this episode of SustainabiliTea, we sit down with Dr. Pete Barbrook-Johnson, an Oxford academic at the forefront of complexity science and systems thinking. We discover how these innovative frameworks can tackle the climate crisis by analyzing critical policy developments, from the renewable energy transition to the UK's heat pump rollout and China's emissions trading system. Dr. Barbrook-Johnson demystifies agent-based modelling, a cutting-edge tool that models intricate social and economic systems with a nuance that traditional economic methods neglect. This conversation is a must for anyone curious about new ways to tackle the world's most urgent challenges. Tune in to explore the promises—and pitfalls—of these transformative approaches.

Episode Hosts: Christina Bukow & Harry Lightfoot Brown