Cliff Feigenbaum

Check out this recent IUCN report on the Regenerative Blue Economy if you are interested in what the future of the blue economy should look like. Below, I share my perspective as a member of the advisory committee of this initiative, on the main message and a couple features I found particularly striking. ✅The main message (as I read it): The report builds a historical perspective to explain why the 'blue economy', or even the 'sustainable blue economy', are not sufficient anymore. As the decline of ocean life has already been so dramatic that there is not much left to sustain or conserve, we need to raise our ambition and aim at a 'Regenerative Blue Economy'. One that actively addresses climate change an biodiversity loss. Alexandra Cousteau first convinced me of this in 2018 and it has guided my efforts in the space since. As a member of the advisory committee of this report, this was the main message I tried to pass on. 🧬The report (page 11, box 1) says the Regenerative Blue Economy is based on "scientifically grounded assessments". Indeed, I believe we will succeed in building a Regenerative Blue Economy only if we can embed science at the core of economic decisions. We need to overhaul our economic governance (shareholder meetings, boards, investment committees, etc...) to achieve this. This is why for example at SWEN Blue Ocean we created an Impact Committee composed of science and conservation experts to help us make the right investment decisions. We need to do this at scale, across the economy. 🌟Pages 30-31 of the report recognizes the potential of the impact framework of the Ocean Impact Navigator, developed by 1000 Ocean Startups, to apply to the economy as a whole, not just startups. I have always believed that, meaning the impact of the Navigator may expand beyond ocean startups at some point. Helping characterize what belongs to the Regenerative Blue Economy is a step in that direction. Congratulations to the lead authors, RAPHAELA LE GOUVELLO, Francois Simard, and the IUCN team. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to contribute. Adrien Vincent Minna Epps https://lnkd.in/eNKPxYZ4

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🌎 California's second carbon market auction of the year has raised significant revenue at a critical time for climate funds! 💰🌿 The latest Western Climate Initiative auction results show continued demand for allowances and confidence in the program's stability. This auction is expected to generate approximately $1.1 Billion for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), which funds initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building climate resilience. 🌱🚉 📈 Key Highlights: - All 51,589,488 current vintage allowances were purchased, marking the 15th consecutive sold-out auction. - The current auction settled at $37.02, significantly above the $24.04 price floor. - All 7,211,000 future vintage allowances offered were sold, settling at $38.35. 💼🌟 Over the past decade, investments from the GGRF have reduced California's emissions by 109.2 million metric tons—equivalent to removing 80% of the state's gas cars from the road! These funds have supported zero-emissions transport, affordable housing, and other critical projects. 🔥 As California faces another summer with heightened wildfire risks and evident climate change impacts, the importance of the GGRF is clearer than ever. Despite the slight dip in settlement prices, strong demand continues, reflecting the market's stability. 🌿🌍 Let's continue to invest in a sustainable future and support initiatives that make a real difference! https://lnkd.in/grvTCJ-y #ClimateAction #Sustainability #GreenFuture #CaliforniaClimate #CarbonMarket

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Has anyone else in #Apparel been following California's SB 707 to enhance textile recycling? We're early in understanding what this means, as final language is still being sorted out, but at first glance, many apparel brands are going to find it challenging to meet the requirements for recycling and reuse of their products at end of life. It appears to have rather broad implications, including not only manufacturers, but also importers, distributors, retailers, and wholesalers. #Sustainability #Recycling #Textiles #ApparelManufacturing

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The SBTi just published an evidence review that pretty comprehensively trashes carbon credits: "[V]arious types of carbon credits are ineffective in delivering their intended mitigation outcomes." "There could be clear risks to corporate use of carbon credits for the purposes of offsetting. This includes potential unintended effects of hindering the net-zero transformation and/or reducing climate finance." "All Tier A evidence challenge the legitimacy of offsetting claims, arguing that treating carbon credits as fungible with other sources, sinks, or reductions of emissions is inadvisable, illogical, or damaging to global mitigation goals." https://lnkd.in/eJfTuPyD

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Collaboration and alliances among local and state governments, land trusts, for-profit and philanthropic organizations, NGOs, and community groups and leaders are essential to balancing Colorado's needs for development, affordable housing, land preservation, etc. Siloed and loosely coupled missions that aren't intentionally co-designed with community, strategic, inclusive, and continuously assessed will risk perpetuating the same inequalities they seek to solve. "One example can be found in Washington’s Methow Valley, a remarkable ecosystem that hosts a vibrant tourism economy and an all-too-familiar struggle with affordable housing for the people who work there. Rather than sit aside while unfettered development eroded the valley’s natural amenities, a regional conservation collaboration, the Methow Conservancy, took action. They partnered with the Methow Housing Trust to make land available for a new neighborhood of affordable housing for local workers. Land that might otherwise have been developed by a few wealthy homebuilders on large lots is now finding a much more sustainable use, and the community can remain livable for many local families. "Other examples of conservation and amenity trap solutions coming together can be found around the country. In Sandpoint, Idaho, a conservation-led partnership is centering the development of workforce housing in tandem with conservation projects. In Durango, Colorado, a fund reimburses homeowners who build new auxiliary dwellings and rent to local workers. In Norwood, Colorado, donated land, modular home construction, infrastructure subsidized by philanthropies, and a nonprofit developer are increasing the stock of affordable housing. And in McCall, Idaho, deed restrictions (similar to conservation easements that follow properties in perpetuity) are being used to ensure future home buyers are local workers rather than second homeowners." https://lnkd.in/g5ydpWct

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ABOUT THE BIPARTISAN SENATE CLIMATE SOLUTIONS CAUCUS We each acknowledge our climate is changing, human activity is contributing, and Congress must play a central role in developing strategies for mitigation and adaptation. We affirm that bipartisan action on climate must strengthen American competitiveness and international leadership while protecting and promoting the economic interests of all Americans. We know that Republicans, Democrats, and Independents can find common ground on climate solutions. The Climate Solutions Caucus will consider and discuss a wide variety of topics in the context of policy solutions to address our changing climate. These topics may include, but are not limited to:  Promoting affordable energy and environmental protection through research and innovation in clean and advanced technologies, such as carbon capture and energy storage. Encouraging energy efficiency through strategies for the private sector, non-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local government. Addressing the unique needs of specific sectors such as manufacturing or transportation. Sequestering or reducing emissions through reforestation, agricultural practices, and conservation. Strategies to promote resiliency and adaptation to the effects of our changing climate. Coordinating actions between federal, state, and local government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. Working collaboratively with other nations, in particular major emitting economies, to take meaningful actions to address this global issue. Crafting policies that meaningfully reduce emissions while also creating 21st century jobs and ensuring that no American is left behind. We at The Dandy Horse, Inc. thank you all for using common sense and for doing what is right! Christopher Coons Senator Mike Braun Jeanne Shaheen Senator Mitt Romney Senator Angus S. King, Jr. Senator Lisa Murkowski Senator Mike Bennett Us Senator Lindsey Graham Senator Debbie Stabenow Marco Rubio Senator Tammy Baldwin U.S. Senator Susan Collins Senator Jacky Rosen Consider this #VIDAT The Transportation CO2 #Avoidance Credit Act A Circular and Sustainable Economy geared towards a Greener, Safer Bicycle Infrastructure for Commuting #Verified #Transportation CO2 Avoidance Credits, implemented as an incentive to support the funding of current and local bicycle infrastructure needs, to operate under a system known as Avoid and Reward. Reducing carbon emissions one bicycle at a time. A #bicycle commuter emits just 34 grams of #Co2 per mile. Any other mode of commuting emits more Co2 per mile. State bicycle policy officials are responsible for posting approved projects that necessitate financial support from companies within the transportation sector that operate within their respective jurisdictions. This provides Future Rights to all Transportation Co2 Avoidance Credits associated #ESG Trek Bicycle IBM Microsoft for Startups Sequoia Capital Fifth Wall

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Just returned from Environmental Finance's Natural Capital Investment conference in NYC. A few takeaways: 🦋 Amazing level of interest in biodiversity credit from institutions and investors. I don’t know that I’ll ever stop being surprised that we can now pack a room by talking about nature and money at the same time. Stop making it hard for ourselves. Instead of trying to turn struggling or failed carbon projects into nature ones. Or dealing with wicked additionality issues from avoided loss forest preservation projects. Why not focus the first years of the market on uplift/restoration projects on places that even one’s mom could tell are different before and after. Buyers should start being a little clearer about what they want (i.e. forests, grasslands?) and where they want it (Ghana, Poland?). Give the market more of a head-start so they can provide it. Paula DiPerna's excellent keynote on the need for profit and loss accounting for the planet made me write down this: “If we care about minimum wage, why are we making Mother Nature work for free?” 💵 Who knew that there are already $1 billion in assets put into biodiversity funds this year?  I did not know.   Biodiversity credits are old, not new. First wetland ecosystem bank – 1982. First wildlife bank (seabirds) – 1986. First riparian ecosystem bank – 2000. First Indigenous-owned and operated bank – 2012. First comprehensive regulatory credit system for all of nature – 2024 (England). I’ve never been an a finance meeting where financial experts don’t sardonically say that capital is sitting on the sidelines waiting for someone to make conditions more attractive to them while simultaneously explaining that they have already put money on the table. 🙊 20% of nature-based carbon projects on the market are solid and 80% are questionable? One opinion that I won’t forget to keep gut-checking. Nature deserves to be able to take advantage of the full suite of capital tools that are available in other sectors – this is a public policy goal I’m going to keep under my pillow. Thanks Environmental Markets! Genevieve Redgrave Ruben Ortiz Hernandez Chris Martin Julia Santander Megan Reilly Cayten Nkwi Flores Manesh Lacoul Jessica Smith Sacha Spector

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Excited to be part of New York Climate Week! It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity to engage, share insights, and collaborate on innovative climate solutions. Here are a few key events I’ll be attending/speaking at: 🌎 Climate Week NYC: The Climate Group's event during New York Climate Week will focus on accelerating bold climate solutions through cross-sector collaboration and leadership to drive global climate action. 🌎 A Gender Transformative Approach to Climate Resilience: Hosted by IDEO.org, this panel explores how a gender lens in climate action fosters equity and community resilience. 🌎 Connected Women Leaders Reception: A closed-door event at The Rockefeller Foundation celebrating women's leadership in addressing the climate and nature crisis. 🌎 High-Level Roundtable on Scaling Up Adaptation Finance and Action at COP-29: Organized by DanChurch Aid and partners, this roundtable builds trust between nations ahead of COP-29. 🌎 Sustainability Summit: Co-hosted by GBBC, Microsoft, and Blockchain x Climate, this event highlights digital innovation’s role in achieving climate-related SDGs. 🌎 India Day Convening: Organized by ORF and UN India, this convening discusses the Global South’s leadership in delivering development solutions. 🌎 Centering Workers and Communities in Climate Resilience: Hosted by People’s Courage International, this event focuses on the role of workers in climate resilience, with insights from a multi-country migrant worker study. 🌎 Catalyzing Climate Innovations in the Global South: At Columbia University, I’ll be speaking on empowering grassroots climate entrepreneurs through a fellowship program. If you're attending, let’s connect! Reach out so we can catch up or collaborate to drive meaningful change. #NYClimateWeek #ClimateAction #GenderEquality #Sustainability #ClimateAsia

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Exciting Friday update: The Energy Transition Accelerator (ETA), a high-integrity carbon finance platform, became an independent initiative today. First started by the Bezos Earth Fund, The U.S. Department of State, and The Rockefeller Foundation, the ETA could generate billions of dollars in transition finance to support just energy transitions for developing and emerging economies. Through the ETA, The Rockefeller Foundation is investing in the people and communities fighting on the front lines of the climate crisis. Without a just and equitable energy transition, we will not win the climate fight. Learn more about the initiative here: https://lnkd.in/ef4q-sip 

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CCS Fundraising released the 13th edition of the 2024 Philanthropic Landscape Report, providing timely insights into the philanthropic sector. Key highlights from the report include: * The top global philanthropy causes in 2023 included disaster relief, health, and human rights. * Though individual giving, the largest share of total giving, grew by 1.6%, total donors dropped 3.4%. * Foundation giving surpassed $100 billion for the second year in a row. * There are now an estimated 2 million Donor-advised Funds (DAFs) in the US. *Corporate philanthropy as a giving source increased to $36.3 billion but remained the smallest share of total giving. *Building four pillars of AI readiness – People & Culture, Centralized Data, Global Data Governance, and Ethics & Security – can enhance fundraising success. #fundraising #fundraisingstrategies #fundraisingtips #fundraisingtrends #fundraisingdata #givingtrends https://lnkd.in/geBNpwnY

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The runup to the election is stressful for many of us, but it's especially so for nonprofit leaders whose orgs do research and advocacy for renewable energy. They face the possibility of going from Joe Biden--who has advanced renewable energy more than any other president--to someone who talks about "wind cancer." I asked John Farrell, Sonia Aggarwal, Simon Mahan and Bernadette Del Chiaro what they're thinking about in the final days of this election season: https://lnkd.in/gDPVvESG

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Philanthropy is changing. But knowing where trends are headed gives fundraisers an advantage. Read insights from BDI CEO Michael J. Tomlinson on the latest Giving USA report to help chart your course as fundraiser.

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The Donor Gap (1); Donor Retention (2); #Fundraising in Today's #Economy (3); #ArtificialIntelligence Assistants (4) + Data & #Nonprofit #Leader Decisions (5): https://ow.ly/SlBa50SCthG https://ow.ly/ch4j50SCthI https://ow.ly/GYlP50SCthJ https://ow.ly/7TTy50SCthK https://ow.ly/sxaA50SCthC

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We see and build a LOT of financial models, and now, we're sharing our wisdom with you! Check out our most recent Insight on building a good proforma, from our very own Syeda Ramsha Rizvi, CFA. If you're looking to build a new operating model or investor-facing proforma, this one's for you!

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When natural disasters strike, we need to act swiftly to support recovery efforts. CDFA and our members are proud to advocate for permanent disaster recovery bonds. This key initiative ensures that cities and states affected by natural disasters have immediate access to critical financing. #DisasterRecovery #Finance #CDFA #BondMarket #Advocacy #Infrastructure @TobyRittner @JamieKarl

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Philanthropy — from place-based to national foundations, from grantmaking to impact investment programs, from policy to community economic development — played a central role in making the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) a reality. And, importantly, philanthropy will continue to play a pivotal role in effectively implementing and catalyzing these public dollars. It’s just the beginning. #philanthropy #cleanenergy #economicdevelopment #investment

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