With guest Peter Suasso de Lima de Prado, a lawyer, supply chain executive and sustainaibility expert, we delve into the legislative shifts impacting businesses, especially in environmental sustainability and human rights within supply chains. This episode is essential for business leaders to understand how the existing legislations came into effect as well as the

-Evolution of Human Rights in Business

-UN's Business and Human Rights Framework

-Limitations of Voluntary Frameworks

-National Legislation: France and Germany

-Key Provisions

-Business Implications

-Embracing Collaboration

-Defining a Responsible Supply Chain

Besides downloading and reading his whitepaper here, you can reach Peter at his company Bluespar

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

As we find ourselves in that unique space between Christmas and New Year's, I share some reflections from our latest episode of the 5Cs Podcast. This time of year, which I fondly call the "messy middle," is perfect for a bit of contemplation and anticipation. Think of it as the pause between the main course and dessert—a moment to savor and reflect.

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

With guest Tim MacDonald , we continue the conversation about the challenges of transitioning to clean energy. It's not merely a matter of upgrading technology; it is a complex process that requires significant financial backing, which is often hard to come by. As we wrap up 2024, we reflect on the abundance of venture capital available for clean energy investments and the stark reality that businesses seeking to change their systems often find limited support.

• Maintenance Funding: Maintenance is often viewed as unexciting and not conducive to business growth, leading to a lack of available funding options. Businesses typically self-fund their maintenance programs, which can hinder their ability to innovate and adopt new technologies.
• Financial Viability: Demonstrating financial viability to potential investors is crucial. Businesses need to model themselves as cash flow machines to attract investment.

To navigate these challenges, Tim McDonald suggests that businesses should seek partnerships with pension funds and go armed with

Clear Budgeting: Start with a clear budget that outlines the business's goals, inputs, and expected revenue.

Cash Flow Modeling: Model the business as a cash flow machine to demonstrate financial viability to potential investors.

An Equity Payback Model: Establish a fair agreement that outlines how surplus revenue will be shared with pension investors. This allows businesses to retain more cash flow as they grow, ultimately leading to a self-funding operation.

Tim shares an ambitious vision for addressing climate change on a global scale. He proposes that pension funds should collectively acquire fossil fuel companies to remove them from capital markets, allowing these companies to transition away from fossil fuels without the pressure to maintain share price growth. As part of the conversation he also shares six principles of fairness that should guide all operations in this new paradigm:

Fair Trade: Ensuring fairness in supply chain relationships.

Fair Engagement: Engaging with communities, including government and regulatory bodies.

Fair Reckoning: Acknowledging and addressing the environmental and social consequences of business practices.

Fair Working: Ensuring fair treatment of workers in the workplace.

Fair Dealing: Promoting fair competition and dealings in the market.

Fair Sharing: Ensuring that savers and investors receive fair returns on their investments.

Final Thoughts:

• Collaboration and Innovation: The path forward requires collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to doing better for the planet and future generations.
• Meaningful Change: In a world grappling with the consequences of past actions, it is imperative that we collectively strive for a more sustainable and equitable future.

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

With guest Tim McDonald, a seasoned expert in law, finance, and economics, we explore how pension funds, often misunderstood as mere savings accounts, can be pivotal in supporting businesses' shift to clean energy. This engaging discussion highlights the untapped power of pension funds to drive sustainable growth and climate action, offering business leaders innovative strategies for a greener future. We cover

Tim argues that pension funds have not fully embraced the technological advancements that have transformed other areas of finance, such as private equity. By leveraging modern financial tools, pension funds can align their investments with their core mission and support businesses in transitioning to clean energy.

Tim proposes that pension funds could provide equity financing to businesses without the rigid repayment schedules associated with traditional bank loans. This approach allows businesses to focus on sustainable growth without the pressure to meet short-term financial targets. Instead of requiring immediate returns, pension funds can align their interests with the long-term health of the businesses they support.

Charlene and Tim discuss the broader implications of this financing model for climate action. Tim asserts that aligning pension fund investments with the needs of the economy can create a more sustainable and equitable financial landscape. By directing capital toward clean energy initiatives, pension funds can help address the urgent challenges posed by climate change.

Charlene envisions a scenario where businesses can access flexible financing through pension contributions, leading to a significant boost in the clean energy sector. She emphasizes the importance of innovative solutions that prioritize the collective good and rectify the unintended consequences of past decisions.

• Pension funds offer a sustainable and flexible financing alternative for businesses transitioning to clean energy.
• Understanding the differences between pensions and savings accounts is crucial for leveraging their potential.
• Aligning pension fund investments with long-term economic needs can create a more equitable and sustainable financial landscape.

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

In the first of three in this series, Tim McDonald, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in law and finance. , presents an innovative solution to the financial challenges companies face when transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy.

The Financial Hurdles of Transitioning to Clean Energy

Transitioning to clean energy is a monumental task that often requires substantial upfront investment. There are three three primary ways businesses can finance this transition:

-Using Existing Cash Reserves

-Reallocating Funds from Other Projects

-Seeking Bank Loans

However, traditional bank loans rarely cover the full cost of such transitions, leaving many companies in a difficult position. This is where Tim's innovative approach comes into play.

The Role of Pension Funds in Financing Clean Energy

Pension funds, which hold trillions of dollars globally, are often overlooked as a potential source of capital for socially beneficial investments. Unlike capital markets, which prioritize growth and profit extraction, pension funds can provide the necessary patience and stability for companies looking to make long-term investments in clean technology.

In this episode, we also cover

-Understanding Pension Funds

-The Potential of Pension Funds

-Actionable Steps for Business Leaders

In a world grappling with the consequences of past actions, the focus must shift toward creating a sustainable future. By leveraging the power of pension funds, companies can not only secure the financing they need but also contribute to a more equitable and sustainable economy for all.

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

Planned obsolescence refers to the practice of designing products with a limited lifespan, compelling consumers to replace them more frequently. This strategy is often employed by manufacturers to boost sales and maximize profits. However, it has significant negative consequences, including increased waste and environmental degradation.

One of the most pressing issues associated with planned obsolescence is the environmental impact. Products designed to fail or become obsolete quickly contribute to the growing problem of waste. Landfills are filling up with discarded electronics, appliances, and other consumer goods, leading to significant environmental challenges.

Consumers often express frustration over the short lifespan of modern products. Items like laptops, smartphones, and household appliances that once lasted for decades now frequently need replacement within just a few years. This not only leads to increased spending but also contributes to the cycle of waste.

Charlene emphasizes that discussions about planned obsolescence rarely take place in corporate boardrooms. Instead, the primary focus is on improving financial results, often through cost-cutting measures that compromise product quality. This short-term focus on profitability exacerbates the problem of waste and environmental degradation.

While the issue of planned obsolescence is complex and deeply rooted in corporate practices, there are steps we all can do to mitigate its impact and promote more sustainable practices.

1. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

• Research Before Purchase: Invest time in researching products before making a purchase. Look for reviews and ratings that highlight durability and longevity.
• Choose Reputable Brands: Opt for brands known for their commitment to quality and sustainability, even if they come at a higher initial cost.

• Repair Instead of Replace: Whenever possible, repair products instead of replacing them. Many items can be fixed with a little effort and the right tools.
• Learn Basic Maintenance: Educate yourself on basic maintenance practices to extend the lifespan of your products. Simple actions like cleaning filters or updating software can make a significant difference.

• Buy from Eco-Friendly Brands: Support companies that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. Look for certifications and labels that indicate a commitment to environmental responsibility.
• Advocate for Change: Use your purchasing power to advocate for change. Let companies know that you value sustainability and are willing to pay for products that are designed to last.

• Minimize Consumption: Be mindful of your consumption habits. Buy only what you need and avoid impulse purchases.
• Reuse and Repurpose: Find creative ways to reuse and repurpose items instead of discarding them. This can help reduce waste and extend the life of products.
• Recycle Responsibly: Properly recycle items that can no longer be used. Many communities offer recycling programs for electronics and other goods.

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

The insights of Sandy Trust, a distinguished actuary in the UK who sits on the council of of the IFOA underscore the interconnectedness of government policy, corporate responsibility, and societal beliefs in addressing environmental challenges. By advocating for proactive policy engagement and a rethinking of economic education, Sandy envisions a path forward for businesses to navigate the complexities of sustainability and avoid potential catastrophes. Business leaders are called to embrace their role in shaping a more sustainable future, leveraging the power of policy, transparency, and education to drive meaningful change.

Key takeaways are:

-The Role of Government Policy in Shaping Sustainable Business Practices

-Balancing Free-Market Capitalism with Regulatory Guardrails

-The Influence of Industries on Public Perception and Policy

-Education in Ecological Economics

Further reading:

2022 - Tipping points with Sir David King (CCAG) – climate change is a risk mgt problem, tipping points change everything

2023 - Emperor’s New Scenarios with Tim Lenton (Exeter) – climate change scenario analysis is understating risk, we need to work backwards from ruin

2024 - Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail with Tim Lenton (Exeter) – warming is accelerating, and the climate may be much more sensitive than we think to GHGs

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

With our guest Sandy Trust, a distinguished actuary in the UK who sits on the council of of the IFOA based in the UK, we get into the one area nobody wants to look at. The Point of No Return. Sandy provides a comprehensive overview of the risks associated with climate change, emphasizing the importance of understanding temperature thresholds and tipping points. He highlight the interconnectedness of Earth's systems and the urgent need for collective action to mitigate the impacts of climate change before it is too late. This conversation serves as a stark reminder of the precarious state of our planet and the critical choices we face in the coming years.

Key highlights are:

-Understanding the "Point of No Return"

-What is the "Point of No Return"?

-Why is it Important?

-Temperature Thresholds and Their Implications

-The Paris Agreement Goals

-Understanding Temperature Sensitivity

-Implications of Exceeding Temperature Thresholds

-What are Tipping Points?

-Known Tipping Points

-Consequences of Crossing Tipping Points

Further reading:

2022 - Tipping points with Sir David King (CCAG) – climate change is a risk mgt problem, tipping points change everything

2023 - Emperor’s New Scenarios with Tim Lenton (Exeter) – climate change scenario analysis is understating risk, we need to work backwards from ruin

2024 - Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail with Tim Lenton (Exeter) – warming is accelerating, and the climate may be much more sensitive than we think to GHGs

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.