
Why Carbon Trading Could Be Our Climate Lifesaver: A Deep Dive with Mike Azlen
09/20/23 β’ 40 min
1 Listener
In today's episode of the Climate Confident podcast we dive deep into the intricacies of carbon markets with none other than Mike Azlen, the founder and CEO of Carbon Cap Management. Ever wondered how carbon trading actually works? Or whether it's effective in reducing emissions? Buckle up, because this episode has got you covered
π± The "Fit for 55" Initiative π±
Mike and I tackle the European Union's ambitious "Fit for 55" initiative, which aims to reduce emissions by 55% compared to the 1990 baseline. What are the chances of meeting this goal? Mike has got some insights that may surprise you!
π Cap-and-Trade Explained π
If you've been scratching your head over what a cap-and-trade system is, listen up! We dig into how these markets set a limit on emissions and create a financial incentive for companies to be more eco-friendly. The best part? It's a self-adjusting mechanism!
π Carbon Prices and Economic Cycles π
What happens to carbon prices during recessions? Well, they tend to fall! This episode sheds light on why this isn't necessarily a bad thing and how it can even help struggling companies.
π¨ Facing the Climate Crisis π¨
Now, let's get real for a minute. Even though it may seem like we're making strides in combating climate change, the numbers tell a different story. We discuss the role of carbon removal and why it's crucial for us to get to grips with it, especially in the face of potential tipping points and runaway climate change.
π Bonus Resources π
If you're a data geek like me, you'll love the research Mike is offering on Carbon Cap Management's website, filled with educational videos, webinars, and papers.
So, don't wait! Hit that play button and get ready to become a carbon market expert, or watch the video version on YouTube! π§
Until next time, stay climate confident, and let's make our planet a better place! π
P.S. Got questions for Mike? I'll be linking his LinkedIn profile in the show notes. Feel free to reach out! π
Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:
- Lorcan Sheehan
- Jerry Sweeney
- Andreas Werner
- Stephen Carroll
- Roger Arnold
And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.
Contact
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn.
If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.
Credits
Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
In today's episode of the Climate Confident podcast we dive deep into the intricacies of carbon markets with none other than Mike Azlen, the founder and CEO of Carbon Cap Management. Ever wondered how carbon trading actually works? Or whether it's effective in reducing emissions? Buckle up, because this episode has got you covered
π± The "Fit for 55" Initiative π±
Mike and I tackle the European Union's ambitious "Fit for 55" initiative, which aims to reduce emissions by 55% compared to the 1990 baseline. What are the chances of meeting this goal? Mike has got some insights that may surprise you!
π Cap-and-Trade Explained π
If you've been scratching your head over what a cap-and-trade system is, listen up! We dig into how these markets set a limit on emissions and create a financial incentive for companies to be more eco-friendly. The best part? It's a self-adjusting mechanism!
π Carbon Prices and Economic Cycles π
What happens to carbon prices during recessions? Well, they tend to fall! This episode sheds light on why this isn't necessarily a bad thing and how it can even help struggling companies.
π¨ Facing the Climate Crisis π¨
Now, let's get real for a minute. Even though it may seem like we're making strides in combating climate change, the numbers tell a different story. We discuss the role of carbon removal and why it's crucial for us to get to grips with it, especially in the face of potential tipping points and runaway climate change.
π Bonus Resources π
If you're a data geek like me, you'll love the research Mike is offering on Carbon Cap Management's website, filled with educational videos, webinars, and papers.
So, don't wait! Hit that play button and get ready to become a carbon market expert, or watch the video version on YouTube! π§
Until next time, stay climate confident, and let's make our planet a better place! π
P.S. Got questions for Mike? I'll be linking his LinkedIn profile in the show notes. Feel free to reach out! π
Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:
- Lorcan Sheehan
- Jerry Sweeney
- Andreas Werner
- Stephen Carroll
- Roger Arnold
And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.
Contact
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn.
If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.
Credits
Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
Previous Episode

10 Gigatons a Year: How Nature-Based Solutions Can Reverse Climate Change
In this week's episode of the Climate Confident podcast I sat down with Peter Bachmann, the managing director of the Sustainable Infrastructure division at Gresham House, and let me tell you, this conversation is a goldmine for anyone passionate about building a sustainable future. π
First up, we delve into the world of "Habitat Banks." Imagine turning unproductive farmland into biodiversity havens that not only restore nature but also offer financial returns for landowners. Sound impossible? Peter lays down how it's being done, and you're gonna want to hear this. π±
Vertical Farms! That's right, we talk about the role they could play in pushing traditional farmland into more sustainable practices. Peter argues that when vertical farming becomes competitive, it will make room for land to be repurposed into these remarkable "Habitat Banks." It's a win-win for the planet and your pocket! πΎπ’
One of the episode's highlights is the conversation about Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). You'll learn about the science-backed metrics like eDNA that are turning biodiversity from an abstract concept into a measurable target for companies. Plus, did you know that we could potentially save 10 gigatons of CO2 emissions per year through nature-based solutions? π³π
Peter also tackles the age-old myth that impact means sacrificing returns. Quite the oppositeβimpact can DRIVE financial gains. Investors, entrepreneurs, and even skeptics will find this incredibly eye-opening. π°πΏ
For a dash of future food talk, Peter gives us a sneak peek into the untapped potential of alternative proteins. From lab-grown meats to plant-based options, this is the future of food we've all been waiting for. πβ‘οΈπ±
So what are you waiting for? Hit play and let's dive into these exciting avenues for sustainable change. Or check out the video version of this podcast at https://youtu.be/4K7a-wTkSv8
Until next time, let's keep pushing the envelope for a better world! πͺ
P.S. If you're as thrilled about these topics as I am, please share the episode. We need to make sustainability the talk of the town! ποΈποΈ
Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:
- Lorcan Sheehan
- Jerry Sweeney
- Andreas Werner
- Stephen Carroll
- Roger Arnold
And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.
Contact
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn.
If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.
Credits
Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
Next Episode

Waste Not, Want Not: Ingenium's Blueprint for Sustainable Business
Hey, Climate Confident listeners! π§ Today's episode was such an eye-opener! I sat down with Heather Johnson, the CEO of Ingenium, a company revolutionising the way we look at waste.
We delved deep into how waste, especially hazardous waste, can be an untapped goldmine. Imagine your waste, not just as a discard but as a valuable resource to another company? Ingenium is doing just that! Matching waste producers with companies that need these very resources. Not only does this have cost-saving implications, but the environmental benefits are staggering. Itβs the very epitome of sustainability.
Heather shared how Ingenium has been making waves, particularly with large public companies, in turning waste into a repurposed asset. With California pushing businesses for waste reduction and sustainability becoming a worldwide focus, the scope of this industry is immense. π
But as Heather pointed out, challenges abound. With the rising waste, diminishing incineration facilities, and increasing regulations, there's a dire need for forward-thinkers and innovators. And that's where Ingenium steps in, aiming to be at the forefront of waste management for decades to come.
One key takeaway? It's crucial to partner with a reputable waste management company. Heather highlighted the "cradle to grave" concept - you're responsible for your waste till the end. So ensuring it's in trustworthy hands is paramount.
Want to delve deeper into Ingenium's groundbreaking approach to waste management? Head to their site as mentioned in our chat.
And check out the video version of this episode on YouTube
Until next time, keep those climate vibes high and stay confident! π±
Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:
- Lorcan Sheehan
- Jerry Sweeney
- Andreas Werner
- Stephen Carroll
- Roger Arnold
And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.
Contact
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn.
If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.
Credits
Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
Climate Confident - Why Carbon Trading Could Be Our Climate Lifesaver: A Deep Dive with Mike Azlen
Transcript
And what's interesting about that decision to decarbonize, I think, Tom, It's strictly based on profit. There is no objective of ESG. There's no objective of regulatory. There's no objective of green. It's simply based on, on that profit maximization objective. And since Europe launched the program in 2005, the European Carbon Market, emissions in Europe have come down one billion tons per year, one gigaton.
Tom RafteryIf you like this episode youβll love
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