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RWH047: Investing In The Era of Climate Change w/ Bruce Usher

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Jul 7, 2024

In this engaging discussion, Bruce Usher, a Columbia Business School professor and author, shares insights from his expertise in climate finance and renewable energy. He emphasizes the unique investment opportunities presented by the transition to a low-carbon economy. Bruce explores how climate risks are reshaping perceptions and investment strategies. He highlights essential sectors like electric vehicles and renewable energy, discusses corporate sustainability efforts, and offers advice on navigating the complexities of climate-conscious investing.

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ANECDOTE

Technological Leap

Two decades ago, global solar panel output equaled one coal plant; now, it replaces hundreds annually.
Electric vehicles, nonexistent then, are now the auto industry's future, driven by superior product quality.

INSIGHT

Grid Management

Managing electricity grids is complex even without renewables, due to fluctuating demand.
Intermittency issues with renewables can be addressed through solutions like vehicle-to-grid technology.

INSIGHT

Shifting from Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuel dependence necessitates creating viable substitutes, not just divestment.
Tesla's success demonstrates how better products, not moral arguments, drive change.

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In this episode, William Green chats with Bruce Usher, author of a book titled “Investing in the Era of Climate Change.” Bruce, a successful entrepreneur, investor, & Columbia Business School professor, discusses the “once-in-a-lifetime” investment opportunity created by the transition of the global economy to a low-carbon future. He explains how to protect yourself financially as environmental risks intensify, & how to profit as trillions of dollars flow into innovative climate change solutions that will change the world—from electric vehicles to solar energy.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

00:00 - Intro

05:37 - Why Bruce Usher sees climate change as a huge opportunity (& risk) for investors.

08:34 - How the transition to a low-carbon future will transform the global economy.

10:53 - How extreme weather is finally altering perceptions of climate change.

13:45 - How to protect against environmental threats to your property.

20:39 - Why electric vehicles & renewable energy are key drivers of decarbonization.

33:42 - How Berkshire Hathaway is playing the energy transition.

49:05 - Why leading companies like Apple & Microsoft are serious about sustainability.

54:02 - Why it’s wise to consider environmental factors before buying any stock.

01:03:53 - How to invest in funds & ETFs that reduce your exposure to climate risk.

01:12:44 - How billionaires like Bill Gates & Jeff Bezos invest in climate change solutions.

01:23:01 - What consumers can do to reduce their negative impact on the environment.

01:27:47 - Why Bruce thinks humanity might still avoid catastrophic climate change.

Disclaimer: Slight discrepancies in the timestamps may occur due to podcast platform differences.

BOOKS AND RESOURCES

Bruce Usher’s book, Investing in the Era of Climate Change.
Bruce Usher’s book, Renewable Energy: A Primer for the Twenty-First Century.
William Green’s podcast interview with Bryan Lawrence.
William Green’s book, “Richer, Wiser, Happier” – read the reviews of this book.
Follow William Green on X.
Check out all the books mentioned and discussed in our podcast episodes here.
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