Sustainable Views

In this episode of the Sustainable Views podcast, deputy editor Elizabeth Meager speaks to reporter Ben Steel about his coverage of AI and data centres, from their growing demands for energy and water to the political backlash emerging across the US.

They discuss concerns raised by communities living near major data centre developments, why opposition is becoming a bipartisan political issue, and whether businesses and investors have underestimated the scale of public resistance. The conversation also examines the sustainability claims made by hyperscalers, the scrutiny facing frontier AI companies, and how businesses using AI should think about the environmental footprint of the technology.

With AI investment continuing to accelerate, what will determine whether the infrastructure needed to support it can expand sustainable and how much could local opposition change the economics of the boom?
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In this episode of Sustainable Views, journalist Florence Jones speaks to leading climate scientist Professor Tim Lenton OBE, chair in Climate Change and Earth System Science at the University of Exeter and chair of the Global Tipping Points initiative.

They discuss what climate tipping points are, why they make conventional climate risk planning more difficult, and whether the 1.5°C target still matters. Lenton also explains where the economic consequences could emerge and offers a more optimistic perspective through positive tipping points, moments when changes in technology, markets and behaviour become self-reinforcing and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable economy.

They discuss what businesses, policymakers and individuals can do to help trigger these positive changes, and whether influential companies can use their scale to accelerate climate action.
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Energy and climate policy are divisive issues in the United States but is there still room for bipartisan action?

In this episode of the Sustainable Views Podcast, deputy editor Elizabeth Meager speaks with Alex Flint, Executive Director of the Alliance for Market Solutions and a former member of President Trump's transition team, about the future of climate policy in the US.

They discuss why Republicans have become quieter on climate change, where there is still potential for cross-party cooperation, how businesses are shifting their focus from climate mitigation to adaptation, and what rising energy demand from AI and data centres means for the energy transition.
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PFAS, often called "forever chemicals", are found in everything from non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing to food packaging and industrial products. But growing concerns over their health and environmental impacts are driving tighter regulation around the world.

In this episode of the Sustainable Views Podcast, editor, Philippa Nuttall is joined by Elizabeth Meager and Florence Jones to explore what PFAS are, why they're attracting so much attention from regulators, and what businesses need to know as rules tighten across the EU, UK and US.

We also discuss the potential financial risks for companies, the legal action against manufacturers such as 3M, and why investors are paying closer attention to PFAS exposure.
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In this episode, editor, Philippa Nuttall is joined by reporters, Florence Jones and Fiona McNally, to explore the rapidly changing landscape for sustainable investing and ESG funds.

As political pressure, regulatory changes and shifting market conditions reshape the investment industry, sustainable funds are facing growing scrutiny from investors, policymakers and regulators alike. But despite the challenges, many asset managers continue to argue that sustainability remains a critical part of long-term investment decision-making.

The discussion examines how sustainable funds are adapting, what will happen with the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) review, and whether the ESG backlash has fundamentally changed the outlook for sustainable investing.
Sustainable Views is an intelligence service by the Financial Times Group. To stay up-to-date, subscribe to our newsletter.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.