In this insightful episode of Earth Central, Konstantinos from Orbify engages in a deep conversation with Billy Richards, CEO of Changeblock. They delve into how cutting-edge technologies like satellite data are revolutionizing the carbon markets by enhancing transparency and trust. Billy shares his expertise on overcoming skepticism in the voluntary carbon market, addressing challenges like bad press and lack of regulation, and the critical role of collaboration in the climate tech sector. Discover how Changeblock and Orbify are partnering to provide accurate, reliable data that improves the integrity of carbon credits. Learn about the future of sustainable finance, the importance of standardization, and how technology is bridging the gap between innovation and impactful environmental action. Key Takeaways: • Leveraging Technology for Transparency: Explore how satellite data are being used to enhance the accuracy and trustworthiness of carbon credits. • Overcoming Market Skepticism: Understand the challenges posed by bad press and lack of regulation in carbon markets, and how innovative solutions can rebuild confidence. • Collaboration in Climate Tech: Learn why cooperation between startups and established organizations is essential for advancing sustainability goals. • Future of Carbon Trading: Gain insights into how regulation and technology intersect to shape the future of carbon markets and sustainable finance. Changeblock: https://changeblock.com/ Billy Richards: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billybrichards/

In this episode of Earth Central, host Konstantinos welcomes Lewis Rattray, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Frontierra, to explore the exciting world of satellite technology, nature-related risks, and how businesses are navigating sustainability challenges.

Lewis takes us through Frontierra’s journey from its inception to becoming a leading consultancy that uses satellite data to monitor deforestation and environmental risks.

We discuss how satellite monitoring is revolutionizing industries, helping companies manage their impacts on nature, and empowering them to act quickly on environmental challenges.

Lewis sheds light on how Frontierra’s work with TNFD (Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures) pilot projects in Latin America and the evolving landscape of biodiversity and nature-related assessments are shaping global sustainability practices.

Key Topics Covered:

• Satellite Technology for Environmental Monitoring:Discover how satellite technology is helping businesses in industries like finance and agriculture identify and mitigate nature-related risks. From monitoring vast supply chains to tracking deforestation, satellite data is a game-changer in sustainability efforts.

• TNFD Pilot Projects in Latin America:Lewis discusses Frontierra’s involvement in TNFD pilot projects with financial institutions in Colombia and Brazil. These projects are helping shape how companies assess and report on nature-related risks, setting new standards for environmental accountability.

• Real-Time Satellite Monitoring – The Future:We explore the potential of real-time satellite monitoring, which could revolutionize how industries respond to environmental changes. Luis explains the challenges of making this technology widely accessible and affordable, but emphasizes its future importance, especially for preventing deforestation.

• Challenges in Working with Remote Farmers and Smallholders:Sustainability efforts often face hurdles in remote areas, where farmers may lack the technology to monitor their plots. Luis highlights the difficulties and potential solutions in helping smallholder farmers engage with sustainability programs, particularly under the EUDR (European Deforestation Regulation).

Lewis Rattray - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-rattray/Frontierra - https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontierra/

In this episode of Earth Central Podcast Matthew Nelson CEO of Arivu unpacks the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

Moving beyond basic compliance, Matthew delves into how the EUDR is reshaping global trade by requiring companies importing into Europe to provide verifiable, conclusive evidence of deforestation-free and legally compliant production.

Matthew also highlights the ripple effects EUDR is already having, from supply chain disruptions, to the growing importance of technologies such as satellite analytics and geolocation data.

The conversation also covers the reasons behind the delay in EUDR implementation, with Matthew explaining how early adopters have successfully future-proofed their businesses by investing in compliance ahead of time

.Key Takeaways:

1. EUDR’s Legal Compliance Requirements: Listeners will gain a thorough understanding of how the EUDR requires businesses to ensure local law compliance and provide verifiable evidence of deforestation-free supply chains across all commodities, not just certified products.

2. Delays in EUDR Implementation and Pushback: Matthew discusses the reasons behind the delayed rollout of the EUDR, including the challenges and pushback from industry stakeholders, while also showcasing how early adopters have successfully positioned themselves for long-term sustainability.

3. Data Sharing and Privacy in Compliance: Listeners will learn how the EUDR’s data retention requirements are reshaping how businesses manage data privacy, transparency, and integration across their supply chains.

4. Supply Chain Disruptions and Market Shifts: The episode highlights how lack of transparency at the producer level is already causing significant supply chain disruptions, particularly in vulnerable commodity markets, such as Ethiopian coffee.

5. The Role of Satellite Analytics in EUDR Compliance: Listeners will discover how technologies, like satellite analytics and geolocation data, are essential tools for businesses to verify production locations and meet deforestation-free regulations.

6. Unintended Consequences of EUDR: Matthew explores the broader consequences of EUDR, including market shifts, price differentials, and how businesses can turn these challenges into opportunities for community engagement and impact storytelling.