Share
Sustainable Ambassador Podcast
Social Drivers & Climate Change Tipping Points
In this episode, Anita Engles & Jochem Marotzke speak about the recently Hamburg Climate Futures Outlook 2023, that systematically analyzed and assessed the plausibility of certain well-defined climate futures based on present knowledge of social drivers and physical processes.
It is an incredibly important piece of research, and through this conversation we not only spoke about the findings, but which stakeholders they see as critical, and what they see as their role as academics is through the engagement process.
Link to Hamburg Climate Futures Outlook 2023
https://www.cliccs.uni-hamburg.de/results/hamburg-climate-futures-outlook.html
Timestamps:
00:20 - Welcome to Sustainable Ambassador Podcast
00:54 - Prof Anita Engels Introduction
01:30 - Prof Jochem Marotzke Introduction
02:30 - Cluster of Excellence “Climate, Climatic Change, and Society” (CLICCS) Background
04:00 - Understanding Individuals & Institutions for Change
06:00 - Biggest Insight of Research
08:00 - Critical Levers for Change
09:10 - Major Inhibitors to Change
11:50 - Bringing Urgency to Realities of Climate Change
14:00 - Plausibility to Maintain 1.5C & Preparing for Overshoot
About Cluster of Excellence “Climate, Climatic Change, and Society” (CLICCS)
The Cluster of Excellence “Climate, Climatic Change, and Society” (CLICCS) will establish a long-term program spanning the range from basic research on climate dynamics and climate-related social dynamics to the transdisciplinary exploration of human–environment interactions.
CLICCS will investigate how the climate changes and how society changes with it, thereby feeding back on climate. Understanding these changes, including how societies adapt, will enable us to assess with far greater confidence than before the range of imaginable climate futures.
In taking on this challenge, CLICCS is guided by the overarching question: "Which climate futures are possible and which are plausible?"
To learn more about CLICCS, please go to: https://www.cliccs.uni-hamburg.de/
About Anita Engels
Anita Engels is professor of sociology at the University of Hamburg. She is a social scientist working on climate change and society.
About Jochem Marotzke
Prof. Dr Jochem Marotzke is a director at the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI-M), where he heads 'The Ocean in the Earth System' department, and professor at Universität Hamburg.
He studied physics at the universities of Bonn, Copenhagen, and Kiel, and obtained his doctorate in physical oceanography in Kiel.
He worked as coordinating lead author and lead author for the Fifth Assessment Report of the IPCC.
About Collective Responsibility
Based in Shanghai, Collective Responsibility is a strategic advisory firm founded by Richard Brubaker, one of Asia’s most recognized authorities on sustainability, innovation and responsible leadership.
Founded with the fundamental belief that a sustainable world can only be achieved through awareness of issues, finding tangibility in business cases, and development of cross-sector collaboration, Collective Responsibility acts as a knowledge base, catalyst, and facilitator between stakeholders.
Our mission is to:
– Create a knowledge base and catalyze discussion of issues related to the development of civil society, business sustainability and social development in Asia.
– Develop tangible interests, engagement, and action on issues of sustainability (economic, environmental and societal).
– Develop organizational capacity with the aim to help create stable and profitable enterprises.
Contact Us:
Social@coresponsibility.com
More episodes
View all episodes
What If Sustainability Isn't Enough?
37:33|In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, we dive into the concept of degrowth with John Mulrow, founder of the Degrowth Institute and adjunct professor at Purdue University, as a way to answer the question "What if sustainability isn't enough?" A question many sustainability professionals have begin to reflect on as they seek to better understand true impact of their work—and question whether efficiency gains and carbon reductions are enough— at the same time the topic of degrowth is emerging as a conversation about what the wider goals should be.John unpacks what degrowth really means—beyond the buzzword—and why it's essential for achieving ecological sustainability and social justice. We explore the shortcomings of traditional sustainability frameworks, the role of economic savings in fueling further consumption, and how professionals and organizations can begin to challenge the growth paradigm in their own work. With thoughtful insights into equity, historical responsibility, and systems thinking, this episode pushes us to reimagine prosperity in a world of limits.
The Conservative Case for Climate Action
34:03|In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, Rich Brubaker speaks with Bob Inglis, former U.S. Congressman and founder of republicEn.org, about the growing opportunity for conservative leadership in the fight against climate change. The conversation explores the cultural and linguistic barriers that have historically kept conservatives from engaging with the climate movement—and how those are beginning to shift. Bob shares his personal journey, explains how conservatives view climate risk and solutions, and outlines why pricing mechanisms and free enterprise are central to a conservative climate strategy. Throughout the episode, Bob challenges both sides to overcome outdated narratives and come together around pragmatic, economically sound climate action.
Recalibrating Sustainability: Returning to First Principles
39:27|In this episode, Nicole Martens, Head of Impact Advisory at a South Africa–based think tank and consultancy, reflects on the current state of sustainability and the need to return to first principles. She shares her career journey in sustainability and finance, her perspective on the recent recalibration in the field, and the risks of commitments built on assumptions. Nicole discusses sector-specific challenges, the balance between local and global approaches, the role of finance in shaping outcomes, and the importance of credibility, accountability, and evidence-based strategies. She also offers guidance for professionals on how to navigate the pullback with pragmatism and purpose.
How the Sustainability Movement Lost Its Way
41:21|In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, I sit down with Ralph Thurm, founder of a|head Ahead and co-founder of r3.0, to explore a pressing question: Has the sustainability movement lost its way?Drawing on decades of experience—from Siemens and Deloitte to his leadership role at GRI—Ralph delivers an unflinching critique of the current state of sustainability. Through our conversation, he questions whether sustainability, as it's practiced today, even exists, and together we unpack what went wrong—from flawed assumptions and missed opportunities to the industry's failure to deliver systemic transformation—and what needs to happen now to reclaim the original purpose of the movement.
Reflecting on a 30 Year Career in Sustainability
34:38|In this episode, Rich speaks with Dr. Tauni Lanier, a pioneer in sustainable finance, about her 30-year journey bridging environmental issues with the world of investment and risk. From her early days in investment banking during the Asian debt crisis to launching the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, Tauni reflects on how the language, structures, and professional expectations in sustainability have shifted across generations. She discusses the growing complexity of data, the emergence of uninsurable risks, the role of regulation, and the pendulum swing between generalists and specialists. The conversation offers a candid look at the current environment, the risks of dilution and defensiveness, and thoughtful advice for those working—or entering—the sustainability field today.
The Future of Sustainability Careers: Conviction Meets Pragmatism
40:51|In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, I speak with Harco Leertouwer, a leading recruiter of sustainability executives, abdout the The Future of Sustainability Careers. It is a conversation that begins speaking to the current state of hiring, and the implications of the recent pullback in sustainability roles, and from there we speak to what it means for teams, budgets, and opportunities across industries. From there, we explore how the career paths of Chief Sustainability Officers and other professionals are evolving, why conviction and pragmatism are now critical to success, and the skills that define leaders who can both inspire with vision and deliver impact in challenging times.
Great Government Partnerships Are a Force Multiplier for Impact
34:51|In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, we explore how great government partnerships become a true force multiplier for impact with Ratna Viswanathan, CEO of Reach to Teach. Drawing on her 30+-wide years of work across government and development positions, Ratna shares with us her insights into the benefits of embedding inside state education departments, co-designing with officials and teachers, and leveraging existing machinery, is the best path to impacting millions.
Finding Your Purpose Through a Sustainable Development Career
31:12|In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, we speak with Preity Gurung, a passionate young processional who found her purpose through a career in sustainable development.As a Program Officer at the Center for Indigenous Peoples’ Research and Development (CIPRED), Preity shares her journey from intern to field leader, working to preserve the knowledge, culture, and customary practices of indigenous communities facing the mounting pressures of climate change, displacement, and marginalization. Through our conversation, we spoke about the need for communities to have self-determined development, how traditional knowledge systems contribute to climate resilience, and her reflections on the value of working directly with communities to influence policy and create lasting impact.
Telling Community-Centered Stories of Climate Change
28:20|In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, we speak with Diana Njeru, Project Director at BBC Media Action, about her work equipping local journalists across Africa to tell community-centered stories of climate change. Diana shares how her team partners with rural media stations — often lacking resources, infrastructure, and formal training — to build storytelling capacity that can save lives and inspire action. From early warning systems for floods and droughts to stories that challenge traditional norms, Diana’s work shows how powerful local media can be in both daily decision-making and long-term climate resilience. Tune in to learn how she and her team are turning media into a tool for transformation.