The Sustainability Agenda

• Episode 200: Exploring the Austin Edgelands: Christopher Brown discusses his latest book, A Natural History of Empty Lots.

   In this thought-provoking episode, Christopher Brown—lawyer, novelist, and urban naturalist— takes us on a journey through the landscape around his home in Austin, Texas, the edgelands where the city meets the wild. Drawing from his latest book, A Natural History of Empty Lots, Christopher explores the resilience of urban ecosystems, the unexpected biodiversity thriving in neglected spaces, and the connections between land, politics, and justice in an era of climate disruption. This is a compelling dialogue about the uneasy balance between human civilization and the natural world—and how rethinking our relationship with wild spaces could reshape the cities of tomorrow. We delve into the intersections of rewilding, environmental justice, and the unfolding polycrisis, unpacking what these abandoned landscapes can teach us about adaptation, resilience, and envisioning a more livable future. This episode includes readings from A Natural History of Empty Lots, and excerpts of a new sound composition by Cat Byrne, Clapton edgelands (i), gathered in the Lea Valley, Clapton, London, during November 2024.  Christopher Brown is an American author and attorney based in Austin, Texas, renowned for his work in both science fiction and nature-focused nonfiction. His latest book, A Natural History of Empty Lots, published in October 2024, is a blend of nature writing, literary nonfiction, and memoir that explores the intersection of urban environments and wild nature.  Brown's debut novel, Tropic of Kansas (2017), was a finalist for the John W. Campbell Memorial Award for Best Science Fiction Novel. He continued to explore speculative themes with Rule of Capture (2019) and its sequel, Failed State (2020), the latter of which was nominated for the 2021 Philip K. Dick Award.  In addition to his writing, Brown practices law and authors the urban nature newsletter Field Notes. You can subscribe to Chris' excellent Fieldnotes newsletter here: https://fieldnotes.christopherbrown.com/ Cat Byrne is a DJ, radio host, and forest researcher from East London. She hosts the monthly radio show, Biorhythms w/ Cat, on Balamii Radio, where she explores natural sounds, textured rhythms, and percussive down-tempo, and also a live place-based radio show on RTM, Listening From. Cat is also a keen field recordist, weaving her own field recordings throughout her sets. You can listen to the full sound composition Clapton edgelands (i) at https://catbyrne.bandcamp.com and www.catbyrne.com 

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• Episode 199: : Author Manda Scott on Conscious Evolution, Systemic Change, and the Power of Storytelling

  In this thought-provoking episode of The Sustainability Agenda, Fergal Byrne speaks with Manda Scott—award-winning novelist, podcaster, and shamanic practitioner—about the profound challenges of our time and the transformative possibilities of conscious evolution. Manda discusses the "polycrisis" of climate breakdown, systemic inequities, and the existential threat of predatory capitalism, offering a deep perspective on the spiritual and systemic changes needed to navigate this pivotal moment.Manda sees humanity’s crises as rooted in a centuries-old belief in separability, which has fueled destructive systems like capitalism and undermined our connection to the natural world. She emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift toward non-duality and spiritual reconnection, drawing on her shamanic practice to illustrate how this approach can foster a deeper integration with the web of life. For Manda, conscious evolution is not only possible but essential to moving through what she describes as the “pinch point” of our meta-crisis.A central theme of the interview is the critical role of storytelling in shaping the future. Manda discusses her idea of "thrutopian" narratives—stories that chart a realistic and peaceful path from the crises of today to a thriving, equitable future. These narratives, she argues, can provide a tangible roadmap for systemic transformation, inspiring individuals and communities to imagine and create a world beyond predatory capitalism. She criticizes the limits of corporate greenwashing and geoengineering, calling instead for holistic approaches centered on community, cooperation, and connection.In this interview, Manda also explores how technology could become a force for ecological and social justice …if freed from the constraints of profit-driven systems. One way or another, she argues that we urgently need to change the stories we tell ourselves about what is possible and to foster collective action rooted in shared values and imagination.Drawing from her latest ecological thriller, Any Human Power, Manda offers a compelling vision for systemic change, urging listeners to embrace new narratives-- and a renewed sense of interconnectedness. she shows how creativity and spiritual practice can illuminate the pathways to a regenerative and just future. Manda Scott is a former Scottish veterinary surgeon who is now a blogger, podcaster, columnist, occasional broadcaster and an award winning novelist. Born and educated in Glasgow, Scotland, she trained at the University of Glasgow, School of Veterinary Medicine, and now lives and works in Shropshire. Manda is also the host of the Accidental Gods podcast which “explores ways through to the future we'd be proud to leave behind. Her latest novel is Any Human Power, a visionary ecological thriller that intertwines myth, technology and radical compassion in the pursuit of a just future. 

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• From Vision to Scale: Mulago's Kevin Starr shares his blueprint for transformative social impact

  What does it take for an impact-first organization to achieve meaningful, large-scale change? In this insightful episode, Kevin Starr, CEO of the Mulago Foundation, shares decades of experience on scaling solutions that address the world’s toughest challenges. Kevin explains Mulago’s distinctive approach to scaling… their “Doer and Payer at Scale” framework, and their rigorous criteria for assessing ideas with transformative potential. He also delves into the critical importance of a clear, focused mission to avoid the common pitfalls of “mission drift.” Drawing on real-world examples—such as the transformation of community health workers in Mali—Kevin illustrates how thoughtful partnerships, evidence-based strategies, and a relentless focus on outcomes can enable organizations to turn their vision into sustained impact. He also challenges funders to step up, emphasizing the need for greater accountability and alignment with measurable results. This episode is essential listening for anyone passionate about social change, offering practical guidance on how to transform promising ideas into global-scale solutions.Kevin has run  the Mulago Foundation since 1993-they fund early stage social entrepreneurs devoted to maximum impact at scale in the place with the poorest people. Kevin set up the Rainer Arnhold Fellows Program in 2003 to apply Mulago’s principles and tools to help social entrepreneurs turn good ideas into lasting change at scale– and in 2016, the Henry Arnhold Fellows Program to add a focus on environmental solutions.    

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• Episode 197: EcoVadis’ Bettina Grabymayr on the critical role of sustainability assessments in managing supply chain risks

  In this interview,with Bettina Grabymayr, Methodology and Research Director at EcoVadis, we explore the critical role of sustainability assessments in managing supply chain risks, particularly as global regulations like the EU’s CSRD and CS3D come into play. Bettina shares how EcoVadis’ comprehensive rating methodology helps companies gather reliable sustainability data, engage suppliers and improve performance. She also delves into the rigorous data verification process, behind the ratings, which combines AI and human expertise to ensure accuracy and mitigate greenwashing risks. By tailoring assessments to industry-specific sustainability challenges, EcoVadis enables companies to address material issues and drive continuous improvement. Tune in to discover practical strategies for enhancing sustainability performance in today’s complex regulatory landscape. Bettina also discusses how EcoVadis goes beyond providing ratings by supporting companies on their sustainability journey through tools like corrective action plans and the EcoVadis Academy. These resources offer actionable insights, helping businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to understand and improve their sustainability practices. Bettina highlights the growing importance of network effects within the EcoVadis ecosystem, where companies can reuse their sustainability scorecards across multiple customers, reducing the administrative burden and fostering collaboration. As the regulatory landscape evolves, EcoVadis continues to adapt its methodologies, ensuring alignment with emerging global standards while emphasizing continuous improvement and positive impact for both people and the planet. Bettina Grabmayr is Methodology and Research Director at EcoVadis, where she oversees the development and implementation of sustainability assessment methodologies.

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• Episode 196: Why Capitalism Won't Save the Planet. with Professor Brett Christophers

  In this fascinating interview with Professor Brett Christophers from Uppsala University, we dive deep into the complex relationship between finance, energy markets, and the global climate crisis, as explored in his new book The Price Is Wrong: Why Capitalism Won’t Save the Planet. Brett provides critical insights into why global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise despite falling renewable energy costs. He explains how governments worldwide have effectively outsourced decarbonization to the financial sector, expecting private markets to lead the way in renewable energy investment.This episode sheds light on the structural and profitability constraints that hinder the pace of the renewable energy transition, challenging the widely held belief that the solution lies solely in market-driven mechanisms. Brett critiques the reliance on financial markets to redirect capital away from fossil fuels and highlights the geopolitical and financial intricacies surrounding energy security. Through a detailed examination of energy economics, we explore why big oil and gas companies remain highly profitable and resistant to change—even in a world urgently demanding decarbonization.Brett Christophers  is a political economist and professor at Uppsala University in Sweden. His work focuses on economic geography, with a particular emphasis on the intersections of finance, land and capitalism. Brett's the author of several influential books exploring the dynamics of land ownership, finance and economic power, including The New Enclosure, Rentier Capitalism, and most recently, The Price is Wrong: Why Capitalism Won't Save the Planet. 

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