Straight Talking Sustainability

Emma Burlow
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Welcome to Straight Talking Sustainability! I'm your host, Emma Burlow. If you're feeling lost in all the sustainability talk or struggling to see real results in your business, this podcast is for you. We’ll clear up the confusion and focus on practical, straightforward actions that actually work. Join me as I talk with experts, share real-world stories, and tackle the common roadblocks that stop businesses from making progress. This is all about making sustainability easier and sharing what truly makes a difference. Let’s keep it simple, effective, and make sustainability stick!

  1. 2d ago

    How to survive a sustainability recession

    The sustainability sector is facing a slowdown, pushback, and political reframing. In this episode, Emma Burlow explains how to stay relevant, find work, and avoid burning out when sustainability knowledge alone no longer sets you apart. In this episodeWhy some sustainability work is being sidelined, rebadged, or called something else 02:59Why narrowing your niche can lead to more work than presenting yourself as a generalist 04:29The transferable skills that now matter alongside sustainability expertise 05:57Why “passion” won’t win you work, and what clients actually need 09:40How procurement, risk, and other existing skills can become your sustainability advantage 11:47Why stabilising your workload and energy matters when the sector feels uncertain 13:10The three pots to protect: profession, obsession, and decompression 14:14 Key takeawaysNiche down around something people need and are willing to pay for.Build skills in communication, relationship development, analysis, problem-solving, resilience, risk, and leadership for change.Use your existing professional strengths. “Every job’s a climate job.”Don’t let sustainability become your entire identity or your only source of energy.Make room for genuine decompression. Reading another climate book doesn’t count. “You need to be shit hot at your job.” 10:33“We are no good to our sector exhausted.” 13:22Not Sustainable Book a Power Hour with Emma https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/power-hour Connect with Emma Website Email Emma Burlow | LinkedIn Not Sustainable

  2. Sep 27

    'Plan for 2... Stress test for 4' with Sarah Mukherjee CEO of ISEP

    Emma Burlow talks with Sarah Mukherjee, CEO of the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals, about the pressures facing sustainability professionals, the business case for climate resilience, AI, public engagement, optimism, and why failure is part of progress. In this episodeWhy professional standards matter in sustainability, and how ISEP evolved from IEMA 01:10How ISEP supports more than 21,000 members across over 120 countries 05:43What the latest State of the Profession report reveals about political headwinds, resilience, and funding 08:29Why businesses are reframing sustainability as resilience, risk management, and business continuity 08:40The insurance and finance implications of weak climate adaptation plans 11:19Sarah Mukherjee’s advice: “Plan for 2, stress test for 4” degrees of warming 14:16How sustainability professionals can bring climate risk into boardroom conversations 16:53Why blaming and shaming people over flying can alienate the audiences sustainability needs to reach 19:40Focusing on material emissions and savings instead of treating every intervention as equal 25:51The opportunities and risks of AI for sustainability professionals 29:18Why AI-generated work still requires professional judgement, accountability, and human oversight 30:33The case for optimism, even when progress feels slower than the challenge 35:34Why sustainability professionals need permission to experiment, fail, learn, and try again 41:38 Key quotes“Plan for 2, stress test for 4.”Sarah Mukherjee explains how organisations can test whether their business models remain viable under more severe climate conditions 14:16.“If you save carbon, if you save inputs, it’s going to save money.”Sarah Mukherjee makes the case for connecting decarbonisation with resource efficiency and business savings 26:13.“The way of losing it is to give up.”Sarah Mukherjee reflects on the importance of persistence in sustainability work 38:12.“The most important thing you can do is fail and then recover.”Sarah Mukherjee discusses resilience, career setbacks, and the role of failure in professional development 42:30.Listen forEmma Burlow and Sarah Mukherjee challenge narrow sustainability messaging and argue for a more practical focus on resilience, business continuity, material emissions, financial risk, and solutions that people can realistically adopt 24:25. Sarah Mukherjee MBE | LinkedIn ISEP - Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals State of the Profession - ISEP Book a Power Hour with Emma https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/power-hour Connect with Emma Website Email Emma Burlow | LinkedIn Not Sustainable

    'Plan for 2... Stress test for 4' with Sarah Mukherjee CEO of ISEP

  3. Sep 20

    What 100 Episodes Have Taught Me

    Emma Burlow marks 100 episodes of Straight Talking Sustainability by reflecting on why she started the podcast, what has surprised her, and where the show goes next. In this episodeWhy a podcast felt more achievable than writing a book after nearly 30 years in sustainability 03:07The need for more female voices in sustainability podcasting 03:59How the podcast helps Emma Burlow share experience, connect with others, and create more impact 05:06Reaching 12,000 downloads, with an average of 128 downloads a week 01:57The importance of process, even for people who prefer to wing it 08:40Why podcasting is a “dark art” and why authenticity matters more than polished production 09:30The slow growth of podcast numbers and the danger of fixating on them 11:15Creating conversations that feel more like the valuable, informal discussions after a conference 12:29A sharper focus on practical questions, useful experiences, and getting “to the nub of the issue” 13:29Plans for more book reviews, a resource Padlet, and video episodes 15:47 Episodes recommendedThe 52 Sustainability Hacks series, including spring, summer, autumn, and winter editions 17:42Getting Past “Yes in Principle” 18:41Is Climate Anxiety Actually Healthy? 19:07Early episodes on working in communities and sustainability leadership 18:18 Key quote“Winging it is great until it isn’t great.” 08:54Emma invites listeners to share feedback, suggest future topics and books, and recommend the podcast to a friend or colleague. 19:52 Book a Power Hour with Emma https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/power-hour Connect with Emma Website Email Emma Burlow | LinkedIn Not Sustainable

  4. Sep 13

    Can Sex Sell Climate Change? With Jessica Riches, Adult Content Creator

    Emma Burlow talks with Jessica Riches, independent filmmaker and existential crisis communication strategist, about using sex, entertainment, humour, and trusted creators to make climate communication cut through. In this episodeWhy climate communicators need to “jump off the cliff of the norm” rather than take small steps, as Jessica Riches explains at 02:57.The three reasons people shut down when confronted with existential risks: unfamiliar unknowns, exponential risk, and the feeling that they have no agency 06:42.How parasocial relationships and trusted voices can communicate complex ideas more effectively than distant institutions or experts 09:29.Why Jessica Riches turned to OnlyFans as a space for reaching audiences who are often overlooked by climate campaigns 14:51.The thinking behind Headline Newds, a campaign delivering climate news through adult-content creators 24:24.How the project worked with creators as co-creators rather than handing them a rigid communications brief 23:38.Why facts alone haven’t shifted public understanding of climate change, and why the messenger matters as much as the message 29:56.The campaign’s reach, including hundreds of thousands of views and strong levels of shares and saves despite widespread shadow banning 32:28.Why climate communicators should stop treating people as corporate audiences and start recognising them as humans with existing interests, relationships, and communities 44:55.Jessica Riches’ advice to take bigger creative risks, challenge conventional impact metrics, and consider a “little mini revolution” 45:48. Memorable moments“Better facts are not going to make this better.” Jessica Riches argues that climate communication has focused too heavily on accuracy, while overlooking story, trust, and cultural relevance at 30:00. Jessica Riches describes Headline Newds as a way to combine climate facts with “a few puns and some sexual innuendo” while reaching communities that climate campaigns rarely prioritise 43:15. The central challenge for sustainability professionals: being boring is rarely safer than being unexpected, especially when the goal is to reach people beyond the usual sustainability audience 45:07. Content warningThis episode includes sexual content, strong language, discussions of pornography and sex work, and references to climate-related death and societal collapse. Jessica Riches | LinkedIn Jessica Riches (@notpeterthiel_) • Instagram photos and videos Jessica Riches – Jessica Riches is the world's first existential crisis comms strategist – working in climate change and AI risk Book a Power Hour with Emma https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/power-hour Connect with Emma Website Email Emma Burlow | LinkedIn Not Sustainable

    Can Sex Sell Climate Change? With Jessica Riches, Adult Content Creator

  5. Sep 6

    Should We Be Talking About 1.8°C?

    The conversation focused on the implications of the UNEP report Limiting Overshoot, which warns that global warming could reach 1.8°C even under the best-case pathway, with current policies potentially leading to 2.6°C. The discussion explored whether sustainability professionals should replace the 1.5°C message with 1.8°C, or stay focused on the existing target. The answer depends on the audience. People who already understand the science may be ready to discuss overshoot in more depth. For others, introducing another number could create confusion, weaken existing targets, or encourage a “what’s the point?” response. Key takeawaysThe UNEP report says overshoot is unavoidable, but warming can still be brought back down through a “peak and decline” strategy.Current policies could lead to 2.6°C of warming 04:18.Every fraction of a degree above 1.5°C increases the risks 04:40.The required actions include immediate emissions cuts, methane reductions, a rapid transition to net zero, carbon dioxide removal, and adaptation 05:15.Don’t add complexity before people understand the basics of climate change, urgency, and agency 07:21.If an organisation already has a 1.5°C target, introducing 1.8°C without context could muddy the waters 10:00.Sustainability messaging should reflect the audience’s level of awareness and readiness 10:52.If the basics aren’t in place, focus on carbon literacy training, lunch and learns, e-learning supported by real engagement, or showing the National Emergency Briefing 14:08.If the basics are in place, identify what’s preventing faster emissions reductions, stronger advocacy, supply-chain transformation, or industry leadership 15:46.Overwhelm can be reduced by finding the “nugget of truth,” breaking the issue down, and acting on what’s achievable 12:19.Supporting sustainability teams matters, even when sustainability isn’t part of the job title 13:43. Ask honestly: Do the climate basics exist across the organisation?Is the current target driving real progress?What’s stopping faster and bigger carbon reductions?Is there a rock in the way that needs to be identified and removed? The episode’s central message is clear: 1.8°C is a warning, not a reason to stop. There’s still a great deal to do 18:47. Yes, we’re heading towards 1.8 degrees of warming, but there’s still a damn lot we can do in the meantime. Don’t stay in overwhelm. Get the basics in place, support each other, and take action. Limiting Overshoot UNEP Report Book a Power Hour with Emma https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/power-hour Connect with Emma Website Email Emma Burlow | LinkedIn Not Sustainable

  6. Aug 30

    From Collecting Data to Successful Net Zero Strategy – with Louise Rehbinder, COO Exponential Roadmap Initiative

    This episode explores how businesses can bridge the gap between setting net zero targets and actually achieving them, moving from data collection to actionable strategies. Emma Burlow is joined by Louise Rehbinder, who delves into the Exponential Roadmap Initiative’s Five Pillars framework and its essential role in forming resilient, actionable net zero strategies for businesses of all sizes. The Target-Action Gap: Many companies have ambitious net zero goals, but employees are often unclear on how to achieve them. This episode discusses concrete ways to close that gap (Emma Burlow 00:01:19). Intro to Exponential Roadmap Initiative: Louise Rehbinder explains the organization’s mission, straddling think-tank and consultancy, and how they support corporates with up-to-date climate action guidance (Louise Rehbinder 00:02:16). The Five Pillars Explained: The Exponential Business Playbook is structured around five key pillars: Reducing a company’s own emissions (Scope 1 and 2)Value chain emissions (Scope 3: upstream, downstream, suppliers, customers, products)Providing solutions that replace high-emission practicesEnabling mechanisms: finances and investmentPolicy and social narrative for systemic change (Louise Rehbinder 00:07:59 – 00:10:22) Applicability to Small Businesses: The playbook isn’t just for big corporates; it is designed to be accessible, with free tools like SME Climate Hub for smaller organizations (Louise Rehbinder 00:04:42). Moving Beyond Data Collection: The importance of balancing effort between getting accurate carbon accounting and actually implementing actions. Companies can make significant progress with available data without waiting for perfection (Louise Rehbinder 00:19:18). Strategic vs. Operational Approaches: How the playbook helps elevate climate action from operational and compliance-driven steps to integral parts of business strategy (Louise Rehbinder 00:33:18; Emma Burlow 00:33:25). Practical Examples & Industry Leadership: Some members use the playbook as the basis for company-wide strategy, particularly advanced IT, finance, or sustainability-led firms. Case studies include companies enabling broader systemic change, such as Stegra (Green Steel) and Unilever’s policy engagement (Louise Rehbinder 00:34:43–00:37:05). Memorable Quotes“Knowing your numbers does not reduce your emissions. …You need to also actually do the activities.” – Louise Rehbinder 00:17:52“Climate is just one aspect that comes into play—something that will happen eventually. And it is about competitiveness for the companies.” – Louise Rehbinder 00:32:38 Resources MentionedExponential Business PlaybookSME Climate Hub TakeawaysThe Five Pillars approach helps businesses systematically move from targets to tangible climate action.Action and influence (Pillars 3, 4, and 5) are as crucial as accurate reporting (Pillars 1 and 2).Tools and frameworks are freely available and can serve as “handholders” for sustainability teams at any stage.Download the Exponential Roadmap Playbook: Exponential Roadmap WebsiteConnect with Louise Rebinder via LinkedIn or through the Roadmap Initiative.More about the podcast and previous episodes: lighthouse-sustainability.co.uk Subscribe and leave a review to help others find Straight Talking Sustainability! Book a Power Hour with Emma https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/power-hour Connect with Emma Website Email Emma Burlow | LinkedIn Not Sustainable

    From Collecting Data to Successful Net Zero Strategy – with Louise Rehbinder, COO Exponential Roadmap Initiative

  7. Aug 24

    Are you a Lurker?… plus an Update from STS & Lighthouse

    Emma returns post-surgery with updates on Straight Talking Sustainability (STS) and Lighthouse Sustainability. She addresses current sustainability fatigue and the importance of moving beyond passive "lurking" online to taking action. The episode previews upcoming guests, reflects on the impact of community support and trainer development at Lighthouse, and shares ways listeners can get involved and stay motivated. Sustainability Fatigue & The Need for ActionMany feel despair and fatigue about climate discourse right now (01:15).Emma Berlow calls out the issue of “lurking” on social media instead of participating and emphasizes that wars are not won by lurking (04:22).Upcoming episodes will tackle climate denial and focus on building resilience and collective action (03:05, 03:28). Exciting Guest Line-UpLouise Rehbinder (COO, Exponential Roadmap Initiative) to discuss the revised 5 Pillars model (episode 68 referenced) (05:28).Sarah Mukherjee (CEO, ISEP, formerly IEMA) shares results from the State of the Environment Survey and job market trends (06:38).Jo Alexander, who transitioned from fossil fuels to sustainability (07:11).Rob Hopkins to discuss his book How to Fall in Love with the Future and potential for a podcast book list (08:05).Jessica Riches, aka the OnlyFans climate change creator, on reaching new audiences with climate messaging (08:52). Stay tuned for the 100th episode and more inspiring guest conversations! Links: Upcoming Carbon Literacy and Train the Trainer Courses Remember use Code STS50 for 50% off at checkout on Carbon Literacy Open Courses. Follow - Lighthouse Sustainability Instagram Follow - Olabode Afurewaju Instagram Bode our first sponsored Carbon Literacy Trainer describes his journey and his gratitude! The Beacon Newsletter - LinkedIn Version The Beacon Newsletter - Email Version Book a Power Hour with Emma https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/power-hour Connect with Emma Website Email Emma Burlow | LinkedIn Not Sustainable

  8. Aug 16

    The Net Zero Pushback

    This week is a special compilation episode as Emma recovers from surgery. The focus: recent political and media pushback on net zero and why system-based, foundational shifts are still crucial for meaningful progress. Emma shares her own “pushback” against negative and misleading coverage, then compiles highlights from three recent solo episodes: Mind the Gap: How to Close the Target Action Gap and Turn Your Workforce into Net Zero ChampionsHow Does System Change Actually Work? 3 Rules to Accelerate Net ZeroWhat Are the 5 Pillars of Net Zero? A Simple Maturity Framework Media & Political PushbackFrustration about misleading headlines and negative news regarding net zero progress (00:00:36).Example: Criticism of public contract net zero rules, misleading stories on solar panel damage, and "gravy train" rhetoric (00:01:29). The 5 Pillars of Net Zero (00:03:28 – 00:18:29)Cutting Operational Emissions: Focus on Scope 1 & 2 emissions—what you can control immediately; “start with what you know” (00:05:58). Decarbonising the Value Chain: Scope 3 is where the big emissions are—requires supplier and customer engagement (00:07:28). Building & Scaling Solutions: Pivot business models, promote climate-efficient solutions, and embrace new opportunities (00:08:53). Mobilising Finance & Investment: “Money will drive the transition”; shift towards low-carbon investment (00:10:14). Shaping Policy and the Narrative: Don’t underestimate your influence, whether internally (staff) or across sectors (00:12:07); leading and leaving groups as signals for change (00:15:03). Systems Change & “Ambition Loops” (00:19:17 – 00:32:45)Three rules for system change: Harness ambition loops: Cycles where industry, policy, and public align for progress (00:21:09).Set exponential goals: Avoid linear target setting—plan for rapid, doubling adoption (00:26:11).Shared pathways: Collaborate across sectors to speed up change and reduce costs (00:29:47). Closing the Target-Action Gap (00:32:38 – 00:51:13)Many organizations have strong net zero targets, but little action outside sustainability teams.Importance of carbon literacy, empowering “foot soldiers,” and moving from isolated action to company-wide engagement (00:40:41).Practical task for listeners: Ask different roles in your business how confident they feel discussing net zero, to locate and bridge the confidence/action gap (00:47:41). Book a Power Hour with Emma https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/power-hour Connect with Emma Website Email Emma Burlow | LinkedIn Not Sustainable

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Welcome to Straight Talking Sustainability! I'm your host, Emma Burlow. If you're feeling lost in all the sustainability talk or struggling to see real results in your business, this podcast is for you. We’ll clear up the confusion and focus on practical, straightforward actions that actually work. Join me as I talk with experts, share real-world stories, and tackle the common roadblocks that stop businesses from making progress. This is all about making sustainability easier and sharing what truly makes a difference. Let’s keep it simple, effective, and make sustainability stick!

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