Adventurer to Green Innovation Advisor - Dougal Fleming

Raising Expert

Summary

In this episode of the Raising Expert podcast, host Finlay speaks with Dougal Fleming, an environmental consultant at Middlesex University. Dougal shares his journey from outdoor adventure to environmental consultancy, emphasising the importance of cultural insights gained through travel. The conversation delves into the concept of 'nature positive' businesses, which aim to create more nature than they consume, and discusses examples of innovative companies that embody this philosophy. Dougal highlights the need for businesses to regenerate natural systems and the challenges they face in doing so. In this conversation, Dougal discusses the importance of remanufacturing and the hidden costs of consumer products on nature. He emphasizes the need for businesses to adopt nature-positive practices and the role of investors in supporting these initiatives. The discussion also covers the complexities of biodiversity credits, the significance of carbon accounting, and the necessity of investing in ecosystem services. Dougal highlights the importance of community building through business and the potential for innovation with nature to create sustainable solutions for future generations.

takeaways

• Dougal Fleming is an environmental consultant at Middlesex University.
• His journey includes outdoor adventure and cultural learning.
• Nature positive businesses create more nature than they consume.
• Regeneration is essential for sustainability in business.
• Cultural insights from travel enhance understanding of nature.
• Outdoor instructing can help process complex emotions.
• Mycelium is a key player in waste decomposition and life creation.
• Businesses need to evolve to support ecological systems.
• There are few examples of truly nature positive companies.
• The journey towards nature positive is long but necessary. Remanufacturing can save 85% of embodied carbon.
• The true cost of products includes environmental impact.
• Businesses need to assign a value to nature.
• Investors are increasingly interested in nature-positive companies.
• Biodiversity credits are complex but essential for investment.
• Carbon accounting is a crucial first step for businesses.
• Investing in ecosystem services can yield long-term benefits.
• Community engagement is vital for sustainable business practices.
• Innovative approaches can help integrate nature into business.
• The future requires collaboration and responsibility towards nature.

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