Triodos Bank Podcast Money for Change

In our Money for Change podcast, the Impact & Economics team at Triodos Bank dives into the latest developments in sustainability transitions. Every week, one of our hosts (Emma, Sanne and Ernst) discusses a question with Chief Economist Hans Stegeman and an expert on the topic. We aim to bring you the latest insights on what it takes to create a more balanced and just world, and what the role of money is in getting us there.

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The views, opinions, and statements expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of Triodos Bank.

2025 Episode Overview

Feb 19 | Taking Climate Laggards to Court: Accelerator or Blocker of Climate Action?

In this episode, we discuss the fact that court cases against governments and corporates to enforce climate action are on the rise. By now, hundreds of court cases, often filed by NGO’s and groups of citizens, are being processed by national and international courts in different stages. Some cases are won, some are lost. The key question here is whether these court cases help to accelerate climate action, or that they may also be an increasing source of climate hesitance, forming even an obstacle to the climate transition.

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Feb 12 | Microfinance: The Secret Weapon for Combatting Climate Change?

In this episode, we welcome Tim Crijns, Fund Manager of Triodos Microfinance Fund, to discuss how targeted financial support can create innovative pathways for adaptation and mitigation in the face of climate challenges. Together, we explore the pressing question: How can microfinance be a game-changer for those most affected by climate injustice? We shine a light on the transformative power of microfinance in combating climate change, particularly in developing nations that disproportionately bear its burdens.

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Feb 4 | Are US citizens better off than EU citizens?

In this episode, we discuss who is better off: US citizens or EU citizens? Conventionally, economists might look at GDP per capita numbers and conclude that US citizens are on average better off than EU citizens. Yet, GDP fails to take into account some of the aspects that matter. Together with Annegeke Jansen, PhD candidate at the WISE Horizons project in Leiden, we’re going to examine the various dimensions of Beyond GDP. Together, we find out where citizens live healthier, where they are safer and where most ecological damage is done.

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Jan 29 | Weapons & Defence: Is it time to reconsider weapon investments?

In this episode, we talk to Daan Spaangaren, senior investment strategist at PME (the pension fund for the metal high-tech sector), and discuss the ethical and economic considerations involved in investing in weapons. Since the founding of Triodos Bank, we have maintained a clear stance on investing in weapons: We simply do not invest in weapons, and we believe the entire private sector should refrain from doing so. However, in recent years, conflict has intensified in various parts of the world. PME therefore takes a different view on investing in weapons. The question remains at hand: Should private financial institutions invest in weapons?

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Jan 22 | Are social tipping points close for the Dutch?

In this episode, we talk about what’s known as social tipping points. These refer to moments of relatively small changes in our behavior that can lead to a significant shift in the embedded norms of our system. Together with professor of socio-economic transitions Derk Loorbach, we explore what proportion of society is needed to achieve our ‘social tipping points’ and how the institutional resistance that we see in politics amongst others can be interpreted as a sign of us actually coming closer to these tipping points.

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Jan 15 | How can we reduce wealth inequality?

In this episode, we discuss the subject of wealth inequality, an issue that is widely recognized as problematic. Wealth inequality has proven to harm social cohesion, hinder social mobility and creates an ecological problem when the lifestyles of the ultra-wealthy exceed our planet’s environmental limits. Furthermore, wealth often buys political power, undermining democracies. Together with Wouter Leenders, PHD candidate at the University of California at Berkely, we examine the various dimensions of this issue and discuss what we can actively do to tackle it.

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Jan 6 | Can everyone eat organic?

In this episode, Sanne and Hans are joined by Adam Kybird, fund manager of Triodos Food Transition Europe Fund. Together, they discuss how organic agriculture might become the norm, what this would mean for food affordability, and how organic relates to regenerative agriculture. Hans explains why the whole world could actually eat organic, as long as diets are changed and food waste is minimized accordingly.

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2024 Episode Overview

Dec 16 | Does measuring impact help banks drive real change?

In this episode, we explore the different facets of impact measurement, illustrating our discussion with practical examples. Hans kicks off the conversation by taking us through the history of Triodos' impact management over the past 44 years. Together, we discuss the various types of impact that can be measured and how this is applied in practice in the real world.

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Dec 9 | How can the EU adapt to scarce raw materials?

In this episode, we cover the current race for critical raw materials. Critical raw materials are essential for technologies like smartphones, solar panels, and electric cars. They are called critical because we expect future demand to be much greater than the reserves we are currently mining. To address these shortages, we discuss the importance of more efficient usage of critical raw materials and the potential alternatives that could help reduce our reliance on them.

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Dec 2 | Why should we rethink business models and funding methods?

In this episode, we cover the subject on alternative business models and funding methods. What can we do to re-invent or re-shape our traditional business models and what different forms of alternative funding could support these business models? Together with Gijsbert Koren, one of the crowdfunding pioneers in the Netherlands and expert on steward-ownership, we dive into these questions.

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Nov 27 | How is ageing redefining mindsets, reshaping healthcare, and influencing finance?

In this episode, we explore the profound challenges and opportunities posed by our aging population. As healthcare systems face unprecedented demand, we discuss how innovative care models and financing are stepping up to meet this shift. To help us unpack these complex dynamics, we’re joined by Mavric Webbstock, head of the Wellbeing Transition at Triodos Bank UK.

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Nov 20 | What is the role of finance in addressing climate change?

In this episode, we dive into the 29th conference on climate change which is currently underway in Baku. As the current conference is often referred to as the ‘Finance Cop’, it is self-evident that it has our special attention. To help us navigate the latest developments, we’re joined by Hilde Stroot, climate justice expert at Oxfam Novib, who is reporting live from the conference.

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Nov 13 | What does the electoral victory of Donald Trump mean for our economy in transition?

In this episode, we explore why the U.S. president plays such a central role in the global economy, and how Donald Trump is likely to approach this position. We also discuss what his election means for the EU’s economic standing and the various sustainability and social transitions.

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Nov 4 | Will COP16 safeguard biodiversity?

In this episode, we discuss COP16 – the 16th Conference on the Convention on Biological Diversity, which was held in Colombia. We address whether COP16 can actually safeguard biodiversity or if more is needed. Furthermore in this episode; why is biodiversity so important in the first place? And is there a possibility for a more integrated policy towards ecological depletion?

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Podcast Money for Change