SUSTAYN

sustayn

Startups of The Year 2023 Winners: Europe

How to Build a Sustainable Web3 Ecosystem

Kunjamas mä Ecosistema Web3 Sostenible luraña

Cómo construir un ecosistema Web3 sostenible

Comment construire un écosystème Web3 durable

Como construír un ecosistema Web3 sostible

Kako izgraditi održivi Web3 ekosustav

持続可能なWeb3エコシステムを構築する方法

지속 가능한 Web3 생태계를 구축하는 방법

Cara Membina Ekosistem Web3 yang Mampan

තිරසාර Web3 පරිසර පද්ධතියක් ගොඩනගන්නේ කෙසේද?

Maitiro Ekuvaka Yakasimba Web3 Ecosystem

Làm thế nào để xây dựng một hệ sinh thái Web3 bền vững

如何构建可持续的 Web3 生态系统

Hey Hackers, Violet has been nominated in HackerNoon's annual Startups of The Year awards in São Paulo, Brazil. Please vote for us here: https://hackernoon.com/startups/south-america/south-america-sao-paulo-brazil Read more about us below to understand why we deserve your vote: Meet Violet Violet is Brazil's first climate finance marketplace for nature-based solutions. We connect farmers, companies, and investors in a transparent, high-impact ecosystem to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices in agribusiness and forestry. Our mission is to transform Brazilian agriculture and forest management through innovative financial solutions, catalyzing a shift in rural finance towards sustainability and providing access to formal credit for previously underserved beneficiaries. How Violet achieved product-market fit Violet is addressing the complex challenges in climate finance for nature-based solutions. We're focusing on developing user-friendly solutions, ensuring transparency, and reducing transaction costs. Our approach includes creating modular solutions adaptable to various stakeholder needs and implementing a pilot-to-scale strategy. While still in development, early stakeholder feedback indicates we're on the right track in this innovative sector. The Evolution of Violet Since our foundation, Violet's journey has been marked by a strong focus on market understanding, discovery, and planning. This approach has provided us with valuable insights and helped us avoid unnecessary rework. Our evolution has been characterized by small, quick, and cost-effective pivots rather than major shifts in strategy. Our development process has been heavily influenced by user feedback from farmers, companies, and investors. This input has been crucial in: Validating the existence of specific problems for each stakeholder group.
Identifying pain points and prioritizing features.
Preparing for the complexity of business rules while accommodating different use cases. One of our biggest challenges has been designing a highly flexible and modular architecture. We're navigating a new sector with many "known unknowns" and "unknown unknowns," which requires us to build solutions on the go. To address this, we've adopted a pragmatic approach: Avoiding reinventing the wheel.
Simplifying processes wherever possible.
Utilizing existing, tested solutions from other providers.
Implementing automation gradually rather than all at once. This iterative approach allows us to remain agile and responsive to market needs while building a robust and scalable platform. Milestones and achievements Founded in 2024 as a spinoff of VERT, leveraging over a decade of experience in sustainable finance and capital markets in Brazil.
Specialized in innovative financial solutions for sustainable development in Agriculture, Forestry, and Land Use sectors in the Amazon and Cerrado.
Achieved rapid regulatory approval and gained international recognition, including being a finalist in the G20 Techsprint 2024 for Nature-Based Solutions.
Developed a digital platform for efficient financial transactions and impact reporting.
Co-created an advanced Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) with key partners, focusing on the Amazon's socio-bioeconomy.
Established strategic partnerships with global initiatives and local coalitions to amplify our impact. Lessons learned Our journey has presented several challenges, each offering valuable lessons: Regulatory complexity: Navigating Brazil's intricate regulatory environment for both finance and agriculture/forestry has been challenging. Lesson: Invest in strong legal and compliance teams early on, and maintain open dialogues with regulatory bodies.


Stakeholder adoption: Initially, some stakeholders were hesitant to engage with a new and complex system. Lesson: Education, clear communication of benefits, and demonstrable results are crucial for adoption across all stakeholder groups.


Technology integration: Implementing advanced technology across diverse agricultural and forestry operations presents unique challenges. Lesson: Start with simpler tech solutions that address immediate needs, then gradually introduce more sophisticated systems as users become more comfortable.


Balancing stakeholder interests: Aligning the needs of farmers, companies, and investors in a new market is an ongoing process. Lesson: Continuous communication, transparency, and a flexible approach are key to maintaining a balanced ecosystem that benefits all parties. What Startups of The Year means to us Participating in HackerNoon's Startups of the Year is an exciting opportunity for Violet. We hope to gain increased visibility in the global tech community, which could lead to new partnership opportunities. Moreover, we see this as a platform to showcase the potential of climate finance, sustainable agriculture, and forestry, inspiring other entrepreneurs to innovate in this critical sector. Conclusion At Violet, we're committed to transforming Brazilian agribusiness and forestry through sustainable finance. We believe that by connecting farmers, companies, and investors in a transparent, high-impact ecosystem, we can create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all. Our journey so far has been challenging but incredibly rewarding, and we're excited about the potential impact we can achieve in the years to come. Vote for us today! Here. Hey Hackers, Violet has been nominated in HackerNoon's annual Startups of The Year awards in São Paulo, Brazil. Please vote for us here: https://hackernoon.com/startups/south-america/south-america-sao-paulo-brazil Please vote for us here: https://hackernoon.com/startups/south-america/south-america-sao-paulo-brazil Please vote for us here: https://hackernoon.com/startups/south-america/south-america-sao-paulo-brazil Read more about us below to understand why we deserve your vote: Read more about us below to understand why we deserve your vote: Meet Violet Violet is Brazil's first climate finance marketplace for nature-based solutions. We connect farmers, companies, and investors in a transparent, high-impact ecosystem to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices in agribusiness and forestry. Our mission is to transform Brazilian agriculture and forest management through innovative financial solutions, catalyzing a shift in rural finance towards sustainability and providing access to formal credit for previously underserved beneficiaries. How Violet achieved product-market fit Violet is addressing the complex challenges in climate finance for nature-based solutions. We're focusing on developing user-friendly solutions, ensuring transparency, and reducing transaction costs. Our approach includes creating modular solutions adaptable to various stakeholder needs and implementing a pilot-to-scale strategy. While still in development, early stakeholder feedback indicates we're on the right track in this innovative sector. The Evolution of Violet Since our foundation, Violet's journey has been marked by a strong focus on market understanding, discovery, and planning. This approach has provided us with valuable insights and helped us avoid unnecessary rework. Our evolution has been characterized by small, quick, and cost-effective pivots rather than major shifts in strategy. Our development process has been heavily influenced by user feedback from farmers, companies, and investors. This input has been crucial in: Validating the existence of specific problems for each stakeholder group. Identifying pain points and prioritizing features. Preparing for the complexity of business rules while accommodating different use cases. Validating the existence of specific problems for each stakeholder group. Identifying pain points and prioritizing features. Preparing for the complexity of business rules while accommodating different use cases. One of our biggest challenges has been designing a highly flexible and modular architecture. We're navigating a new sector with many "known unknowns" and "unknown unknowns," which requires us to build solutions on the go. To address this, we've adopted a pragmatic approach: Avoiding reinventing the wheel. Simplifying processes wherever possible. Utilizing existing, tested solutions from other providers. Implementing automation gradually rather than all at once. Avoiding reinventing the wheel. Simplifying processes wherever possible. Utilizing existing, tested solutions from other providers. Implementing automation gradually rather than all at once. This iterative approach allows us to remain agile and responsive to market needs while building a robust and scalable platform. Milestones and achievements Founded in 2024 as a spinoff of VERT, leveraging over a decade of experience in sustainable finance and capital markets in Brazil. Specialized in innovative financial solutions for sustainable development in Agriculture, Forestry, and Land Use sectors in the Amazon and Cerrado. Achieved rapid regulatory approval and gained international recognition, including being a finalist in the G20 Techsprint 2024 for Nature-Based Solutions. Developed a digital platform for efficient financial transactions and impact reporting. Co-created an advanced Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) with key partners, focusing on the Amazon's socio-bioeconomy. Established strategic partnerships with global initiatives and local coalitions to amplify our impact. Founded in 2024 as a spinoff of VERT, leveraging over a decade of experience in sustainable finance and capital markets in Brazil. Specialized in innovative financial solutions for sustainable development in Agriculture, Forestry, and Land Use sectors in the Amazon and Cerrado. Achieved rapid regulatory approval and gained international recognition, including being a finalist in the G20 Techsprint 2024 for Nature-Based Solutions. Developed a digital platform for efficient financial transactions and impact reporting. Co-created an advanced Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) with key partners, focusing on the Amazon's socio-bioeconomy. Established strategic partnerships with global initiatives and local coalitions to amplify our impact. Lessons learned Our journey has presented several challenges, each offering valuable lessons: Regulatory complexity: Navigating Brazil's intricate regulatory environment for both finance and agriculture/forestry has been challenging. Lesson: Invest in strong legal and compliance teams early on, and maintain open dialogues with regulatory bodies. Stakeholder adoption: Initially, some stakeholders were hesitant to engage with a new and complex system. Lesson: Education, clear communication of benefits, and demonstrable results are crucial for adoption across all stakeholder groups. Technology integration: Implementing advanced technology across diverse agricultural and forestry operations presents unique challenges. Lesson: Start with simpler tech solutions that address immediate needs, then gradually introduce more sophisticated systems as users become more comfortable. Balancing stakeholder interests: Aligning the needs of farmers, companies, and investors in a new market is an ongoing process. Lesson: Continuous communication, transparency, and a flexible approach are key to maintaining a balanced ecosystem that benefits all parties. Regulatory complexity: Navigating Brazil's intricate regulatory environment for both finance and agriculture/forestry has been challenging. Lesson: Invest in strong legal and compliance teams early on, and maintain open dialogues with regulatory bodies. Regulatory complexity: Navigating Brazil's intricate regulatory environment for both finance and agriculture/forestry has been challenging. Lesson: Invest in strong legal and compliance teams early on, and maintain open dialogues with regulatory bodies. Stakeholder adoption: Initially, some stakeholders were hesitant to engage with a new and complex system. Lesson: Education, clear communication of benefits, and demonstrable results are crucial for adoption across all stakeholder groups. Stakeholder adoption: Initially, some stakeholders were hesitant to engage with a new and complex system. Lesson: Education, clear communication of benefits, and demonstrable results are crucial for adoption across all stakeholder groups. Technology integration: Implementing advanced technology across diverse agricultural and forestry operations presents unique challenges. Lesson: Start with simpler tech solutions that address immediate needs, then gradually introduce more sophisticated systems as users become more comfortable. Technology integration: Implementing advanced technology across diverse agricultural and forestry operations presents unique challenges. Lesson: Start with simpler tech solutions that address immediate needs, then gradually introduce more sophisticated systems as users become more comfortable. Balancing stakeholder interests: Aligning the needs of farmers, companies, and investors in a new market is an ongoing process. Lesson: Continuous communication, transparency, and a flexible approach are key to maintaining a balanced ecosystem that benefits all parties. Balancing stakeholder interests: Aligning the needs of farmers, companies, and investors in a new market is an ongoing process. Lesson: Continuous communication, transparency, and a flexible approach are key to maintaining a balanced ecosystem that benefits all parties. What Startups of The Year means to us Participating in HackerNoon's Startups of the Year is an exciting opportunity for Violet. We hope to gain increased visibility in the global tech community, which could lead to new partnership opportunities. Moreover, we see this as a platform to showcase the potential of climate finance, sustainable agriculture, and forestry, inspiring other entrepreneurs to innovate in this critical sector. Conclusion At Violet, we're committed to transforming Brazilian agribusiness and forestry through sustainable finance. We believe that by connecting farmers, companies, and investors in a transparent, high-impact ecosystem, we can create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all. Our journey so far has been challenging but incredibly rewarding, and we're excited about the potential impact we can achieve in the years to come. Vote for us today! Here. Vote for us today! Here. Vote for us today! Here . Here

Climate Finance for Sustainable Development: Interview with SOTY 2024 Nominee, Violet

ZUG, Switzerland, October 13th, 2024/Chainwire/--Powerledger(POWR) has officially completed its integration with the Solana ecosystem, accelerating the pace of innovation in the global sustainability markets. This move combines Solana’s cutting-edge blockchain technology with Powerledger’s proven energy and environmental commodities trading and energy tracking solutions, setting the stage for faster, more efficient, and cost-effective clean energy solutions worldwide. On October 1, 2024, Powerledger began the deprecation of its own blockchain, marking a transition for the POWR token across both Ethereum and Solana. This dual-chain approach unlocks potential for the tokenisation, trading, and tracking of renewable energy assets, including excess clean energy, renewable energy certificates (RECs) and carbon credits (CCs), while driving global environmental accountability. Powerledger’s proprietary energy solutions are now transitioned to Solana mainnet. "With our new Solana POWR token, we're excited to leverage Solana's network, this allows for lower fees and faster processing, aligning with our vision to make clean energy more efficient and accessible for all,” said John Bulich, Co-founder & Director, Powerledger. Solana POWR: Speed, Efficiency, and Sustainability In Action. This integration enables Powerledger’s platform to scale faster, support high-volume energy and environmental commodities transactions, and contribute to a more efficient and decentralised energy future for global sustainability efforts. This integration with Solana mainnet offers: POWR token availability: The POWR token is now available on both Ethereum and Solana, with no changes to the total token supply. Token swap mechanism ensures that for every POWR token minted on Solana, an equivalent amount is locked on Ethereum, preserving the integrity of the tokenomics and preventing inflation.
Enhanced flexibility and interoperability: The dual-chain approach ensures that POWR remains accessible to users who prefer Ethereum, while also leveraging Solana’s powerful infrastructure and vibrant community to drive new sustainability solutions and collaboration.
POWR as a payment token: POWR will continue to serve as a payment token for platform services across both Ethereum and Solana, incentivising green behaviours such as offsetting carbon emissions and reducing energy consumption. Powerledger also completed the integration of its own energy platform with Solana, leveraging Solana’s latest tools and technology. https://www.youtube.com/embed/DR-AQIyk9V0 Powerledger (POWR) is set to play a pivotal role in enabling the tokenisation and trading of renewable energy assets, helping businesses meet their sustainability goals while making energy markets more transparent and accessible for all. About Powerledger Powerledger is a Web3 company that creates pioneering solutions that solve pressing energy challenges, enabling access to cheaper and cleaner electricity and transparent environmental trading marketplace. Founded in 2016, Powerledger is known for being Australia’s first and most successful ICO. Powerledger has previously experimented with Bitcoin and Ethereum forks before transitioning to a hard fork on Solana last year. Now, headquartered in Zug, Powerledger is recognised as one of the top 50 companies in Crypto Valley, Switzerland. For more information, please visit https://www.powerledger.io/ Contact Snehal Pawar Powerledger pr@powerledger.io This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. ZUG, Switzerland, October 13th, 2024/Chainwire/--Powerledger(POWR) has officially completed its integration with the Solana ecosystem, accelerating the pace of innovation in the global sustainability markets. This move combines Solana’s cutting-edge blockchain technology with Powerledger’s proven energy and environmental commodities trading and energy tracking solutions, setting the stage for faster, more efficient, and cost-effective clean energy solutions worldwide. On October 1, 2024, Powerledger began the deprecation of its own blockchain, marking a transition for the POWR token across both Ethereum and Solana. This dual-chain approach unlocks potential for the tokenisation, trading, and tracking of renewable energy assets, including excess clean energy, renewable energy certificates (RECs) and carbon credits (CCs), while driving global environmental accountability. Powerledger’s proprietary energy solutions are now transitioned to Solana mainnet. "With our new Solana POWR token, we're excited to leverage Solana's network, this allows for lower fees and faster processing, aligning with our vision to make clean energy more efficient and accessible for all,” said John Bulich, Co-founder & Director, Powerledger. "With our new Solana POWR token, we're excited to leverage Solana's network, this allows for lower fees and faster processing, aligning with our vision to make clean energy more efficient and accessible for all,” said John Bulich, Co-founder & Director, Powerledger. Solana POWR: Speed, Efficiency, and Sustainability In Action. This integration enables Powerledger’s platform to scale faster, support high-volume energy and environmental commodities transactions, and contribute to a more efficient and decentralised energy future for global sustainability efforts. This integration with Solana mainnet offers: POWR token availability: The POWR token is now available on both Ethereum and Solana, with no changes to the total token supply. Token swap mechanism ensures that for every POWR token minted on Solana, an equivalent amount is locked on Ethereum, preserving the integrity of the tokenomics and preventing inflation. Enhanced flexibility and interoperability: The dual-chain approach ensures that POWR remains accessible to users who prefer Ethereum, while also leveraging Solana’s powerful infrastructure and vibrant community to drive new sustainability solutions and collaboration. POWR as a payment token: POWR will continue to serve as a payment token for platform services across both Ethereum and Solana, incentivising green behaviours such as offsetting carbon emissions and reducing energy consumption. Powerledger also completed the integration of its own energy platform with Solana, leveraging Solana’s latest tools and technology. POWR token availability: The POWR token is now available on both Ethereum and Solana, with no changes to the total token supply. Token swap mechanism ensures that for every POWR token minted on Solana, an equivalent amount is locked on Ethereum, preserving the integrity of the tokenomics and preventing inflation. Enhanced flexibility and interoperability: The dual-chain approach ensures that POWR remains accessible to users who prefer Ethereum, while also leveraging Solana’s powerful infrastructure and vibrant community to drive new sustainability solutions and collaboration. POWR as a payment token: POWR will continue to serve as a payment token for platform services across both Ethereum and Solana, incentivising green behaviours such as offsetting carbon emissions and reducing energy consumption. Powerledger also completed the integration of its own energy platform with Solana, leveraging Solana’s latest tools and technology. https://www.youtube.com/embed/DR-AQIyk9V0 Powerledger (POWR) is set to play a pivotal role in enabling the tokenisation and trading of renewable energy assets, helping businesses meet their sustainability goals while making energy markets more transparent and accessible for all. About Powerledger Powerledger is a Web3 company that creates pioneering solutions that solve pressing energy challenges, enabling access to cheaper and cleaner electricity and transparent environmental trading marketplace. Founded in 2016, Powerledger is known for being Australia’s first and most successful ICO. Powerledger Powerledger Powerledger has previously experimented with Bitcoin and Ethereum forks before transitioning to a hard fork on Solana last year. Now, headquartered in Zug, Powerledger is recognised as one of the top 50 companies in Crypto Valley, Switzerland. For more information, please visit https://www.powerledger.io/ https://www.powerledger.io/ https://www.powerledger.io/ Contact Snehal Pawar Powerledger pr@powerledger.io This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here . here here

Powerledger Completes Integration With Solana, Accelerating The Pace Of Innovation In Sustainability

Powerledger завяршае інтэграцыю з Solana, паскараючы тэмпы інавацый у галіне ўстойлівага развіцця

Powerledger завършва интеграцията със Solana, ускорявайки темпото на иновации в устойчивостта

Powerledger dovršava integraciju sa Solanom, ubrzavajući tempo inovacija u održivosti

Powerledger completa la integración con Solana y acelera el ritmo de la innovación en sostenibilidad

Powerledger täydentää integraation Solanan kanssa, mikä nopeuttaa kestävän kehityksen innovaatiotahtia

PowerledgerがSolanaとの統合を完了し、持続可能性におけるイノベーションのペースを加速

Powerledger បញ្ចប់ការរួមបញ្ចូលជាមួយ Solana ដោយបង្កើនល្បឿននៃការច្នៃប្រឌិតប្រកបដោយនិរន្តរភាព

Powerledger Solanawan Huñunakuyta Tukun, Musuqyachiypa Ritmonta Utqaylla Sustentabilidad nisqapi

Powerledger завершает интеграцию с Solana, ускоряя темпы инноваций в области устойчивого развития

Powerledger Inopedzisa Kubatanidzwa naSolana, Inowedzera Iyo Yekukurumidza Yekuvandudza Mukusimudzira.

Поверледгер завршава интеграцију са Соланом, убрзавајући темпо иновација у одрживости

Kinumpleto ng Powerledger ang Pagsasama Sa Solana, Pinapabilis ang Tulin ng Innovation Sa Sustainability

High-quality data is crucial for evaluating the financial risks of climate change. How can AI support financial institutions and investors in making well-informed decisions about incorporating climate risks into their portfolios? Climate risk and sustainable finance are becoming critical points in global economic discussions as the world faces the intensifying effects of climate change. Recent news highlights that extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and environmental degradation are not only humanitarian concerns but also financial risks that could destabilize economies. The Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) has emphasized that climate-related risks could reduce global GDP by up to 18% by 2050 if left unaddressed. Sustainable finance plays a crucial role in mitigating these risks by channeling investments into environmentally friendly initiatives. It goes beyond simply accounting for climate risk; it integrates other elements such as social responsibility and governance. S&P Global Ratings __projects__that the issuance of green, social, sustainability, and sustainability-linked bonds (GSSSB) will rise to approximately $1 trillion in 2024. Channeling green investment Sustainable finance expands beyond climate risks by incorporating broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Financial institutions are increasingly recognizing the need to integrate these risks into their models to support long-term economic stability. The importance of sustainable finance lies in channeling investment toward initiatives that are environmentally responsible while mitigating the negative effects of climate change on the global economy. A failure to consider these risks may result in significant financial losses, job disruption, and inflation pressures. Incorporating AI and data science into sustainable finance could be a game-changer. These technologies can enhance decision-making by providing better risk assessments and predictive models, helping investors identify truly sustainable companies. AI can also reduce climate risk threats by analyzing complex climate data and generating insights that can inform more resilient financial strategies, thus mitigating future impacts. How can AI and data science assist? AI and data science are essential in assessing climate risks and enabling well-informed decisions in sustainable finance. They help analyze large datasets on weather patterns, carbon emissions, and corporate sustainability efforts to provide accurate risk assessments. This allows investors and lenders to allocate credit more responsibly, minimizing exposure to high-risk ventures. Additionally, AI can help reduce climate risk by forecasting environmental changes, improving supply chain efficiency, and identifying opportunities for innovation in low-carbon technologies. By integrating AI tools, the finance sector can make smarter investments that support the transition to a sustainable future. At the "Building Solid Data Foundations for Sustainable Investing and Reporting" event organized by Markus Evans, data science and credit risk models expert Varun Nakra emphasized the importance of AI in sustainable finance. During his talk, he captivated the audience with his in-depth exploration of AI's potential in enhancing predictive ESG risk models and managing climate-related risks. Nakra highlighted the transformative role of machine learning (ML) in ESG ratings, citing the work of Svanberg et al. (2022). This study demonstrated how ML models can predict corporate governance controversies by analyzing ESG metrics, showcasing a prime example of how AI can improve the accuracy and objectivity of ESG assessments. Varun Nakra stressed that many ESG rating methodologies suffer from inconsistencies, but non-linear models have the potential to standardize and strengthen these ratings. "This is a great use case for predictive AI to make an impact," Nakra noted. The talk was widely praised for providing actionable insights on AI’s application to real-world ESG issues. Nakra also addressed innovative approaches, such as using climate change news as a proxy for hedging against climate risk. He referenced how tools like text analytics and term frequency-inverse document frequency can sift through vast data, such as Wall Street Journal articles, to build climate risk factors. This technique significantly enhances the predictive capabilities of sustainable finance models, revealing new ways to quantify climate risks. One of the key areas Nakra focused on was carbon footprint analysis, where AI plays a pivotal role. “AI helps companies track their carbon footprint by analyzing data from various sources, including energy consumption, supply chain, and transportation,” he said. Nakra highlighted AgriTech companies, such as MistEO, which utilize IoT sensors and weather data to provide farmers with real-time climate and crop analytics, offering a deeper understanding of agricultural carbon footprints. In terms of climate risk management, Nakra emphasized that AI tools can help financial institutions estimate risks posed by climate change, such as extreme weather events. Companies like Intensel, which leverage AI, satellite imagery, and cloud platforms, provide predictive insights on infrastructure vulnerability, helping institutions mitigate climate risks in their investments. Finally, Nakra noted AI’s growing influence in investment management, with machine learning algorithms analyzing market trends and corporate performance data to identify sustainable investment opportunities that align with investors’ values. Creating a more resilient financial ecosystem Nakra's insights bridged the gap between cutting-edge technology and its applications in creating a more resilient, sustainable financial ecosystem. Over the years, Nakra’s research has garnered widespread recognition, with over 300 citations highlighting the depth and influence of his work in AI and machine learning across various domains. Nakra has delved into complex research problems, including predictive ESG risk modeling, climate risk assessment, and carbon footprint analysis, all of which are crucial for the future of sustainable finance. His research often intersects with emerging technologies, leveraging machine learning algorithms, satellite imagery, and text analytics to offer solutions that support financial institutions and investors in incorporating climate risk into their portfolios. Nakra's work, which includes high impact and complex data science modeling projects across major financial institutions such as Standard Chartered bank in Singapore, National Australia Bank in Australia and Deutsche bank in the US focuses on the application of AI and machine learning on credit risk. “The same concepts and technologies can be applied to managing climate risk and solving sustainable finance problems”, Nakra explains. By developing interpretable machine learning models, he has contributed significantly to improving the transparency and accuracy of credit risk ratings; and he is focused on applying his knowledge to ESG ratings, a key factor in climate risk management. His research work on climate risk factors—using data-driven techniques such as text mining from news articles—has provided innovative pathways for identifying and mitigating financial risks associated with climate change. These innovative approaches not only allow investors to make data-driven decisions but also help them identify sustainable investment opportunities, mitigate climate-related risks, and align their portfolios with ESG principles. Nakra’s contributions have proven invaluable in bridging the gap between advanced AI methodologies and practical applications in finance. High-quality data is crucial for evaluating the financial risks of climate change. How can AI support financial institutions and investors in making well-informed decisions about incorporating climate risks into their portfolios? Climate risk and sustainable finance are becoming critical points in global economic discussions as the world faces the intensifying effects of climate change. Recent news highlights that extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and environmental degradation are not only humanitarian concerns but also financial risks that could destabilize economies. The Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) has emphasized that climate-related risks could reduce global GDP by up to 18% by 2050 if left unaddressed. Sustainable finance plays a crucial role in mitigating these risks by channeling investments into environmentally friendly initiatives. It goes beyond simply accounting for climate risk; it integrates other elements such as social responsibility and governance. has emphasized has emphasized S&P Global Ratings __ projects __that the issuance of green, social, sustainability, and sustainability-linked bonds (GSSSB) will rise to approximately $1 trillion in 2024. projects Channeling green investment Channeling green investment Sustainable finance expands beyond climate risks by incorporating broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Financial institutions are increasingly recognizing the need to integrate these risks into their models to support long-term economic stability. The importance of sustainable finance lies in channeling investment toward initiatives that are environmentally responsible while mitigating the negative effects of climate change on the global economy. A failure to consider these risks may result in significant financial losses, job disruption, and inflation pressures. Incorporating AI and data science into sustainable finance could be a game-changer. These technologies can enhance decision-making by providing better risk assessments and predictive models, helping investors identify truly sustainable companies. AI can also reduce climate risk threats by analyzing complex climate data and generating insights that can inform more resilient financial strategies, thus mitigating future impacts. How can AI and data science assist? How can AI and data science assist? AI and data science are essential in assessing climate risks and enabling well-informed decisions in sustainable finance. They help analyze large datasets on weather patterns, carbon emissions, and corporate sustainability efforts to provide accurate risk assessments. This allows investors and lenders to allocate credit more responsibly, minimizing exposure to high-risk ventures. Additionally, AI can help reduce climate risk by forecasting environmental changes, improving supply chain efficiency, and identifying opportunities for innovation in low-carbon technologies. By integrating AI tools, the finance sector can make smarter investments that support the transition to a sustainable future. At the "Building Solid Data Foundations for Sustainable Investing and Reporting" event organized by Markus Evans, data science and credit risk models expert Varun Nakra emphasized the importance of AI in sustainable finance. During his talk, he captivated the audience with his in-depth exploration of AI's potential in enhancing predictive ESG risk models and managing climate-related risks. Nakra highlighted the transformative role of machine learning (ML) in ESG ratings, citing the work of Svanberg et al. (2022). This study demonstrated how ML models can predict corporate governance controversies by analyzing ESG metrics, showcasing a prime example of how AI can improve the accuracy and objectivity of ESG assessments. Varun Nakra stressed that many ESG rating methodologies suffer from inconsistencies, but non-linear models have the potential to standardize and strengthen these ratings. "This is a great use case for predictive AI to make an impact," Nakra noted. The talk was widely praised for providing actionable insights on AI’s application to real-world ESG issues. Nakra also addressed innovative approaches, such as using climate change news as a proxy for hedging against climate risk. He referenced how tools like text analytics and term frequency-inverse document frequency can sift through vast data, such as Wall Street Journal articles, to build climate risk factors. This technique significantly enhances the predictive capabilities of sustainable finance models, revealing new ways to quantify climate risks. One of the key areas Nakra focused on was carbon footprint analysis, where AI plays a pivotal role. “AI helps companies track their carbon footprint by analyzing data from various sources, including energy consumption, supply chain, and transportation,” he said. Nakra highlighted AgriTech companies, such as MistEO, which utilize IoT sensors and weather data to provide farmers with real-time climate and crop analytics, offering a deeper understanding of agricultural carbon footprints. In terms of climate risk management, Nakra emphasized that AI tools can help financial institutions estimate risks posed by climate change, such as extreme weather events. Companies like Intensel, which leverage AI, satellite imagery, and cloud platforms, provide predictive insights on infrastructure vulnerability, helping institutions mitigate climate risks in their investments. Finally, Nakra noted AI’s growing influence in investment management, with machine learning algorithms analyzing market trends and corporate performance data to identify sustainable investment opportunities that align with investors’ values. Creating a more resilient financial ecosystem Creating a more resilient financial ecosystem Nakra's insights bridged the gap between cutting-edge technology and its applications in creating a more resilient, sustainable financial ecosystem. Over the years, Nakra’s research has garnered widespread recognition, with over 300 citations highlighting the depth and influence of his work in AI and machine learning across various domains. Nakra has delved into complex research problems, including predictive ESG risk modeling, climate risk assessment, and carbon footprint analysis, all of which are crucial for the future of sustainable finance. His research often intersects with emerging technologies, leveraging machine learning algorithms, satellite imagery, and text analytics to offer solutions that support financial institutions and investors in incorporating climate risk into their portfolios. Nakra's work, which includes high impact and complex data science modeling projects across major financial institutions such as Standard Chartered bank in Singapore, National Australia Bank in Australia and Deutsche bank in the US focuses on the application of AI and machine learning on credit risk. “The same concepts and technologies can be applied to managing climate risk and solving sustainable finance problems”, Nakra explains. By developing interpretable machine learning models, he has contributed significantly to improving the transparency and accuracy of credit risk ratings; and he is focused on applying his knowledge to ESG ratings, a key factor in climate risk management. His research work on climate risk factors—using data-driven techniques such as text mining from news articles—has provided innovative pathways for identifying and mitigating financial risks associated with climate change. These innovative approaches not only allow investors to make data-driven decisions but also help them identify sustainable investment opportunities, mitigate climate-related risks, and align their portfolios with ESG principles. Nakra’s contributions have proven invaluable in bridging the gap between advanced AI methodologies and practical applications in finance.

AI in Sustainable Finance: The New Frontier in Tackling Climate Risk

The TechBeat: From Clicks to Value: TapSwap's Sustainable Approach to Tap-to-Earn (10/6/2024)

The TechBeat: From Clicks to Value: TapSwap's Sustainable Approach to Tap-to-Earn (10/4/2024)

All these are matters that deal with practical concerns of life. Conversely, the readiness and willingness to value the need to protect the environment is equally on the rise. Among the solutions that can be beneficial are, for instance, green technology, which addresses society in a bid to reduce the impact of the identified effects on society as much as possible. As far as it is concerned, this is pretty much used in a lot of industries, and over time, it has been argued to be capable of generating even more. What Does It Mean To Have Green Technology? Green technology describes all the practices required in the utilization of resources, particularly energy and water while minimizing water and air pollution. This is a technology intended to seek paths toward obtaining clean and sustainable energy sources for the population. The green technology itself covers a wide range of products, including wind turbines for the firm Fairwind Energy, and other practices in industries, such as organic farming. Green Technology in Islamic Architecture With Examples Alternative Energy Similar to the use of most products and processes where the majority of the population has subscribed to green technology and transition, the use of renewable energy is accepted in the country. The sun, wind, and geothermal energy produce power rather than the use of coal or petroleum oils as sources of energy. These techniques have positive impacts on the environment because they do not harm the earth. For instance, one can easily come across households in cities placing solar energy panels on the roofs of their houses in the search for a clean and direct energy source for consumers. Electric Vehicles (EVs) Electric Vehicles, also referred to as EVs, are automobiles that are operated by electrical energy rather than fluid gasoline. In this regard, they decrease air pollution and lower levels of greenhouse gases. The idea of deriving energy from electric vehicles is a leap forward in acquiring sustainable technologies. It has resulted in the United Nations making a statement to provide aid to Third World nations in their bid to create capabilities that aid in the creation of appropriate green technologies. Hybrid Entrepreneurship and Environmental Innovation As highlighted above, hybrid entrepreneurs are imperative within the progression of environmental advancement in innovations. Their knowledge and connections allow them to greatly decrease costs at the beginning stages of their new businesses, thus increasing the chance of success. Developing a new green product and contributing to mass adoption involves much more than design, operational methods, or even business strategies: It entails a new object, a large-scale manufacturer of upcycled eco-friendly furniture. However, it reaches its completion only with the combination of many business strategies. Innovations: A Behavioral Movement and a Solution That is why innovations are complex - they address problems simultaneously and provoke shifts in people’s behavior, setting new trends, which makes it a behavioral revolution. Conclusion In this paper, a brief description of the current status of the United States concerning the development of environmental technology has been discussed. First and foremost, prior research on the institutional environment for developing environmental innovation in the context of the USA and influencing market conditions has been reviewed. As observed in the course of the study, there is a scarce effort targeted at exploring the literature on environmental innovations in the assessment of drivers or barriers to the diffusion of environmental research, technology, and innovations in the United States. The policy concern has not been properly laid on recycling activities and technology development for recycling. However, there are new paradigm assumptions that depart from those in former paradigms of environmental policy. For instance, the current approaches to minimizing, eradicating, or addressing pollution do not emphasize what leads to pollution but rather what addresses it. Oppositions to Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) More exploration of environmental factors will be essential, specifically for barriers like those faced by consumers planning to participate in EPP. All these are matters that deal with practical concerns of life. Conversely, the readiness and willingness to value the need to protect the environment is equally on the rise. Among the solutions that can be beneficial are, for instance, green technology, which addresses society in a bid to reduce the impact of the identified effects on society as much as possible. As far as it is concerned, this is pretty much used in a lot of industries, and over time, it has been argued to be capable of generating even more. What Does It Mean To Have Green Technology? Green technology describes all the practices required in the utilization of resources, particularly energy and water while minimizing water and air pollution. This is a technology intended to seek paths toward obtaining clean and sustainable energy sources for the population. The green technology itself covers a wide range of products, including wind turbines for the firm Fairwind Energy, and other practices in industries, such as organic farming. sustainable energy sources Green Technology in Islamic Architecture With Examples Alternative Energy Similar to the use of most products and processes where the majority of the population has subscribed to green technology and transition, the use of renewable energy is accepted in the country. The sun, wind, and geothermal energy produce power rather than the use of coal or petroleum oils as sources of energy. These techniques have positive impacts on the environment because they do not harm the earth. For instance, one can easily come across households in cities placing solar energy panels on the roofs of their houses in the search for a clean and direct energy source for consumers. Electric Vehicles (EVs) Electric Vehicles, also referred to as EVs, are automobiles that are operated by electrical energy rather than fluid gasoline. In this regard, they decrease air pollution and lower levels of greenhouse gases. The idea of deriving energy from electric vehicles is a leap forward in acquiring sustainable technologies. It has resulted in the United Nations making a statement to provide aid to Third World nations in their bid to create capabilities that aid in the creation of appropriate green technologies. Hybrid Entrepreneurship and Environmental Innovation As highlighted above, hybrid entrepreneurs are imperative within the progression of environmental advancement in innovations. Their knowledge and connections allow them to greatly decrease costs at the beginning stages of their new businesses, thus increasing the chance of success. Developing a new green product and contributing to mass adoption involves much more than design, operational methods, or even business strategies: It entails a new object, a large-scale manufacturer of upcycled eco-friendly furniture. However, it reaches its completion only with the combination of many business strategies. Innovations: A Behavioral Movement and a Solution That is why innovations are complex - they address problems simultaneously and provoke shifts in people’s behavior, setting new trends, which makes it a behavioral revolution. Conclusion In this paper, a brief description of the current status of the United States concerning the development of environmental technology has been discussed. First and foremost, prior research on the institutional environment for developing environmental innovation in the context of the USA and influencing market conditions has been reviewed. As observed in the course of the study, there is a scarce effort targeted at exploring the literature on environmental innovations in the assessment of drivers or barriers to the diffusion of environmental research, technology, and innovations in the United States. The policy concern has not been properly laid on recycling activities and technology development for recycling. However, there are new paradigm assumptions that depart from those in former paradigms of environmental policy. For instance, the current approaches to minimizing, eradicating, or addressing pollution do not emphasize what leads to pollution but rather what addresses it. Oppositions to Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) More exploration of environmental factors will be essential, specifically for barriers like those faced by consumers planning to participate in EPP.

The Role of Green Technology in Environmental Sustainability

The TechBeat: From Clicks to Value: TapSwap's Sustainable Approach to Tap-to-Earn (10/2/2024)

The TechBeat: From Clicks to Value: TapSwap's Sustainable Approach to Tap-to-Earn (9/30/2024)

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