In this environmental podcast episode, host Mike Smith divulges his origin story and how he got into climate, discusses the Paris Climate Accords, Greenland ice sheet, sea level rise and what you can do about it, climate and banking, as well as an insightful interview with a sustainability professional from a regional bank.

In this conversation, Mike Smith, the founder and CEO of Aclymate, interviews Laura Rossi, the Senior Vice President and Head of Investor Relations and Sustainability at Amerant Bank. They discuss the importance of addressing climate change and the role of banks in promoting sustainability.

They also talk about the need for more guidance and frameworks for companies to follow in their sustainability efforts. Amerant Bank's sustainability program is driven by the desire to do the right thing and make a positive impact. They believe that attracting and retaining talent is crucial, and younger generations are increasingly interested in working for companies that prioritize sustainability. The bank has seen success in talent attraction through their internship program and focus on diversity, inclusion, climate resilience, and social and environmental lending.

While there has been internal resistance, the program has gained momentum with the support of the C-suite and a clear mandate from the CEO. Investors have varied responses, with larger institutional investors taking sustainability seriously. The lack of regulation makes it challenging for investors to evaluate companies, but they appreciate transparency and a serious commitment to sustainability.

Laura Rossi, the head of sustainability at Amerant, is driven by her personal ethics and the desire to make a meaningful contribution. She believes that climate action is no longer a choice and is excited to be part of the solution. However, she also acknowledges the worry that it may already be too late to turn things around.