In this series, we engage with leading figures in the asset management industry and beyond. To kick things off, we spoke with Marnix Kluiters, founder of the podcast Ecosophy.
In his podcast, he combines economics, ecology and philosophy to talk about making impact. He has conversations with leaders from diverse backgrounds. At the DUFAS ALV, he shared his insights on how to make sustainable impact with your career.
What role does the asset management industry play in the sustainable transition?
"The asset management sector plays an incredibly important role. At over 2,000 billion, it is the biggest facilitator of the sustainable economy. We can sit on the highway, fight lawsuits and make podcasts, but ultimately the transition has to happen in the economy."
What opportunities exist for asset managers in the area of sustainability?
"I would find it particularly interesting if there were an opportunity to be allowed to invest a small portion of that enormous capital a little riskier. At the time of transitions, you often don't know exactly where you will end up. That is why it is essential that there also be an infrastructure in which companies can experiment.
In addition, at the moment you see that there is more investment in the downstream side of the energy transition than in the upstream side. This means that at the end of this decade there will already be a lot of demand for electric cars, for example, while it will still take ten years before the mines where the material is to come from are in place. If we don't act in time, we will face high costs and a huge delay in the transition."
How can we best deal with the anti ESG lobby?
"Telling a story from different perspectives in line with someone's value. Talk to a more conservative person, throw it over the security side. With today's geopolitics, energy sources like solar and wind provide a lot more autonomy. If someone fears for their retirement security, indicate that the cost of climate change is an even greater threat. Whether we like it or not, one day the shore will turn the ship. "
