S1 EP6 - Tom Smith | Finance and the Future

As we head closer to the end of season 1, we can say that the the finish line is definitely within sight! This week we speak with Professor Tom Smith, the Head of the Department of Applied Finance at Macquarie University, as well as a member of the Centre for Corporate Sustainability and Environmental Finance. In this episode, we gain a deeper understanding of the work undertaken by the Centre for Corporate Sustainability and Environmental Finance, as well as Professor Smith’s observation of the integration and intersection between the financial industry with contemporary ESG concerns. Tune into this episode to gain a deeper understanding into the future of finance, and the industry’s attempt to assign a dollar value to sustainability. Timestamps [00:00] Introduction [02:02] Working for the Centre of Corporate Sustainability and Environmental Finance [04:15] The evolution of finance into sustainability and ESG [06:32] Integrating ESG with finance theory and how can we get standardisation in the industry? [09:40] Background on the global environmental crisis and how can we apply the Rockstrom Planetary Boundaries to preserve the planet? [12:50] Findings or frameworks relating to the social side of ESG [17:30] Frameworks Australia should adopt to transition into an economy powered by clean energy [27:50] Effectiveness of a $1 billion grant towards assisting the clean energy transition, or carbon taxes and other strategies [31:23] Why is Australia trailing behind in the race towards transitioning into clean energy? [38:39] Opportunities for graduates in clean energy [43:37] Speed round! [53:27] Outro Professor Tom Smith’s Links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-smith-6802059/ Centre of Corporate and Sustainability and Environmental Finance: https://www.mq.edu.au/research/research-centres-groups-and-facilities/centres/centre-for-corporate-sustainability-and-environmental-finance