What Boards Need to Know About Energy and Renewables – with Alyse Mauro Mason and Meir Hasbani

The global economy runs on energy, and when energy markets move, the effects ripple far beyond the pump or the power grid. In early February, the world was operating in a well‑supplied, relatively low‑cost energy environment, with abundant crude oil, strong liquefied natural gas flows into Europe and Asia, growing investment in renewables, renewed momentum around nuclear, and energy prices that supported economic growth. Just weeks later, geopolitical disruption in one of the world’s most critical trade corridors fundamentally changed that picture. Today, nearly 20% of global oil and LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz are at risk, driving sharp price spikes that are already working their way through transportation, manufacturing, food, technology and consumer goods.In this episode, we unpack how energy shocks translate into real‑world economic pressure, from higher fuel and shipping costs to rising prices on everyday products many people do not even associate with oil and gas. We explore why energy volatility is no longer an occasional disruption but a structural feature of the global economy, how companies and boards should think about resilience along with stability, and what these dynamics mean for long‑term competitiveness. From the limits of biofuels and the uneven pace of decarbonization technologies to Europe’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the growing role of transparency laws like California’s SB 253, this conversation connects energy markets, climate policy and corporate strategy with why the companies that integrate all three will be the ones best positioned to lead in an increasingly volatile world.Meir Hasbani has extensive experience supervising teams and leading strategic biofuels projects. He currently serves as the Lead Analyst for Renewables and Biofeedstocks for Chevron corporate strategy, focused on global feedstock sourcing, advocacy, compliance and price forecasting.Alyse is an Associate Director with Protiviti and helps lead the firm’s ESG and Sustainability practice.Learn more about Meir and contact him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meir-hasbani-523167/.Learn more about Alyse and contact her here: www.linkedin.com/in/alysemauro/.