Planet Positive Pulse - 21st Feb
Futuristic, bill-saving, home heating innovations, and a funding opportunity to launch your own charity!
Happy Friday everyone!
As a few of you may know, I'm writing to you this week from one of my favourite places on the planet — the Dolomites in Italy! Here's a photo from the sunny and thankfully snowy slopes 😎
I love the stunning landscapes here, not just in winter, but in summer as well, and highly recommend a visit if you get a chance. If you do plan to go, feel free to reach out — I’d be happy to share recommendations. For me, it’s also an inspiring place of natural beauty, and powerful reminder of why I built a "planet-positive mission" into my financial planning business.
How about you? What is your favourite place on this planet that inspires you? I'd be curious to hear. Also, curious to hear any feedback you have on this blog newsletter so far. Things you particularly like? Stuff you're less interested in? Ideas and suggestions to make this a useful publication for you? Please don't be shy, and just hit reply! 🙂
Read on for you latest dose of planet positivity — including encouraging news stories, featured innovators, sustainable investing world updates, exciting job and funding opportunities, and the latest insights from the Academy of Life Planners. Enjoy!
PS: Images and information summaries are mostly AI-generated. Although all information contained in this newsletter comes from trusted providers of real content, with sources provided, and facts checked.
🌟 Positive Climate News
Glasgow Trials Electric Wallpaper to Heat Homes Sustainably
Glasgow is testing an innovative electric wallpaper as a potential eco-friendly heating solution for its ageing tenement homes. This pilot project, involving 12 properties, aims to explore whether infrared-emitting wallpaper can replace fossil fuel heating in older, hard-to-insulate buildings.
Developed in collaboration with Scottish universities, housing associations, and Glasgow City Council, the initiative is part of broader efforts to decarbonise home heating. Unlike traditional radiators, the wallpaper warms objects and people directly, improving energy efficiency and reducing dampness and mould.
While affordability and scalability remain key considerations, early results suggest lower installation costs and competitive running expenses. If successful, this technology could offer a sustainable alternative for heating older homes, supporting Scotland’s commitment to reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency.
Big Win for the Planet: Court Blocks Rosebank Oil Field
In a huge legal victory for the environment, a Scottish court has ruled that the approvals for the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields were unlawful. This means Shell, Equinor, and Ithaca Energy can’t extract oil and gas from these sites unless they get fresh approval—a major step in holding fossil fuel projects to proper environmental standards.
The case, brought by Greenpeace and Uplift, challenged the UK government for failing to consider the full climate impact of burning the extracted fossil fuels. The court agreed, reinforcing the idea that governments can’t ignore long-term environmental consequences when making big energy decisions.
While this doesn’t mean the projects are cancelled outright, it does force a much-needed reassessment — one that could set a precedent for future fossil fuel developments. It’s a reminder that legal action can be a powerful tool for protecting the planet and ensuring climate impacts aren’t brushed aside.
Africa’s Bold Push for Clean Energy Access
In a historic move, more than half of Africa’s nations have committed to the largest investment in electricity expansion in the continent’s history. With backing from the World Bank, African Development Bank, and other partners, at least $35 billion will be invested in electrification, with a major focus on solar mini-grids to power off-grid communities.
This initiative aims to bring electricity to 300 million people in just six years, a game-changing step toward economic growth, better healthcare, and education opportunities. Importantly, the loans come at below-market rates, making clean energy expansion more accessible than ever.
While challenges remain — including regulatory hurdles and balancing affordability with private sector viability—this commitment signals a turning point for Africa’s sustainable energy future. With plummeting solar costs and renewed political will, the continent is closer than ever to affordable, clean, and reliable electricity for all.
Global EV Sales Surge 18%: A Promising Start to 2025
The electric vehicle (EV) market continues to expand, with global EV and plug-in hybrid sales increasing by 18% in January compared to the previous year, according to research firm Rho Motion. Despite shifting policies in some regions, the demand for cleaner transportation remains strong.
Europe saw a 21% rise in EV sales, driven by new CO2 emission targets, while the U.S. and Canada recorded a 22.1% increase. China, the world’s largest EV market, grew by 11.8% year-on-year, despite a temporary slowdown due to the Lunar New Year holiday.
With governments worldwide balancing incentives and regulations, and advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure, the EV market is continuing to grow, reinforcing its role in the global transition to low-carbon transportation.
Want more uplifting and solutions-focused news? Then check out Climativity Fix The News, and follow Ecologi on social media.
🚀 Inspiring Climate Start-up
Heata: Turning Wasted Heat into Warmth
Heata is redefining the way we think about energy, transforming wasted heat from computing into a force for good. Originally conceived as an innovation project with British Gas, Heata set out with a bold question: How can we help people struggling with fuel poverty stay warm? At the time, the energy-intensive nature of Bitcoin mining was making headlines, highlighting a problem — vast amounts of wasted heat. Instead of letting that heat disappear, Heata saw an opportunity to repurpose it for a greater cause.
By re-engineering computing systems to work with domestic hot water cylinders, Heata now provides free hot water to those who need it most. Their ground-breaking approach brings servers directly into homes, eliminating the need for complex heat networks while supporting the decarbonisation of a rapidly growing industry. With data centres consuming enormous amounts of energy just to cool their systems, Heata’s solution turns a challenge into a social benefit — where every bit of computing power helps keep homes warm.
🚀 Inspiring Planet Enhancing Non-profit
Sungai Watch: Stopping Plastic Pollution at Its Source
Sungai Watch is an impact-driven environmental organisation dedicated to protecting our oceans by tackling plastic pollution in rivers. Founded in Bali, Indonesia, in 2020, this passionate team of over 100 river warriors is pioneering scalable, community-led solutions to stop plastic waste before it reaches the sea.
By installing simple yet effective trash barriers and running collection, sorting, and upcycling systems, Sungai Watch is creating a blueprint for cleaner waterways. Their focus is on Indonesia’s most polluted rivers, particularly in Java, which is home to 90 of the world’s 1,000 most polluted rivers. With rapid expansion and global ambitions, they are bringing practical solutions to one of the world's biggest plastic waste challenges.
But their impact goes beyond clean-up — through education, community outreach, and local partnerships, they’re empowering people to be part of the solution. With an unwavering commitment to a plastic-free future, Sungai Watch is proving that real change starts where the problem begins — in our rivers. 🌊♻️
🔍 Climate Job Openings
Launch Your Own High-Impact Charity!
Have you ever dreamed of making a real difference in the world? The Charity Entrepreneurship Incubation Program is your chance to launch a non-profit from scratch, backed by expert mentorship, funding, and a proven roadmap for success. Running from August to October 2025, this fully funded program will guide you through every step — from refining your idea to launching a high-impact charity in areas like global health, education, and environmental sustainability. Past participants have gone on to create world-changing organisations, and you could be next.
With £175,000 in seed funding available, top-tier training, and a rigorous yet supportive selection process, this is the ultimate opportunity for ambitious, altruistic individuals ready to tackle the world’s biggest challenges. Applications close 24 March 2025, so take the first step towards your purpose-driven career today. Apply now and turn your vision into reality!
Operations Associate - Lantern Ventures
While this role is not directly related to environmental sustainability, Lantern Ventures is an organisation founded on philanthropic principles, with an inspiring commitment to donate 50% of all profits to high-impact charitable causes.
Lantern Ventures, a London-based hedge fund specialising in cryptocurrency markets, is seeking an Operations Associate to support its middle office, operations, and investor relations functions. This role offers exposure to multiple areas of the business, including fund administration, compliance, financial reconciliation, and risk management.
The ideal candidate has at least two years of experience in finance, accounting, or business operations, but motivated individuals with strong analytical skills and a passion for cryptocurrency will also be considered. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and proficiency in digital tools are essential.
This position offers a £40-50K salary plus bonus, hybrid working flexibility, 33 days of annual leave, and career development opportunities, including support for professional qualifications.
📩 See the full job advert page for more details.
Vigilent: AI-Driven Cooling Solutions for a Greener Future
Vigilent is a pioneering company using artificial intelligence to optimise cooling in mission-critical facilities, including data centres, telecommunications hubs, and commercial buildings. Their technology reduces energy waste, lowers carbon emissions, and ensures operational efficiency by dynamically adjusting cooling systems based on real-time temperature data. Founded in 2004, Vigilent’s AI-powered solutions are now trusted by leading global companies to enhance sustainability and reliability.
Vigilent is currently hiring in the UK offering remote opportunities in AI-driven facility optimisation. Open roles include Application Engineer, where candidates will work closely with clients and internal teams to develop tailored solutions for energy-efficient cooling, and Software Engineer (Control Applications Developer), focusing on developing advanced AI-driven control applications. This is an opportunity to join a mission-driven company at the forefront of AI and sustainability, helping businesses reduce their environmental impact while maintaining operational excellence.
These are some highlighted UK vacancies coming from ClimateBase, ClimateTechList, 80,000 Hours, as well as through my own network.
💰 Sustainable Investing Updates
Pension Funds Unite to Strengthen Climate Stewardship
A coalition of asset owners (including Peoples Pensions of the UK, amongst others) overseeing around $1.5 trillion in savings, has launched the Asset Owner Statement on Climate Stewardship, setting clear expectations for asset managers on climate action. The statement responds to asset managers’ calls for more guidance and urges them to strengthen their climate stewardship efforts to address the financial risks posed by climate change. With the 2030 deadline approaching, asset owners are emphasising the need for more impactful and systematic engagement in climate-related investment decisions.
Signed by 26 investors from the UK, Europe, Australia, and the US, the statement outlines five key principles, including policy engagement, collaborative action, structured company engagement, systematic voting, and proper stewardship resourcing. It aims to improve industry-wide climate stewardship and ensure asset managers align with asset owner expectations. Leaders behind the initiative stress that asset owners and managers must work together to drive meaningful change, not just in companies but across economic and environmental systems.
Although encouraging as that is... Is Your Pension Funding the Climate Crisis? If so, take back control
A recent campaign by Make My Money Matter, highlights how the UK’s £3 trillion in pensions is being invested in fossil fuels and deforestation — without most savers even knowing. Their research reveals that £88 billion is tied up in fossil fuel companies like Shell and BP, with every pension holder unknowingly supporting polluters. Additionally, £2 of every £10 in UK pensions is linked to deforestation, funding industries that destroy 10 million hectares of forest each year. Yet, they propose that shifting to green pensions is one of the most powerful climate actions individuals can take — their analysis suggests this is 21 times more effective at cutting carbon than going veggie, quitting flying, and switching energy providers combined.
Pensions have the power to drive real climate solutions, with the potential to invest £1 trillion in renewable energy by 2035, half of what the UK needs to reach net zero by 2050. Make My Money Matter has ranked the UK’s largest pension providers on their climate commitments, urging savers to demand better from their employers. By pressuring pension schemes to go green, individuals can future-proof their investments and help build a more sustainable world — because what’s the point of retiring in a world on fire?
Energy Transition Investment Hits $2.1 Trillion
Global investment in the energy transition reached a record $2.1 trillion in 2024, driven by growth in renewable energy, electrified transport, and power grids, according to BloombergNEF’s latest report. However, while investment hit an all-time high, its growth rate slowed compared to previous years. China led the way, contributing $818 billion, nearly two-thirds of the global increase, while investment in the US, EU, and UK remained stagnant or declined. Meanwhile, proven clean energy technologies like renewables and EVs continued to attract funding, while emerging technologies — such as hydrogen, carbon capture, and industrial decarbonisation — struggled due to affordability and scalability challenges.
Despite the record-breaking numbers, the report warns that current investment levels are only 37% of what is needed to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. BloombergNEF estimates that $5.6 trillion per year is required between 2025 and 2030 to stay on track. Private and public sector collaboration is critical to unlock funding for emerging technologies and accelerate efforts to reduce industrial emissions. While energy transition debt increased slightly to $1 trillion, equity investment in climate-tech companies declined for the third consecutive year, raising concerns about future funding for innovation. The report underscores that while progress is being made, far greater financial commitment is needed to meet global climate goals.
📖 Academy of Life Planners Insights
Become the Architect of Your Own Destiny
True empowerment is about more than just financial control — it’s about actively shaping a life that aligns with your values, aspirations, and purpose. At the Academy of Life Planning, individuals are guided through a transformative journey, breaking free from societal conditioning and recognising their own power to create meaningful change. By moving beyond limiting beliefs and embracing personal agency, we can shift from passive participants to confident architects of our own futures.
This article explores the evolution of self-empowerment, highlighting how recognising our ability to influence our own path leads to greater resilience, confidence, and fulfilment. Through a combination of practical guidance, community support, and structured frameworks, the Academy of Life Planning helps individuals take ownership of their destiny. Are you ready to step into your power and design a future that truly reflects who you are? Read on to begin your journey.
Are You Investing in Your True Self?
Traditional financial advice often caters to a version of you shaped by societal conditioning, rather than aligning with your true financial needs and aspirations. Many industry-standard tools, such as risk assessment questionnaires, reinforce emotional biases rather than optimising for long-term financial security. This approach may feel reassuring in the short term but can lead to suboptimal investment decisions that increase the risk of financial shortfalls over a lifetime.
This article challenges conventional thinking and explores how real financial empowerment comes from education and self-awareness. Instead of reinforcing myths about investment risk, true financial planning should focus on helping individuals make decisions based on their authentic values and future goals. Are you making investment choices based on comfort or long-term success? Read on to uncover how to align your financial strategy with your true self.
Rethinking the UK’s Growth Strategy: Beyond Banking
The UK’s current economic strategy leans heavily on banking and capital markets, but is this enough to drive long-term prosperity? While financial services are essential, overreliance on traditional industries has left the UK lagging behind innovation-led economies. Sectors rich in intellectual property, technology, and renewable energy have fueled global growth, yet the UK continues to underinvest in these high-potential industries. With £6 trillion in UK pensions and insurance funds, the capital exists — it's the allocation that needs a rethink.
This article explores how diversifying investment into future-focused industries — such as AI, life sciences, and renewables—can unlock stronger, more sustainable growth. By supporting start-ups, encouraging venture capital, and reducing barriers to innovation, the UK can create better jobs, higher wages, and a more resilient economy. The question is: Are we ready to invest in the industries that will shape the future? Read on to explore a smarter path forward.
Know Your “Who” and “Why” to Build a Future That Fits
As a solopreneur, you juggle countless responsibilities, but have you taken the time to reflect on who you are and why you started this journey? Business coaches emphasise that identity and purpose are the foundations of success—principles that can also transform how you approach your financial future. Understanding your "who" (your values, vision, and strengths) and your "why" (your deeper purpose) can help you set meaningful financial goals that align with the life you truly want to build.
This article explores how purpose-driven financial planning can keep you motivated, guide investment decisions, and help you achieve long-term stability. By integrating your identity into your financial strategy, you create a business that not only sustains you financially but also fulfils you personally. Are you ready to plan for success in a way that truly reflects who you are? Read on to discover how to align your finances with your values and purpose.
Curious to discover more about any of the themes discussed above, then check out the Planet Positive Planning website.
Copyright Planet Positive Planning Limited. Contact me by email at neil@planetpositiveplanning.com. Planet Positive Planning Limited is a service sector trading company, providing "educational financial services" and regulated by the Competition and Markets Authority and Registered in England and Wales number 15759784. As defined by PERG8.26 of the FCA Handbook, these services do not require FCA regulation. Registered office address 2 Joshua Pedley Mews, London, E3 2ZE, United Kingdom. Information Commissioner's Office reference number C1531204.
