Planet Positive Pulse - May

Exciting news in our household this week: my husband is officially launching Pasta Nut, a new venture serving up authentic, alternative Italian pasta to the masses! If you’re in South East London, keep an eye out on Deliveroo and Uber Eats — and maybe treat yourself to some pistachio pesto ravioli on a Thursday night. I’ve had the job recently of being chief taster, for which I've taken my role extremely diligently!😋

But behind the carbs is a bigger story — one that reflects many of the themes we explore in this newsletter. A story of transition. Reinvention. And asking the question: What now?

Like many, my husband found himself at a professional crossroads. The landscape for UX/UI design — his previous career — has shifted dramatically, with AI accelerating change and tightening the job market. Instead of scrambling for scraps in an increasingly crowded kitchen, he started cooking his own recipe from scratch — literally.

As a "chief taster" for my own business to begin. He used the GAME Plan process to help map out what could come next — looking at his strengths, values, and the Ikigai framework: what he’s good at, what he loves, what the world needs, and what people will pay for. The result? A venture rooted in authenticity, his heritage, and something that brings delight. Because while AI can write code, it’s a long way from replicating the joy of fresh, hand-folded pasta.

The move from employee to entrepreneur shouldn't be underestimated — it demands a whole new mindset. It takes real courage to take such a big leap and back yourself, especially in uncertain times. Also, grit, belief and whole of lot creativity. It makes me very proud to see what he's done.

As well as an example of how taking positive steps can work out in practice. It’s a reminder that career turning points are not only possible — they’re increasingly necessary in a world that’s changing faster than ever. Volatility is becoming the norm. Not only in the financial markets, but in the human capital markets too. But opportunity is also there too, if we’re willing to rethink what our possible futures could look like.

Here’s to new celebrating new chapters and news stories worth savouring — enjoy what’s inside this month's edition of Planet Positive Pulse. 😎

(You can also follow Pasta Nut and Planet Positive Planning on Instagram.)

🌟 Positive Climate News

This month, we’re focusing on the United States — a place where climate progress is currently running headfirst into political headwinds. But beneath all the noise, innovation continues to move forward. From self-driving electric trucks to solar-powered vineyards, these stories remind us that planet-positive action is still very much alive and accelerating, even when the headlines suggest otherwise. Here are five current highlights from the US demonstrating tangible progress👇

🚛 Driverless & Emission-Free: Aurora’s Electric Haulage

In a U.S. first, Aurora’s autonomous electric truck completed a 240-mile delivery across Texas — zero tailpipe emissions, zero driver. With freight contributing 7% of U.S. emissions, this is a powerful proof of concept.

Zooming Out: Aurora aims to deploy 20+ electric self-driving semis by 2026, working with Volvo and PACCAR. Analysts predict autonomous EV trucks could cut freight emissions by 50% and slash operating costs by 30%.

On the Horizon: New EPA rules and $1B in federal grants are speeding up clean freight infrastructure, with charging corridors rolling out across major routes.

⚡ U.S. Grid Hits a Turning Point: Renewables Take the Lead

History made: In March, renewables generated 51% of U.S. electricity — outpacing fossil fuels for the first time. A decade ahead of forecasts, thanks to record solar growth and plunging battery costs.

Grid Game-Changer: 120 GW of battery storage helped keep power flowing, with the Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credits accelerating deployment.

Regional Powerhouses:

• Texas (ERCOT): 67% renewable penetration in spring
• California: 100% renewable power for 18 days straight
• Midwest: Wind now powers 15M homes year-round

🏨 Carbon-Positive Living: The Regenerative Hotel

Meet Populus, Denver’s new climate-forward hotel — and the world’s first carbon-positive hospitality project. It generates 110% of its energy, sequesters 1,800 tons of CO₂, and uses carbon-negative concrete.

Design That Breathes: An AI-optimised facade slashes HVAC use by 75%, while timber construction locks away carbon. Guests enjoy EV charging, zero-waste amenities, and meals from a rooftop garden.

A New Standard: Populus is part of a wider movement pushing climate-positive architecture — where buildings don’t just reduce harm, they actively repair.

🔋 The Silent Power Revolution: Batteries That Balance

The U.S. energy storage boom is rewriting the rules of power management, with grid-scale battery capacity exploding from 1.5 GW in 2020 to 30 GW in 2025 – enough to power 10 million homes for 12 hours. During Texas' record July 2024 heatwave, batteries delivered 4.2 GW of critical power, preventing blackouts when demand peaked at 85 GW.

The Storage Surge:

• California leads with 10.3 GW of installed storage (up 800% since 2020)
• Texas added 5 GW in 2024 alone – equivalent to 5 nuclear reactors' output
• New lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries now store energy at **97/kWh∗∗(downfrom97/kWh∗∗(downfrom280 in 2020)

Game-Changing Impacts:
1️⃣ Allowed California to retire 3 natural gas peaker plants in 2024
2️⃣ Enabled renewables to provide 38% of total U.S. generation in Q1 2025
3️⃣ Created 35,000 new jobs in battery manufacturing and installation

Next-Gen Breakthroughs:

• Flow batteries (like iron-saltwater systems) now offer 100-hour discharge
• Gravity storage (Energy Vault) achieves 80% round-trip efficiency
• DOE's "Long Duration Storage Shot" aims for 90% cost reduction by 2035

The Bottom Line: With the U.S. storage market projected to hit 100 GW by 2030, batteries are transforming from grid supplements to its foundation – enabling the clean energy transition while enhancing reliability and cutting costs.

🍇 Agri-Voltaics Bloom: Solar Panels in the Vineyard

In California, farmers are harvesting both grapes and gigawatts. Agri-voltaics — solar panels above crops — are proving a win-win: 30% less water use, better crop resilience, and clean power for hundreds of homes.

Case in Point: One Napa vineyard now earns more from solar than wine, powering 900 homes while protecting crops from heat stress.

Policy Power: New state laws and 50% USDA grants are scaling the sector fast. Research shows that in hot climates, some crops thrive in solar shade — a model for sustainable agriculture everywhere.

Want more uplifting and solutions-focused news? Then check out Climativity Fix The News, and follow Ecologi on social media.

🚀 Inspiring Climate Start-up

Ampersand: Electrifying Africa’s Transport Future

Ampersand Energy is revolutionising mobility in East Africa by building the continent’s first scalable electric transport ecosystem. Founded in 2016, the company designs affordable electric motorcycles and a pioneering battery-swap network tailored for the region’s 5 million motorcycle taxi drivers — the backbone of urban transport. By replacing petrol bikes with high-performance electric alternatives, Ampersand slashes operating costs by 45%, instantly boosting drivers’ incomes while eliminating tailpipe emissions. Their smart batteries, swapped in under 2 minutes at solar-powered stations, have already enabled 280 million emission-free kilometres and saved 12,000 tons of CO₂ — proving that climate action can uplift livelihoods too.

What makes Ampersand truly transformative is its customer-centric innovation. The company’s Rwandan and Kenyan teams have engineered rugged e-motos that outperform petrol bikes on African roads, paired with a pay-as-you-go model that removes upfront cost barriers. Real-time data from their Amper-Ops platform optimises every battery’s 350,000-km lifespan, while drivers earn more and breathe cleaner air. With plans to expand to 40,000 vehicles by 2026, Ampersand isn’t just cutting emissions — it’s powering a just transition where economic empowerment and zero-carbon transport go hand in hand.

Why It Inspires: Ampersand exemplifies how climate solutions can be by and for the communities they serve, turning drivers into champions of a greener future — one swap at a time. 🌍⚡

🔍 Climate Job Openings

🌱 Exciting Career Openings at LSE Grantham Institute!

Are you looking to pivot your career toward climate action? The Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics (LSE) is hiring for impactful roles that bridge research, policy, and real-world solutions. These positions offer a unique chance to work at the forefront of climate change mitigation and adaptation — perfect for professionals eager to transition into this vital field.

Currently available roles include:
🔹 Policy Analyst (Adaptation Finance in Emerging Markets) – Help shape financial strategies to support vulnerable nations facing climate impacts.
🔹 Research Fellow (India’s Low-Carbon Transition) – Contribute to ground-breaking work on India’s energy and industrial decarbonisation.
🔹 Communications Officer (Climate Science & Policy) – Amplify critical research to policymakers and the public.

With competitive salaries, hybrid working options, and the chance to collaborate with leading experts, these vacancies are ideal for those ready to align their career with climate solutions. Deadlines are approaching soon — apply today and be part of the change!

👉 Explore the roles and apply here: Grantham Institute Vacancies

💰 Sustainable Investing Updates

Key Insights from LSEG’s 2025 Green Economy Report

The global green economy is now valued at a staggering $7.9trillion, with revenues from green products and service exceeding $5 trillion for the first time. Despite market volatility, the report finds that sustainable investments have outperformed benchmarks by 59% since 2008, proving their long-term resilience. Here’s what stands out:

• Sector Growth: Renewable energy, energy-efficient buildings, and clean transport dominate, accounting for 68% of green revenues
• Regional Leaders: The U.S. and EU lead in green investment, but emerging markets like India and Brazil are accelerating their transitions, with solar capacity in India growing 300% since 2020
• Investor Confidence: 88% of individual investors globally are interested in sustainable investing, with Gen Z and Millennials driving demand (99% and 97% interest, respectively)

Why it matters: The data underscores that sustainability isn’t just a fad, but a long-term investment trend.

Don’t Miss: Reset Connect London 2025

Want to dive deeper? Join the UK’s premier sustainable finance event, Reset Connect London (24–25 June 2025), where 7,500+ professionals will gather to:

• Explore cutting-edge trends: From grid-scale battery storage to agri-voltaics, discover innovations shaping the future.
• Network with experts: Hear from leaders like the UK Minister for Climate and Diageo’s Global Head of Sustainability.
• Secure funding: Connect with investors managing $6.5 trillion in ESG-focused assets.

Early bird tickets are available now — register here to lock in your spot!

📖 Academy of Life Planners Insights

This week focuses a spotlight on financial justice: Three Must-Read Investigative Articles

1. Restoring Justice, Rebuilding Lives

A ground-breaking initiative, the Justice & Recovery Hub, is transforming support for victims of corporate financial crimes — from pension mismanagement to high-level fraud. This survivor-led program offers free empowerment services, including:

• Rebuild & Thrive Masterclasses (emotional recovery workshops)
• Peer Support Networks (connecting victims to shared experiences)
• Advocacy Campaigns (pushing for systemic reform)

Why it matters: For too long, victims have faced financial ruin and psychological trauma alone. This model prioritises healing alongside accountability.

2. 💥 The Killing Bank: Financial Misconduct Turns Deadly

An explosive 2025 report exposes Lloyds Banking Group’s systemic malpractice — linking mis-selling, aggressive collections, and institutional betrayal to customer suicides. Key findings:

• Lloyds’ scandals (PPI, mortgage abuses) have cost £23 billion in compensation.
• An estimated hundreds of suicides annually among its customer base—comparable to a "Southall Rail Crash every six weeks".
• Legal experts argue this meets the threshold for corporate manslaughter under UK law 4.

The call to action: The report demands regulators stop "turning a blind eye" to banking’s human cost.

3. Is the FCA Aligning Too Closely with the Regulated at the Expense of the Consumer?

Critics accuse the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) of prioritising industry growth over consumer protection. Examples include:

• Light-touch enforcement for repeat offenders.
• Revolving door between regulators and banks.
• Delayed interventions in scandals like the Lloyds case above.

The bottom line: "When regulators become cheerleaders for the regulated, victims pay the price".

📖 Dive Deeper: These articles reveal a financial system at a crossroads — where justice, accountability, and human lives hang in the balance. Read the full articles below to understand how we can demand better:

• Restoring Justice, Rebuilding Lives
• The Killing Bank
• FCA Under Fire

💬 Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on financial justice reforms using #JusticeForVictims.

Curious to discover more about any of the themes discussed above, then check out the Planet Positive Planning website.

Disclaimer:
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Please be aware that an investment strategy that is appropriate for one person, may not be appropriate to another, including yourself. Past performance is not indicative of future results. In tailoring your own personal investment strategy it is recommended to speak to a qualified professional.

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.