In this episode of The Impact, Jeff Gitterman welcomes Peter Krull, a Partner and Director of Sustainable Investing at Earth Equity Advisors, who shares his journey into sustainable investing, which began during his time at Merrill Lynch and was influenced by his conversations with his wife, a dual PhD microbiologist, and his meeting with green architect William McDonough. He emphasizes the importance of sustainable investing as a response to the existential challenges posed by climate change.
They discuss the current state of the sustainable investing landscape, particularly the pressures faced by fund companies and the political climate surrounding ESG. Peter highlights that while there may be shifts in product offerings, the demand from clients for sustainable solutions remains strong. He points out that the role of advisors is to tell stories and translate, helping clients understand the importance of sustainable investing.
Peter also emphasizes the need to evolve from socially responsible investing to a more resilient and innovative approach, particularly in light of recent climate-related events. He shares insights from his own experiences during Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina, and the necessity for infrastructure improvements to adapt to a changing climate.
They touch on the investment opportunities in resilience and adaptation, noting that the case for investing in these areas is becoming increasingly clear. Peter’s upcoming book, The Sustainable Investor, aims to educate both financial advisors and the public about sustainable investing and the importance of embodying these values in their practices.
As they wrap up, they discuss the future of sustainable investing, particularly the growing interest among younger generations. Peter emphasizes that financial advisors must adapt to meet the demands of these clients or risk losing them to less personalized investment solutions.