Podcast Summary: The Sustainability Story – Clare Brook: From Sustainable Finance to Ocean Impact in the Blue Economy
Episode Information
- Title: Clare Brook: From Sustainable Finance to Ocean Impact in the Blue Economy
- Host: CFA Institute
- Release Date: August 7, 2025
Introduction In this compelling episode of The Sustainability Story, hosted by Paul Moody from the CFA Institute, Clare Brook shares her transformative journey from a pioneer in sustainable finance to a leading figure in marine conservation with the Blue Marine Foundation. Brook delves into the evolution of sustainable investing, the critical state of our oceans, and the innovative financial mechanisms essential for achieving significant environmental impact.
Claire Brook's Background and Career in Sustainable Finance Clare Brook's career in sustainable finance spans 24 years, from 1990 to 2014, during which she was at the forefront of integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into investment strategies. Reflecting on her early days, Brook notes the initial skepticism faced by ethical investing:
“In the early 90s, it was very nascent. It was then called green or ethical investment...we were greeted with some surprise, occasionally derision” (00:42).
Over time, Brook witnessed a significant shift as ESG considerations became mainstream, exemplified by the rise in FTSE companies reporting on these issues—from 25% in 2000 to over 90% by 2008.
Transition to NGO and Blue Marine Foundation In 2014, Brook made a pivotal decision to leave the financial sector and co-found Web Assets Management before dedicating her efforts to ocean conservation through the Blue Marine Foundation. This move was driven by her impatience with the slow pace of change in sustainable investing and the escalating threats to climate and biodiversity:
“I needed to do something more meaningful, more impactful” (02:44).
Objectives and Achievements of Blue Marine Foundation Blue Marine Foundation, established in 2010, focuses on combating overfishing and establishing marine protected areas (MPAs). Brook highlights the foundation's mission to restore ocean biodiversity and stabilize climate through effective marine conservation:
“If you have areas of the ocean that are free from destructive overfishing, fish populations and habitats bounce back...it's good for fishing communities and it's good for marine life and it's good for the climate” (04:44).
Since Brook joined, Blue Marine has experienced remarkable growth, becoming Europe's largest marine-focused conservation charity with a turnover of £13 million. This success is attributed to applying principles from asset management to fundraising and donor engagement:
“If you have great performing funds...more donors will want to give you money. And so the whole thing sort of develops its own momentum” (07:18).
Challenges and Opportunities in Marine Conservation Despite progress, only 8% of the ocean is currently protected, with merely 3% under effective protection. Brook outlines the ambitious Global Biodiversity Framework goal to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030, urging for increased political will and financial investment:
“Ocean protection is relatively good value. It's incredibly effective...it has permanence and it's highly effective” (17:47).
Role of Finance in Achieving the 30 by 30 Goal Finance plays a critical role in marine conservation through innovative instruments like blue bonds, debt-for-nature swaps, and biodiversity credits. Brook emphasizes the need to align financial solutions with conservation goals to mobilize the necessary funding:
“We're trying to match the actual need, the conservation need on the ground with the expectations of would-be investors” (18:00).
Biodiversity Credits vs. Carbon Credits Brook discusses the development of biodiversity credits as a scientifically robust alternative to carbon credits, addressing the integrity issues plaguing traditional carbon markets:
“We’re trying to work on something that will be both scientifically robust, but also bring direct benefits to the community” (21:28).
Integrating Nature-Based Solutions into Investment Portfolios Institutional investors, including pension funds and sovereign wealth funds, are encouraged to integrate nature-based solutions into their portfolios. Brook acknowledges barriers such as the undervaluation of nature and the challenge of delivering high returns, yet highlights ongoing initiatives like the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) that are paving the way for greater integration:
“There are lots of people working very hard in this area to deliver the finance that's needed” (25:56).
Measuring Impact and Accountability Blue Marine Foundation employs Key Impact Indicators (KIIs) to measure the success of their projects, ensuring transparency and accountability. These indicators include the area of ocean protected, community engagement, and the number of individuals influenced:
“We produce an impact report and we measure our impact, we call it KIIs” (28:44).
Game-Changing Influence of David Attenborough's Film The release of David Attenborough's film Ocean is described as a "game changer" due to its impactful portrayal of marine destruction and its ability to galvanize public and political support:
“Having his voice to describe both the beauty of the ocean, but also the destruction...is incredibly helpful for our mission” (30:10).
How to Support Blue Marine Foundation Listeners interested in supporting marine conservation are encouraged to visit bluemarinefoundation.com, engage in advocacy by contacting environmental officials, and watch the influential Ocean film:
“We'd urge everyone to do that and do watch the amazing David Attenborough film, Ocean with David Attenborough” (32:01).
Conclusion Clare Brook's transition from sustainable finance to ocean conservation underscores the interconnectedness of financial mechanisms and environmental stewardship. Through the Blue Marine Foundation, Brook exemplifies how strategic investment and dedicated advocacy can lead to significant positive change in marine ecosystems, offering a blueprint for sustained impact in the blue economy.
Notable Quotes
- “In the early 90s, it was very nascent...we were greeted with some surprise, occasionally derision” – Clare Brook (00:42)
- “I needed to do something more meaningful, more impactful” – Clare Brook (02:44)
- “If you have areas of the ocean that are free from destructive overfishing...it's good for marine life and it's good for the climate” – Clare Brook (04:44)
- “Ocean protection is relatively good value. It's incredibly effective...it has permanence and it's highly effective” – Clare Brook (17:47)
- “We're trying to work on something that will be both scientifically robust, but also bring direct benefits to the community” – Clare Brook (21:28)
- “We produce an impact report and we measure our impact, we call it KIIs” – Clare Brook (28:44)
- “Having his voice to describe both the beauty of the ocean, but also the destruction...is incredibly helpful for our mission” – Clare Brook (30:10)
- “We'd urge everyone to do that and do watch the amazing David Attenborough film, Ocean with David Attenborough” – Clare Brook (32:01)
Time-Stamped Transcript References
- 00:05 – Introduction of Clare Brook
- 00:42 – Brook discusses early sustainable finance challenges
- 02:25 – Transitioning from finance to NGO
- 04:17 – Origins of Blue Marine Foundation
- 07:04 – Growth of Blue Marine
- 09:00 – Marine solutions vs. terrestrial approaches
- 12:12 – Marine ecosystems' recovery
- 17:47 – Financial needs for ocean protection
- 18:00 – Role of finance in achieving 30 by 30
- 21:17 – Biodiversity credits vs carbon credits
- 25:56 – Integrating nature-based solutions
- 28:44 – Measuring impact
- 30:10 – Impact of David Attenborough's film
- 32:01 – How to support Blue Marine
For further information and to support marine conservation efforts, visit Blue Marine Foundation.