In this insightful and action-driven episode, we welcome Oliver Bolton, CEO and co-founder of Earthly, a pioneering startup dedicated to protecting and regenerating more than 1% of the planet by 2030. Earthly provides businesses with a trustworthy, high-impact way to invest in nature-based climate solutions that drive carbon reduction, biodiversity restoration, and social impact.
Throughout the episode, Oliver explains how Earthly operates and the innovative methods they use to screen and verify nature-based projects. He discusses the company’s rigorous 106-data-point assessment system, which ensures businesses can de-risk their investments by selecting the highest integrity projects. He also delves into why enterprises are turning to nature-based solutions to combat climate change and how Earthly’s model is making it easier for corporations to invest in ecological restoration.
A major topic covered in this episode is the role of voluntary carbon and biodiversity credits. Oliver explains the difference between voluntary and compliance markets and how Earthly’s biodiversity credit system is revolutionizing conservation finance. He also addresses the challenges and criticisms of carbon offsetting, highlighting how Earthly is setting new quality standards to enhance trust and transparency in the sector.
Listeners will gain insight into some of Earthly’s most impactful projects around the world. In India’s Indo-Gangetic Plains, the company is working on regenerative farming practices that restore soil health, increase water retention, and promote biodiversity. In Madagascar and Pakistan, Earthly is focused on large-scale mangrove restoration to enhance coastal resilience and carbon sequestration. Oliver also discusses the company’s peatland protection initiatives in Indonesia, aimed at preventing carbon leakage and deforestation, as well as their efforts in conserving grasslands and tropical forests to maintain critical habitats, store carbon and provide alternative livelihoods.
Earthly has achieved significant global recognition, winning prestigious awards such as the COP27 Climb Tech Prize and Uplink’s 2023 Nature Tech Prize. These accolades reinforce the company’s commitment to high-quality, science-backed climate solutions that drive real impact.
This episode emphasizes the importance of nature-based solutions in addressing the climate crisis, highlighting that they can contribute up to one-third of the necessary carbon reduction efforts. Oliver underscores how businesses can decarbonize while also protecting and restoring ecosystems, and he stresses the need for clear standards in corporate investment to prevent greenwashing. He also sheds light on the emerging role of biodiversity credits, which offer companies a way to fund conservation initiatives with measurable, long-term benefits.
For those passionate about climate action, sustainability, and corporate responsibility, this episode provides a practical roadmap for investing in high-quality, nature-based solutions. Whether you are a business leader, a sustainability manager, or an environmentally conscious individual, there are actionable ways to support Earthly’s mission. By visiting Earthly.org, you can explore impact-driven projects and learn how to contribute to a more sustainable future.
Tune in now to discover how businesses and individuals can make a tangible impact in the fight against climate change. If you believe in a greener, healthier planet, be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help spread the message of nature-based solutions!
Meet the Host
Anish Banerjee: https://x.com/anishwildlife
Think Wildlife Foundation: https://thinkwildlifefoundation.com/
Meet the Guests
Oliver Bolton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-bolton/
Recommended Wildlife Conservation Books
Wildlife Conservation in India by HS Pabla: https://amzn.to/3Ypx9Zh
Indian Mammals: A Field Guide by Vivek Menon: https://amzn.to/4fhMiCL
At the Feet of Living Things by Aparajita Datta: https://amzn.to/3BZmtsN
