In this episode, Jay speaks with Chris Slater, CEO & Founder of Oka, The Carbon Insurance Company, to explore how insurance is becoming a cornerstone of climate finance and a key enabler for carbon project development. They discuss how carbon insurance is reducing financial risk, unlocking investment, and helping climate projects scale faster and more securely.
Chris breaks down how Oka’s insurance products - like Pre-Payment Protect and Non-Payment Protect - are designed to work alongside banks, investors, and impact funds to structure deals and support capital flow into high-quality carbon projects. He also talks about why project developers carry most of the risk in today’s markets, and how Oka is shifting that burden through tailored coverage.
Give it a listen to learn how risk mitigation is driving climate finance forward, and why insurance might be the unlock the carbon markets have been waiting for.
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About:
Untangling Climate Finance explores the dynamic field of climate change finance through conversations with industry experts about topics including climate solutions, global carbon markets, carbon projects, novel technologies such as AI and distributed ledger, and much more.
If you have any questions, comments, a future guest recommendation, or are interested in joining Jay for an episode, please shoot him a message at: jtipton@gordianknotstrategies.com
Credits:
The podcast is produced by Gordian Knot Strategies.
It is written, narrated, and edited by Jay Tipton.
Music is by Diamond_Tunes.
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Sliced: Biomass Storage
In this edition, we explore Biomass Storage - an emerging solution in carbon dioxide removal. With innovations in terrestrial and marine storage, biomass is quickly becoming a player in the path to net-zero.
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Sliced is a weekly short-form dispatch released every Tuesday that features original thought pieces from our team members with the goal of slicing apart the various complex aspects of climate finance.
If you want to check out the written version of Sliced, click here. And if you want to receive Sliced to your inbox, click here.
Sliced is produced by Gordian Knot Strategies.
It is written, narrated, and edited by Jay Tipton.
Visit us at www.gordianknotstrategies.com.
Music is by Coma-Media.
In this episode, Jay speaks with Kelly Cain, Senior Program & Policy Strategist for the National Indian Carbon Coalition, to explore how Indigenous communities are leading the way in carbon markets and climate finance.
They discuss how carbon projects can support land reclamation, community infrastructure, and long-term stewardship - all while reinforcing tribal sovereignty and sustainability.
Kelly shares the story behind the Tribal Carbon and Co-Benefit Tool, a powerful GIS-based platform that helps quantify the ecological and social impacts of carbon projects. He also talks about the importance of data sovereignty, trust-building, and why tribal nations are uniquely positioned to lead in nature-based climate solutions.
Give it a listen to learn how Indigenous-led carbon projects are impacting climate finance and delivering real impact on the ground!
Show Resources:
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About:
Untangling Climate Finance explores the dynamic field of climate change finance through conversations with industry experts about topics including climate solutions, global carbon markets, carbon projects, novel technologies such as AI and distributed ledger, and much more.
If you have any questions, comments, a future guest recommendation, or are interested in joining Jay for an episode, please shoot him a message at: jtipton@gordianknotstrategies.com
Credits:
The podcast is produced by Gordian Knot Strategies.
It is written, narrated, and edited by Jay Tipton.
Music is by Diamond_Tunes.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Sliced: Pricing the Carbon of Marine Shipping
In this episode of Sliced, we explore the landmark new carbon pricing policy placed on maritime shipping set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
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Sliced is a weekly short-form dispatch released every Tuesday that features original thought pieces from our team members with the goal of slicing apart the various complex aspects of climate finance.
If you want to check out the written version of Sliced, click here.
And if you want to receive Sliced to your inbox, click here.
Sliced is produced by Gordian Knot Strategies. It is written, narrated, and edited by Jay Tipton.
Visit us at www.gordianknotstrategies.com.
Music is by Coma-Media.
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Sliced: Enhanced Rock Weathering - A Growing Climate Solution
In this episode of Sliced, we explore Enhanced Rock Weathering, a carbon credit type that has been growing rapidly in both interest and investment in the past twelve months.
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Sliced is a weekly short-form dispatch released every Tuesday that features original thought pieces from our team members with the goal of slicing apart the various complex aspects of climate finance.
If you want to check out the written version of Sliced, click here.
And if you want to receive Sliced to your inbox, click here.
Sliced is produced by Gordian Knot Strategies.
It is written, narrated, and edited by Jay Tipton.
Visit us at www.gordianknotstrategies.com.
Music is by Coma-Media.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Sliced: Philanthropy Meets Returns
In this edition of Sliced, we dive into the powerful intersection of philanthropy and impact investing. As the climate crisis escalates, the shortage of climate finance demands innovative approaches - and combining philanthropy with impact investments could be a game-changer. From early-stage grants to catalytic investments, blending these tools can drive deeper, more lasting environmental and social impact.
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Sliced is a weekly short-form dispatch released every Tuesday that features original thought pieces from our team members with the goal of slicing apart the various complex aspects of climate finance.
If you want to check out the written version of Sliced, click here.
And if you want to receive Sliced to your inbox, click here.
Sliced is produced by Gordian Knot Strategies. It is written, narrated, and edited by Jay Tipton.
Visit us at www.gordianknotstrategies.com.
Music is by Coma-Media.
In this episode, Jay speaks with Sacha Spector, Ph.D., Program Director for the Environment at the Doris Duke Foundation, to explore how philanthropy is shaping conservation finance and climate-smart solutions. They discuss how strategic funding, policy advocacy, and collaboration are driving impact in land protection, Indigenous-led conservation, and forest restoration.
Sacha shares how DDF is helping scale climate-smart forestry, build a national consensus for conservation, and navigate challenges in financing nature-based solutions. He also highlights the evolving role of philanthropy in filling gaps left by shifting federal policies.
Tune in to learn how independent capital can drive bold climate action and accelerate nature-based solutions!
Show Resources:
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About:
Untangling Climate Finance explores the dynamic field of climate change finance through conversations with industry experts about topics including climate solutions, global carbon markets, carbon projects, novel technologies such as AI and distributed ledger, and much more.
If you have any questions, comments, a future guest recommendation, or are interested in joining Jay for an episode, please shoot him a message at: jtipton@gordianknotstrategies.com
Credits:
The podcast is produced by Gordian Knot Strategies.
It is written, narrated, and edited by Jay Tipton.
Music is by Diamond_Tunes.
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Sliced: Carbon Market Opportunities for Everyday Investors
In this episode of Untangling Climate Finance, we explore how platforms like Homaio and CRBN Trade are opening carbon markets to everyday investors. Learn how you can invest in European Union Allowances (EUAs) and carbon credits to align profit with climate action.
(Past) Episode: A Veteran's Take on Carbon Markets - Insights with David Antonioli
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Sliced is a weekly short-form dispatch released every Tuesday that features original thought pieces from our team members with the goal of slicing apart the various complex aspects of climate finance.
If you want to check out the written version of Sliced, click here. And if you want to receive Sliced to your inbox, click here.
Sliced is produced by Gordian Knot Strategies.
It is written, narrated, and edited by Jay Tipton.
Visit us at www.gordianknotstrategies.com.
Music is by Coma-Media.
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Sliced: Pro Forma Tools 101
In this edition of Sliced, we offer a 101 on Pro Forma Tools - a suite of key financial tools that could help scale climate finance to much needed projects and sectors. Used in other industries such as renewable energy, pro forma tools can help de-risk investments, standardize projections, and boost investor confidence. Now, it’s time to apply them to carbon markets, forestry, and climate-smart agriculture to unlock climate finance for urgent solutions.
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Sliced is a weekly short-form dispatch released every Tuesday that features original thought pieces from our team members with the goal of slicing apart the various complex aspects of climate finance.
If you want to check out the written version of Sliced, click here. And if you want to receive Sliced to your inbox, click here.
Sliced is produced by Gordian Knot Strategies. It is written, narrated, and edited by Jay Tipton.
Visit us at www.gordianknotstrategies.com.
Music is by Coma-Media.
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Sliced: The Importance of Carbon Credit Purchasing Coalitions
In this edition of Sliced, we dive into the power of Carbon Credit Purchasing Coalitions in driving climate action. We look at how coalitions like Symbiosis, LEAF, and Frontier are creating much-needed demand for high-quality carbon credits. By joining forces, these companies are sending clear market signals, supporting innovative carbon removal projects, and providing critical financing for communities around the world. Demand is the engine of the voluntary carbon market, and these coalitions are stepping up to keep it running.
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Sliced is a weekly short-form dispatch released every Tuesday that features original thought pieces from our team members with the goal of slicing apart the various complex aspects of climate finance.
If you want to check out the written version of Sliced, click here. And if you want to receive Sliced to your inbox, click here.
Sliced is produced by Gordian Knot Strategies. It is written, narrated, and edited by Jay Tipton. Visit us at www.gordianknotstrategies.com.
Music is by Coma-Media.
In this episode, Jay speaks withNatalia Dorfman, CEO and Co-Founder ofKita Insurance, to explore how insurance is transforming climate finance and carbon markets. They discuss how risk mitigation strategies are unlocking investment, ensuring carbon credit reliability, and driving more capital into climate solutions.
Natalia shares how Kita is addressing delivery risks, political uncertainties, and counterparty reliability, while also highlighting trends in investor demand and the evolving role of insurance in scaling carbon projects.
Give it a listen to learn how insurance is becoming a powerful tool in de-risking climate investments and accelerating carbon market growth!
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About:
Untangling Climate Finance explores the dynamic field of climate change finance through conversations with industry experts about topics including climate solutions, global carbon markets, carbon projects, novel technologies such as AI and distributed ledger, and much more.
If you have any questions, comments, a future guest recommendation, or are interested in joining Jay for an episode, please shoot him a message at:jtipton@gordianknotstrategies.com
Credits:
The podcast is produced by Gordian Knot Strategies.
It is written, narrated, and edited by Jay Tipton.
Music is by Diamond_Tunes.
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Sliced: Blended Finance – A Key Catalyst for Climate Action
In this edition of Sliced, we dive into blended finance and its role in scaling climate solutions. With climate finance needing a massive boost, we explore how public, private, and philanthropic capital is unlocking funds for sustainable projects and driving real impact in the fight against climate change.
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Sliced is a weekly short-form dispatch released every Tuesday that features original thought pieces from our team members with the goal of slicing apart the various complex aspects of climate finance.
If you want to check out the written version of Sliced, click here.
And if you want to receive Sliced to your inbox, click here.
Sliced is produced by Gordian Knot Strategies. It is written, narrated, and edited by Jay Tipton.
Visit us at www.gordianknotstrategies.com.
Music is by Coma-Media.
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Sliced: Offsetting My 2024 Carbon Footprint
In this edition of Sliced, Jay Tipton reflects on his 2024 carbon footprint and explains the steps he took to purchase carbon credits that support clean cookstove projects in Guatemala. From personal accountability to impactful climate solutions, Jay points out how actions like these can drive meaningful change for communities and the planet.
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Sliced is a weekly short-form dispatch released every Tuesday that features original thought pieces from our team members with the goal of slicing apart the various complex aspects of climate finance.
If you want to check out the written version of Sliced, click here. And if you want to receive Sliced to your inbox, click here.
Sliced is produced by Gordian Knot Strategies. It is written, narrated, and edited by Jay Tipton.
Visit us at www.gordianknotstrategies.com.
Music is by Coma-Media.
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Sliced: Los Angeles's Wildfires and the Path Forward
In this edition of Sliced, Jay writes about Los Angeles's wildfires, reflecting on their personal impact and the financial tools driving forest resilience and climate action. From carbon markets to impact investing, Jay points out how these solutions can help amid the devastation.
For those who want to help those impacted by the LA fires, there are numerous avenues. If you’re local, a list of volunteer opportunities is here. If you want to donate money, try the following:
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Sliced is a weekly short-form dispatch released every Tuesday that features original thought pieces from our team members with the goal of slicing apart the various complex aspects of climate finance.
If you want to check out the written version of Sliced, click here. And if you want to receive Sliced to your inbox, click here.
Sliced is produced by Gordian Knot Strategies. It is written, narrated, and edited by Jay Tipton.
Visit us at www.gordianknotstrategies.com.
Music is by Coma-Media.
In this episode, Jay sits down with Peter Stangel, Alicia Cramer, and Trevor Cutsinger from the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities to explore their groundbreaking Impact Investing Program. They discuss how this initiative is reshaping forestry and conservation finance by blending financial returns with meaningful environmental and community impacts.
Peter shares the origins and framework of the program, Alicia highlights success stories like Tanbark’s eco-friendly packaging solutions, and Trevor looks ahead to future opportunities, including scaling through co-investment and addressing challenges like low-value wood utilization.
Tune in to learn how the U.S. Endowment is driving innovative solutions for forests, communities, and the climate!
Show Resources:
Link -
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About:
Untangling Climate Finance explores the dynamic field of climate change finance through conversations with industry experts about topics including climate solutions, global carbon markets, carbon projects, novel technologies such as AI and distributed ledger, and much more.
If you have any questions, comments, a future guest recommendation, or are interested in joining Jay for an episode, please shoot him a message at: jtipton@gordianknotstrategies.com
Credits:
The podcast is produced by Gordian Knot Strategies.
It is written, narrated, and edited by Jay Tipton.
Special thanks to Sean Penrith, Jacoba Gundle, Maggie Tipton, and Julie Witherspoon.
Music is by Diamond_Tunes.
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Sliced: What Is Credit Enhancement? A Simple Introduction
In this edition of Sliced, we offer an introduction to credit enhancement and how it can effect impact investing. -
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Sliced is a weekly short-form dispatch released every Tuesday that features original thought pieces from our team members with the goal of slicing apart the various complex aspects of climate finance.
If you want to check out the written version of Sliced, click here.
And if you want to receive Sliced to your inbox, click here.
Sliced is produced by Gordian Knot Strategies.
It is written, narrated, and edited by Jay Tipton.
Visit us at www.gordianknotstrategies.com.
Music is by Coma-Media.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Sliced: United Kingdom - Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
In this week’s Sliced, we explore the recently confirmed United Kingdom Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and its potential impacts and risks.
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Sliced is a weekly short-form dispatch released every Tuesday that features original thought pieces from our team members with the goal of slicing apart the various complex aspects of climate finance.
If you want to check out the written version of Sliced, click here.
And if you want to receive Sliced to your inbox, click here.
Sliced is produced by Gordian Knot Strategies.
It is written, narrated, and edited by Jay Tipton.
Visit us at www.gordianknotstrategies.com.
Music is by Coma-Media.
In this episode, Jay connects with Sheri Hickok, CEO of Climate Impact Partners, to discuss the role of carbon markets in accelerating climate solutions. Sheri shares her career journey from engineering in Detroit to leading a global company dedicated to addressing climate change.
Sheri explains Climate Impact Partners’ mission to drive impactful climate action by collaborating with corporations and governments worldwide.
She highlights innovative projects, like their partnership with Form Ghana, a reforestation initiative that both removes carbon and supports local communities with sustainable jobs.
This conversation also explores the latest trends in the voluntary carbon market, where companies are increasingly leveraging high-quality carbon credits to meet net-zero targets and bolster climate resilience.
Show Resources:
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About:
Untangling Climate Finance explores the dynamic field of climate change finance through conversations with industry experts about topics including climate solutions, global carbon markets, carbon projects, novel technologies such as AI and distributed ledger, and much more.
If you have any questions, comments, a future guest recommendation, or are interested in joining Jay for an episode, please shoot him a message at: jtipton@gordianknotstrategies.com
Credits:
The podcast is produced by Gordian Knot Strategies.
It is written, narrated, and edited by Jay Tipton.
Special thanks to Sean Penrith, Jacoba Gundle, Maggie Tipton, and Julie Witherspoon.
Music is by Diamond_Tunes.
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Sliced: Letters of Authorization
In this week’s Sliced, we discuss a key element of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) mechanism for the global aviation industry - Letters of Authorization.
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Sliced is a weekly short-form dispatch released every Tuesday that features original thought pieces from our team members with the goal of slicing apart the various complex aspects of climate finance.
If you want to check out the written version of Sliced, click here.
And if you want to receive Sliced to your inbox, click here.
Sliced is produced by Gordian Knot Strategies.
It is written, narrated, and edited by Jay Tipton.
Visit us at www.gordianknotstrategies.com.
Music is by Coma-Media.
In this episode, Jay sits down with Rita Hite, President and CEO of the American Forest Foundation, to discuss the power of family-owned forests in driving climate solutions. Rita shares her career journey and AFF’s work in unlocking the potential of small landowners through sustainable forestry practices.
Rita also makes a major announcement about AFF’s first-ever carbon credit auction for nature-based solutions, set for February 2025. This innovative auction aims to streamline the carbon market and empower family forest owners to contribute to climate mitigation efforts.
Show Resources:
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About:
Untangling Climate Finance explores the dynamic field of climate change finance through conversations with industry experts about topics including climate solutions, global carbon markets, carbon projects, novel technologies such as AI and distributed ledger, and much more.
If you have any questions, comments, a future guest recommendation, or are interested in joining Jay for an episode, please shoot him a message at: jtipton@gordianknotstrategies.com
Credits:
The podcast is produced by Gordian Knot Strategies.
It is written, narrated, and edited by Jay Tipton.
Special thanks to Sean Penrith, Jacoba Gundle, Maggie Tipton, and Julie Witherspoon.
Music is by Diamond_Tunes.
