The New Rules of the Climate Economy

As climate change increasingly reshapes the way we live and do business, companies are facing a new reality: adapting to environmental risk is no longer optional. But alongside the challenges are significant opportunities. In this episode, Adam Orford, associate professor of environmental law and policy at Fordham Law School, explores the growing intersection of business law and climate change, and what it means for the future of business. We examine whether businesses may have more power than governments to drive meaningful environmental change and the growing international demand for clean energy. Adam also considers the potential role of nuclear energy in addressing climate change, and why climate concerns extend far beyond traditional environmental policy. From the environmental costs of war to the rapid expansion of AI and data centers, Adam explores the unexpected ways business, technology, and geopolitics intersect with the climate crisis. Ultimately, we consider how climate change concerns all of us, and why collective action remains one of the biggest obstacles to meaningful solutions. Tune in for this fascinating discussion.Key Points From This Episode:The moment in environmental law and business that we are currently living through.How Adam Orford honed his expertise in environmental law and policy.Who he represented while practicing corporate law: energy developers, non-profits, and governments.Do businesses have more power to protect the environment than the government? The growing international demand for clean energy.Considering the actual impact of environmentally friendly business practices. How nuclear energy development is beneficial to climate change.Why war is linked with climate change — the short- and long-term environmental cost.What we really have to be concerned about with AI.How data centres affect the environment.Considering the most optimal response to the threat posed by data centers.The democratic discourse that has emerged in response to the AI conversation.Why climate change concerns every state and nation.How collective action challenges prevent climate change solutions.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Adam OrfordAdam Orford Fordham LawAdam Orford LinkedInArticle on COP29 UN ConventionFordham University School of Law Corporate Law Center