Unpacking Energy Transition, Social Justice, and Economic Systems with Linus Beer | 008

How true impact requires shifting resources, responsibilities and power structures - not just technology

 

SUMMARY

In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Linus Beer, whose commitment to environmental and social justice has deeply inspired me since our shared volunteer year in Ecuador.

We reflect on our early learning journeys, from waste collection with rural communities to eye-opening encounters with extractive industries in the Amazon. Linus shares how these experiences led him to study economics and work at the forefront of energy research in Germany and the US. We explore why understanding energy markets is essential to solving the climate crisis and what lessons can be learned from different countries and continents.

 

Linus opens up about his time at Harvard and the power of community, mission, and humility in leadership. He speaks with clarity and passion about his current research in climate finance and the importance of avoiding new coal plants. We discuss how true impact requires shifting resources—not just technology—and how a just energy transition is still possible. Throughout the conversation, we stay grounded in a sense of shared responsibility and hope. This is a deeply personal and globally relevant exchange.

 

💡 HIGHLIGHTS of this Episode

✨ Why our volunteer year in Ecuador was a turning point for both of us

✨ How Linus' work bridges energy, justice, and economic systems

✨ Harvard dreams, humble leadership, and staying true to your mission

✨ How climate finance could change the future of coal in the Global South

 

 

👋 ABOUT Linus Beer (he/him)

Linus dedicates his professional life to slowing global warming and strengthening communities to become socially, environmentally, and economically resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.

 

After working almost six years in energy and carbon market analytics with businesses, investors, and governments,he is now using his time at the Harvard Kennedy School to explore the mutually reinforcing intersection of Climatetech innovation, governance, and economic development with a focus on carbon pricing, climate finance, the energy transition, and industrial decarbonization.

 

 

🔗 CONNECT & follow Linus Beer

👉 LinkedIn

 

 

💌 CONNECT & engage with Pia

Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn to follow and support each other’s work. 🤗

 

If you consider yourself an #impactjobseeker or aspiring #impactpreneur at the beginning of your journey, jump on my Newsletter “Impact Insights” where I regularly share tools and best practices from my work as a sustainability consultant and system change facilitator. 🤓⚖

 

👉 Want to take action and drive change in your organisation or community and need a sparringspartner for your project idea?

Let's talk. Apply for an Exploration Call with me.

 

For daily insights “behind the scenes” and event updates, join the extended community on the @work.with.impact Instagram account. 🧐💓

 

Take care of yourself and others!

Pia 🤍

 

P.S. You can also watch this Episode on our YouTube Channel to see our faces 👋 🙂

 

#ClimateJustice #EnergyTransition #SustainableFuture #RenewableEnergy #GlobalSolutions

#EnvironmentalJustice #CarbonFinance #Harvard #YouthActivism #ClimateSolutions