Izzy Jensen: Capital Solutions for Climate and Biodiversity Challenges
Izzy Jensen on building a sustainable and equitable future for everyone
This week, theTTI Interview Series covers our memberIzzy Jensen. Izzy Jensen is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Kakariki Capital, driving the mission to decarbonise the planet by aligning investment capital with environmental solutions. With over a decade of experience, including seven years at Morrison & Co, Izzy established a $100 million carbon development platform in Australia. She serves as Treasurer on the Board of the Montessori East Foundation and holds a non-executive director position at Verity Nature. Her strategic vision and commitment to sustainability make her a leader in merging environmental sustainability with financial returns.
Impact, to me, is about creating measurable and positive change that transcends financial returns. It involves addressing pressing global challenges, such as climate change and social inequality, by implementing solutions that benefit both the environment and communities. Impact is the intersection of purpose and profitability, where investments not only generate financial returns but also contribute to a sustainable and equitable future. It is about making a tangible difference in the world through strategic actions and initiatives.
What do you believe is one of the most important issues that need to be solved over the next 10 years?
The next decade demands urgent action to channel sufficient capital into decarbonisation solutions and address biodiversity loss. These twin crises are intertwined and require integrated strategies to mitigate climate change and preserve natural ecosystems. Mobilising institutional capital towards high-impact projects is crucial for driving large-scale change and achieving global sustainability goals. By prioritising these areas, we can create resilient and sustainable systems for future
Izzy, tell us a little about your work and how it intersects with the impact space.
As the Founder and Chief Investment Officer at Kakariki, my mission is to decarbonise the planet by leveraging carbon and environmental markets. Our projects focus on sequestering carbon to combat climate change, while also delivering broader benefits. These include restoring and protecting biodiversity and supporting local communities, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By integrating environmental and social impacts into our projects, we aim to create a sustainable and equitable future for all.
What is your own definition of impact?
generations. Impact, to me, is about creating measurable and positive change that transcends financial returns. It involves addressing pressing global challenges, such as climate change and social inequality, by implementing solutions that benefit both the environment and communities. Impact is the intersection of purpose and profitability, where investments not only generate financial returns but also contribute to a sustainable and equitable future. It is about making a tangible difference in the world through strategic actions and initiatives.
What do you believe is one of the most important issues that need to be solved over the next 10 years?
The next decade demands urgent action to channel sufficient capital into decarbonisation solutions and address biodiversity loss. These twin crises are intertwined and require integrated strategies to mitigate climate change and preserve natural ecosystems. Mobilising institutional capital towards high-impact projects is crucial for driving large-scale change and achieving global sustainability goals. By prioritising these areas, we can create resilient and sustainable systems for future generations.
What are some of the misconceptions you’ve noticed regarding what impact is all about?
One major misconception in the investment community is that impact investments yield concessionary returns. This is not necessarily true. Impact investments can deliver competitive, if not superior, returns by addressing critical global challenges and unlocking new market opportunities. Additionally, there’s a misconception that impact is solely about environmental benefits. True impact encompasses a broad spectrum, including social, economic, and environmental aspects, creating holistic benefits for communities and ecosystems.
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