What is the future of international trade? After Brexit, the War in Ukraine, and the Covid-19 pandemic, are we at the beginning of the end of globalisation? Will a future Phileas Fogg be more incentivized to stay at home and circle the world in the metaverse in 80 seconds?

While globalization has fueled economic growth, lifted millions out of poverty, and facilitated unprecedented access to consumer goods and information, it also carries a dark underbelly. Kokou Agbo-Bloua explores the repercussions of global trade, from job displacement to environmental degradation and social inequality.

Through engaging dialogue and historical anecdotes, he reflects on the principles of comparative advantage and economies of scale that underpin international trade, while considering the carbon footprint of our interconnected world.

Join the investigation into the future of trade, from reshoring initiatives to carbon border adjustment taxes, and their potential to mitigate environmental impact and promote sustainability.

Gain insights from experts like Tim de Knegt, Treasurer and Strategic Finance Manager at the Port of Rotterdam, Europe's largest seaport. Tim and Kokou explore strategies for decarbonizing international trade, particularly in the shipping industry, discussing methods such as emissions capture, electrification, and fuel substitution. They also examine the potential impact of initiatives like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on trade decarbonization and profitability for businesses.

Ultimately, this podcast invites listeners to contemplate the role of international trade in addressing global challenges and fostering cooperation across borders. As John Donne aptly said, "No man is an island," underscoring the interconnectedness of our world and the imperative for collaborative action in shaping its future.

About this show

Welcome to 2050 Investors your monthly guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG.

Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an investigation of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets.

In each episode, Kokou deep dives into the events impacting the economy, financial markets, the planet, and society. Through a magical blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth research and narratives overlaid with music, sound effects, and pop culture references.

Kokou also interviews industry-leading experts, personalities, entrepreneurs and even Nobel prize winners! You will learn from the best on a wide range of subjects on current affairs, market shifts, and economic developments.

If you like 2050 Investors, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you’re seeking a brief and entertaining overview of market-related topics, subscribe now to stay informed!

Credits

Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Producers & Editors: Jovaney Ashman, Jennifer Krumm.

Sound Director: La Vilaine, Pierre-Emmanuel Lurton. Music: Cézame Music Agency. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly.
This episode is a reworked replay based on its original version. (link to the original version)

Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What has no beginning, end, or middle and touches every continent?

If you answered, “the ocean”- Correct!

Or the ‘living infinite’, as Jules Verne called it in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. This latest episode of 2050 Investors is a splashy one as host Kokou Agbo-Bloua dives deep into the mysteries of the oceans aboard the modern-day Nautilus, the Nautile.

In 2022, at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 150 member states pledged to preserve or safeguard thirty percent of the world's oceans by 2030: or “30 by 30”. While a positive step in the right direction, more still needs to be done.

Join Kokou in this daring adventure exploring the importance of the ocean in shaping Earth’s climate, providing food and habitat for animals and humans alike, the economy and so much more!

But be aware as the adventure does take a dark turn when we encounter the deep-water alter ego of the Great Pacific Garbage patch. We will learn about the devastating effects of plastic pollution, envisioning a Kraken monster born from our own waste.

Later in the episode, we speak with Nisha Bakker, Director Partnerships at The Ocean Cleanup. The Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit foundation working daily to rid the world's oceans of plastic. Nisha emphasises the need for a global effort to change the system of plastic production and waste management, mentioning the development of a Plastic Treaty. However, she’s optimistic of growing awareness and progress in ocean and river cleaning initiatives.

As the journey concludes, Kokou reflects on the resilience depicted in Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea," leaving listeners with a poignant reminder that, despite the challenges, we can persevere.

About this show

Welcome to 2050 Investors your guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG.

Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an investigation of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets.

In each episode, Kokou deep dives into the events impacting the economy, financial markets, the planet, and society. Through a magical blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth research and narratives overlaid with music, sound effects, and pop culture references.

Kokou also interviews industry-leading experts, personalities, entrepreneurs and even Nobel prize winners!

If you like 2050 Investors, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you’re seeking a brief and entertaining overview of market-related topics and their business and societal implications, subscribe now to stay informed!

Previous episodes of 2050 Investors have explored ESG-influenced financial assets, climate change, AI, greenflation, smart cities, globalization, plastic pollution and more.

Credits

Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Producers & Editors: Jovaney Ashman, Jennifer Krumm.

Sound Director: La Vilaine, Pierre-Emmanuel Lurton. Music: Cézame Music Agency. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly.
This episode is a reworked replay based on its original version. (link to the original version)

Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Europe, once the driving force of global progress, gave birth to the Industrial Revolution, Enlightenment ideals, innovative scientific discoveries, and a cultural renaissance that shaped modern civilization. However, today, amid trade wars, geopolitical crises and industrial and technological advancements, Europe finds itself at a critical crossroads. In response to these disruptions in the global order, the European Union has announced bold investment plans in infrastructure and defence spending. But could this moment also mark the beginning of a financial renaissance, or does Europe risk falling further behind in the global race ?

In this episode of 2050 Investors, Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, explores the history of the European Union, its economic challenges, its remarkable resilience in emerging stronger from crises. Kokou contrasts the “European Dream” with the “American Dream”, shedding light on their respective strengths and weaknesses: individualism versus community, economic growth versus sustainability, and shareholder capitalism versus stakeholder capitalism.

Later in the episode, Kokou is joined by Anne-Christine Champion, Co-Head of Global Banking and Investor Solutions at Societe Generale, for an engaging discussion about the structural challenges facing Europe. Together, they analyse the strategic wake-up call issued in Draghi’s report, examining key areas such as fragmented financial markets, weak stock market culture, underutilization of €14 trillion in household savings, and regulatory complexities. Finally, they examine how solutions like advancing the Savings and Investments Union (SIU), deepening the integration of capital markets, developing securitization markets, and promoting financial education can revive the European project.

This episode offers a thought-provoking examination of Europe’s potential to transform challenges into opportunities and reclaim its position as a global leader in financial markets.

About this show

Welcome to 2050 Investors, your monthly guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG.

Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an exploration of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets.

In each episode, Kokou deep-dives into the events impacting the economy, financial markets, the planet, and society. Through a magical blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth research and narratives overlaid with music, sound effects, and pop culture references, there’s certainly something for everyone.

If you like 2050 Investors, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support will help us spread the word and reach new audiences. If you’re seeking a brief and entertaining overview of market-related topics and their business and societal implications, subscribe now to stay informed!

Credits

Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Editors: Vincent Nickelsen, Jovaney Ashman, Linda Isker & Jennifer Krumm. Production Designer: Emmanuel Minelle, Radio K7 Creative. Executive Producer : Fanny Giniès. Sound Director: Marc Valenduc. Music: Emmanuel d’Orlando. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly.

Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.