CARBON x CHANGE is VCM’s flagship podcast for exploring the future of climate action, voluntary carbon markets, and climate finance. Through expert-led conversations with thought leaders, policymakers, scientists, business executives, investors, and innovators, the podcast breaks down the ideas, policies, technologies, and real-world stories shaping the carbon economy. From climate change fundamentals and net zero commitments to carbon credits, market integrity, Saudi Arabia’s climate ambition, climate tech, investment, and the future of carbon markets, CARBON x CHANGE connects global climate conversations with regional perspectives. CARBON x CHANGE where markets, innovation, and climate action meet. To learn more about VCM: https://vcm.sa
Building the Future of Carbon Removal with Benjamin Schulz
In this episode of Carbon x Change, Rohan Bin Shams speaks with Benjamin Schulz, Founder & CEO, Altitude, about the growing role of carbon removal in shaping the future of carbon markets. Drawing on his experience as an entrepreneur, investor, and climate innovator, Benjamin discusses how engineered carbon removal technologies can help establish a meaningful price for carbon and support global decarbonization efforts.
The conversation explores the evolution of the carbon removal sector, the importance of market transparency and price discovery, the differences between engineered and nature-based solutions, and the rapid growth of carbon removal technologies. They also discuss investment trends, market scalability, and why a reliable carbon price could become one of the most powerful tools in the fight against climate change.
To learn more about VCM, please the following website: https://vcm.sa/en/ (https://vcm.sa/en/)
5 Oct 2026
The Future of Carbon Markets: From Voluntary to Mainstream with Thomas Kensy
In this episode of Carbon X Change, Erik Ringvold speaks with Thomas Kansy, Partner, McKinsey works in carbon markets, about the evolution of global carbon markets and the growing role of carbon credits in climate action. They discuss the transition from a niche voluntary market to a broader carbon credit market, the importance of demand certainty, corporate climate commitments, market integrity, and the opportunities for nature-based and technology-based carbon removal solutions in the GCC region and beyond.
To learn more about VCM, please visit the following website: https://vcm.sa/en/ (https://vcm.sa/en/)
2 Sept 2026
Carbon Market Resilience and Growth with Guy Turner
In this episode of Carbon x Change, Rohan Bin Shams sits down with Guy Turner, Managing Director, MSCI Carbon Markets, to discuss why carbon markets have remained resilient despite years of challenging headlines. They examine the role of market intelligence, carbon credit quality, forward market commitments, and investment trends shaping the future of the voluntary carbon market.
To learn more about VCM, please visit The following website: https://vcm.sa/en/ (https://vcm.sa/en/)
12 Aug 2026
Strengthening Trust in Carbon Markets with Annette Nazareth
In this episode of Carbon x Change, Rohan Bin Shams speaks with Annette Nazareth, Chair, ICVCM , for the Voluntary Carbon Market, about the evolution of carbon market integrity. They discuss the Core Carbon Principles, market confidence, the growing premium for high-integrity credits, and the ongoing efforts to strengthen quality, transparency, and trust across the voluntary carbon market.
To learn more about VCM, please visit The following website: https://vcm.sa/en/ (https://vcm.sa/en/)
5 Aug 2026
Episode 4: Driving Sustainable Technology Forward with Stefan Larsen
In this episode of Carbon x Change, Rohan Bin Shams sits down with Stefan Larsen, Global Sustainability Services Leader in Lenovo, to explore the role of sustainability in shaping the future of technology.
The conversation also explores how innovation, responsible manufacturing, and sustainability services can create meaningful impact across the entire value chain.
To learn more about VCM ,please visit the following website: https://vcm.sa/en/ (https://vcm.sa/en/)
22 Jul 2026
Episode 3: Building a Sustainable Legacy at AlKifah Holding with Dana AlAfaliq
In this episode of CARBON x CHANGE, we host Dana AlAfaliq, Relationships & Sustainability Director at AlKifah Holding, for a conversation about sustainability, long-term business thinking, and the role of the private sector in shaping climate action in Saudi Arabia.
We begin by exploring Dana’s professional journey and what led her to her current role at AlKifah Holding. From there, the discussion moves into the unique position of family-owned businesses, how their approach to sustainability can differ from larger corporates, and whether their long-term mindset gives them an advantage in climate-related investments.
The episode also looks at AlKifah’s role, in partnership with Saudi Aramco, in one of the Kingdom’s first carbon credit initiatives, unpacking what it took to move from idea to execution and what this milestone could mean for the future of carbon markets in Saudi Arabia. We also discuss why sustainability is becoming a priority for businesses today, how Vision 2030 is influencing private sector action, and what it takes to drive sustainability across a diversified business group.
Finally, the conversation turns to the role family groups can play in scaling carbon markets, what would encourage more businesses to participate, and what opportunities may emerge for the next generation at the intersection of business and sustainability.
9 Jul 2026
Episode 2: Scaling Sustainability in Sports, Tourism, and Global Events with José Retana
In this episode of CARBON x CHANGE, we host José Retana, a sustainability leader with over 25 years of international experience across governments, mega-events, and large-scale infrastructure, for a conversation on sustainability in the world of sports, tourism, and hospitality. We begin by exploring José Pablo’s professional journey and what first drew him to sustainability and energy transition. From there, the discussion dives into his experience working across diverse sectors, and what principles remain consistent when approaching sustainability at scale. We then shift to Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing sports, entertainment, and tourism sectors, exploring how lessons from mega-events can translate into long-term destination development. The conversation also highlights the unique challenges and opportunities within hospitality, particularly in delivering sustainability without compromising guest experience.
Finally, the discussion focuses on execution of what separates real sustainability programs from strategy, how governance can drive actual decisions, and what credible carbon offsetting looks like for hard-to-abate emissions. We close by exploring the role of emerging talent and what the future holds for sustainability across these industries.
15 Jun 2026
Aviation, Ambition, and Sustainability: A Conversation with Maryam Telmesani
In this episode of CARBON x CHANGE, we host Maryam Telmesani, VP of Sustainability at Saudia Group, for a conversation about sustainability in aviation and its growing importance within Saudi Arabia’s transformation journey.
We begin with Maryam’s personal journey, from her connection to nature and curiosity about the world around her, to a career path that moved across different fields and led her into sustainability. From there, the discussion explores why sustainability has become such an important priority for Saudi Arabia today, and how aviation can contribute to the wider ambitions of Vision 2030.
The episode also looks at the role Saudia Group can play as a national carrier, not only in reducing impact, but also in shaping how sustainability is understood and communicated in the Kingdom. We also explore carbon markets, what role they may play in aviation’s decarbonization journey, and what would be needed to make them more credible and practical for the sector.
Finally, the conversation turns inward to leadership, internal culture, and how young people in Saudi Arabia can start building a career in sustainability. The episode closes with a short rapid-fire segment that gives the discussion a more personal and memorable ending.
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