April 22 is Earth Day. Do you know if your favorite corporate behemoth is observing the holiday? Chances are...they aren’t.

Spoiler alert: That’s a terrible decision.

By letting climate concerns simmer quietly on the back burner, companies are not only opening themselves up to unmitigated risk but also leaving returns on the table. That’s according to Brian Deese, global head of sustainable investing at BlackRock (yes that BlackRock—the world’s largest money manager).

This week on Morning Brew’s Business Casual podcast, Deese (who was also an architect of the Paris Climate Agreement following a stint in the Obama White House) explains why investing with the climate in mind leads to stronger returns. 

Deese also illustrates the important roles both 1) big data and 2) the federal government play in determining how and when corporate America prioritizes sustainability. Because all those returns we were talking about up there? They won’t matter if the world’s on fire in 30 years.

And unlike some investors focused on sustainability, Brian’s about more than just good press. Listen now to hear for yourself.

Bloomberg Opinion columnist Barry Ritholtz interviews BlackRock’s global head of sustainable investing, Brian Deese. Deese previously served as senior adviser for climate change and energy policy to former president Barack Obama, and helped draft the Paris climate accord.

To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Brian Deese, former senior advisor to President Obama, talks with David Axelrod about the instrumental role Deese played in the 2009 auto bailout, the consequences associated with rolling back financial regulatory reforms, and why he believes the Obama administration's climate change policy should be preserved.

To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

On October 11, 2016, the Center on Global Energy Policy hosted Brian Deese, Senior Advisor to President Obama, for a presentation and discussion on President Obama’s climate agenda and the future of the Paris Climate Agreement. Following Mr. Deese's remarks, Center Director Jason Bordoff moderated a discussion.