At Evident, we’re passionate about connecting ideas that move the world toward a cleaner economy. Our new EvTalks podcast brings together global experts and industry leaders to explore the policies shaping that transition. Hosting our podcast episode on the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) was Evident Policy Associate, Tinashe Chinembiri.

We caught up with Tinashe to hear how his journey in sustainability began, what CBAM means for global trade, and why long-term collaboration matters now more than ever.

Finding a Purpose in Sustainability

Tinashe’s passion for sustainability began early, influenced by the work of Al Gore, Sir David Attenborough, and the scientific findings of the IPCC. “When I put all of this together, it became clear what I wanted to do,” he recalls.

That realisation led him to study Applied Environmental Science, a course that offered “a front-row seat to climate science, sustainable development, and natural resource management.”

For Tinashe, sustainability is about collective progress. “True climate action depends on collaboration,” he says, “and on ensuring that emerging economies have the resources to participate fully in that progress.”

Demystifying CBAM

Through the EvTalks CBAM episode, Tinashe explores one of today’s most significant climate policies, the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, breaking down its real-world implications for exporters, manufacturers, and policymakers.

“There’s a common misconception that CBAM costs won’t apply until 2034,” he explains. “In reality, financial liability begins in 2026, particularly for goods with emissions above EU benchmarks.”

He emphasises that businesses treating the current phase as “just administrative” may be caught off guard: “The data quality and supply relationships companies build now will define their carbon costs later.”

CBAM, he adds, is more than an EU policy, “It’s a signal for global carbon pricing. We’re already seeing countries such as India and China advancing their own emissions trading systems. Trade flows will evolve, and so will competitiveness.”

Beyond Europe: Emerging Markets and Opportunities

Tinashe believes some of the most dynamic energy developments are happening outside traditional centres of climate policy. “Asia is rapidly stepping up as a renewable energy leader,” he notes. “Significant investment in clean fuels and sustainable infrastructure across the region is helping integrate emerging economies into the global climate agenda.”

He also points to carbon arbitrage, where producers with lower emissions can undercut competitors in unregulated markets, as an emerging area for companies to watch.

I-RECs and Building Long-Term Systems

Among the tools enabling the clean transition, Tinashe highlights the role of International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs).

“I-RECs give companies a trusted way to verify renewable energy use and support Scope 2 reporting under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol,” he says. “They also help build renewable tracking infrastructure in markets where it doesn’t yet exist, which is vital for global equity in the energy transition.”

Tinashe observes that one of the key challenges for climate action lies in aligning timelines. “Infrastructure investments often take decades to deliver impact, while the systems guiding political and financial decisions tend to work on much shorter cycles,” he explains. This mismatch, he adds, can make it difficult to prioritise long-term sustainability over near-term pressures, particularly when it comes to managing existing energy assets and investment returns.

Collaboration and Continuous Learning

Asked about the best careers advice he has received, Tinashe doesn’t hesitate to share advice that still influences his work today:

“Start where you are, with what you have. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of the challenge, but every conversation and every connection matters. You can be the helper you’ve been waiting for.”

Listen to EvTalks

Hear more from Tinashe and other Evident voices on EvTalks, where we explore the policies, markets, and innovations driving the global clean-energy transition. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on Evident’s YouTube channel.