Sustainable Voices: Rikke Hegge Jørgensen

Welcome to our Sustainable Voices series, where we talk to inspirational climate leaders around the world about their passions and projects.

Who, What, Where?

Rikke Hegge Jørgensen, working as Marketing & Community Manager at Katapult Ocean located in Oslo.

What was your a-ha moment that made you become engaged in sustainability?

To be honest, I have never experienced this big a-ha movement. But I always had this cliche feeling that I wanted to “do something positive for the world”. When Maren (our awesome CEO) started Katapult Ocean, it all made sense. I’ve grown up around the ocean and been a keen diver since the age of 12. So ocean and business (and a great team!) in one, felt like the most natural (a-ha) in the world!

What is your single best tip for someone who wants to do more for the environment on a personal level?

Do not underestimate your purchasing power. Supply and demand are still all that counts, and together we consumers have a massive effect on what kind of products and services are offered.

What do you think will be the legacy of your generation?

I hope we will be known as the “taking care of” generation. Being nice is cool and taking of people and planet is in our core.

What is the most critical technological breakthrough that needs to happen for the world to reach the 1,5 degree goal?

I don’t believe it is about technology. Change is first of all about people and then people use technology to scale the change they create. We need a human breakthrough. We need to understand and be consistent about what to invest in and what not to invest in.

What will this breakthrough demand from us as a society?

I believe we are on the right track. There are many great founders out there building businesses making a positive impact on the climate. But in order to make this happen, we need more focus on actions > words.

What is your company’s most impactful contribution to fight climate change?

In Katapult Ocean we invest in and support ocean startups with a positive impact on our ocean. The ocean is our planet's lungs, and without lungs, you cannot breathe. I’m very proud of being part of a team that invests in the lungs.

In your industry, what do you think will be the most groundbreaking change over the next 10 years?

With a growing population and a need for new sources for food and sustainable materials, I believe the ocean will provide us with exciting alternatives if we do it right.

Which brand (in general) do you think is at the forefront when it comes to sustainability?

There are so many good examples. I’m definitely a sucker for consumer products promoting sustainable living. Is it ok to say Chooose? I often quote Andreas and his comment about using Redbull as a leading star for promoting climate and sustainability as cool!

What makes you climate positive about the future?

Kids and young voices. For example, we have worked with a young student startup from Elvebakken High School started by Julia and Leah. They are a great example of initiative and action!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Good news for the future: for our next investment round we have considered more than 1000 ocean startups (from all over the world) Think about it, more than 1000 startups working towards a more sustainable ocean at the same time as they are building great companies. It’s not all “doom and gloom”! Check out our report on the global landscape, The Blue World Perspective