Iris Joschko

Background

About Iris Joschko

With a Master’s degree in Sustainable Economics and a PhD in Environmental Psychology, I work as a Sustainability Manager at Baloise Germany, focusing on how sustainability can become a true driver of long-term resilience in the insurance industry.I am deeply motivated by the question of how economic systems can operate within planetary boundaries, especially when it comes to biodiversity, ecosystems and the often invisible services nature provides to our societies and economies. For me, sustainability is not an abstract framework, but a living system that connects risk, responsibility and long-term value creation.In my role, I develop and implement sustainability strategies, work cross-functionally to integrate ESG into core business decisions, and support transparency and accountability, including CSRD implementation. I am particularly interested in how insurers can better understand and manage nature-related risks, dependencies and transition challenges, beyond climate alone.My work is guided by a strong belief: economic viability and ecological integrity are not opposites. A stable economy depends on functioning ecosystems, social trust and fairness. Ignoring this reality increases systemic risk, for businesses, societies and future generations.Beyond my corporate role, I am the founder of Earth the Beauty. Through solo bicycle journeys across Europe and long-distance adventures with my dog, I explored the human–nature relationship firsthand. These journeys, later shared through storytelling and film, were about slowing down, listening, and rediscovering connection: to landscapes, to people, and to the more-than-human world.Today, I combine analytical thinking with lived experience. I believe that addressing the complexity of Earth’s systems requires holistic, interdisciplinary approaches and the courage to question outdated business models. Moving beyond zero-sum thinking is essential if we want to build economies that are resilient, fair and life-supporting.I am driven by the conviction that meaningful transformation starts where knowledge meets empathy and where decisions respect the limits and intelligence of natural systems.