The Financial System’s Role in Climate Change & What We Can Do About It

Join us on Tuesday, January 13th from 6-8pm at Park City Gardens to learn from local experts about eco-friendly finance and investing. Our speakers will discuss:

• The role of specialized financial institutions, called Green Banks, in pushing the financial system towards greater support for climate solutions. 
• How each of us participates in the financial system through where we bank and how we invest – your choice of bank and investment portfolio may be the single biggest part of your personal climate footprint.

Together, we’ll explore how shifting financial flows can unlock the sustainable future we need.

Appetizers and beverages will be served. This is a 21+ event. Please carpool or take transit (4445 Hwy 224 & Park City Nursery stop) if possible.

Background

Money is the invisible engine shaping the world around us — from housing and energy to transportation and food systems. Every day, billions of dollars flow through the financial system, deciding what gets built, which industries grow, and which communities thrive. Climate change, at its core, is not just a science or technology challenge — it’s a finance challenge.

Banks don’t simply hold deposits; they deploy them. Loans funded by our money build infrastructure, power plants, and pipelines. Yet not every project gets financed. Banks choose which projects to support, and those choices determine whether we accelerate fossil fuel dependence or invest in a sustainable future.

Speakers

Bethany Kanten brings a depth of experience in climate finance and inclusive economic development, with over a decade of experience designing financial products and capital strategies for underserved communities globally. She currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of SustainEnergyFinance (SEF), where she leads operational strategy and program development for clean energy financing initiatives across Utah. Earlier in her career, Bethany was on the leadership team of an emerging markets focused climate-focused early-stage equity fund, and prior to that worked across Africa, Latin America, and India to deploy innovative financial products for energy access and financial inclusion. She holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Cambridge and a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering from Harvard University. Bethany was born and raised in Park City, Utah and now is a resident of Millcreek.

Michael A. Ruzek is an Institutional Consultant and Resident Manager based out of Morgan Stanley’s Park City, Utah office. A seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience, Mike has dedicated his entire career to providing highly customized advice to private wealth clients and foundations around the country. He and his team deliver a personalized approach that includes a thorough planning process and a commitment to outstanding service. He particularly enjoys working with entrepreneurs, business owners and complicated planning situations. His dedication to his practice and clients was acknowledged by Forbes Magazine in 2020-2025 as a Best-In-State Wealth Advisor in Utah and Forbes Magazine Best-In-State Wealth Management Team in 2024-2025. He is very active in his community and has served on numerous nonprofit boards, most recently the Board of the Park City Community Foundation. Originally from New Jersey, Mike lives in Park City with his wife, two children and Labrador Retrievers.