Are Renewables Enough? Stanford’s Dr. Mark Jacobson Thinks So

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Jul 15, 2025

Dr. Mark Jacobson, a Stanford professor and director of the Atmosphere Energy Program, passionately advocates for a world powered solely by wind, water, and solar energy. He argues that alternatives like nuclear power and carbon capture are distracting and unnecessary for a sustainable future. Jacobson discusses the legislative hurdles facing renewables, the rapid clean energy deployment in China, and the importance of energy storage solutions. He believes a swift transition to 100% renewables is achievable and critical for combating climate change.

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INSIGHT

Tax Threat to Renewables

Taxing wind and solar credits threatens the US renewable energy transition.
Such policies increase air pollution deaths and prolong fossil fuel dependency.

INSIGHT

China's Rapid Renewable Growth

China's wind and solar capacity is growing at a historic pace.
If sustained, China could be 100% renewable by 2035–2040.

ADVICE

Electrify Homes Fully

Electrify homes fully to save money and increase efficiency.
Use heat pumps and induction stoves to reduce energy use and indoor pollution.

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Dr. Mark Jacobson is a professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of the Atmosphere Energy Program at Stanford University, where he’s been one of the most vocal advocates for powering the world entirely with wind, water, and solar energy. No nuclear, no carbon capture, no fossil fuels of any kind. His research team has created 100% renewable energy roadmaps for all 50 U.S. states and 149 countries, helping shape policies like New York’s clean energy mandate.

In this episode, Dr. Jacobson shares his perspective on where we are in the renewables adoption curve and explains why he believes that technologies like nuclear power, carbon capture, and biofuels aren’t just unnecessary, they’re harmful distractions from the clean energy transition he sees as both achievable and urgent.

This conversation may be polarizing. While many will agree with Mark's take on renewables and the grid, his firm rejection of other low-carbon tech challenges mainstream climate thinking. We believe these fault lines are worth exploring, even, or especially, when they make people uncomfortable.

Episode recorded on June 30, 2025 (Published on July 15, 2025)

In this episode, we cover:

⁠[02:32]⁠ Why proposed tax changes threaten renewables
⁠[05:45]⁠ Fossil fuel subsidies vs. renewables support
⁠[06:29]⁠ China’s rapid clean energy deployment
⁠[10:44]⁠ Rooftop solar offsets California’s rising demand
⁠[12:20]⁠ Home and utility batteries reshaping grid usage
⁠[14:40]⁠ Texas grid inefficiencies and renewables progress
⁠[18:21]⁠ Combining wind, solar and batteries
[19:26]⁠ Land use myths about wind and solar
[22:49] Dr. Mark Jacobson’s background and research
⁠[27:23]⁠ How to phase out existing fossil infrastructure
⁠[31:36]⁠ Dr. Jacobson’s rejection of carbon capture
[36:52] His thoughts on nuclear
[42:11] Dr. Jacobson’s thoughts on geothermal
[46:19] How he sees the next decade unfolding

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*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant