Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations Scream If You Wanna Go Faster
Simon Sharpe and host Richard Delevan unpack key themes from Five Times Faster, focusing on the central question: why are we moving so slowly, and how can we accelerate decarbonisation? Sharpe shares how his time as a climate diplomat—particularly during the UK’s presidency of COP26—crystallized his understanding that we need to think faster and act faster if we are to keep the 1.5-degree target within reach. It’s not just about hitting the right targets, but about focusing on actions that matter across multiple sectors.
Simon provides an engaging exploration of the economic models that are holding us back, taking us through "equilibrium economics" and how this outdated framework limits our ability to respond dynamically to a rapidly evolving global crisis. His argument for moving from static, reductionist thinking to a systems-based, more biological understanding of economics brings a fresh perspective on how to build a more resilient future.
Simon Sharpe's Catalysts for Change:
At the end of the episode, Richard asks Simon what he’s looking for in the coming year that will signal real progress on the climate front. Simon points to three key "catalysts" that could accelerate the pace of decarbonization:
- Global Power Sector Emissions Begin to Decline: Simon explains that while clean energy capacity is growing fast, it’s only when clean power generation outpaces the rise in energy demand that we’ll see global power sector emissions start to drop. He anticipates that this shift could happen soon, marking the first real sign of global emissions falling in a key sector.
- Electric Vehicle Momentum Continues: Despite some backlash and misinformation in the media, Simon is optimistic that the global transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is still moving forward. He notes that in key markets like the UK and Europe, EV sales are growing, while sales of petrol cars are in decline. He’s watching for continued investment in battery manufacturing and vehicle production, particularly from China, to sustain this momentum.
- Zero-Emission Steel Production Gains Ground: Simon highlights the steel industry as the next major frontier for decarbonization. He believes the first commercial-scale investments in zero-emission steel production are within reach, and expects to see significant policy support from countries like the US and EU to drive this transition.
Resources Mentioned:
- Simon Sharpe's book: Five Times Faster
- The Breakthrough Agenda Report by the International Energy Agency
- Greg Nimitz’s book: How Solar Energy Became Cheap
- Simon Sharpe's upcoming NGO: S Curve Economics
Connect with Us:
- Website: Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations
- Twitter: @rdelevan
- Follow Simon Sharpe on FiveTimesFaster.org
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