Ernest Moniz – On the technologies we need and what Joe Biden can do for the climate

In the 10th episode of Planet A, Dan Jørgensen talks with Barack Obama's former Secretary of Energy, Dr. Ernest Moniz. 

Dr. Moniz holds a doctoral degree in theoretical nuclear physics and made his first foray into Washington-politics as President Bill Clinton’s Under Secretary of Energy (1997-2001).

He is widely recognized as one of the most knowledgeable people on the planet, when it comes to energy, science and politics. Thus, it should be no surprise that POLITICO ranks him as a leading contender to be President-elect Joe Biden’s next Secretary of Energy

During the conversation, Dr. Moniz shares his view on the future of American climate and energy politics, in the wake of the recent elections. He also speaks on the promise and pitfalls of specific technologies, including:

• Carbon capture, usage and storage
• Technology enhanced natural processes such as “advanced mineralization”
• Advanced nuclear
• Hydrogen
• Renewables

Dr. Moniz also talks about his experience with directing governmental energy technology research and development. Furthermore, he speaks about the need for social equity in energy politics. Finally, he explains how his knowledge about politics and science came in handy as he negotiated both the Iran Nuclear Agreement and the Paris Agreement.

He started his illustrious academic career at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (perhaps best known as the MIT) in 1973 and is currently serving as Director of their Energy Initiative, working to develop no-carbon and low-carbon solutions. 

A brief note on this episode: 

During the interview, Moniz and Jørgensen touch upon President Theodore Roosevelt’s friendship with the Danish immigrant, Jacob Riis. Riis became a prominent activist, documenting the deplorable social conditions of the poor in New York City and calling for social equity.

You can learn more about Jacob Riis at the US Library of Congress homepage or at the homepage of the Danish “Jacob A. Riis Museum”.