Cleaning Up: Leadership in an Age of Climate Change

The podcast dives into the complexities of the energy transition, challenging the notion that fossil fuels are outdated. It highlights the ongoing dominance of fossil fuels, even amidst growing renewable technologies, especially in Asia. A new 'pragmatic climate reset' is called for, prioritizing genuine progress and financial investments in clean energy. From reassessing dependency on fossil fuels to critiquing slow transition progress, the discussion reveals urgent needs for innovative strategies in climate policy.

Ethan Zindler, former climate counselor to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and now head of countries and policy at BloombergNEF, dives into the shifting landscape of U.S. energy policy. He discusses the potential setbacks from the recent 'One Big Beautiful Bill' which could hinder clean energy investments, including wind and solar. Zindler also highlights the bright spots in the industry, like decreasing costs in certain technologies and growing support for advanced geothermal and nuclear options. His insights reveal the complexities and challenges ahead in America’s climate ambitions.

Tessa Khan, the founder and director of Uplift, challenges the oil and gas industry's grip on UK energy policy. She discusses the myths around North Sea drilling and the actual impact on energy prices. Tessa highlights the potential for the UK to lead in renewable energy while addressing the need for workforce transitions from fossil fuels. With a focus on advocacy, she underlines the importance of public engagement in climate policy amid political shifts. Tessa offers compelling insights into the urgency for a just transition to sustainable energy.

Join biologist and author Merlin Sheldrake as he dives into the fascinating realm of fungi, revealing their critical role in carbon sequestration and ecosystem health. Discover how mycorrhizal networks connect trees, fostering communication and resource sharing. Sheldrake discusses fungi's intelligence and their potential as sustainable materials, tackling climate challenges. He also explores their historical significance in medicine and culture, advocating for a reevaluation of our relationship with these remarkable organisms in order to better understand our interconnected world.

Daniel Calderon, Founder and Managing Partner of Alcazar Energy Partners, dives into the world of renewable energy investments in emerging markets. He shares compelling insights about countries like Jordan and Montenegro that are embracing wind and solar, contrasting them with regions hesitant to invest. Calderon highlights successful projects that turned local potential into profit while dispelling myths about risks in underserved areas. He emphasizes the economic benefits of renewable projects and the significant role of strategic partnerships and local regulations in unlocking these opportunities.

Josh Parker, Head of Sustainability at NVIDIA, discusses the intersection of artificial intelligence and climate change. He delves into AI's potential to enhance sustainability while raising concerns about energy consumption. Parker highlights NVIDIA's role in the AI boom and the importance of energy-efficient practices in tech development. He also emphasizes the need for collaboration between tech companies and regulators to ensure AI benefits society. Additionally, he shares insights on the innovative Earth 2 project aimed at improving climate modeling through AI.

In a compelling conversation, Ben van Beurden, former CEO of Shell and current senior advisor on climate initiatives, delves into the realities of the energy transition. He discusses the dual role of oil and gas companies in combating climate change while emphasizing the importance of diverse solutions. Van Beurden highlights urgent actions required, such as reducing methane emissions and improving energy access globally. He also explores the challenges of transforming business models towards sustainability amid rising scrutiny and the need for innovative thinking in energy production.

Thelma Krug, a Brazilian scientist and former IPCC vice chair, shares her insights on the crucial shift of the Amazon rainforest from a carbon sink to a potential carbon source. She discusses the challenges of balancing environmental preservation with economic growth in Brazil, especially as the country prepares for COP30. The conversation also delves into complex international climate negotiations, innovative solutions like biofuels, and the controversial area of geoengineering, highlighting the urgent need for global collaboration to combat climate change.

Dan Jørgensen, EU Energy and Housing Commissioner, discusses Europe's shift away from Russian energy dependence and the urgent need for renewable solutions. He dives into the economics of hydrogen subsidies, drawing parallels to past offshore wind challenges. Jørgensen also tackles the debate around nuclear energy versus renewables, highlighting Denmark's evolving stance. Additionally, he addresses the recent Spain-Portugal blackout, emphasizing the need for better European connectivity and effective political leadership in driving the green transition.

Antonio Cammisecra, CEO of ContourGlobal and a leader in renewable energy, discusses the crucial shift from coal to renewables. He highlights how today's electricity systems are integrating more variable renewables while demand continues to rise across all sectors, including AI and transportation. Antonio shares insights on building resilience in renewable grids, the role of battery storage for solar energy, and the challenges of decarbonizing the grid, emphasizing the need for modern infrastructure and regulatory support.