Cleaning Up: Leadership in an Age of Climate Change

Bonny Simi, President of Operations at Joby Aviation, is a trailblazer in electric aviation and a three-time Olympian in luge. She shares her inspiring journey from a childhood love for airplanes to leading innovations in eVTOL technology. Bonny discusses her time at JetBlue, where she founded Technology Ventures, and insights into integrating sustainable advancements in aviation. She also reflects on the resilience gained from her Olympic journey and the importance of embracing personal strengths for career growth.

Professional rock climber Alex Honnold, renowned for his breathtaking free solo climbs, discusses the profound connection between his climbing and environmental activism. He shares insights on the impact of the documentary 'Free Solo' on his public image and the emotional challenges of climate change. Honnold highlights his foundation's solar projects that empower disadvantaged communities, stresses the importance of reliable energy for healthcare, and reflects on the intricate balance of risk in climbing and fostering responsibility for future generations.

Is the energy transition a marathon rather than a sprint? The hosts investigate the peak of fossil fuel usage by 2035 and its decline by 2055. U.S. political dynamics offer mixed signals about clean energy adoption despite federal setbacks. They tackle public confusion around climate change and emphasize female leadership in climate policy. The challenges of hydrogen as a key player in decarbonization create lively debates, while the push for a pragmatic approach to clean energy is crucial to overcoming resistance and misinformation.

The podcast dives into the complexities of the energy transition, challenging the notion that fossil fuels are outdated.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.