Cleaning Up: Leadership in an Age of Climate Change

Colin McKerracher, Head of Clean Transport at BloombergNEF, dives into the complexities of the electric vehicle market, addressing perceptions of a slowdown in sales despite robust unit numbers. He discusses regional differences, the challenges posed by tariffs on battery manufacturing, and the rise of affordable EVs in Europe. The conversation explores future projections, with a potential 45% of global vehicle sales being electric by 2030, and touches on the electrification of heavy-duty transport, including innovative charging solutions.

Ethan Zindler, Climate Counselor to US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, dives into the intricacies of the Inflation Reduction Act. He shares insights on its potential to reshape the US energy landscape and counter China's green energy dominance. The discussion highlights challenges in effectively communicating tax incentives, as well as the need for collaborative international efforts. Zindler also addresses the balance between fossil fuel interests and clean energy priorities, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions amid escalating climate risks.

Helen Czerski, a physicist and oceanographer at University College London, dives deep into the ocean's role in climate regulation. She discusses how oceans absorb a third of our CO2 and 90% of excess heat. The conversation explores ocean physics, marine ecosystems, and the importance of understanding oceanic health in addressing climate change. Czerski highlights the risks posed by rising temperatures and human activities, urging a re-evaluation of our connection with oceans not merely as resources but as vital life support systems.

Cindy Taff, a seasoned executive with 35 years in the oil industry, now leads Sage Geosystems, pioneering geothermal energy. She discusses the potential of geothermal resources beneath our feet and how fossil fuel techniques can aid clean energy. Cindy dives into challenges like deep drilling and regulatory hurdles while sharing insights on using geothermal wells for energy storage. Her journey from Shell’s VP of Unconventional Drilling to geothermal advocate highlights an innovative shift crucial for a sustainable future.

Dr. Andy Palmer, a veteran in the electric vehicle industry with over 45 years of experience, shares his journey from traditional automotive roles to pioneering EVs. He recounts the challenges behind developing the Nissan Leaf, the first mass-market electric vehicle. The discussion also explores the rapid advancements in battery technology, the urgent need for automakers to adapt, and the future of fully autonomous vehicles. Andy emphasizes the importance of hands-on technical skills in driving this transformation and reflects on the evolving energy landscape in Japan.

In this enlightening discussion, Kelly Wanser, Executive Director of SilverLining, and climate policy advocate Bryony Worthington tackle the hot-button issue of geoengineering. They explore innovative techniques like cloud brightening and stratospheric aerosol injection, weighing their potential benefits against serious risks. The duo delves into the need for robust evidence and governance in implementing these solutions. Highlighting the urgency of climate action, they call for global cooperation and ethical responsibilities, especially among wealthy individuals.

In this insightful discussion, expert Eva Schmid, Director of Hydrogen and Synthetic Energy Carriers at DENA, dives deep into Germany's ambitious green hydrogen initiatives. She analyzes how Germany is strategically replacing coal and nuclear power, despite geopolitical energy challenges. Schmid discusses the evolving hydrogen production targets, the importance of international partnerships, and the economic implications of hydrogen as a climate solution. She also addresses the cost complexities and the essential role hydrogen plays in ensuring energy resilience.

In this engaging conversation, Greg Jackson, Founder and CEO of Octopus Energy, shares how his startup became the largest electricity provider in the UK in under a decade. He discusses the innovative Kraken platform and its role in driving customer-centric solutions, especially during the recent energy crisis. The potential of locational pricing and its impact on renewable energy adoption is explored, alongside ambitious plans for electric vehicle integration and home heating electrification. Jackson’s vision for achieving a zero-carbon system by 2030 is both inspiring and thought-provoking.

In this engaging discussion, Michael Liebreich, a leader in green finance, and Bryony Worthington, a climate advocate, recap significant climate developments. They explore China's rapid advancements in solar energy and electric vehicles, shedding light on the complexities of battery recycling. The duo also tackle the potential of thermal batteries for renewable energy storage and assess the viability of engineered carbon solutions. Additionally, they analyze the intersection of climate politics and recent UK election outcomes, weaving together a vision for a sustainable future.

Jenny Chase, a lead solar analyst at BloombergNEF, dives into the explosive growth of the solar industry over the past two decades. She discusses the industry's evolution, mythbusts common misconceptions, and charts its future. The conversation covers China's dominance in solar production, the challenges of solar pricing for developing countries, and the exciting prospect of achieving free electricity. With insights from her new book, Jenny emphasizes the need for innovation and diversification in tackling global energy demands.