Cleaning Up: Leadership in an Age of Climate Change

Exploring the 5 horsemen of the net-zero transition: economics of energy solutions, electrical grid challenges, critical mineral demand, political inertia, and predatory delay. Discusses the complexities of achieving net zero emissions and the challenges in transitioning to a cleaner energy economy. Examines wavering support for climate action in Europe and underhand campaigns by fossil fuel interests. Emphasizes the hurdles in transitioning from fossil fuels to net zero emissions and the need for transparency and commitment.

Bryony returns with Bonny Simi, President of Operations at Joby Aviation, where she's working on bringing to market a new civilian electric VTOL (eVTOL) aircraft. Prior to joining the team at Joby, Bonny held several operational and strategic roles at JetBlue Most notably, she founded and led JetBlue Technology Ventures, investing in improving the travel, hospitality, and transportation industries. As a pilot, Bonny has commanded Boeing, Airbus and Embraer aircraft at both United Airlines and JetBlue Airways. She is also an Emmy-nominated sports reporter and a 3-time Olympian in the sport of Luge. She holds a BA in Communications, a MS in Management and a MS in Engineering, all from Stanford University, as well as a MS in Human Resources from Regis University.    Links  Explore Joby's website here: https://www.jobyaviation.com You can watch more footage of Joby's eVTOL aircraft here: https://www.youtube.com/@JobyAviation/featured Read about Joby's partnership with the US DoD here: https://www.jobyaviation.com/news/joby-delivers-first-evtol-edwards/ Hear Bonny talk more about her lessons from competing in luge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj9Ey6fdnT0 Listen to the theme song from Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines (the title inspiration for this episode!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPgS26ZhqZs

Professor Donald Sadoway discusses his pioneering work in electrochemistry, liquid metal batteries, and innovative energy solutions. He shares insights on teaching chemistry, founding tech startups, and challenges in metal production. The podcast highlights the intersection of sustainability, decarbonizing economies, and technology for a greener future.

Tamsin Lishman, CEO of Kensa Group, discusses ground source heat pumps as a solution for decarbonizing domestic heating in the UK. They explore the efficiency and installation process of heat pumps, barriers to implementation, and the importance of policy signals and consumer choice. The chapter also highlights the challenges faced by Kensa, their partnerships, and Tamsin's experience as a female leader in the energy industry. They also touch on the benefits of geothermal energy for heating and cooling.

Lauri Myllyvirta, co-founder and lead analyst at CREA - the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, discusses global action on air quality, Russia's fossil fuel exports, China's emissions, and the ethical implications of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Journalist and author David Wallace-Wells discusses the scope and severity of climate change, the lasting impact of carbon emissions, recent methane regulations, the efficiency of new energy systems, reflections on climate science, and approaches to addressing climate change through fear, hope, and innovative solutions.

Mark Cutifani, Chairman of Vale Base Metals and formerly CEO of South African gold mining company, Ashanti, and British mining company, Anglo American, discusses the challenges of mining ethically and meeting the demand for minerals in the energy transition. He emphasizes the industry's responsibility to engage with local communities and explores the demerging of thermal coal assets. Cutifani also highlights the importance of transition minerals like nickel and copper, engagement with indigenous communities, and the significance of partnerships with local communities in the mining industry.

Solitaire Townsend, a renowned sustainability expert and solutionist, discusses the power of storytelling in sustainability communication, the influence of advertising and the transition to web 3, bringing sustainable pet food to the market, working together for entrepreneurial growth, solutionists and the importance of mental resilience, and power, money, and influence in shaping the sustainability conversation.

Ed Conway, Economics editor at Sky News, discusses his book 'Material World' which explores the history and future of crucial substances. Topics include the significance of materials in infrastructure, challenges in achieving net zero carbon emissions in the steel industry, risks associated with spoil piles, the role of copper in the energy transition, and ethical concerns around battery materials.

Lord Adair Turner, a prominent figure in business, policy, and academia, discusses progress and challenges in transitioning away from fossil fuels, the debate between reducing consumption and offsetting emissions, the effectiveness of heat pumps, advancements in solar and wind energy, implementing clear policies for the green premium in global shipping, the importance of blended finance and global financial support for climate change initiatives, and the challenges faced by countries in attracting private external investment.