Cleaning Up: Leadership in an Age of Climate Change

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.

Dr Hannah Ritchie, a data scientist and science communicator, discusses positive trends in climate change, renewable energy, environmental issues in farming, and the societal process of making choices in addressing environmental problems. She emphasizes the need for hope and practical solutions to combat the climate crisis.

Jason Anderson, Senior Program Director at ClimateWorks, discusses international efforts to reduce greenhouse gases, the challenges in reversing emission trends, transitioning to new electrical technologies, and the importance of addressing non-CO2 gases. They also explore the potential for international regulations on super pollutants and the role of philanthropy in tackling these issues.