Eric Toone, a technical lead at Breakthrough Energy Ventures, discusses the critical role of energy in economic growth, especially in developing nations. He emphasizes the urgent need for innovative and affordable clean energy solutions to meet soaring demand. The conversation highlights the potential of nuclear power, geothermal energy, and the promising future of green hydrogen. Additionally, Toone explores the complexities of transitioning to sustainable energy while balancing economic development and environmental impact, urging a robust investment strategy.

Thiago Barral, Brazil's National Secretary of Planning and Energy Transition, dives into the country's pivotal energy transition. He discusses the ambitious low-carbon hydrogen framework and a new regulated carbon market. Barral highlights Brazil's dual role as a major oil producer and an environmental leader amidst deforestation reduction efforts. The talk covers Brazil's strategies for blending clean energy growth with economic policies and the upcoming COP30 climate talks, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions in energy security.

Join Cheryl LaFleur, a former FERC chair and current advisory board member at the Center on Global Energy Policy, and David Hill, ex-general counsel of the U.S. Department of Energy, as they explore America’s shifting energy landscape. They discuss challenges of electrification, the resurgence of nuclear power, and the need for a diverse energy mix. The duo also dives into the complexities of modernizing the electric grid, the implications of AI and data centers on power demand, and the critical call for permitting reforms in energy infrastructure.

Elliot Diringer, a global fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy and a climate diplomacy expert, shares his insights from the recent COP29 summit in Azerbaijan. He discusses the $300 billion pledge from industrialized nations to support developing countries, noting it falls short of the $1 trillion needed. Diringer highlights the ongoing challenges of fossil fuel industry influence and the need for enhanced financing and cooperation. He also reflects on the evolving role of the U.S. in global climate action and anticipates key topics for COP30.

Harry Krejsa, Director of Studies at the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy & Technology, discusses critical cybersecurity challenges in the clean energy transition. He highlights increasing vulnerabilities as energy systems become more digital and interconnected, raising concerns over potential attacks from adversaries like China and Russia. Krejsa emphasizes the need for a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, including AI's role in enhancing defenses and the importance of public-private partnerships to protect critical infrastructure.

Vince Beiser, an author and journalist known for his work in Wired and The New York Times, dives into the intricate relationship between the clean energy transition and mining for critical minerals. He discusses the looming environmental and social impacts of increased demand, especially in regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo. Beiser advocates for ethical sourcing, recycling, and innovative extraction methods while examining the role of government support in navigating these complex challenges. The conversation emphasizes rethinking our reliance on cars and promoting sustainable practices.

Tim Gould, the chief energy economist at the International Energy Agency, sheds light on the hidden costs of the clean energy transition. As demand for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and copper surges, he discusses the potential environmental and social impacts, particularly in developing countries. The conversation dives into the role of U.S. policy in mitigating mining damage and explores how to balance resource extraction with sustainability. Gould emphasizes the urgent need for innovative approaches to secure a cleaner energy future.

In this engaging discussion, Sarah Bianchi, a seasoned strategist from Evercore ISI and former Deputy U.S. Trade Representative, delves into the intricate dance between climate policy and international trade. She discusses the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act on global manufacturing and trade tensions, alongside the concept of 'friendshoring.' The conversation reveals how U.S. strategies can catalyze clean energy investments in emerging markets while tackling the complex dynamics of China's influence in the energy supply chain. Bianchi emphasizes the need for collaborative economic resilience.

In 1953, the New York Yankees beat the Brooklyn Dodgers in the World Series, “From Here to Eternity” won the Academy Award for Best Motion Picture. And on May 24 deep in the  education section of The New York Times, there was a short piece titled “How Industry May Change Climate.” In the years after, scientists went from writing about the possible impacts of pollution on climate to warning U.S. presidents. And energy policy expert and scholar Jay Hakes says there’s much more to the story. From scientists who quietly worked to address growing environmental threats, to lawmakers who deliberated in Congress and the White House over what to do about them, Jay says there’s a history that hasn’t been told. In his new book, Jay looks at these early climate change pioneers and asks about the challenges they faced.   What was it like trying to influence the White House? What solutions did these pioneers offer? And how can their stories further our discourse around climate change today?  This week, we go back to a conversation from August between host Bill Loveless and Jay Hakes about his book “The Presidents and the Planet: Climate Change Science and Politics from Eisenhower to Bush.”  Jay is a scholar and author on U.S. energy policy. From 2000-2013 he served as the director of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library. He also served in both the Obama and Clinton administrations, including a seven-year stint as director of the U.S. Energy Information Administration.  Jay’s other books include “Energy Crises: Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Hard Choices in the 1970s” and “A Declaration of Energy Independence.”

Rahul Tongia, a senior fellow at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress and a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, discusses the equity challenges of the global energy transition. He highlights the disparity in emissions between wealthy and developing nations and advocates for tailored climate strategies that reflect local realities. Tongia explores the complexities of carbon markets, the need for fair financing for low-emission countries, and the balance between fossil fuel use and renewable energy growth in emerging economies like India.