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.

Jared Dunnmon, a nonresident fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy and former AI director at the U.S. Defense Department, joins the conversation. They delve into how AI's skyrocketing energy demands are influencing tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon to invest in nuclear power. The discussion highlights critical challenges in aligning energy efficiency with AI growth, historical nuclear energy influences on public perception, and the need for regulatory reforms. Ultimately, it's a balancing act between harnessing AI's potential and ensuring sustainable energy practices.

Escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, the world’s seventh-largest producer of crude oil, have fueled concern over oil price volatility for the past few weeks.  But the oil market isn’t reacting to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East as dramatically as it has in the past. Despite an ongoing war in Gaza and Israel, Israel’s attack on Hezbollah, and attacks by Houthis in the Red Sea, the price of oil hasn’t changed much. China’s slowing economy and the U.S.’ increased domestic production of oil seem to be keeping prices down… at least for now.  Still, renewed fighting between Israel and Iran has oil markets feeling nervous. A regional war could drive up prices, impacting the global economy.  In an interview recorded yesterday, host Jason Bordoff talks with Helima Croft and Javier Blas about the current state of oil markets, and how global instability could impact their future.  Helima is a managing director and head of global commodity strategy and Middle East and North Africa research at RBC Capital Markets. Helima joined RBC Capital Markets from Barclays, where she was a managing director and head of North American commodities research.  Javier is an opinion columnist for Bloomberg covering energy and commodities. Javier is coauthor of  the 2021 book “The World for Sale: Money, Power and the Traders Who Barter the Earth’s Resources.”

Kadri Simson, the European Commissioner for Energy, discusses Europe's energy challenges and its struggle for competitiveness in the face of geopolitical turmoil. She highlights the significant shifts in energy policy following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, focusing on the move away from Russian gas towards renewables and nuclear power. Simson also addresses the complexities of transitioning to low-carbon hydrogen markets and the urgent need to modernize Europe’s electricity grid to accommodate rising demand. Her insights paint an optimistic picture for Europe's energy future.

Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre discusses his country's remarkable transition toward cleaner energy. With more electric vehicles than gas-powered ones, Norway also grapples with being a leading oil and gas producer. He outlines challenges in balancing fossil fuel production with renewable initiatives amid Europe's energy crisis. The conversation touches on international cooperation, Norway's efforts in climate finance for Africa, and the importance of technology in achieving sustainability goals. A thought-provoking dialogue on the future of energy!

Sherri Goodman, a climate change and defense expert, discusses the U.S. military's pivotal shift toward addressing climate change as a core part of national security. She highlights the evolution of the Department of Defense's climate initiatives, from the 2012 adaptation roadmap to contemporary strategies enhancing climate resilience. Goodman explains how extreme weather drives migration and conflict, and she emphasizes energy resilience within military operations. Explore her insights on the military's role in combating climate change and its implications for global stability.

In this engaging conversation, David Spence, an expert in energy and environmental law from the University of Texas at Austin, discusses the widening partisan divide over climate action. He explores how media and social networks exacerbate this issue, making meaningful governmental action nearly impossible. David emphasizes the importance of in-person dialogue to bridge ideological gaps and advocates for transparency and strong legislative initiatives to tackle climate change effectively. His insights reveal how collaboration can pave the way for a sustainable future.

The podcast dives into the Department of Energy's staggering $100 billion clean energy budget, fueled by recent bipartisan bills. It highlights the expectation of driving private investment, with nearly $50 billion already awarded and matching private funds of over $60 billion. Discussions range from addressing transmission line challenges and storage solutions to innovations in nuclear energy and carbon management technologies. Listeners hear about personal journeys within clean energy advocacy and the ambitious goal of a carbon-free grid by 2035, navigating political landscapes along the way.

China is tightening its grip on global clean energy supply chains, raising alarms about U.S. security and resilience. The rise of a new Cold War sparks debates on whether to decouple from China. Discussions delve into cybersecurity threats against U.S. energy infrastructure and the implications of Taiwan in geopolitical tensions. U.S. policies for diversifying supply chains and fostering domestic manufacturing are highlighted, alongside recommendations for enhancing energy security amidst rising competition.

Jay Hakes, an energy policy expert, dives into the hidden history of climate science and politics. He discusses how early pioneers like Roger Ravel and Dave Keeling recognized carbon dioxide as a critical issue, influencing U.S. policy. Hakes reveals the challenges these scientists faced in reaching the White House and contrasts U.S. and European approaches to climate change. With insights from his book, he highlights the pivotal roles of advisors and missed opportunities in climate legislation across the decades.