Columbia Energy Exchange

The podcast explores the challenges of transitioning to zero-carbon energy sources for economic development. Discussions include the importance of new technologies like nuclear, Breakthrough Energy initiatives, the correlation between energy use and GDP, challenges in energy transition for developing nations, advancements in geothermal and hydrogen technologies, difficulties in decarbonizing global transportation, and the role of carbon capture in achieving a net zero system.

The podcast delves into the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the Chevron Doctrine, impacting energy policy and environmental regulation. Experts discuss implications for the administrative state, setbacks in environmental regulation, challenges faced by government agencies, and climate change litigation trends globally.

Throughout the world, climate change is influencing human mobility. In a 2022 report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found that devastating floods and storms have triggered the displacement of 20 million people per year since 2008. While migration is influenced by many factors, including socio-economic status and political stability, research by the IPCC and others tells us that climate change is increasingly significant. So, how is climate change impacting human mobility? And what can policymakers do to address climate migration?  This week host Bill Loveless talks with Shana Tabak about how climate change influences migration both within and across borders. Shana is a human rights lawyer and the director of immigration strategy at Emerson Collective, where she leads engagement at the intersection of global migration and the climate crisis. She is also an adjunct professor of human rights at the Georgetown University Law Center and an affiliated scholar with Georgetown’s Institute for the Study of International Migration.

The podcast discusses Chile's pivotal role in the energy transition due to its abundance of critical minerals like lithium and copper. Topics include nationalization of the lithium industry, geopolitics in mining, challenges in transitioning to renewable energy, Chinese investment in Chile's mining sector, water scarcity issues, and impacts of climate change on agriculture and mining.

Recent EU elections showcased a rise in far-right parties impacting climate policies. Anne Metler discusses economic challenges in the EU. The podcast explores clean energy policy shifts, climate challenges, and diverse energy technologies. It also delves into tariffs on Chinese EV imports, nuclear energy attitudes, and EU-US collaboration for clean tech growth.

Explore the escalating risks of extreme weather events due to climate change, including heatwaves, droughts, and hurricanes. Learn about the impacts of rising global temperatures and the shift from El Nino to La Nina conditions. Discover the interconnected vulnerabilities of society to climate change and the importance of adaptation measures. Dive into the concept of compound extreme events and the implications of accelerated global warming on critical systems. Delve into the urgency for increased investments in adaptation to safeguard against extreme weather, and see how students are driving climate solutions and social responsibility.

Discussion on Europe's energy transition post-elections, balancing climate action, energy security, and economic competitiveness, with insights from former EU director general energy. Exploring clean energy policies, fair competition with China, low carbon manufacturing solutions, impact of European trading system, and innovation for sustainable solutions.

Recent US policy reforms aim to enhance electric grid development with new transmission rules from FERC. Discussions with industry experts highlight challenges in infrastructure development, legal frameworks, and the urgent need for new transmission. Federal oversight of transmission siting and utility industry reactions are also examined. Rethinking congressional action on energy infrastructure and discussion on permitting reform and NEPA implementation in transmission regulation are key topics of the podcast.

Discover the challenges and technologies involved in decarbonizing heavy industries like steel, cement, and chemicals. Explore strategies for reducing carbon emissions in cement production, including carbon capture and electrification of kilns. Learn about the limitations of carbon capture in hard-to-abate sectors and the importance of policy support in achieving zero-carbon industrial practices.

EPA passes new rules to cut power plant emissions, causing debate. How will these regulations impact the energy industry? Legal challenges discussed by Jody Freeman. Exploring grid reliability amidst energy transition and congressional roles in updating environmental laws.