Columbia Energy Exchange

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.

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.