Inevitable

In today’s episode, we cover:Varun’s wide-ranging background in academia, startups and public policyHis career as a technologist beginning with Cleantech 1.0How he moved from science to public policyHow cooperation across sectors is critical to solve climate change.The need for aggressive increases in federal funding for energy innovationThe lessons of Cleantech 1.0How the missteps of VC cleantech investing offers insight into future funding models for climate companiesHow the complexities of climate change make it different from the Manhattan Project and the Apollo ProgramVarun’s three-prong prescription for addressing climate changeHow climate change in the U.S. should be couched and framed in terms of global competitivenessHow funding needs to be robust enough to demonstrate new technologiesHow coordination between R&D and deployment needs to be the cornerstone of energy innovation policyVarun’s view that VC is not the right model for the new wave of climate innovation technologiesHow climate change priorities and challenges are distributed and regionalHow the influx of Silicon Valley talent into climate tech can be challenged by lack of domain knowledgeHow a “sector-switching” fellowship could help cross-pollinate talent across industries to address climate changeThe importance of India’s energy transitionLinks to topics discussed in this episode:Bio at Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA: https://energypolicy.columbia.edu/dr-varun-sivaram“Taming The Sun”: https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/taming-sunNano Solar: http://www.nanosolar.com/Perovskite Solar Cells: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perovskite_solar_cellAAAS Fellowship: https://www.aaas.org/fellowships Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

In today’s episode, we cover:The focus and work of BNP Paribas Asset ManagementMark’s role in sustainability researchSectors of focus for Mark’s teamHow ESG is used as a lens to analyze different sectorsBNP Paribas Asset Management’s track record of Social Responsibility InvestingAsset management industry’s shifting focus into more SRI and ESG investmentsThe thesis that ESG investing will yield a greater return over the long termHow his firm has applied ESG into how the firm and fund managers operateHis firm’s ESG asset rating assigned to companiesHow his firm balances return objectives, values, and sustainability considerationsThe stigma around ESGReasons why ESG leads to better performing companiesMark’s journey to sustainability-focused asset managementHow clients are a major driver behind sustainability investingMark’s view on engaging with non-sustainable companies vs. divestingComparing the global economic toll brought on by COVID-19 with climate change threatsThe need to make the world more resilient and adaptable to climate changeThe opportunity around energy storageHow individuals should think of their own habits and behavior as it relates to climate changeLinks to topics discussed in this episode:BNP Paribas Sustainable Development: https://cib.bnpparibas.com/topics/sustainable+developmentESG: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental,_social_and_corporate_governanceSRI: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socially_responsible_investingSustainalytics: https://www.sustainalytics.com/MSCI: https://www.msci.com/True Cost Initiative: https://truecostsinitiative.org/Wells, Wires and Wheels: https://docfinder.bnpparibas-am.com/api/files/1094E5B9-2FAA-47A3-805D-EF65EAD09A7F Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

In today’s episode, we cover:Origins of Scale Microgrid Solutions (SMS)What’s a “microgrid?”“Front of the meter” vs. “Behind the meter” microgridsThe way utilities are setup in the U.S.How Tim found his way into the energy sectorThe value proposition of the microgridHow the company’s management software controls the grid componentsSMS’ modular solutionSMS’ Energy-as-a-Service modelThe motives for customer adoptionMicrogrid’s role in contributing to a resilient energy infrastructureThe barriers inherent in the U.S. regulatory systemSimilarities and differences between COVID-19 and the climate crisisWhy one should join the climate fightLinks to topics discussed in this episode:Scale Microgrid Solutions: https://scalemicrogridsolutions.com/Microgrid: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microgrid Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

In today’s episode, we cover:Early learnings and thoughts on COVID-19 pandemic and parallels with climate changeAlex’s role at BCG and his work in the energy industryHis work with oil and gas companies in responding to climate changeHow oil and gas companies’ climate change strategies have evolvedOil and gas companies’ attitudinal change to accepting climate change as an existential issueImpact of the IPCC report on the oil and gas industryHow stakeholders are demanding action on climate changeReconciling the fossil fuel industry’s legacy of climate denialWho should be accountable for the fossil fuel industry’s contribution to the climate crisis?The argument that fossil fuel companies have assets needed to address climate changeWhy should the public trust the fossil fuel industry?Carbon pricing as a policy toolApplying targeted regulation to ensure best behavior by the industryShift in lobbying focus from denying the science to focusing on the socio-economic considerationsImpact of divestment vs. ESG investingReasons why oil and gas industry has lagged in “total shareholder return” over the past decadeThe increasing cost of capital for the industry and reasons for itBCG’s ethical policies as it relates to climate change“Deep de-carbonization technologies”Links to topics discussed in this episode:Alex’s work at BCG: https://www.bcg.com/en-us/about/people/experts/alex-dewar.aspx“Social license to operate”: https://learningforsustainability.net/social-license/ESG Investing: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental,_social_and_corporate_governanceLetter from BlackRock CEO, Larry Fink: https://www.blackrock.com/us/individual/larry-fink-ceo-letter Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

In today’s episode, we cover:Carbon Lighthouse, its business, vision and clienteleThe genesis of the companyThe opportunity of improving energy efficiencyThe early challenges of driving salesCarbon Lighthouse’s non-profit armThe substantial role commercial buildings play in emitting GHGMisaligned incentives of the many stakeholders involvedFactors that led to a tipping point in the sales challengeWhat is HVAC optimizationHow Carbon Lighthouse uses software to optimize commercial HVAC systemsValue and savings delivered to commercial buildingsCarbon Lighthouse’s customer profileHow landlord adoption is a continuing obstacleCarbon Lighthouse’s financing, operational expenses and costsBrenden’s views on utility-level policies to reduce emissionsBrenden’s thoughts on the COVID-19 pandemic and how it relates to climate changeLinks to topics discussed in this episode:Carbon Lighthouse: https://www.carbonlighthouse.com/Carbon Lighthouse Association (non-profit arm): https://www.carbonlighthouse.org/“Spaghetti diagram” of energy use: https://flowcharts.llnl.gov/index.htmlGreen Building Initiative: https://thegbi.org/ Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

In today’s episode, we cover:What is Kula Bio, its mission, and what it has developedThe importance of nitrogen as an ingredient in fertilizer and agricultureThe drawbacks and consequences of the Haber-Bosch processKula Bio’s unique fertilizer and how it addresses carbon emissionsThe microbial process of developing the proprietary fertilizerProfile of customers, to which Kula Bio is cateringKula Bio’s value proposition to farmersBenefits of organic nitrogen-based fertilizer vs. syntheticOrigins of Kula Bio’s technology in the Harvard LabsKula Bio’s commercial traction and milestonesThe adjacent opportunities and long-term vision of the companyBill’s perspective on scaling and financing Kula BioInsights and learnings derived from speaking with hundreds of farmersThe impact on climate change of Kula Bio’s technologyBill’s reflection on his long-career as an entrepreneur and operatorBill’s view on making impact vs. profitsHow the economic viability of a climate solution is criticalWhy impact is an important motivation for entrepreneursBill’s retrospective on “Cleantech 1.0” and where it stumbledThe role of family offices as a source of long-term financing for clean tech venturesHow investor attention now focuses on specific milestones and pragmatic considerationsThe importance of education and the need to improve STEM as a solution to address climate changeBill’s perspective on nuclear as an important solution that should be scaledBill’s recommendation on finding purpose-driven opportunities, regardless of your background or stage of lifeLinks to topics discussed in this episode:Kula Bio: https://www.kulabio.com/Haber-Bosch Process: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haber_processCarbon sequestration: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_sequestrationProf. Dan Nocera of Harvard: https://chemistry.harvard.edu/people/daniel-g-noceraSamuel Bodman, CEO of Cabot Corporation and former Energy Secretary: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Bodman Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

In today’s episode, we cover:What is CalPERS, its origins and its mission?How its priorities and concerns about climate change is rooted in its fiduciary responsibility to pensioners current and futureAnne’s career at CalPERS and early work focusing on corporate governanceWhat CalPERS learned from the 2008 financial crisis and how it informs its perspective and priorities regarding climate changeCalPERS’ ten “Pension Beliefs” that define its investment strategyHow being a longterm investor is both an advantage and a responsibilityAvoiding the curse of short-termism and how simply following the money isn’t sufficientHow CalPERS views types of capital beyond the financialHow Anne developed a strategy for sustainable investmentCalPERS’ top three sustainability factors (diversity & inclusion, demographics and climate change)The role CalPERS plays as a climate change advocateHow it leverages its shareholder position to influence companies to be in accord with The Paris AgreementResearch done to better understand the portfolio’s contributions to emissionsWork performed to assess climate-risk among CalPERS’ assetsThe fund’s emissions commitments over the next thirty yearsThe double-edged sword of divesting from companies not meeting climate goalsLinks to topics discussed in this episode:CalPERS: https://www.calpers.ca.gov/CalPERS Pension Beliefs: https://www.calpers.ca.gov/docs/board-agendas/201702/pension/item7-01.pdfClimate Action 100+: http://www.climateaction100.org/The Investor Agenda: https://theinvestoragenda.org/ Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

In today’s episode, we cover:Ken’s journey from making money on Wall Street to making meaning as a scientistThe perceived “information deficit” problem in public policyHow Ken distinguishes his role as a concerned citizen from his work as a scientistHow getting past social identities is a major challenge to effecting changeBill Gates’ support and patronage of Ken’s workThe various climate change research, pursued by Ken’s post-doc graduate studentsThe prospect and viability of a 100% renewable energy modelBill Gates’ notion of a “green premium”Carbon pricing solutionsThe problem of split-incentivesThe viability of geoengineering as a solutionThe need to reframe the problem and solutions to make it palatable for social acceptanceLinks to topics discussed in this episode:Caldeira Lab at the Carnegie Institution: https://carnegieenergyinnovation.org/Steve Schneider: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_SchneiderThe Charney Report (1979): https://www.bnl.gov/envsci/schwartz/charney_report1979.pdfManoela Romano De Orte: https://dge.carnegiescience.edu/people/mromanoDavid Koweek: https://dge.carnegiescience.edu/people/dkoweekYixuan Zheng: https://dge.carnegiescience.edu/people/yxzhengEnrico Antonini: https://dge.carnegiescience.edu/people/eantoniniCandise Henry: https://dge.carnegiescience.edu/people/chenryRebecca Peer: https://dge.carnegiescience.edu/people/rpeerVariable renewable energy source (“Intermittency”): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variable_renewable_energyProf. Mark Jacobson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Z._JacobsonAdvanced Research Projects Agency: https://arpa-e.energy.gov/ Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

In today’s episode, we cover:KoBold’s team and its businessWhy cobalt is known as the “goblin metal”The collaboration of software engineering, data science and mineral exploration at KoBoldKoBold’s “machine prospector”Kurt’s journey to taking action on climate changeWhy cobalt makes for a good ingredient in batteriesWhy cobalt is known as the “blood diamond of metals”KoBold’s technology and the “messy data problem”KoBold’s business modelInvestment from Equinor and reconciling working with an oil and gas companyLinks to topics discussed in this episode:KoBold Metals: https://www.koboldmetals.com/Connie Chan’s announcement of Andreessen Horowitz’ investment: https://a16z.com/2019/03/04/kobold-metals/Equinor: https://www.equinor.com/en.html Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

In today’s episode, we cover:What is Deep Isolation and how it’s addressing the issue of nuclear waste disposalThe half-a-century history of nuclear wasteGenesis of Deep Isolation and Elizabeth’s earlier work founding Berkeley EarthDirectional drilling as a solution for long-term storage of nuclear wastePartnerships with communitiesPollution studies performed by Berkeley EarthThe opportunity of using impermeable rockThe importance of being able to retrieve waste stored in drill-holesHow the issue of consent by a community underpins the solutionThe pros and cons of Yucca Mountain as a long-term storage planPartnership with BechtelHow it serves governments and utilities differentlyThe gamut of storage solutions used globallyStages of going to marketDeep Isolation’s funding to date and sources of capitalWhere it sees opportunities in terms of future financial partnersStakeholders in the nuclear waste spaceEngagement with environmental groupsLinks to topics discussed in this episode:Deep Isolation: https://www.deepisolation.com/Berkeley Earth: http://berkeleyearth.org/Directional drilling: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Directional_drillingBorehole disposal: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_borehole_disposalYucca Mountain: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yucca_Mountain_nuclear_waste_repositoryBechtel: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bechtel Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant