Climate Rising

Logan Ward, Deputy Scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, dives into the revolutionary role of AI in enhancing energy storage solutions. He discusses how AI is transforming material discovery for grid-scale batteries and the unique partnerships between national labs and industry. Ward highlights advancements in battery technology and the need for diverse energy storage systems to tackle renewable energy challenges. He also shares insights on the future of AI in climate science and offers career advice for aspiring talents in the field.

Alyssa Whitcraft is a Professor at the University of Maryland and a trailblazer in agricultural remote sensing and climate adaptation. She discusses her role in co-founding NASA Harvest, using satellite data to tackle food security. The conversation explores how AI is revolutionizing agriculture, from crop yield predictions to sustainable practices. Alyssa also highlights her nonprofit, Harvest SARA, aimed at fostering collaboration between sectors. She offers insights on navigating the intersection of AI, climate, and agriculture, along with valuable career advice for aspiring scientists.

Carsten Brinkschulte, CEO of Dryad Networks, discusses his transition from telecom to climate tech innovator, focusing on pioneering AI-powered sensors for early wildfire detection. He reveals how solar-powered, battery-free technology enhances safety while mitigating fire risks. The conversation covers collaboration with stakeholders for effective firefighting and the growing demand for innovative solutions in high-risk areas. Brinkschulte also shares insights on aligning profitability with environmental impact, inspiring future climate tech entrepreneurs.

Pasi Miettinen, CEO of Sagewell, discusses how his company employs AI to optimize energy demand, which benefits both utilities and consumers. He highlights how their technology efficiently reduces peak electricity usage, lowering costs and mitigating environmental impact. Pasi explores the importance of smart data analytics in identifying energy-saving opportunities and the challenges within the utility sector. He shares insights on balancing financial viability with climate goals and offers career advice for aspiring professionals in AI and clean energy.

In a dynamic conversation, Paul Dickinson, founder of CDP and co-host of Outrage & Optimism, along with Tom Rivett-Carnac, former architect of the Paris Agreement, unpack key insights ahead of COP29. They explore the evolving role of businesses in climate policy, sharing how corporate actions can drive ambitious climate goals. The discussion highlights the shift from exclusive negotiations to inclusive engagement, emphasizing the necessity for proactive decarbonization and industry collaboration in addressing the climate crisis.

David Cash, Regional Director of the U.S. EPA for New England, discusses his journey from environmental science to leadership. He emphasizes how public policy, especially the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is driving clean energy innovation and community engagement. Cash highlights the balance between climate action and economic growth, advocating for environmental justice. He also shares insights on career opportunities at the intersection of climate and business, urging future leaders to get involved through internships and community initiatives.

Rich Lesser, the Global Chair of Boston Consulting Group, leads discussions on businesses tackling climate change with bold strategies. He emphasizes how BCG supports clients in achieving net-zero goals while navigating sustainability challenges. Lesser highlights the transformative role of AI in optimizing supply chains and enhancing climate resilience. He also discusses the necessity for collaboration among business leaders and the government to drive impactful climate initiatives, inspiring future leaders in climate action.

Joel Makower, co-founder and Chair of Trellis, has been a climate media pioneer since 1991. He discusses the evolution of Trellis as a major player in sustainability media, emphasizing its role in advancing climate action. The conversation touches on the challenges of sustainability reporting, the impact of major events like Green Biz, and the integration of environmental reporting with business journalism. Makower also shares insights into the complexities of storytelling in today's fragmented media landscape and the potential of AI in driving sustainability initiatives.

Sam Read, the Executive Director of the Sustainable Entertainment Alliance, shares insights on how major studios like Disney and Netflix are tackling climate change. He highlights the collaboration among industry leaders to improve sustainability in production. Sam discusses the shift to clean mobile power and the narrative potential of integrating climate themes into storytelling. He also offers valuable advice for those aiming to get involved in climate-related initiatives in the entertainment sector.

Stewart, Netflix's first Sustainability Officer, shares his vision for integrating sustainability into entertainment. He discusses the challenges of weaving climate narratives into popular content, making them compelling and relatable. Stewart highlights Netflix's pioneering strategies for reducing its carbon footprint, including electrifying productions and collaborating on clean technologies. He also emphasizes the shift from risk-focused to opportunity-driven narratives, showcasing how entertainment can inspire climate action and innovation.