Climate Rising

Shreya Dave, CEO and Co-founder of Via Separations, discusses their material science approach to decarbonizing the industrial sector. Topics include the challenges faced, strategic partnerships, benefits of their technology, economic viability, expanding markets with carbon taxes, and advice for those interested in the climate space.

Aviation expert Robin Riedel from McKinsey & Company talks about decarbonizing aviation, including upgrading aircraft, improving operational efficiency, sustainable aviation fuel, novel fuels and aircraft configurations, and carbon credits. They also discuss McKinsey's engagements in aviation decarbonization and share career advice for aspiring professionals.

This bonus episode of Climate Rising features an episode from the Harvard Chan School of Public Health's podcast "Better Off" that explores the intersection of decarbonization and public health. While decarbonization requires shifting away from fossil fuels, this episode emphasizes the equally crucial health reasons to do so – especially for natural gas stoves. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation led by Anna Fisher-Pinkert of the Harvard Chan School of Public Health and her guests Brady Seals, Drew Michanowicz, and Jon Kung.Guest/Host: Anna Fisher-Pinkert, Director of Digital Strategy at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBrady Seals, Manager of RMI’s Carbon-Free Buildings programDrew Michanowicz, senior scientist, PSE Healthy EnergyJon Kung, ChefFor transcripts and other resources, visit climaterising.org

Harvard Business School professor George Serafeim discusses the case of Northvolt, a Sweden-based startup company producing batteries for Europe's EV auto manufacturers. They explore government partnerships, hiring the right people, financing, the importance of batteries in the transition to EVs, net zero and climate change drivers, the problem of the commons and climate change, and Northvolt's strategy and goals.

Jacob Susman, CEO and co-founder of Ambient Fuels, discusses how green hydrogen can decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors. He highlights the role of renewable power in green hydrogen production and its potential uses in industries like shipping and fertilizer. The challenges and complexities of using hydrogen as fuel in the trucking industry are also discussed. They share insights on financing in the energy sector and the process of building a successful Devco in the green hydrogen sector.

In this podcast, Rahul Shendure, CEO and Director at CarbonBuilt, discusses their technology that replaces carbon-intensive cement with industrial waste materials and captured carbon dioxide to decarbonize concrete. They explore the environmental impact of the cement and concrete industry, the challenges and opportunities of decarbonizing concrete production, and the validation process for alternative materials. Rahul also provides advice for those interested in careers in the climate startup world.

Linnéa Kornehed Falck, Einride's Founder, discusses how their fleet-based freight capacity-as-a-service business model aims to disrupt the cargo trucking industry while decarbonizing the sector. The podcast explores the potential benefits of autonomy in trucking, the similarities and differences between electric vehicle technology for trucks and cars, and Einride's focus on electric batteries for their trucks. It also touches on Enride's relationship with customers and the challenges and opportunities in raising capital and accessing talent.

This podcast explores the efforts of Kenyan company Sian Flowers to create a low-carbon rose by shipping them around the world by sea. It discusses the carbon footprint in the horticulture industry in Kenya, compares carbon footprints of different transportation methods, explores the challenges of shipping by air and ocean, and examines the marketing opportunities and risks of selling low-carbon products.

Harvard Business School MBA students Nabig Chaudhry, Mitch Hirai, and Kamya Jagadish share their experiences interning in climate-related businesses, discussing their search process, projects related to zero emissions delivery, and the importance of networking. They provide valuable advice on job hunting in the field, recommend resources and sources for staying updated on climate-related news, and share their future career plans related to climate change and urban job creation.

HBS Prof. George Serafeim moderates a panel discussion on driving climate performance with Carter Roberts, President & CEO of World Wildlife Fund, Deb Spar, HBS professor, Bonita Stewart, Board Partner at Gradient Ventures, and Lauren Taylor Wolfe, Cofounder & Managing Partner of Impactive Capital. Topics include the role of boards in driving climate performance, collaboration across sectors, government intervention, data quality, the potential impact of the European border tax, and driving sustainability through boardroom focus on products.