Climate Rising

This episode in our climate adaptation series features HBS Professor John Macomber. John discusses how companies and governments need to incorporate climate resilience as they develop and finance real estate and infrastructure to address the risks of flooding, wildfire, extreme heat, drought, and sea level rise. John describes “five R” options to address these risks—to reinforce, rebound, retreat, restrict, and rebuild—and highlights best practices from insurance companies and the governments of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Singapore. He also identifies entrepreneurial opportunities to foster adaptation and resilience. Climate Rising Host: Professor Mike Toffel, Faculty Chair, Business & Environment Initiative Guest: John Macomber, Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School. For transcripts and other resources, visit climaterising.org

Jay Koh, co-founder of Lightsmith Group, discusses their investment strategy focusing on climate resilience. They invest in sectors like cloud resilience and agriculture using technology for proactive risk analysis. The podcast explores innovative solutions like solar hydropanel technology for addressing climate challenges and calls for more investment in climate resilience.

In this podcast, Spencer Glendon and Alison Smart of Probable Futures discuss tools for managing climate risks, emphasizing the need for a new perspective on adaptation. They explore the impacts of climate change on businesses in tourist areas like Florida and advocate for incorporating climate awareness into storytelling and decision-making processes.

A discussion on ethanol and its role in decarbonization efforts. Raízen's innovative approach to bagasse processing. Maximizing the use of sugarcane byproducts for low carbon ethanol production. Manufacturing process and scaling challenges of ethanol powered vehicles. The role of Brazil and Raízen in global decarbonization efforts.

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.