Send me a messageWelcome to another episode of the Climate Confident podcast! In this captivating discussion, I sat down with renewable energy advocate Richard Flentge to explore the exciting world of solar energy and microgrids.Richard shares his personal journey with solar energy, from setting up panels on his own house to monitoring performance and battery usage. We also delve into the potential for solar-powered sailboats and how they harness clean energy on the open seas.We discuss the evolution of technology in the renewable energy space, drawing parallels with the early days of Silicon Valley. Richard envisions a future where intelligent devices optimize energy usage and grid connectivity, just like our smartphones do today.We explore the challenges and opportunities of widespread adoption, including the need for smart utility boxes to enable bidirectional energy flow. We also discuss the potential for community microgrids, where individuals come together to create solar hubs and share renewable resources.Batteries play a vital role in the renewable energy landscape. Richard introduces the concept of distal batteries, offering localized power for specific appliances or circuits. Imagine having batteries dedicated to lights, computers, or lawnmowers!We touch on various applications of renewable energy, from solar-powered trains to retail outlets embracing solar panels in their car parks. These innovations are paving the way to a more sustainable future.To learn more about Richard Flentge and his work, visit his website and check out his book. Subscribe to the Climate Confident podcast for more inspiring conversations with leading experts in the field. And the video version of this episode is at https://youtu.be/L_oEMSl1eFMRichard's Links:Website: richardflentge.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/RichardFlentgeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Richard-Flentge/100089092855569/Join us as we uncover the immense potential of solar energy, microgrids, and the technologies shaping our sustainable future. Let's make a difference together!Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. CreditsMusic credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

Send me a messageIn this latest episode of the Climate Confident podcast, we're diving deep into one of the most pressing issues of our time - extreme heat.My guest for this episode is Kathy Baughman McLeod, the Director of the Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center. Kathy brings to the table years of experience and a passion for addressing the impacts of climate change and extreme heat, particularly on the most vulnerable.During our conversation, Kathy shed light on the staggering global impact of extreme heat and its effects on our health, economy, and infrastructure. It was eye-opening to learn about the silent and invisible damages extreme heat is causing, affecting the productivity of workers and increasing mortality rates.One of the most inspiring parts of our discussion was learning about the innovative solutions Kathy and her team are implementing. We also talked about a pilot project launched in India, offering microinsurance for heat protection to women working in the informal sector. Climate change is not a distant problem, and the sooner we acknowledge and start taking action, the better. Remember, your vote counts, and choosing candidates who prioritize climate action is essential.Links:  www.onebillionresilient.org@KBMcLeodFLA@ArshtRockLinkedInJoin me in this insightful conversation with Kathy, and let's learn more about the silent killer that is extreme heat, and how we can all become climate confident!Check out the video version of this episode at https://youtu.be/ku6dL4efrPUSupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. CreditsMusic credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

Send me a messageWelcome to another exciting episode of Climate Confident! I'm your host, Tom Raftery, and today we delve into the world of sustainability tech with Sanchali Pal, the co-founder and CEO of Commons, the groundbreaking app that is empowering individuals to take action on climate change.In this episode, Sanchali shares the inspiration and vision behind Commons, a digital tool designed to help people understand their carbon footprint and make more sustainable choices in their daily lives. She explains how Commons provides users with a personalized carbon report, offers actionable insights on how to reduce their carbon emissions, and fosters a community where people can share their sustainability efforts.We discuss how Commons is making carbon consciousness mainstream, enabling people to include carbon considerations in their decision-making process, much like cost and convenience. Sanchali passionately believes in the power of individual choices, and she sees a future where carbon intuition is as commonplace as knowing the dollar value of a purchase.Sanchali also talks about the challenges and opportunities of carbon labeling of products and how Commons, though not 100% accurate, can offer an 80% accurate estimation of the biggest impact drivers in a user's monthly carbon billing statement.For those of you who are curious about the intersection of technology and sustainability, and how we as individuals can play a part in addressing the climate crisis, this episode is a must-listen!Join us as we explore how technology can empower us to take action on climate change, one choice at a time. And remember, every small step towards sustainability counts, and together, we can make a big difference.Don't forget to check out the Commons app at thecommons.earth and follow them on Instagram and Twitter to stay updated on their journey. And the video version of this podcast is at https://youtu.be/bCJzY8D8AfMLet's step into a future where we are all Climate Confident!Enjoy the episode!Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. CreditsMusic credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

Send me a messageWelcome to a very special episode of the Climate Confident podcast, brought to you in partnership with SAP!Today, we've got a truly fascinating conversation for you. We're sitting down with Bhushan Nigale, the dynamic Lead for SAP's Sustainability Development Program. He is at the forefront of SAP's innovative Green Ledger project, an ambitious undertaking that is poised to revolutionize the way businesses handle their environmental and sustainability data.In our chat, Bhushan explains how SAP is leveraging technology to create a sustainable future. He provides an in-depth view of the Green Ledger project - it's not just about calculating carbon emissions, but also making this data easily accessible and actionable for businesses to help them make meaningful changes.We delve into the ins and outs of ESG data, looking at different themes like emissions, water, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Bhushan shares how SAP aims to establish a common set of ESG themes to create a robust ESG data foundation. He talks about the importance of customizing solutions to specific organizations and regions, emphasizing that "one size does not fit all."Bhushan also gives us a glimpse into the future of the Green Ledger project, discussing its ongoing development and the vision to expand into other categories like water, land, and biodiversity. He highlights how crucial it is to keep a focus on the social side of sustainability - tackling issues like modern slavery, child labor, and creating a more equitable workplace.I encourage you to give this episode a listen - it's an enlightening look into how technology can help us tackle some of our most pressing environmental challenges. Bhushan's passion for sustainable development and his deep understanding of the subject matter makes this an episode you won't want to miss!In the podcast Bhushan mentioned a paper that SAP published along with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development - you can find that here.Enjoy the show - and don't forget you can check out the video version of this podcast at https://youtu.be/uuUsV8owRNI!Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. CreditsMusic credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

Send me a messageIn this invigorating episode of the Climate Confident podcast, we take a deep dive into one of the most important discussions of our time – can we realistically aim for a 100% renewable energy grid? I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Anja Frada, the COO of Wärtsilä Energy, a global leader in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets.Anja provides some incredibly insightful perspectives on the viability of a fully renewable energy grid. We talk about the practicalities, challenges, and steps we need to take to transition to a completely renewable energy landscape. Anja also emphasizes how important it is to look at the energy system holistically, ensuring we're not only focusing on renewables but also the necessary flexibility that needs to accompany it.We delve into the world of sustainable fuels, as Anja discusses Wärtsilä Energy's exciting developments in hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol engines. Plus, we touch on the transformation of existing fossil fuel infrastructure into viable assets for a renewable future. It's all about avoiding stranded assets and getting the most from our investments.Anja also takes us through the issues of permitting, the pace of renewable deployment, and the countries that are making strides in the right direction. We touch on the marine side of Wärtsilä's business, examining the shift towards more sustainable fuels and electrification in marine transport.The energy market reform in the EU is a hot topic right now, and we dive into how this is shaping the future of the energy market and driving investment in flexibility.If you're interested in the future of renewable energy, sustainable fuels, and the drive towards a net-zero future, this episode is for you. As always, please let us know your thoughts and stay tuned for more enlightening conversations on Climate Confident.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. CreditsMusic credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

Send me a messageHello everyone, Tom Raftery here with another episode of the Climate Confident podcast. Today, we've got an exciting conversation about how entrepreneurship can help combat climate change.Our guests are Micol Chiesa and Chris de Koning, two of the Directors behind Planet Positive Lab. This is not your ordinary startup accelerator. It's a unique initiative focused on fostering climate-positive businesses and creating an open, inclusive community that welcomes aspiring entrepreneurs from all around the world.Micol and Chris share their vision behind Planet Positive Lab and the road that led them to this critical juncture in their careers. Micol, who comes from an academic and  venture capital background, speaks about the importance of nurturing climate-focused startups and creating a robust ecosystem that promotes innovation and inclusivity.Chris, with his rich academic background, brings a unique perspective on translating theoretical knowledge into real-world climate solutions. He makes a strong case for making entrepreneurship accessible to all and fostering a community of practice.In this episode, we also discuss the nuts and bolts of the Planet Positive Lab, their upcoming summer program, and the demo day in September where investors will get a chance to see the fruits of this initiative.But the conversation is not all about business. There's also a very personal side to it, as Micol and Chris share their personal journeys, the friendships formed, and the enriching experiences gained through this project. This is their own startup story, and it's as inspiring as the ones they aim to nurture.Whether you're an aspiring climate entrepreneur, a potential investor, or simply someone interested in climate change and how business can help tackle it, there's something in this episode for you.I hope you'll join us in this exciting journey. And remember, if you have an idea, even if it's not fully formed, or if you just want to learn more about the world of climate entrepreneurship, Micol, Chris, and the team at Planet Positive Lab are eager to hear from you.So sit back, listen, and let's get Climate Confident together. The video version of this episode is at https://youtu.be/_5G3km676woSupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. CreditsMusic credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

Send me a messageHey everyone, Tom Raftery here, and I'm thrilled to share this episode of the Climate Confident podcast with you! I had an engaging conversation with Stephen Brittain, Director and co-founder of Insurtech Gateway, a company focused on supporting and incubating insurtech startups that address climate challenges.In this episode, Stephen discusses:How Insurtech Gateway helps early-stage climate founders de-risk their business ideas with a unique platform for idea development and experienced mentorsThe challenges of finding the right projects and startups to support in the climate spaceSome fascinating examples of innovative startups Insurtech Gateway has helped, including FloodFlash, Kita, and a carbon credits protection initiativeThe importance of collaboration with climate investors and building strong partnerships to help innovators succeed in their climate goalsStephen's own journey from product designer to insurtech entrepreneur and his vision for the future of Insurtech GatewayFor any early-stage climate insurtechs - Applications are now open for a new wave of climate insurtechs to join Insurtech Gateway’s incubator. Applications close on the 5th of July but start dates are flexible. Those currently in accelerators or venture builders can apply now, then join Insurtech Gateway when ready.Find out more here and apply here. Also, be sure to follow Insurtech Gateway on LinkedIn.This conversation was a true eye-opener into the world of insurtech and the potential it has for driving climate innovation. If you're a climate founder looking for support or just interested in learning more about this exciting space, this episode is for you!And you can check out the video version of this podcast on YouTube here.Remember to subscribe to the Climate Confident podcast for more inspiring conversations with experts, innovators, and leaders in the climate space. Thanks for listening!Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. CreditsMusic credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

Send me a messageWelcome back to another episode of the Climate Confident podcast! I'm your host, Tom Raftery, and in today's show, we have a fascinating conversation with Steve Ferrero, CEO of 3eNano. We explore how 3eNano's groundbreaking window technology is poised to revolutionize the way we insulate our buildings and reduce our carbon footprint.In our discussion, we dive into the details of 3eNano's innovative window coating that improves insulation, making homes and buildings more energy-efficient while reducing energy bills. Steve explains how the technology works, sharing the benefits of their unique coating that directs heat back into a room, reducing the need for energy consumption.Steve also shares some exciting numbers on potential energy savings, revealing that by moving from single pane to double pane windows, buildings can save around 20% on energy costs, and even more when using 3eNano's advanced technology. As we talk about the implications of better insulation, we touch on the pressing issue of climate change and how improved window technology can help reduce our carbon emissions.Throughout our conversation, Steve highlights the need for affordable sustainability and how 3eNano aims to bring their revolutionary technology to the mass market. We also discuss the differences in window technology and energy efficiency consciousness between Europe and North America, and the role that 3eNano can play in bridging that gap.This episode is packed with insights into the future of energy-efficient windows and how they can play a vital role in the fight against climate change. Join us as we explore the world of sustainable building solutions and learn more about the incredible work being done at 3eNano. You won't want to miss it!Show Timestamps:Introduction to Steve Ferrero and 3eNano (00:00:00)How 3eNano's window coating technology works (00:08:16)Energy savings and carbon reduction potential (00:25:56)The impact of climate change on buildings (00:27:51)Comparing window technology in Europe and North America (00:30:00)Final thoughts and where to find more information (00:32:00)And you can check out the video version of this podcast here https://youtu.be/4OgzeNrY-eQSupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. CreditsMusic credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

Send me a messageHey everyone, Tom Raftery here, and I'm excited to share this latest episode of the Climate Confident podcast! In today's conversation, we're diving deep into the energy transition and decarbonisation of the electricity grids with our guest Gareth Evans, CEO of energy transition platform Veckta.In this episode, we cover:The vital role microgrids play in decentralizing power and their impact on energy resilienceHow Veckta's platform empowers businesses to make data-driven decisions in their energy transition journeyThe concept of prosumers and their role in driving the circular economy and sustainable communitiesReal-life examples of communities and businesses harnessing the power of renewable energy, such as the Austrian solar power plants and VB brewery in AustraliaThe importance of turning climate commitments into action, and how Veckta is supporting businesses in their efforts to reduce emissions while staying profitableI truly enjoyed my conversation with Gareth, so grab a cup of your favorite beverage, sit back, and join us as we explore the future of energy and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Or watch it on YouTube here.Subscribe to the Climate Confident podcast for more conversations on sustainability, renewable energy, and the fight against climate change. Link to Gareth's LinkTreeUntil next time, stay climate confident!Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. CreditsMusic credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

Send me a messageHey Climate Confident listeners, in this enlightening episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Assaad Razzouk, CEO of Gurin Energy, host of The Angry Clean Energy Guy podcast, and author of the book Saving the Planet Without the Bullshit. We dove deep into Asia's energy transition and the future of renewable energy in the region.In our conversation, we covered some critical topics, including:Asia's remarkable progress in renewable energy, from solar and wind projects in India to the growth of clean energy in Indonesia.The electrification of transportation and its impact on Asia's grid infrastructure.The role of Asian governments in supporting the clean energy transition and the success stories of countries like Vietnam.The challenge of plastic pollution in Asia: who's leading the charge and who's lagging behind.How Asian countries have stopped importing plastic waste from the West and what it means for the region.The importance of placing responsibility for waste and recycling on manufacturers and the progress made in countries like Indonesia.This episode is packed with insights into the energy transition in Asia and how the region is stepping up to create a more sustainable future. Don't miss out on this fascinating conversation with Assaad Razzouk, a true expert in the field of clean energy and sustainability.If you prefer video, the video version of this podcast is on YouTube at https://youtu.be/EV94lR_nHTkAs always, thank you for joining us on the Climate Confident podcast. Be sure to subscribe, and if you enjoy the show, please leave a review and share it with your friends and colleagues. Together, we can make the world a more climate confident place.Happy listening!Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. CreditsMusic credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper