Nick and Aaron Feigelman, the CEO of Kawa Project, dive deep on the world of waste-to-value alternatives to commodities like cocoa and palm oil. Specifically Nick and Aaron discuss why cocoa prices are soaring, how there’s a ton of ‘climate’ stories inherent to this dynamic, and the work Aaron’s company is doing to make cocoa alternatives that are sustainable and future-proof. In addition, Nick and Aaron walk through:All the climactic impacts inherent to supply chains for things like cocoa The benefit of waste-to-value approaches in climate tech and energyThe nuts and bolts (or beans?) of the cocoa industry and Kawa Project’s businessDon't miss out on this podcast if you’re interested in learning more about the state of climate tech, food and agriculture, waste-to-value approaches, and more! Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, Google, or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the latest episodes.00:01:34 - Food Waste Statistics and Environmental Impact00:04:51 - Challenges and Pivots in Business Model00:08:05 - Kawa Project's Current Focus and Progress00:13:43 - Impact Layers and Keeping Waste Out of Landfills00:15:00 - The Iterative Process of Product Development00:16:03 - The Economics of Waste Management00:18:45 - Centralization of Cocoa Supply Chain00:20:07 - Scale and Sales Cycle in B2B Ingredient Sales00:23:59 - The Biggest Challenges for Kawa Project in 202400:27:38 - Aaron's Broader Thoughts on Climate and Industry00:33:44 - The Free Market and Climate SolutionsLearn more about Kawa Project on their website: https://www.thekawaproject.com/If you love listening to The Keep Cool Show, please leave me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/keepcoolThank you so much! Plus, stay up-to-date on all things Keep Cool here: https://keepcool.co/ and follow Nick on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickvanosdol and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasvanosdol/

Description: Nick and Josh Silverman, the CEO of Windfall Bio, discuss his companies novel methane utilization technologies while casting a wide net across the climate tech ecosystem to discuss dynamics inherent to the methane ‘story’ as a whole and why methane mitigation deserves more attention from stakeholders across climate and energy (as well as listeners like you)Why methane in general deserves a lot more attention in climate circlesWhy methane hasn’t gotten more attention until now A novel way to use methane on Earth, keeping it out of the atmosphereDon't miss out on this podcast if you’re interested in learning more about the state of climate tech, methane mitigation, energy, and more! Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, Google, or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the latest episodes.00:01:57 - Needed Nuance in Climate Discussions and Methane's Role00:04:04 - Reversing Climate Change with Methane Reduction00:09:06 - Using Methane as a Feedstock00:14:37 - Windfall Bio's Business Model and Go-to-Market Strategy00:19:31 - Customizing Solutions for Different Methane Sources00:25:17 - The Self-Sustaining Business Model of Windfall Bio00:26:34 - The Importance of Sustainability in Business00:31:11 - The Persistence of Methane Emissions Despite Its Value00:34:12 - Case Study: Methane Mitigation on a Dairy Farm00:44:13 - The Need for a Broader Focus Beyond CO2 in Climate Action00:49:24 - The Positive Movement in Methane Regulation and AwarenessLearn more about Windfall Bio on their website: https://www.windfall.bio/If you love listening to The Keep Cool Show, please leave me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/keepcoolThank you so much! Plus, stay up-to-date on all things Keep Cool here: https://keepcool.co/ and follow Nick on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickvanosdol and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasvanosdol/

Nick, Quincy Lee, the CEO of Electric Era, and Ramez Naam, a highly experienced climate tech and energy analyst and investor, dive deep on all things energy and electrification in 2024. Starting with a focus on mobility and the power sector, Quincy, Mez, and Nick touch on topics as far reaching as geoengineering, the power of narratives, and their expectations for decarbonization across other sectors out to 2050 and beyond.Why decarbonization and electrification need to be led by product superiorityWhat to expect in energy and electrification in 2024 and beyondOther trends and topics beyond transportation and the power sector worth your attention Don't miss out on this podcast if you’re interested in learning more about the state of climate tech, electrification, and energy broadly, and more! Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, Google, or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the latest episodes.Timestamps:00:05:00 - Mobility and Electrification Outlook for 202400:13:27 - Battery Energy Storage on Grids00:19:19 - One Story of the Decade: Grid Overhaul00:31:27 - The Winning Technologies in Energy Generation00:39:52 - Transitions from ‘Old’ to ‘New’ Energy Sources00:43:58 - Why Better Products Win in The Energy Transition00:47:00 - Why More Focus on Agriculture & Land Use Change is Needed00:50:50 - The Case for Geoengineering via Sunlight Reflection & More00:54:50 - A Call to Action for Optimism & to Work on ClimateLearn more about Electric Era on their website: https://electriceratechnologies.com/ and follow Ramez Naan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ramezIf you love listening to The Keep Cool Show, please leave me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/keepcoolThank you so much! Plus, stay up-to-date on all things Keep Cool here: https://keepcool.co/ and follow Nick on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickvanosdol and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasvanosdol/

Description: Nick and the MacroCycle team discuss a paradigmatic shift from mechanical to chemical recycling in plastics recycling, why it matters, and how MacroCycle is gearing up for their first-of-a-kind recycling facility in 2024. In addition, they discuss:Differences between ‘traditional’ mechanical recycling and chemical recyclingHow MacroCycle plans to finance and build their first commercial plantWhat it takes to scale an early-stage climate tech startup (beyond the tech)Don't miss out on this podcast if you’re interested in learning more about the state of climate tech, recycling, energy, and more! Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, Google, or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the latest episodes.Timestamps:00:05:06 - The Limitations of Mechanical Recycling00:06:09 - Macrocycle's Unique Chemical Process00:07:08 - Technological Trends in Recycling00:09:51 - Macrocycle's Business Model and Goals00:12:31 - Regulatory Tailwinds and Challenges00:16:10 - The Circular Nature of Macrocycle's Process00:19:20 - Business Model and Scaling Strategy00:23:58 - Potential Customers and Market Entry00:27:14 - Technical and Business Challenges Ahead00:28:11 - Team Building and Diversity00:29:33 - Global Challenges in Plastic RecyclingLearn more on MacroCycle’s website: https://www.macrocycle.tech/If you love listening to The Keep Cool Show, please leave me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/keepcoolThank you so much! Plus, stay up-to-date on all things Keep Cool here: https://keepcool.co/ and follow Nick on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickvanosdol and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasvanosdol/

Nick and Albert Wenger, Managing Partner at Union Square Ventures (and a preeminent investor in general), discuss the state of climate, climate and energy work in general, and climate venture capital in 2024 and beyond. Specifically, Nick and Albert dive deep on:How our collective response to climate change so far has been a bit ‘meh’The ‘low energy’ trap and what we stand to gain if we reverse itThe prognosis for climate tech venture capital in 2024 and beyondDon't miss out on this podcast if you’re interested in learning more about the state of climate tech, climate tech venture capital, electrification, and more! Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, Google, or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the latest episodes.Timestamps:00:02:06 - Reflecting on 2023's Climate Crisis00:04:52 - Where we’re at: Climate Progress and Challenges00:05:14 - The Reality of Climate Action Progress00:08:12 - The Low Energy Trap00:13:03 - Funding Challenges for Climate Companies00:17:03 - The Benefits of a War-Like Climate Action Mode00:23:10 - The Need for Comprehensive Climate Action00:30:01 - The Climate Venture Capital Landscape in 202400:31:10 - The Impact of Interest Rates on Climate Work00:36:12 - The Importance of Writing for Idea CrystallizationRead Albert and others’ blog posts on USV’s website: https://www.usv.com/writing/If you love listening to The Keep Cool Show, please leave me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/keepcoolThank you so much! Plus, stay up-to-date on all things Keep Cool here: https://keepcool.co/ and follow Albert on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Albertvanosdol and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasvanosdol/

Nick and Katie McClain, Partner and COO at Energize Capital, a venture fund focused on climate and energy technologies, discuss what’s ‘hot’ right now in climate venture capital, besides for, you know, the rate at which the Earth is warming. Nick and Katie also take a keen look at what to expect in 2024 and beyond. Specifically, Nick and Katie dive deep on:The past five years of climate tech and electrification in the U.S.The outlook for climate tech venture capital and electrification in 2024What it’s like to both invest and operate in venture capital Policy levers ranging from the IRA to EuropeWhy sustainability is about much more than building ‘green’ solutions and systemsDon't miss out on this podcast if you’re interested in learning more about the state of climate tech, climate tech venture capital, electrification, and more! Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, Google, or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the latest episodes.Timestamps:00:03:06 - Energize's Edge Platform for Portfolio Companies00:07:49 - Looking Forward to 2024 in Climate Tech00:09:06 - Evolution of Renewable Energy Industry Challenges00:14:13 - Exciting Portfolio Companies: Banyan Infrastructure and more00:18:28 - Demand-Side Efficiency and Electrification00:22:11 - The Future of Climate Tech and the IRA's Impact00:25:57 - Challenges and Opportunities in Project Deployment00:27:55 - Differences in Climate Tech Between North America and Europe00:32:02 - Differences Between Cleantech 1.0 and Climate Tech Today00:34:56 - Sustainability Beyond Emissions Reduction00:38:04 - Bringing Expertise from Other Sectors to Climate TechMore Notes:Follow Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mcclain-91033650/If you love listening to The Keep Cool Show, please leave me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/keepcoolThank you so much! Plus, stay up-to-date on all things Keep Cool here: https://keepcool.co/ and follow Nick on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickvanosdol and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasvanosdol/

Nick and Tom Quigley, co-founder and Managing Director of Superorganism, a venture firm focused on biodiversity, discuss what biodiversity is, why it matters to the world, and how it fits into the burgeoning climate tech ecosystem. Specifically, Nick and Tom dive deep on:The evaluation process behind creating a venture firm focused on biodiversityWhy biodiversity loss is about much more than just global warming and climate changeHow venture-scale businesses are being built to address biodiversity loss Don't miss out on this podcast if you’re interested in learning more about climate tech beyond well-covered sectors like energy and transportation! Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, Google, or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the latest episodes.00:00:13 - The first venture firm focused on biodiversity00:04:51 - What is biodiversity, what drives biodiversity loss, and why is that a problem 00:10:30 - How venture capital can support biodiversity-focused businesses00:13:25 - Company examples: Discussing Inversa, lionfish, and invasive species00:18:00 - The many benefits of supporting biodiversity and its overlap with climate00:26:42 - Exploring more companies and tech trends at the forefront of biodiversity00:31:20 - Request for start-ups: Opportunities for innovation in biodiversity00:36:06 - Zooming out: the future growth of the biodiversity tech market00:41:15 - What it means to be "nature tech" vs. "climate tech"Learn More About Superorganism: https://www.superorganism.com/Follow Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommquigleyIf you love listening to The Keep Cool Show, please leave me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/keepcoolThank you so much! Plus, stay up-to-date on all things Keep Cool here: https://keepcool.co/ and follow Nick on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickvanosdol and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasvanosdol/

Ravi Mikkelson, CEO of Atmos, revolutionizing fintech infrastructure to make climate-positive lending solutions available to consumers (and banks!). Topics include financing solar with bank mortgages, technical challenges in climate tech banking, transitioning to a clean electrified economy, concrete KPIs for a sustainable future, and appreciation for climate-positive lending.

Adam Goff, Head of Strategy at 8 Rivers, discusses the challenges and opportunities in scaling carbon capture, as well as commercializing technologies in direct air capture and green hydrogen applications. They explore 8 Rivers' unique approach, achieving high carbon capture rates, leveraging common infrastructure, and reducing air pollution. They also discuss industry-wide expansion goals and the key to success through execution.

Curious about the emerging field of soil carbon and its role as a climate solution? Join Chris Tolles, CEO and co-founder of Yard Stick PBC, as he discusses the challenges and opportunities inherent to soil carbon, the soil carbon management space, and the market for nature-based solutions as a whole.Discover how Yard Stick uses innovative technology to measure soil carbon and helps farmers, ranchers, and other land stakeholders make informed decisions (and potentially, money!) by implementing more regenerative practices. Chris also shares his insights on the perils of false binaries in climate debates and the complexities of soil carbon quantification.  00:00:00 - Revolutionizing Soil Carbon Measurement Technology00:06:34 - The Carbon Opportunity: Managing Soils Responsibly00:12:24 - The Importance of Soil Health in Climate Change00:16:08 - Measuring Soil Carbon for Sustainable Agriculture00:21:57 - The Tension Between Offsetting and Insetting Carbon Emissions00:24:09 - Understanding Baselines for Soil Carbon Measurement00:33:36 - Navigating Risk in Soil Carbon Quantification00:42:38 - Measuring Success in the Long Term Learn More About Yardstick: Website: https://www.useyardstick.com Follow Chris:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christolles/ If you love listening to The Keep Cool Show, please leave me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/keepcool Thank you so much! Stay up-to-date on all things Keep Cool: https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/keep-cool/ or follow Nick Van Osdol on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickvanosdol