The Keep Cool Podcast

Allison Wolff, CEO of Vibrant Planet, discusses using AI and ML for climate action with rapid outcomes in natural resource management. They talk about nature-based solutions like proactive land management and reintroducing beavers. The episode covers global expansion, business models, challenges, and calls to action for the future.

In this podcast, Glassdome's co-founder, CTO, and Product Manager discuss their platform for industrial decarbonization. They cover topics like regulatory compliance, data acquisition from old equipment, carbon emissions analysis, and the impact of new regulations on sustainability outcomes. The conversation also explores the battery industry's sustainability challenges and the importance of global teamwork in driving sustainable practices in manufacturing.

Nick and Augustus Doricko, Founder and CEO of Rainmaker, discuss the viability of cloud seeding to (quite literally) make it rain more. Whether for farmers dealing with drought or depleted aquifers or for adaptive purposes such as mitigating wildfires, the potential applications of cloud seeding and making rain more abundant are endless. Nick and Augustus dive deep into the history, theory, and modern current state of cloud seeding while turning an eye to what to expect from Rainmaker in Q2 2024 and beyond. In addition, they discuss:The various approaches and technical complexities inherent to cloud seedingWhether cloud seeding simply “pulls forward” rain that would otherwise have precipitatedHow to encourage more people to pursue hard problems and the value of non-linear career and life pathsTimestamps:00:02:06 - Overview of Rainmaker's Mission00:03:00 - Public Perception and History of Cloud Seeding00:04:49 - Breakthrough in Cloud Seeding Validation00:07:40 - Cost Challenges and Rainmaker's Innovations00:10:52 - Discussion on Cloud Seeding Materials00:13:04 - The Confluence of Technologies in Modern Cloud Seeding00:19:41 - Complexity in Climate and Water Systems00:22:00 - Public Interest in Complex Climate Solutions00:23:10 - The Importance of Long-Form Content00:24:24 - Business Model and Customer Agreements at Rainmaker00:30:03 - Pricing and Servicing Agreements for Water Production00:31:57 - Rainmaker's Seeding Operations and Results00:34:14 - Supply-Side Conversations in Water Resources00:36:05 - Drone Technology and Altitude in Cloud Seeding00:38:01 - Potential Synergies with Other Geoengineering EffortsDon't miss out on this podcast if you're interested in learning more about the state of climate tech, the energy transition, and the role of novel geoengineering efforts in mitigating and adapting to climate change. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, Google, or your favorite podcast platform.Learn more about Rainmaker on their website and LinkedIn: https://www.makerain.com/ / https://www.linkedin.com/company/rainmaker-technology-corporation/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/

John Skrinar, a Partner at Cresta Fund Management, shares his insights on the vital role of infrastructure investment in the U.S. energy transition. He discusses groundbreaking technologies like carbon capture and thermal energy storage, emphasizing their importance for renewable energy. The conversation highlights the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on sustainable investing and the need for stable policies. John also sheds light on the growing trend of large private equity firms entering the clean energy market, marking a shift in the investment landscape.

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/

Quincy Lee, CEO of Electric Era, and Ramez Naam, Managing Partner at planetary.vc, engage in a riveting discussion on electrification and climate technology. They explore the rapid growth of electric vehicles and the urgent need for grid upgrades. The duo emphasizes decarbonization led by superior products and touches on innovative energy solutions like nuclear fusion. They advocate for addressing methane emissions and the importance of individual action against climate challenges, all while encouraging optimism in the climate tech landscape.

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/