Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations

For full show notes, bonus content, and ad-free listening, check out wickedproblems.earthIn this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delevan welcomes Dave Jones and Kostantsa Rangelova from the energy think tank, EMBER. They've spent the past year spreading the good news about the impressive advancements in solar and battery technology, particularly focusing on global trends and potential game-changers in regions such as Africa and Mexico. Despite solar only contributing to 6.6% of Mexico’s electricity, EMBER simulations indicate it could rise to 90% with optimal efficiency. In some spots like Muscat, Las Vegas, or Mexico City, almost all their power, day and night, can now be generated from just solar + battery.The discussion covers the rapid progress and cost reductions in battery technology, the promising shift towards 24/7 solar power, the surge of solar adoption in Africa, and the significant untapped potential in Mexico. The episode highlights the transformative impact of solar and battery technologies on global energy landscapes and emphasizes the urgent need for effective policies to accelerate this transition.00:00 Introduction to Mexico's Solar Potential00:00 Global Governance Breakdown00:36 Welcome to Wicked Problems00:39 Introducing the Guests: Dave Jones and Constanza Rva01:05 The Rise of Solar and Battery Technology01:33 24/7 Solar Power: A Game Changer01:54 Advancements in Battery Technology02:51 Economic Competitiveness of Solar and Battery04:38 Challenges and Innovations in Battery Production08:17 Global Adoption and Market Dynamics15:20 Grid vs. Battery: The Trade-Offs21:05 Solar and Battery in Different Climates24:27 Implications for Policy and Future Outlook26:09 Evolution of Battery Storage27:29 Africa's Solar Boom27:59 Chinese Solar Exports to Africa28:52 Utility Scale Solar in Africa37:50 Challenges and Opportunities in Mexico's Solar Sector47:26 Global Solar Trends and Future Outlook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get bonus content at wickedproblems.earth Dr. Lorna Gold is the executive director of the Laudato Sì Movement, which was inspired by the late Pope Francis’ 2015 letter. That document, considered pretty radical for the leader of the Catholic Church to issue at the time, was credited by former Irish president Mary Robinson and others with influencing the Paris Agreement - and you can hear echoes of it as recently as the advisory opinion issued this summer by the International Court of Justice. On its 10th anniversary, Francis’ successor Pope Leo will lead the Raising Hope Conference, 1-3 October in Rome - but also available via livestream - talking about the relevance of its ideas for the situation we’re in now. More than a “Catholic” thing, it will feature people as diverse as Brazil’s climate minister Marina Silva (in the runup to COP30), climate scientist Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, Bill McKibben, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tuvalu climate minister Dr Maina Talia, Bianca Pitt of SHE Changes Climate, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty president Kumi Naidoo, and more. Somehow, Lorna was able to take a break from organising the event to speak to us. Lorna earned a PhD in economic geography from Glasgow University and author of Climate Generation: Awakening to our Childrens’ Future.It’s a great chat and we think you’ll enjoy it. In This Conversation01:22 Introduction to Dr. Lorna Gold 02:21 Personal Tragedy and Resilience 05:29 Hope vs. Optimism 09:17 Relevance of Laudato Si' 13:01 International Court of Justice Ruling 15:21 Economic Systems and Climate Action 21:51 Pope Francis, Pope Leo and COP 30 22:31 Upcoming Conference and Call to Action 24:25 Personal Reflection on Climate Impact 27:56 Discussing Future Conversations 28:40 Mother's Role in Climate Action 29:39 Women of Faith for Climate Justice 31:37 The Raging Grannies and Activism 33:12 The Sharing Economy and Climate Generation 34:42 Sufficiency and Economic Inequality 41:17 The Role of Storytelling in Climate Education 44:34 Hope and Action in Climate Movements 47:31 Pope or Nope Quiz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get full ad-free episodes, full show notes, bonus material, and more at wickedproblems.earthIn this episode of 'Wicked Problems,' host Richard Delevan speaks with Dr. Hannah E. Morris, Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and author of 'Apocalyptic Authoritarianism.' They discuss the use of apocalyptic language in politics, the resurgence of Cold War-era narratives, and how these tropes are being weaponized to block climate action and shore up existing power structures. The conversation delves into the intersections of media, politics, and climate crisis, featuring insights on the impact of journalism on these global issues. ‌00:00 Trump's Apocalyptic Obsession01:19 Introduction to Wicked Problems01:32 Guest Introduction: Dr. Hannah E. Morris01:57 Weaponizing Apocalyptic Language02:45 Defining Apocalyptic Authoritarianism03:06 Trump's Influence and Climate Movement05:13 Nostalgia and Climate Journalism06:30 The Green New Deal and Media Narratives11:47 Challenges in Climate Journalism24:28 Covering Climate Now Initiative30:02 Senator Eric Schmidt's Speech Analysis32:59 Nationalism and American Identity34:27 Fascist Ideologies and Historical Context37:26 Media's Role in Shaping Nationalism39:30 Climate Change and Political Narratives47:26 Global Perspectives on Climate Journalism51:37 Apocalyptic Imagery in Modern Politics54:09 Influences and Future Directions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get all the bonus material, show notes and more - and go ad-free - at wickedproblems.earth! Unraveling the Impact of Climate Change on Zurich: Analyzing 50 Years of Data | Wicked ProblemsIn this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delevan explores a groundbreaking study from researchers at Oxford Smith School's Sustainable Law Program and beyond. Joined by Dr. Rupert Stuart-Smith, Deputy Director and Senior Research Fellow, they dive into the first-of-its-kind research examining climate change's impact on heat-related mortality in Zurich from 1969 to 2018. Discover how attribution science links global warming to nearly 1700 deaths in Zurich, the role of adaptation measures, and the growing importance of climate attribution in legal contexts. This sobering analysis offers a stark look at the real human costs of climate change and the urgent need for action.00:00 Introduction: Zurich and Climate Change00:31 Welcome to Wicked Problems00:35 The Impact of Climate Change on Zurich01:34 Introducing Dr. Rupert Stuart Smith02:11 Study Findings: Heat-Related Mortality in Zurich02:25 Methodology and Data Analysis05:33 Surprising Results and Implications14:16 Adaptation Measures and Their Effectiveness16:31 Legal and Political Implications18:22 The Role of Attribution Science in Courts23:17 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsAlso find us now at Patreon to support our work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Smith from Exeter's Global Systems Institute shares his insights on the urgency of climate action following the Global Tipping Points Conference. He highlights both negative and positive climate tipping points, illustrating their implications for policy makers. The discussion emphasizes the need for transformative strategies and storytelling to foster climate advocacy. Smith also reveals how renewable energy advancements can accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy, showcasing hopeful pathways amidst the pressing challenges.

Will Nigel Farage's Reform party succeed in demonising climate action? Or will adaptation change the conversation? Are the Tories cooked? And does Gaza create an opening big enough for Jeremy Corbyn's new party to cut into Labour support? Richard Delevan talks to More in Common's Ed Hodgson about Shattered Britain, how Britain's "Tribes" will shape the future - and why you need to understand them if effective climate communicators are going to win. Get all the bonus content and ad-free listening at wickedproblems.earth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elizabeth Holland, a Professor at Brown University and former science negotiator for Palau, discusses a landmark ICJ ruling that binds states to act on climate science. She highlights how this ruling emerged from youth activism and addresses its significance for vulnerable nations. The conversation emphasizes the interplay between international law and climate justice, stressing the need for robust legal frameworks and accountability from high-emitting states. Holland also reflects on the resilience of climate advocates and the importance of storytelling in pressing for action.

For full show notes, bonus content, and ad-free experience go to wickedproblems.earth! The Intersection of Climate Change and National Security with Rear Admiral Neil: A Deep DiveIn this episode of 'Wicked Problems,' host Richard Delevan speaks with Rear Admiral Neil, former Royal Navy officer and current Professor of Climate and Resource Security at UCL, about the growing recognition that climate change is a strategic challenge impacting national security. They discuss the expanded definition of national security to include climate adaptation, various international and interdisciplinary efforts to mitigate climate impact, and how the military is adapting its strategies. The conversation covers past and present policies, the importance of societal involvement, and the role of technological advancements. Rear Admiral Neil emphasizes the need for strategic, long-term solutions, cooperation across sectors, and raises concerns about the potential for a significant crisis to wake global leadership from complacency.00:00 Introduction to Climate Change and Security00:26 Guest Introduction: Rear Admiral Neil00:57 National Security and Climate Change02:06 Impact of Climate Change on Society03:49 Military's Role and Adaptation04:44 Evolving Conversations on Climate Policy09:48 Technological Innovations in the Military19:02 International Cooperation and Policy24:49 Challenges and Future Prospects31:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Jenny Chase, a seasoned solar market analyst at BloombergNEF, and Royce Kurmelovs, an Australian climate journalist. They discuss Pakistan's rapid solar energy growth despite limited government support, raising vital questions about grid reliability and energy pricing. Royce shares insights on a pivotal Australian court ruling concerning Torres Strait Islanders' fight against climate change, emphasizing the clash between environmental responsibility and legal limitations. Both guests explore the broader implications of these issues on global energy dynamics and indigenous rights.

Get bonus content & full show notes at wickedproblems.earthThick ice caps topping some dormant volcanoes may be acting like a champagne cork. Research released earlier this month suggests that by speeding up the melt of those ice caps through human-caused climate change, we’re removing the foil and the little wire cage on some trapped liquid that will taste a bit more acidic than champagne when it gets out as the cork tries to free itself.Bob Berwyn has reported for a decade for Inside Climate News - the OG climate outlet that in 2015 broke the story of the biggest corporate scandal in history: a nine-part investigative series demonstrating how much #ExxonKnew about the effects that burning oil and other fossil fuels would have on the future climate, and then doing everything in its power to prevent anyone from stopping it.Bob’s piece on the volcano research stopped me in my tracks. As he said in this conversation:“the most profound thing about a study like this volcano study … is how profoundly we're changing fundamental parts of the global Earth system. I mean, we're sitting here talking about things like, ‘wow, could our activities actually cause more volcanoes?’ I mean, just the fact that we're asking this question is, ‘wow, what have we done?’ You know?”In This Conversation01:33 Scientific Insights on Volcanic Activity05:20 Challenges in Climate Research12:09 Global Climate Negotiations20:12 Heatwaves and Public Health23:54 Legal and Ethical Responsibilities24:36 The Reality of Heat Waves and Their Deadly Impact26:13 The Political Project Against Climate Science27:07 Social Science and Climate Action28:58 The Anti-Autocracy Handbook for Scientists31:02 Free Speech and Authoritarianism34:25 The Role of Legal Obligations in Climate Justice37:05 Public Perception and Managed Retreat40:37 Final Thoughts and Upcoming StoriesKeep Up With BobBob is an essential follow on BlueSky, and his journalism for Inside Climate News does not quit. Here are links to just some of the stories we touched on:Melting Ice Caps Could Bring Dormant Volcanoes to LifeHuman-Caused Global Warming Spiked the Death Toll of Europe’s Early Summer HeatwaveNew Handbook Aims to Protect Scientists From Autocratic ThreatsBonn Climate Talks Rife With Roadblocks and Dead EndsIf you think these conversations are worth listening to, share them with a friend or make an offering to the volcano gods to spare your town. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.