Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations

In this episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations, we delve into the intersecting crises of climate change, internal disintegration, and global security with Dr. Anatol Lieven, Quincy Institute Eurasia programme director. With a stellar career as a journalist, scholar, and author, Dr. Lieven brings a wealth of expertise to discuss the mounting challenges facing democracies worldwide.Key Topics Discussed:* Security Establishments and Climate Change:Dr. Lieven argues that inherited institutional priorities have led security establishments to focus on external threats, while the real challenges lie in internal disintegration driven by climate change, migration, and socioeconomic inequality.* Green New Deal and Nationalism:A compelling advocate for a Green New Deal, but on “realist” grounds, Dr. Lieven emphasizes the importance of compensating those most affected by climate policies while ensuring that the rich bear their share of the burden. He suggests that patriotism should be harnessed to mobilize public support.* U.S. Political Crisis and Constitutional Flaws:Lieven critiques the U.S. Constitution as "not fit for purpose" and explores the potential for a severe political crisis in the event of a contested 2024 election. He underscores the danger of both sides refusing to back down.* Global Shocks and the Importance of Resilience:The need to build resilience against global shocks is paramount, argues Lieven. He discusses how competition with China can help, but warns that "just-in-time" supply chains are profoundly dangerous.* Migration and Internal Stability:Migration remains a crucial issue affecting Western democracies, and Dr. Lieven describes how differing ideas about national identity can lead to severe polarization. He likens it to the challenges facing Middle Eastern democracies.Dr. Lieven’s Catalysts* The Uninhabitable Earth by David Wallace-Wells* The Economics of Climate Change: The Stern Review by Nicholas Stern* Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed by Jared DiamondAbout the Guest: Dr. Anatol Lieven is the Director of the Eurasia Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. He has had a distinguished career as a journalist covering the former Soviet Union and Pakistan and has held academic positions at King's College London and Georgetown University in Qatar. He is the author of Climate Change and the Nation State.Rate and Review us: Spotify | Apple PodcastsConnect with Us:* Richard DelevanFollow Anatol Lieven:* Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Exploring the taboo of climate adaptation, investing in resilience, shifting capital, and analyzing the investment landscape. Featuring guests discussing climate tech innovation, AI for wildfire control, and the importance of integrating adaptation with mitigation efforts.

Rupert Read and Liam Kavanagh discuss mobilizing a Climate Majority through strategic actions, SAFER campaign, role of public/private sectors in climate advocacy, empowerment through education, and community-level engagement. Emphasis on fostering active climate engagement and resilience for effective climate action.

Veteran journos Jonathan Leake and Ryan Chilcote discuss Fear & Loathing in Aberdeen, ECHR climate ruling, DESNZ's solar plan, critical mineral alliances. They delve into energy transition challenges, data center demands, and legal complexities in climate action. The episode also features interviews on high-density pumped hydro, energy storage solutions, and the environmental impact of digital energy consumption.

*INNOVATION ZERO DEADLINE*We’re getting this out before 31 March 2024 to remind you of your last chance to get free tickets to Innovation Zero at the London Olympia next month. Where you also might get a chance to see Matt Winning who will host the Innovation Zero Awards (ticketed separately) on the evening of 30th April.After the 31st, tickets for the 2-day event go for £199 each.TODAY’S BONUS EPISODERichard Delevan sits down with Dr. Matt Winning, who strikes the balance of being the OG of climate comedy with capital-S Serious academic as Head of Climate Research at Oxford Economics.In addition to pitching ourselves to Gary Lineker and Goalhanger to front “The Rest is Climate”, and suggesting that outgoing Climate Change Committee head Chris Stark could benefit from his own Anger Translator (if you’ve seen the Obama version), we explore how Matt keeps that balance.Show NotesThe Intersection of Comedy and Climate:* Matt describes the moment he decided to merge his work on climate change with his passion for comedy.* The challenges and rewards of communicating serious topics through humor.Career Path and Unexpected Turns:* Matt reflects on his unexpected journey from academia to the comedy stage.* Discussion on how current events, like Brexit and the election of Trump, influenced his comedy on climate change.Audience Reactions Over Time:* How audience perceptions and knowledge of climate change have evolved since Matt started his comedy career.* The impact of global events, such as the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the rise of Greta Thunberg, on public awareness.The Dynamics of Climate Comedy:* The process of crafting comedy that resonates with both climate experts and the general public.* Matt's experience with balancing humor and factual accuracy in his performances.Comedy as a Vehicle for Climate Communication:* Insights into how comedy can break down barriers and engage people in climate conversations.* Examples from Matt's shows that have effectively combined laughter with learning.Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Ambitions:* Matt shares his plans for future comedy projects, including shows that incorporate theatrical elements and staged protests.* The importance of creating new platforms and spaces for climate-related comedy.Links and Resources:* Matt Winning's Website: mattwinning.com* Machynlleth Comedy Festival: Details about Matt's participation and how to get tickets.* Edinburgh Fringe Festival: Information on Matt's upcoming shows in August 2024.* And Matt is one of LinkedIn’s best follows. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations for a special Good Friday edition focused on the ever-evolving landscape of climate tech in the UK and Europe, the impacts of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, and insights into the insurance and energy sectors amidst climate change. Host Richard Delevan delves into these topics with insights from industry experts and reporters.Featured Guests:* Ben Cooke, Earth Editor, The Times* Freya Pratty, Climate Tech Reporter, Financial Times-backed Sifted.eu* Neil McLoughlin, Startup CoalitionSegment Highlights:* Climate Tech in the UK and Europe: A discussion on the recent UK Climate Tech Index and the potential impact of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act on climate tech companies considering relocation for better subsidies and investor pressures. Insights from Ben Cooke on Parallel Carbon’s move to the US and Freya Pratty’s observations on the broader trends.* Direct Air Capture and the Inflation Reduction Act: Ben Cooke shares insights from his article on Parallel Carbon, a direct air capture company moving from Manchester to Jersey City, NJ, highlighting the lure of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act's subsidies.* The Impact of Energy Demand on Data Centers: Freya Pratty discusses her article on Oriole, which has just raised £10m and aims to dramatically reduce data center energy consumption using optical networks, shedding light on the significant energy demands of AI and data processing.* Sifted 100 Report: A look into the UK and Ireland's top 100 companies by revenue, showcasing fintech dominance and emerging climate tech ventures. Freya Pratty discusses the findings and the future of climate tech investment.* Climate Tech Index by Startup Coalition: Neil McLoughlin discusses the creation and purpose of their inaugural Climate Tech Index, its role in influencing policy, and the highlighted disparities and successes within the UK climate tech scene.* Insurance and Climate Change: Ben Cooke’s upcoming piece on the challenges and rising costs of flood insurance in the UK, reflecting on the broader implications of climate change on insurability and homeowner vulnerabilities.* Green Energy Tariffs and Corporate Practices: Freya Pratty teases an investigation into the transparency and impact of green electricity tariffs, aiming to demystify how companies label and benefit from "green" energy - and her hunt for climate tech founders who may have seller’s remorse for exiting to oil companies.For more in-depth conversations on climate tech and to support our work, consider subscribing for an ad-free experience and access to exclusive content at wickedproblems.earth.Credits:* Production Assistance: Theodore Delevan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Murray, Editor in Chief of Business Green, talks with Wicked Problems about everything from handling unexpected protestors to Terry Pratchett-inspired Solar Panel Theory of Socioeconomic Unfairness.Join us as James shares insights from the Net Zero Festival, discusses the challenges of transition poverty, and offers a vision for a sustainable and equitable future.The Boots Theory of Socioeconomic Unfairness: Drawing on Terry Pratchett's insightful humor, James discusses economic disparities in accessing green technology and the broader implications for the net zero transition.Mastering Unplanned Moments: Hear about the unexpected stage invasion at the Net Zero Festival and James's perspective on handling protests with respect and understanding.The Importance of Equitable Policies: A discussion on the necessity of designing policies and investments that recognize the risk of transition poverty and ensure benefits are shared equitably.Celebrating Women in Green Business: James introduces the Women in Green Business Awards, highlighting the role of diversity in driving the green economy and addressing the green skills gap.Looking Ahead to the Next Net Zero Festival: A sneak peek into the upcoming Net Zero Festival, its aims to celebrate and showcase the exciting developments in the green economy, and the introduction of a new, in-depth workshop stream.James’ Catalysts* David Wallace-Wells' "The Uninhabitable Earth" for its stark depiction of climate risks.* George Monbiot's "Heat" as a pioneering discussion on achieving a net zero economy.* Akshat Rathi's optimistic views in Climate Capitalism.* David Roberts’ volts.wtfFurther Reading* Women in Green Business Awards* UK Green Business Awards (June)Connect with James Murray* LinkedInConnect with UsWicked Problems is audience-supported media. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.* …or on your favourite podcast platform* Follow us on LinkedIn or BlueSky for updates and discussions on the latest in climate tech and renewable energy.ThanksWe appreciate you tuning in. If you got something out of it, feel free to share. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Freya Pratty, FT-backed Sifted.eu’s prolific climate tech reporter, joins Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations. Just in time for her scoop this morning about 2150.vc leading a ‘buzzy’ £22m Series A investment into Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy-backed, UK-based, direct air capture pioneer Mission Zero.Episode Highlights:The Quest for White Hydrogen: Freya opens up about her exploration into white hydrogen, emphasizing its potential impact and the formidable challenges associated with harnessing this elusive energy source.Climate Adaptation & Venture Capital: A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to adaptation technologies. Freya shares her insights on the venture capital community's cautious engagement with climate adaptation tech despite its critical importance.The Rapid Evolution of Direct Air Capture (DAC): Freya discusses the advancements in DAC technology, highlighting companies that are pioneering scalable and efficient solutions to carbon capture.Unveiling the Vargas Group's Success: Anticipation builds as Freya teases her upcoming piece on the Vargas Group, a conglomerate known for its streak of successful climate tech ventures, underscoring a unique model of innovation and execution.Name Checks:SiftedClimateXPale Blue DotPlanet A VenturesMission ZeroRealIceThe Vargas Group (Mentioned as a successful conglomerate in climate tech)Northvolt, Polarium, H2 Green Steel, and Aira (All part of the Vargas Group's portfolio)Connect with Freya PrattyLinkedInConnect with UsWicked Problems is a audience-supported media. Become a free or paid subscriber at wickedproblems.earth.Follow us on LinkedIn or BlueSky for updates and discussions on the latest in climate tech and renewable energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ciarán Cuffe, prominent Green Party Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from Dublin, known for his pivotal role in shaping European climate and energy policies, joins the pod. We discuss the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, aimed at cutting the 40% EU emissions from buildings, and the pressing challenges and prospects leading up to the 2024 European Parliament elections.Key Topics Discussed* Climate Breakdown and Optimism: Cuffe opens with a stark observation of climate breakdown, underscored by the extreme weather events sweeping across Europe. Yet, he remains optimistic, citing Europe's advancements in doubling energy efficiency over the past decade as a beacon of hope and potential for future progress.* European Elections and Climate Policy: As the conversation shifts towards the 2024 European Parliament elections, Cuffe expresses a desire to see the debate focus on the need for sustained green voices in European politics to ensure the continuity of ambitious climate policies.* New Energy Performance of Buildings Directive: Cuffe shares insights into his instrumental role in navigating the recast directive through the EU's legislative process. The directive mandates a significant enhancement in the energy performance of buildings, aiming for an A energy rating by 2050, marking a pivotal step towards reducing the EU's carbon footprint.* Challenges of Migration and Social Media's Role: Cuffe addresses the complexities of migration in Europe, advocating for a balanced and empathetic approach. He also highlights the concerning impact of social media in amplifying hate and driving violence, underscoring the need for more controlled and responsible digital communication platforms.* Looking Ahead to Elections 2024: With an eye towards the future, Cuffe discusses his aspirations for further legislative impacts on Europe's green transition, emphasizing the critical role of continued innovation, investment, and international cooperation in tackling the climate crisis.Episode Highlights with Timestamps* [00:00:03-00:04:11] Cuffe's candid reflections on the mixed outcomes of COP28 and the intrinsic lag between political decision-making and scientific urgency.* [00:06:48-00:07:33] The anticipated impact of the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the nuanced challenges of its implementation.* [00:24:46-00:28:53] The potential effects of the 2024 European Parliament elections on climate policy, amidst a backdrop of rising right-wing populism.* [00:28:53-00:33:20] Cuffe's nuanced take on migration, the importance of targeted development aid, and the critical need for a reevaluation of the Dublin regulation to foster a more equitable and sustainable approach to addressing global inequalities.Connect with Us* Follow us on LinkedIn or BlueSky for updates and discussions on the latest in climate tech and renewable energy.ThanksThank you for reading Wicked Problems. This post is public so feel free to share it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Wicked Problems, Richard talks with Joe Pretorius, one of the visionaries behind the “toco” currency and co-founder of The Carbon Reserve, a non-profit central bank that will manage the money supply of tocos by matching them with carbon credits, with those assets backing the currency - marking a huge difference in approach to assets from the decentralised, vibes-driven approach of cryptocurrencies. As it launches in Switzerland this week, soon to be followed by a launch in Denmark, discover how this carbon-backed digital currency aims to transform our approach to climate change mitigation and foster a sustainable future.Episode Highlights:* Genesis of the Toco: Joe explains the inspiration behind Toco, detailing its function as an independent carbon-backed currency designed to directly link everyday economic activities with climate action.* Toco's Mechanism and Impact: Discover how Toco operates, its backing by carbon mitigation assets, and the potential it holds for promoting sustainable practices among individuals and businesses alike.* A Vision for Better Money: Joe shares his philosophical perspective on why a carbon-based currency could be the key to a better world, emphasizing how Toco can enable individuals to make a meaningful climate impact effortlessly.* Personal Journey and Climate Awakening: Joe recounts a pivotal moment that deeply impacted his view on climate change, driving him to seek out innovative solutions and dedicate his efforts to environmental sustainability.* Future Aspirations: Joe reflects on the potential long-term effects of Toco and similar initiatives on global climate policy, expressing hope for a future where financial systems are aligned with environmental goals.Recommended Reading & Resources* "Ministry for the Future" by Kim Stanley Robinson: A novel that explores the social and economic impacts of climate change, influencing Joe's thinking and many others in the climate tech space.* The Toco App* The Carbon Reserve: Learn more about the organization behind Toco and its mission to combat climate change through financial innovation.Connect with UsWicked Problems is audience-supported media. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber at wickedproblems.earth* …or rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform* Follow us on LinkedIn or BlueSky for updates and discussions on the latest in climate tech and renewable energy.ThanksWe appreciate you tuning in. If you got something out of it, feel free to share. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.