Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations

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.

Listen as Ryan Skinner from Verdantix discusses the critical role of financial disclosures in funding the climate transition. Explore the uncertainties of the upcoming SEC disclosure rule and the controversy surrounding Scope 3 emissions reporting. Discover the rising demand for technical climate skills and the contrarian views in the ESG space.

In this engaging discussion, Solitaire Townsend, an author and sustainability advocate, dives into the transformative power of storytelling for environmental activism. She contrasts possibilism with pessimism, emphasizing hope in the face of climate crises. Townsend shares her unique perspectives on the danger of fatalism and the narrative frameworks that drive climate action. With practical recommendations for individuals, she inspires listeners to embrace imagination and creativity as vital tools in the journey toward sustainable solutions.

Richard Delevan sits down with Steven Meersman, co-founder of Zenobē Energy, to discuss the electrifying path from a basement coffee shop meeting to leading a revolution in the renewable energy sector. Listen in as we explore the innovative strides Zenobē has made in battery storage and electric transportation, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in our pursuit of a sustainable future.Episode Highlights* [00:06:12] Overcoming challenges and scaling up in the renewable energy sector.* [00:10:15] The transformative power of software in energy storage and electric vehicles.* [00:16:10] Zenobē's approach to electrifying transportation and reducing carbon emissions.* [00:21:47] Securing a monumental capital raise and planning for global expansion.* [00:25:04] The story behind the name change from BESS to Zenobē.* [00:31:55] Breaking into the U.S. market and the future of global energy systems.* [00:38:22] Influences and recommendations from Steven MeersmanFeatured Quotes:* "We really got started in the Costa coffee on Piccadilly in the basement. I still remember doing the interview with our first employee Ned and him thinking like, 'Oh my God, what am I joining?'" - Steven Meersman* "It's going to be Better Energy Storage Solutions because that's what... Well, let's put on the tin what it does, right?" - Steven Meersman on the original name of Zenobē.* "If you want it to be ecologically sustainable and you want it to be adopted at scale today, then it has to be financially sustainable or advantageous to do so." - Steven MeersmanSteven's Catalysts* "Power to the People - The Inside Story of AES and the Globalization of Electricity " by Peter Grose* "Ministry for the Future" by Kim Stanley Robinson* "Governing the Commons" by Elinor OstromConnect with UsWicked Problems is reader and listener-supported. To receive ad-free podcast episodes and 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.

In a riveting discussion, Tadzio Mueller, a political scientist and climate activist, explores the provocative idea of 'just collapse' as a response to the climate crisis. He critiques current activism strategies and questions the viability of decoupling economic growth from emissions. The conversation dives into psychological barriers to action, the implications of corporate accountability, and the urgent need for community solidarity. With insights into the evolution of activism since 2009, Mueller challenges listeners to rethink their approach amidst rising environmental crises.

Welcome back for Series 2 of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations.Farmers may wind up making or breaking our chance to tackle climate change.In this episode Claire Brady and Richard Delevan speak with Antony Yousefian, partner at The First Thirty VC, shares his journey from finance to the forefront of climate tech and sustainable investment in the UK. Delving into the impacts of climate change on agriculture, the potential of regenerative farming, Antony provides invaluable insights into leveraging technology and capital for a greener future.Time Codes & Highlights:[00:01:30] - Antony shares his background in finance and the transition towards sustainable investments and the decarbonisation of financial assets.[00:05:25] - Discussion on the challenges of ESG quantification and the journey towards actionable metrics in sustainable investment.[00:06:24] - Antony highlights the significance of food security, climate change, and the crucial role of sustainable agriculture in addressing these issues.[00:10:56] - Insights into regenerative agriculture, carbon sequestration, and the necessity of incentivising sustainable farming practices.[00:25:58] - The role of AI in capturing data and enabling sector growth, and the importance of data in attracting capital to sustainability efforts.[00:31:22] - Why investing in nature tech and the food system is bankable and the opportunity for returns on investment.[00:36:47] - Antony provides recommendations for books, films, and podcasts that have influenced his perspective on sustainability and agriculture.Antony’s Catalysts:Films: "Kiss the Ground" and "The Biggest Little Farm" for insights into regenerative agriculture's potential.Book: "What Your Food Ate" by David R. Montgomery and Anne Biklé, exploring the impact of soil health on food nutrition.Podcasts: "Investing in Regenerative Agriculture" by Koen van Seijen and "Regenerative Agriculture" by John Kempf for discussions on the future of farming.Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit on climate-caused food price inflation.Contact:Connect with Antony Yousefian on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In case you missed it, here's our most popular episode of 2023 - our chat with the one and only Michael Barnard.Back in October, we talked about IEA's World Energy Outlook, COP28, Hydrogen hopium, CCUS, predatory delay, HVDC, electrification, LDES, Michael Liebreich, and MPs "with the STEM background of illiterate newts"Subscribe to our newsletter at news.wickedproblems.uk, and get new #climatetech conversations first with co-hosts Richard Delevan and Claire Brady.Michael Barnard is a Forbes and Cleantechnica contributor, chief strategist at The Future is Electric, and climate futurist advising global corporates and financial institutions on decarbonisation scenarios with 80-year horizons. And woe be unto you if you turn up in his LinkedIn comments without receipts. This week the IEA released its 2023 World Energy Outlook, an updated Michael Liebreich Hydrogen Ladder 5.0, and #COP28 is only a month away - making it the perfect time to check in with the most unfiltered energy and climate tech strategists around. He comprehensively out-nerds host Richard Delevan in this episode of the Wicked Problems Podcast. Michael’s Catalysts: Good Strategy Bad Strategy: The Difference and Why It Matters by Richard Rummelt - a key for understanding Barnard’s ruthless focus on what’s real.Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order by Ray Dalio Has China Won? The Chinese Challenge to American Primacy by Kishore Mambabani - The Eminence Grise behind Singapore’s Lee Kwan Yew Co-hosts Claire Brady (LinkedIn) and Richard Delevan will be back soon with another epsiode. For ad-free listening, subscribe at news.wickedproblems.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Wicked Problems. Did we bite off more than we could chew this year? Ask us after the Chouchou and mince pies are gone.Our attempts to try out some Icelandic did not go well - so in this conversation with ENSO Tyres founder and Earthshot Prize finalist Gunnlaugur Peter Erlendsson, we respected his wishes and probably avoid prosecution in Iceland by just calling him “G”.In this conversation with Richard Delevan, G:discusses the importance of open-heartedness and inclusivity in shaping a positive future.reflects on his experiences at Earthshot Week and, highlighting the value of speaking from the heart in decision-making. He even takes us behind the scenes during the process.discusses Prince William’s nomination of ENSO for the Earthshot Prize for the company’s work on reducing air pollution and the significance of that recognition.drops hints on whether he might be lured to sunny California by the IRA.emphasizes the power of connecting with people genuinely and openly, advocating for courage and openness in tackling global challenges.G’s Catalysts:* Earthshot Prize* Halla Tómasdóttir, CEO of The B Team - “she taught me something extremely valuable … to speak from the heart”G Was Ready for His CloseupAt G’s suggestion - and look at that hair and those pecs, how could he not - we recorded video. You can find a video of our conversation here:Merry ChristmasHappy holidays from the whole team at Wicked Problems. And it’s not too late to support the Elves in the Wicked Problems workshop by giving a gift subscription to a friend at news.wickedproblems.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.