Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations

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.

Welcome to Wicked Problems. While other climate tech shows are winding down, we’re still pumping out the content about an issue - let’s be honest - you’re going to be thinking about over the break. Because that’s the sort of person you are.For our newsletter and ad-free listening, subscribe at news.wickedproblems.uk. In co-host Richard Delevan's conversation with John Hartley of Levidian, we cover:Levidian's Mission and Technologies* Introduction to Levidian and its role in decarbonizing waste gas.* The technology behind converting methane into hydrogen and graphene.Impact of Methane Transparency on Business* John Hartley's insights on how increased transparency in methane monitoring aids Levidian's business growth.* The importance of political will in setting the market-making rules in climate tech.Decarbonization Trends in Industrial Sectors* Discussion on how different industries are moving towards decarbonization independently of climate conferences.* The role and impact of Levidian's LOOP units in decarbonizing waste gas.John Hartley's Catalysts:* A fascinating study of hydropower dams and what that taught him about* WhenToPlugIn - the National Grid ESO app* The Week Junior - The kids’ version of news about climate and the world that provides.Thanks for listening. Back soon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Wicked Problems. The climate tech show not afraid to ask the big questions. Like, what last-minute gifts should climate nerds ask Santa to bring them?We asked Ben Cooke, who writes about climate tech and the environment at The Times, to talk through his recommended books of the year:The Deluge, by Stephen MarkleyA climate thriller that goes much faster than its 900 pages might suggest. “It's really, it's really worth it”.Avocado Anxiety, by Louise GrayClimate Capitalism, by Akshat RathiFive Times Faster: Rethinking the Science, Economics and Diplomacy of Climate Change, by Simon SharpeDefinitely one for the policy wonks.The Last Drop: Solving the World’s Water Crisis, by Tim SmedleyAnd one that is on our pre-order list:Not the End of the World: How We Can Be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet, by Dr. Hannah RitchieDefusing the Hydrogen BombWe also spoke about his coverage of the UK government decision to drop a hydrogen home heating trial in Redcar, and his reactions to the agreement in Dubai after having attended COP28.Thanks for ListeningWe’ll be back with more episodes before the end of the year:* John Hartley, Levidian CEO (Thursday)* Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, CEO of ENSO Tyres (Saturday)* Ciaran Cuffe, Green Party Member of the European Parliament for Dublin (26 Dec)And plenty more in store for the new year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Wicked Problems. The climate tech show and newsletter that was so early walking out of COP before it was cool.Things look bleak at a deadlocked #COP28 in Dubai right now - so we thought this was a good time to share this optimistic conversation Claire Brady and Richard Delevan had with Hannah Scott, CEO of Oxfordshire Greentech. We talk about Hannah’s experiences in building one of the world’s most exciting climate tech clusters, where innovation isn’t just talked about but brought to life, and look forward to the Climate Solutions Conference she’s leading in March of next year.Read more:* Oxfordshire Greentech Climate Solutions Conference - 13th March, Said Business School* Get your Earlybird Tickets* Oxfordshire Greentech* Climate Tech Supercluster* Subscribe to our newsletter - news.wickedproblems.ukHannah’s Catalysts:Daring Greatly, by Brené BrownPlaying Big, by Tara Mohr Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.