Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations

Full show notes and bonus content at wickedproblems.earth.In this episode we talk about climate tech in the age of AI, state failure, and the occasional aircraft powered by poop. In this episode, Canadian climate futurist and returning champion Michael Barnard joins us for a globe-spanning conversation about why he’s still cautiously optimistic — and why, if you’re only paying attention to the U.S. or Europe, you’re probably looking the wrong way.In Conversation· Pakistan's rooftop solar revolution: how a glut of Chinese panels and uncoordinated net metering turned into 22 GW of grassroots decarbonization in a single year.· Ports, poop, and power: what district heating, sewage sludge, and whiz-powered planes tell us about what works — and what’s quietly already scaling.· China’s decarbonization surprise: Michael walks us through why China’s emissions have actually started to fall, why Western media missed it, and why most U.S. industrial policy is a “radically stupid” own-goal.· The end of American credibility: on failed trade narratives, disappearing clean energy investment, and the strategic competence of the so-called Global South.· Three technologies to watch: Geothermal heat-as-a-service, waste-based sustainable aviation fuels, and electrified ports as power utilities of the future.Timeline02:28 Optimism in the Face of Climate Challenges05:08 Pakistan's Energy Transformation14:16 Leapfrogging in the Global South21:23 China's Role in Global Emissions Reduction27:08 The Rise of the Electro State28:33 China's Dominance in Critical Minerals29:37 Globalism and Neoliberalism: A Mixed Bag30:42 The Market Economy's Failures32:13 Technology Diffusion and Industrial Policy34:48 The United States' Broken Industrial Policy43:04 Geothermal Energy Innovations46:04 Sustainable Aviation Fuel from Waste49:35 The Future of Electrified PortsFurther Reading* CarbonBrief on China's emissions drop* Jenny Chase (BNEF) on Pakistan’s rooftop solar boom* Barnard on ports and maritime decarbonisation* Sustainable Aviation Fuels from Human Waste* The Dawn of Everything by Graeber & Wengrow* Trifecta Ireland – new NGO for clean, secure, affordable energy* Kingsmill Bond (Ember) on the rise of the Electrostate v Petrostate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get bonus content at wickedproblems.earth! Mic Wright is the madman media survivor behind one of this show’s second-favourite newsletter, Conquest of the Useless . So when we heard he has a new book out in a couple of weeks we were delighted he could give us a few minutes to talk meeja matters in the age of AI and climate consequences.Breaking: How the Media Works, When it Doesn’t and Why that Matters - despite my inability to stop obsessing about whether it is missing an Oxford comma in the title - is the magnum opus of Britain’s best observer of all things media since Christopher Hitchens went from Trot to Neocon.Two years before the Brexit referendum, a year long inquiry by a UK parliamentary select committee concluded that BBC news teams consistently engaged in false balance when reporting on climate change stories. So for a senior news journalist to suggest that they weren't familiar with the concept felt like a very stark confession.Head back even further to the misty, almost unimaginable, past of 2006, and you find Rob Corddry on the Daily Show, parodying journalists who bent over backwards to establish balance where there is none:“How does one report the facts? When the facts themselves are biased from the names of our fallen soldiers to the gradual withdrawal of our allies to the growing insurgency, it's become all too clear that the facts in Iraq have an anti-Bush agenda.”Meatless speech was rightly praised for highlighting the influence of Conservative Party appointees on the BBC, but it also contained a series of confessions about missing the elephant in the room. Even as the stench of dung must have been stifling.In Conversation00:35 Introducing Mic Wright01:31 Technical Challenges and Interview Preview03:13 Mic Wright's Dramatic Reading04:16 Discussion on False Balance in Journalism13:07 The Rise of Churnalism15:14 Media Ownership and Influence19:39 Tech Enthusiasm and AI in Journalism32:14 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsGet the Books at the Wicked Problems Bookshop.org ShopWe like writers. Buy books from authors we talk to or talk about via Bookshop.org - helps the author, helps local booksellers near you, and we get a couple of pennies in the begging bowl:Wicked Problems Bookshop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus content - wickedproblems.earth As we talked about with folk from Carbon Technology Research Foundation and Robert Höglund last week, Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) is going through some things. The Trump administration is slashing funding for Direct Air Capture (DAC) hubs, poster child CDR firm Climeworks is laying off 20% of staff and stands accused of overpromising an underdelivering on removals.But in a week when a Swiss village was wiped off the map by a collapsing glacier, and the World Meteorological Organisation predicted we’re likely facing years of staying at 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels - the existential threshold for small island states they demanded be included in the Paris Agreement - the need to find ways to take greenhouse gases out of the air (while electrifying and decarbonising) has not gone away.Cara Maesano has one of the most comprehensive views of the state of CDR technologies as the head of CDR research at RMI. Recent reports she helped craft point out pragmatic opportunities for joined-up thinking by integrating carbon removals in industry and agriculture - and even using captured carbon in building materials.In Conversation01:30 Challenges in the Direct Air Capture Sector07:54 Exploring Different Carbon Removal Technologies12:06 Industrial Carbon Removal Opportunities23:40 Industry Partnerships for Carbon Removal24:03 Economic Benefits of Carbon Removal25:41 Momentum in Climate Action27:50 Innovative Building Materials for Carbon Storage32:44 Engaging Stakeholders in Carbon Removal33:28 Highlighting Successful Carbon Removal Projects35:13 Challenges and Opportunities in Policy and Regulation37:25 The Ongoing Climate Conversation38:52 Connecting Climate Solutions Across Sectors42:20 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFurther ReadingRMI: Seizing the Industrial Carbon Removal OpportunityRMI: Harnessing Carbon Removal Opportunities in Biomass Residue Building ProductsThe CO280 project Cara mentioned at a pulp and paper mill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get bonus content at wickedproblems.earth! Why is it, every time the lights go out, anywhere in the world, there are ten influencers with pre-written posts about how it’s the fault of wind and solar on the grid? Whether it’s Spain in 2025 or Texas in 2021 or the UK in 2019 or South Australia in 2016 - before the lights are even back on, never mind an investigation, there is a lightning-fast squad of people who pop up on social media, in TV interviews, in newspaper columns, who claim with absolutely certainty that it was renewables. It was too much wind. Or too little wind. Or not enough sun. Or too much sun. Or all of the above - often in the same interview. It doesn’t need to make logical sense. It just needs to tickle your cortisol and dopamine receptors. Even if it affects the public debate - does it prevent steel going into the ground to build out more solar and wind in these places? And if it hasn’t to date, is that what's about to happen in Texas?Legendary climate and energy analyst Ketan Joshi returns to the show to hash out the whys and wherefores of it all. And what we might do about taking some of that pollution out of our information environment.Plus an unscheduled special guest appearance from our dogs.01:22 The 2016 Australian Blackout 02:17 Media's Role in Renewable Energy Perception 04:37 Technical Details of the Blackout 07:02 Public Reaction and Misunderstandings 11:24 Comparing Global Blackouts 13:27 The Role of Disinformation 18:16 Future of Renewable Energy and Grid Management 37:02 Meet the Dogs 37:59 Discussing Pre-Bunking 40:05 Wind Turbine Health Fears 45:03 Texas Renewable Energy Growth 52:23 Bluesky's Future Read Ketan’s Stuff His analysis in RenewEconomy. WindfallQuote by Akshat Rathi in Bloomberg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Full show notes and bonus content at wickedproblems.earthJoin host Richard Delevan on this episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations as he explores the future of carbon removal technology during Carbon Removals Week. Featuring Philippa Amina and Luke Williams from the Carbon Technology Research Foundation (CTRF), the discussion delves into the challenges and opportunities in the field of carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Topics include the role of diversified approaches, including nature-based solutions and marine carbon sequestration, the importance of transparency and trust, and the funding conundrum in current climate research. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on scalable solutions for a sustainable future.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:46 Guest Introductions and Background02:21 Discussion on Carbon Removals03:58 Challenges and Perspectives in Carbon Removal07:37 CTRF's Approach and Projects16:13 Funding and Future of Carbon Removal Research29:13 Conclusion and Contact Information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get all the show notes and bonus content at wickedproblems.earth.“It’ll be between a scalpel and a sledgehammer,” said Speaker Mike Johnson, describing how Republicans might gut clean energy in the Inflation Reduction Act. After last night’s vote, it looks more like a wrecking ball.In this episode, we talk to Maeve Allsup of Latitude Media about the damage now unfolding in Washington. From the brain drain at the Department of Energy to chaos around clean energy tax credits, Maeve has been tracking the story from inside the industry.We also dig into the turmoil in carbon removal. Climeworks, the biggest name in the sector, is laying off staff and scaling back its US expansion. Critics are calling it the “Theranos” of climate. Is it? We speak with Robert Höglund of CDR.fyi and Milkywire, who says this is just the next phase of the hype cycle—and points to a Carbon Gap paper that helps separate signal from noise.Cuts to clean energy. Turmoil in tech. A moment of clarity—or collapse?And a farewell to Norm.01:26 Tribute to George Wendt 02:14 Elon Musk at the Qatar Economic Forum 04:53 Interview with Robert Höglund on Carbon Removals 05:31 Challenges in the Carbon Removal Industry 13:19 The Gartner Hype Cycle and Carbon Removal 17:08 Policy and Market Dynamics 21:49 Global Perspectives on Carbon Removal 28:59 Interview with Maeve Alsup on Washington Developments 30:49 Clean Tech Investments and Uncertainties 36:00 Geographical Distribution of IRA Investments 37:02 Surprising Early Drafts and Nuclear Concerns 38:19 Geothermal and Tax Credit Challenges 40:23 Uncertainty in Clean Energy Projects 45:01 Department of Energy and Staff Resignations 52:43 Loan Programs Office Under Scrutiny Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get full show notes, bonus content, and ad-free listening at wickedproblems.earth Exploring Climate Geoengineering: An Urgent Discussion with Kelly WanserIn this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delevan sits down with Kelly Wanser, CEO of SilverLining, to delve into the critical topic of solar radiation modification (SRM) and geoengineering aka "climate interventions". Amidst a backdrop of growing climate risk and global warming, the conversation emphasizes the importance of robust scientific data and the various efforts to advance research in the atmospheric sciences. They discuss the evolving landscape of climate interventions, recent policy developments, and the vital role of both public and private sectors. The dialogue also touches on historical context, international cooperation, and the potential implications of stratospheric changes on our planet's future climate stability.00:00 Introduction: The Need for More Data00:41 Welcome to Wicked Problems00:44 Recent Developments in Climate Interventions02:21 The Importance of Measuring Atmospheric Changes03:17 Historical Context: The Value of Knowing04:16 Current Challenges in Atmospheric Research06:15 Interview with Kelly Wanser08:05 The State of Atmospheric Research Infrastructure10:29 The Role of Policy and International Cooperation14:40 The Future of Climate Research and Security23:30 Balancing Public and Private Sector Roles28:37 The Bull Case for Global Involvement30:46 The Bear Case: Risks and Concerns34:40 The Role of Open Science and Collaboration40:13 Private Sector Involvement in Climate Research46:06 Complexities of Atmospheric Interventions52:08 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Extended show notes and bonus content at wickedproblems.earth.In this episode of 'Wicked Problems,' host Richard Delevan discusses the shift from climate optimism to defeatism with Jeremy Wallace, a China and climate policy expert at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). The discussion covers various factors influencing this shift, including the influence of political figures like Donald Trump and Tony Blair, and initiatives such as the Council on Foreign Relations' Climate Realism Initiative. Wallace critiques the initiative's approach, examining its reliance on lifeboat ethics and the fallacies it presents. The episode also touches on the historical context of climate debates, the role of China in clean technology, and the political complexities surrounding climate action. Additionally, the episode features a new intro track from the awesome up and coming UK band Suncharmer.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:24 The Shift from Optimism to Defeatism02:22 Council on Foreign Relations' Climate Realism Initiative03:31 Interview with Jeremy Wallace22:13 The Lifeboat Ethics Debate26:35 Debating Consumption and Population Growth27:07 The Vision of Clean Abundance28:04 Scarcity vs. Sustainable Abundance29:41 Climate Realism and Technological Beliefs31:07 Challenges and Politics of Climate Action Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We Start at the EndToday’s outro track is the COVID-era reboot of a classic Peter Gabriel track, featuring Yo-Yo Ma, Angelique Kidjo, and many more. The reason will become clear.In this episode of Wicked Problems, we sat down with Charles Perry, director of Sustainable Future for All, at the Conduit Club in London.A veteran in the climate and sustainability space, Charles has changed his views from evolution to revolution - a climate revolution akin to the Industrial Revolution. He reflects on his experiences spearheading renewable initiatives at BP, working with Al Gore, and advocating for justice-integrated environmental concerns.What set him on the path? A realisation once he left apartheid South Africa for university that the things he was taught were not necessarily how the world really was. That moment took him to anti-apartheid activism in South Africa and its democratic transition to climate advocacy and the need for a different paradigm on energy.Wicked Problems is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.His direction of travel has been clear for a while - in that climate isn’t (just) a tech issue, but one as inextricably tied up with justice as the move was from slavery to fossil fuels.That kind of talk has gotten Charles into some bother before. Like his 2012 BBC interview with Jon Sopel that we clip in the ep.The conversation also explores Perry’s views on the moral imperatives of climate action, the obstacles posed by current political and economic systems, and the roles of influential leaders like Nelson Mandela and Al Gore in shaping his philosophy on sustainability.00:00 The Need for a New Revolution00:43 Introduction to Charles Perry01:02 Challenges in Climate Tech and Sustainability01:15 Charles Perry's Journey and Career01:52 Reflections on Working with BP and Al Gore10:58 The Intersection of Justice and Environmental Concerns18:47 The Unstoppable Sustainability Movement21:46 The Future of Energy and Sustainability25:19 Final Thoughts and Inspirations29:54 Conclusion and Call to ActionAll the OutrosThanks for listening. To support us and go ad-free check out wickedproblems.earth or just send us a brown envelope of unmarked bills. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Conversations on Climate Solutions: Industry Adaptations and Global Impact at the Climate Impact SummitIn this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delevan brings discussions from the Climate Impact Flagship Summit in London. The episode features key guests like Carrie Lovelace and Chris Hayes from Visions 2030, who discuss their ambitious project aimed at fostering eco-consciousness through immersive experiences. Also included are insights from Belinda Perryman of Convert Well, who talks about transitioning oil and gas expertise to carbon sequestration and hydrogen production. Several other industry experts weigh in on the state of climate tech innovation, challenges in commercialization, and policy implications.01:51 Visions 2030 and Experiential Projects04:54 Carrie Lovelace's Artistic Journey10:54 Eco-Consciousness and Climate Solutions17:06 Future Plans for Visions 203023:00 Climate Impact Flagship Summit Highlights29:14 Scaling CT part 233:19 System Change and the Green Industrial Revolution40:40 Insights from the Oil and Gas Industry with Belinda Perriman of ConvertWell40:45 Belinda Perriman's Journey in Oil and Gas44:18 Carbon Capture and Storage Projects50:42 The Convert Well Initiative55:12 Industry Reception and Future Prospects Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.