Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations

In this insightful discussion, Dana Drugmand, the founder of Climate in the Courts, delves into transformative legal trends shaping climate accountability. They explore Vermont's Climate Superfund law and New York's groundbreaking initiative holding polluters financially liable. Dana highlights the remarkable youth-led cases advocating for environmental rights in Montana and Hawaii. Additionally, the conversation touches on crucial global rulings that could reshape climate obligations, and the potential of innovative climate tech sparked by these legal victories.

In this discussion, energy expert Alexina Jackson shares her insights as an influencer in the digital transformation of energy grids. With a background in consulting, law, and major energy firms, she highlights the significance of grid-enhancing technologies and dynamic line ratings. Alexina explores the critical role of AI and storage in optimizing energy systems, emphasizing sustainability and informed decision-making. She also delves into future challenges and opportunities, focusing on economic growth, climate change, and the potential for innovative collaborations in the energy landscape.

Welcome to a special milestone episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations! In this 100th episode, hosts Richard Delevan and Peter Schwartzstein reflect on a tumultuous yet transformative 2024, joined by a host of friends and contributors from the climate tech and advocacy world. Together, they share personal highlights, challenges, and their hopes for 2025. Here's what to expect:Highlights from the Episode:Reflections on 2024: Peter celebrates the release of his long-awaited book, while Richard ponders the year's most maddening moments, including political turmoil and the slow pace of global climate action.Guest Spotlights:Adam Bell (Stonehaven) celebrates the UK government’s ambitious plan to overhaul the power system in just five years while questioning whether they’ll muster the resolve to see it through.Sarah Mackintosh (Cleantech for UK) highlights the closure of the UK’s last coal-fired power station and the lifting of the ban on onshore wind as key milestones for clean energy.Rupert Read (Climate Majority Project) turns catastrophe into a rallying cry, framing 2024’s challenges as a wake-up call for strategic adaptation.Jenny Chase (Bloomberg NEF) marvels at the solar boom in Pakistan and speculates on which country will follow suit in 2025.Dr. Matt Winning (Comedian and Lecturer) lightens the mood with his reflections on climate humor and hopes for action at COP in Brazil.Hannah Scott (Oxfordshire Green Tech) shares progress on the Climate Tech Supercluster, building a world-leading innovation ecosystem.Stephen (Climate Impact) discusses the momentum around fusion energy and the launch of new conferences to foster collaboration in the space.Tadzio Muller (Activist) emphasizes the importance of finding agency amidst systemic crises, offering a pragmatic yet optimistic take on climate justice.Themes Explored:The personal and professional victories that keep the climate tech community hopeful despite daunting obstacles.How politics shapes climate action, with contributors tackling the implications of global and local governance shifts, including a second Trump administration.The path forward for 2025: from fusion energy breakthroughs to decarbonizing transport and reshaping planning systems.Special Moments:Behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the show’s creation, including shoutouts to musical collaborators and reflections on guestlist privileges!A humorous exchange about the team’s occasional carol karaoke adventures.Key Takeaways:Climate challenges may seem insurmountable, but community, innovation, and collaboration can help shift the needle.As we move into 2025, clarity on problems could lead to greater clarity of purpose in tackling them.Join the Conversation:Tune in to hear from some of the brightest minds in climate tech and policy as we celebrate the power of storytelling, advocacy, and action. Here's to 100 episodes of wickedly good conversations—and to many more ahead! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another episode of 'Wicked Problems: Climate Tech Conversations.' In this episode, host Richard Delevan is joined by Yehuda Borenstein, a serial climate tech venture builder and Chairman & Co-founder of the Direct Air Capture (DAC) startup RepAir. Yehuda discusses his journey and the innovations his team is working on to solve one of the most pressing issues of our time: climate change. From DAC technology to integrating carbon capture with renewable energy, we dive into the nuts and bolts of the solutions that could help humanity reach net zero emissions. Yehuda also addresses the challenges and criticisms associated with funding from oil companies and shares his perspective on the broader climate tech landscape. This episode is packed with insights, optimism, and practical advice on tackling climate change. Don't miss Yehuda's firsthand insights into the future of carbon capture and the technologies that are transforming our fight against global warming. Please like, rate, and review on your favourite podcast platform, and consider subscribing to WickedProblems.Earth for an ad-free experience and exclusive content.00:51 Challenges in Carbon Dioxide Removal03:09 Key Technology Areas for Climate Solutions07:06 Interview with Yehuda Borenstein07:24 Yehuda's Journey in Climate Tech28:38 Innovations in CapEx and Material Efficiency29:51 Addressing Common Questions in Climate Tech30:23 Challenges and Solutions for Off-Takers and Customers31:10 Carbon Capture Strategies and Market Dynamics34:08 Innovative Approaches to Carbon Capture39:15 Energy Requirements and Economic Implications43:24 Storage Methodologies and Practical Demonstrations47:41 The Role of Oil Companies in Decarbonization49:58 Reflections on Climate Week and Industry Sentiments55:26 CATALYSTS: Personal Motivations and Inspirations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'Wicked Problems,' host Richard Delevan discusses the interconnections between climate change, geopolitical instability, and political turmoil, coined as the 'doom loop.' The episode explores how rising inflation and extreme weather events influence political movements and undermine climate actions. Delavan speaks with Roz Savage, a new MP for the South Cotswolds, about her climate and nature bill, highlighting the need for comprehensive legislation and public engagement. Later, Dr. Maria Antonia Tigre from the Sabin Center and Dana Drugman of One Earth Now discuss the implications of the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on state obligations to mitigate climate change, emphasizing the role of legal frameworks in shaping global climate action.And a subscription at Wickedproblems.earth makes a great holiday gift! 00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks01:03 Climate Change and Economic Instability02:52 Political Implications of Climate Disruption04:20 Rising Costs and Food Prices05:51 Flooding and Insurance Issues10:35 International Climate Litigation12:18 Interview with Roz Savage26:02 Ambitious Private Member's Bill on Climate and Nature26:41 Long-Term Commitment to Climate Advocacy27:39 Introduction to Legal Experts on Climate Obligations28:39 Historic Moment in International Climate Law34:44 The Role of Non-State Actors in Climate Litigation38:16 Implications of ICJ Advisory Opinion on Climate Change45:18 Challenges and Opportunities in Climate Litigation54:57 Final Thoughts and Reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jim Spencer, President and CEO of Exus Renewables North America, is a seasoned expert in the U.S. renewables sector. He shares insights on the critical need for 'repowering' wind energy to meet soaring electricity demand and adapt to political shifts. Jim discusses the transition from solar to wind, touching on the challenges of old vs. new technology compatibility. He emphasizes the significance of leveraging existing energy sites and the evolution of renewable energy funding in light of recent legislation. Collaboration and innovation are key themes in this enlightening conversation.

In a deep dive with Dana R. Fisher, a climate activism expert and author of 'Saving Ourselves,' the discussion centers on the harsh realities of climate-induced disasters and their role in mobilizing communities for action. Fisher introduces the concept of 'apocalyptic optimism,' highlighting how hope can coexist with urgent climate challenges. They explore the political dynamics affecting climate policy, the importance of grassroots movements, and how climate shocks reshape public perception and engagement towards a collective response.

Elisabeth Holland, a pioneering professor in climate negotiations, and Loes van Dijk, founder of Climate Court, shed light on Vanuatu's groundbreaking case at the International Court of Justice. They discuss how Pacific Islands youth transformed classroom ideas into a legal movement aimed at holding major polluters responsible. The conversation delves into the complexities of international climate law, the contrasting approaches of ICJ proceedings versus COP diplomacy, and the vital role of storytelling in advocating for climate justice.

Not since the Cuban Missile Crisis has a UN forum seen a debate as dramatic for the future of the species. Today the International Court of Justice in The Hague (aka “the World Court”) began two weeks of hearings to produce an advisory opinion about what if any obligations national governments have to protect against the harms caused by climate change, and what if they fail to meet those obligations. We bring you highlights of, as it were, the case for the prosecution.Get more at wickedproblems.earth.Speaking first was Vanuatu’s Ralph Regenvanu, and the small island’s attorney general.Other witnesses included* Julian Aguon, the Guam-based lawyer with Blue Ocean Law who recounted the litany of communities across the Pacific that have already fallen victim to rising seas due to climate change, forced to permanently relocate, and losing their basic right to exist under international law. Aguon also made the connection between the ICJ’s earlier ruling on Gaza, which we imagine will get some responses. [We fool ourselves talking about this in terms of future harms. With all sympathy for Tenbury Wells in northern England, Fiji has a chilling “Standard Operating Procedure” plan for phased retreat from vulnerable areas from the whole country. It is already being implemented.]* Professor Margarita Wewerenke-Singh of the University of Amsterdam, who made an extremely cogent case of how existing law has led to key precedents we’ve covered on this show, and how those precedents relate to today’s set of hearings: the Swiss Klimasenniorren case at the European Court of Human Rights as well as other cases, and even a mention for Vermont’s ‘make polluters pay’ climate Superfund law.* And Cynthia Houniuhi, president of Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change, that Hollywood-ready plucky group of law students who did the work making the case possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations, host Richard Delevan sits down with Lisett Luik, co-founder of Arbonics, to explore the evolving landscape of voluntary carbon markets and the role of forests in combating climate change. Recorded shortly after the conclusion of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the conversation dives deep into the challenges and opportunities of nature-based solutions in carbon removal and how the Article 6 talks at COP might affect businesses like hers.Get all newsletter, extended shownotes, and ways to support our work at wickedproblems.earth.Key Topics Covered:Arbonics' Mission: Lisett shares how Arbonics uses cutting-edge data analytics to empower landowners to grow stronger forests, sequester carbon, and enhance biodiversity. Discover how this Estonian startup is scaling solutions for a sustainable future.Nature-Based Solutions: Why forests are at the heart of climate mitigation efforts, with the potential to account for up to 30% of global carbon removal needs. Lisett explains how Arbonics ensures the integrity and scalability of its projects through rigorous data and certification.COP29 Reflections: A discussion on the outcomes of COP29, including the finalisation of Article 6 carbon market regulations and their implications for voluntary and compliance markets. Lisett highlights the progress made and the gaps that remain, particularly for smaller nations and nature-based solutions.The Path Forward for Carbon Markets: Insights into how the voluntary carbon market must evolve to ensure transparency, credibility, and accessibility. Lisett addresses common criticisms and discusses the importance of aligning market mechanisms with global climate goals.Lisett’s Journey: From her Estonian roots to a career in finance and forestry, Lisett’s personal story illustrates how passion and innovation can drive meaningful climate action.Memorable Quote:"Forests have layers of value beyond timber—carbon storage, biodiversity, and cultural significance. Landowners should be empowered to realise these layers for a sustainable future." – Lisett LuikConnect with Us:Website: wickedproblems.earthBlueSky: delevan.bsky.socialSubscribe on your favourite podcast platform for more conversations on climate tech. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.