Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations

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.

Cmon over to Wickedproblems.earth for complete show notes and all episodes ad-freeChina and the Global Climate Transition: Insights with Richard Delevan and Jeremy WallaceIn this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delevan zooms out to understand the current climate action landscape as COP discussions progress in Baku. He is joined by Jeremy Wallace, a political scientist specialising in China's domestic politics and climate action, and the A. Doak Barnett Professor of China Studies at Johns Hopkins University. They discuss the intersection of U.S., China, and global climate politics, the economic realities of renewable energy, and address the complexities of international relationships as they influence climate policy. Wallace sheds light on the significant role China's entrepreneurs have played in the renewable energy sector, and offers a nuanced view that challenges common perceptions about China's state-driven strategies. The conversation also explores policy volatility, potential future scenarios, and the crucial importance of deployment and climate finance in the global energy transition.00:00 Introduction and Current Events at COP in Baku00:22 China's Role in the Global Energy Transition00:44 Guest Introduction: Jeremy Wallace00:59 The Intersection of U.S., China, and Climate Politics02:35 Jeremy Wallace's Journey into Climate Studies05:26 Trusting Data: China vs. U.S.08:06 Policy Volatility in U.S. Environmental Politics12:05 China's Strategic Bets on Renewable Energy19:13 The Future of Global Climate Cooperation25:08 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Come to wickedproblems.earth to get these ad-free and all the show notes with links!In this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delevan discusses the outcomes and challenges of COP29 in Baku. Special guests, Tom Raftery from the Climate Confident podcast and Tim McDonnell from Semafor, join Richard for in-depth conversations about climate finance, fossil fuel discussions, adaptation needs, and the potential impacts of recent geopolitical events, including the reelection of Trump. Listen in for expert insights on the evolving landscape of global climate action and how it affects countries around the world.00:00 Live from Baku00:40 Intro02:59 Tom Raftery, Climate Confident40:52 Semafor's Tim McDonnell in Baku01:06:18 Everybody Wants to Rule the World Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Go ad-free at wickedproblems.earth!<irony>Well it’s been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon.1 </irony>Hope you’re enjoying Trumpocalypse Day 8. How are you getting by? Had such a great night2 catching up with The Heat and the Fury author Peter Schwartzstein early this week that this episode is even more delayed than I thought it’d be. Before a stop on his UK book tour we buttonholed him for a sidebar earlier this week at the top of the show.For our main event I sat down with Pittsfield, MA’s finest, Dana Drugmand, a leading voice on US climate litigation, founder of Climate in the Courts and author of the One Earth Now Substack, to explore the potential for litigation to step in as a force for climate accountability and progress, especially under the new U.S. administration.This conversation drops just days after the Dutch courts’ reversal of a landmark case against Shell—a decision that, while discouraging for some, also highlights the role of judicial action as a means of enforcing corporate climate responsibility. Dana brings her unique perspective on what the post-election legal landscape could mean for U.S. climate policy. As we confront a federal judiciary more conservative than ever, she warns that the courts could become either a last line of defense or a daunting obstacle for climate advocates.One of our central topics was Project 2025, an ambitious agenda helmed by the Heritage Foundation, positioning itself to dismantle key climate policies. This agenda foresees cuts across agencies that have historically played central roles in regulating environmental impact, potentially downsizing the EPA and other scientific agencies like NOAA, while replacing civil servants with politically aligned appointees. Dana’s take is that while the federal stage may seem bleak, we shouldn’t underestimate the power of state-level litigation. States like California and Vermont are already mobilizing to hold major polluters accountable—efforts that could set national precedents, especially if cases reach the Supreme Court.Our discussion also explored the Honolulu case, which could open the door to groundbreaking discoveries about oil companies’ historical actions on climate change. This case has the potential to bring to light internal documents that could shape public understanding and policy alike, much like the tobacco litigation of the 1990s did for public health.For those who see these efforts as idealistic, Dana’s closing insights were clear: while federal barriers may grow, there’s also increasing resilience at the state and international levels. Vermont’s recent legislation, European legal frameworks, and global climate accords offer paths forward—if we can hold on to them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.