Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations

Richard Delevan sits down with Colin Mahoney, founder of Mahoney Communications Group, to explore the burgeoning climate tech scene in New York City. From policy-driven growth to the key players driving innovation, Colin provides an insider's perspective on what makes NYC a unique hub for climate technology. They also delve into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, the role of private capital, and the importance of adaptation technologies.New York City as a Climate Tech Hub:Role of NYSERDA and state policies in fostering innovation.Comparison with other cities like Boston, San Francisco, and Austin.Key Companies and Projects Mentioned:Goldwind: A leading wind turbine manufacturer that Mahoney Communications helped move to the U.S. Goldwind Official SiteNthcycle: Innovators in clean recycling for nickel and cobalt. NthCycleElectrified Thermal Systems: Developing solutions for electrifying industrial heat. Electrified Thermal Systems Official SiteIon Storage Systems: Advancing solid-state battery technology. Ion Storage Systems Official SitePrisma Photonics: Working on decongesting the grid with real-time data solutions. Prisma Photonics Official SitePolicy and Private Capital:The impact of federal and state policies on private capital investment.How companies are adapting to changes in the financial landscape post-SVB collapse.Adaptation Technologies:The growing importance of technologies to adapt to climate change.Potential areas for investment and innovation in food security, water desalination, and urban resilience.Our theme music is by Suncharmer. Assuming the copyright gods let it thru, check out one of the potential outros here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2AWvHdqqNAUCJcByQEokut?si=e94c425911a149aaLinks:Mahoney Communications GroupNYSERDAGoldwindNthCycleElectrified Thermal SystemsIon Storage SystemsPrisma PhotonicsConnect:Follow us on Twitter: WickedProblemsConnect on LinkedIn: Richard Delevanwickedproblems.earth: Subscribe, get goodies, and all our transcripts and show notesThank you for tuning in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard Delevan sits down with Edward Matthew, Director of Campaigns at E3G, to discuss the crucial role of climate policy in the upcoming UK election. They delve into the manifestos of various political parties, exploring their commitments (or lack thereof) to climate action, and what this could mean for the future of the UK and the planet.Wicked Problems is member-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Key Topics:* The current political climate in the UK and its impact on climate policy.* Analysis of party manifestos from the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Greens, and Reform UK.* The implications of potential electoral outcomes for climate tech and environmental policy.* Edward Matthew's perspectives on the necessity for ambitious climate action and the economic opportunities of a green transition.Links & Resources:* E3G - Third Generation Environmentalism: Website, Manifesto Analysis* Edward Matthew on Twitter: @Ed_Matthew1* Richard Delevan on LinkedIn: Richard DelevanConnect:* Follow Richard on Twitter: rdelevan* Subscribe to Wicked Problems on YouTube: Wicked Problems YouTube Channel* Become a member at wickedproblems.earthOur theme music is by Suncharmer.Outro Music: "Big Yellow Taxi" by Joni Mitchell. Check our playlist for more tunes from the show -https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2AWvHdqqNAUCJcByQEokutCall to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Check out our YouTube feed for video versions of our episodes. Most importantly, support independent climate tech media by becoming a member at wickedproblems.earth. It'd be a lot cooler if you did!Transcript: For a full transcript of this episode, visit wickedproblems.earth.Tell us what you think - email us at info@wickedproblems.earth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalist Maeve Allsup investigates Running Tide's collapse in carbon removals while Duncan Reid discusses making sustainability mainstream at London Climate Week. They explore tech viability, government funding for carbon removal, and the impact of failure on the climate tech market.

In this episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations, host Richard Delevan sits down with Jeff Chamberlain, CEO of Volta.vc, to discuss the future of electric vehicles and long-duration energy storage. Jeff shares insights from his extensive career in the energy sector, highlighting the importance of combining technical and financial lenses in investment, the evolution of battery technology, and the challenges and opportunities in the current market landscape. The conversation delves into Volta's unique approach to ‘deep’ (as opposed to just ‘due’) diligence in climate tech investing, the slow adaptation of legacy automakers, and the critical role of supply chains in scaling new technologies.Wicked Problems is member-supported. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber at wickedproblems.earth.Key Topics DiscussedThe Future of Electric Vehicles - Industry changes and the impact of emerging markets.Lithium-Ion Batteries - Advancements and long-duration storage potential.Investment Strategies - Combining technical and financial perspectives.Supply Chain Integration - Importance for scalability and market readiness.Market Trends and Adaptation - Challenges for legacy automakers and future predictions.Most Interesting Takeaways[#LDES] is “like fusion. That's very far away."Jeff on the long-term potential of long-duration energy storage technologies."We look at every deal through two lenses: the technical lens of what it takes to scale a technology and the financial lens of making a return for our investors."Jeff discussing Volta's unique investment approach."The biggest surprise remains the slowness of the legacy automakers. Anyone paying attention could see electric vehicles coming, but they dragged their feet."Jeff on the challenges legacy automakers face in adapting to new technology.00:00 Introduction to Wicked Problems00:06 The Rise of Chinese Automobiles00:46 UK General Election Insights01:26 Climate Litigation and European Elections02:12 Ocean-Based Carbon Removal Startup Shuts Down03:48 Tesla's Strategic Moves and Global Implications05:55 Interview with Jeff Chamberlain: Volta's Mission06:15 Challenges and Innovations in Battery Technology28:21 The Future of Long Duration Energy Storage33:43 Market Dynamics and Investment Strategies38:13 Closing Thoughts and RecommendationsResources MentionedThe Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Panelists Ben Kilbey and Allister Thomas, along with Dr. Noah Walker Crawford from the Grantham Institute, discuss the impact of political changes on renewable energy and oil sectors, the role of attribution science in climate litigation, and the need for a coherent industrial strategy in the UK. They also highlight community concerns about energy transitions and the upcoming UK general election.

In this episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations, host Richard Delevan welcomes Tim McDonnell, the Climate and Energy Editor at Semafor, speaking from Kyiv, Ukraine. Tim shares his experiences and insights on covering a global beat, covering critical issues of climate and energy, amidst the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.1 Reporting from Kyiv:Tim discusses the challenges and realities of reporting on energy and climate issues from Kyiv, highlighting the severe power outages and the impact of Russia’s attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.He emphasises the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the strategic importance of energy in the conflict.2 Tim’s Journalism Journey:Tim shares his journey from studying environmental science to becoming a prominent climate and energy reporter. He talks about his early career at Mother Jones, his work in Sub-Saharan Africa as a Fulbright fellow, and his freelancing experiences in Nigeria.He explains how his perspective on covering environmental issues evolved, shifting from a science-focused approach to incorporating business and market dynamics.3 Energy Transition and Global Perspectives:Tim reflects on the global energy transition, the role of traditional oil and gas industries, and the emerging importance of renewable energy sources.He discusses his attendance at industry conferences, such as Baker Hughes’ annual meeting, and the evolving narratives within the energy sector, including the growing focus on hydrogen as a potential future fuel.4 Climate Finance and Legal Accountability:The conversation covers the upcoming COP 29 summit, emphasising the critical need for increased climate finance from wealthy nations to support poorer countries in their climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.Tim touches on the rising legal pressures on oil and gas companies to be held financially accountable for climate-related damages, a trend that could significantly impact the industry.5 US Election and Its Implications:The episode also touches on the potential implications of the upcoming US elections on climate policy and global climate action, highlighting the stakes involved in political leadership changes.Call to Action:Subscribe: Stay updated with Semafor’s Net Zero newsletter, where Tim McDonnell shares his latest insights and stories on climate and energy, published every Wednesday and Friday.Connect with Us:Website: wickedproblems.earthTwitter | LinkedIn | BlueSkyEmail: info@wickedproblems.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful episode of Wicked Problems, Richard Delevan interviews David Shukman, a seasoned journalist with a 38-year career at the BBC. They talk climate reporting, the challenges faced by the media in covering climate, and the changes in public perception and policy over. David shares personal anecdotes from his career, reflects on climate techn, and his transition to new roles in climate communication.Key Topics DiscussedCareer Reflections:David’s early journalism days at Coventry Evening Telegraph.Transition from typewriters and smoking in newsrooms to modern-day digital media.The evolution of climate reporting and the media’s struggle with recognizing trends.Changes in Climate Reporting:The shift from giving equal weight to climate change deniers to emphasizing peer-reviewed science.The impact of the BBC’s move towards "due impartiality."Challenges in maintaining impartiality while conveying the scientific consensus on climate issues.Personal Experiences and Stories:David’s transition from BBC to new endeavors.His work with business leaders and moderating events like Innovation Zero.Reflections on covering climate stories globally, including frontline reporting from Bangladesh.Climate Technology and Solutions:Advances in renewable energy: solar power, wind turbines, and electric vehicles.The importance of government policies and incentives in driving technological change.Future of Climate Communication:David’s new book project focusing on climate adaptation and the human impact of climate change.The need to bring new voices, like firefighters and first responders, into the climate conversation.Notable Quotes:"The implausible becomes not only plausible but actually kind of normal in society.""We had some ludicrous and damaging situations where our coverage didn't reflect where the evidence lay."Catalysts:Adaptation in BangladeshIngenious local solutions like replacing chickens with ducks in flood-prone areas.Energy Efficiency InsightsAmory Lovins' perspective on the impact of efficient design in industrial processes.Historical InspirationDavid’s great-great-grandfather's embrace of technological transitions, from sail to steam, paralleling today’s shift to renewable energy.Call to Action: If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it and leave us a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Consider becoming a paid subscriber at wickedproblems.earth for ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and to support climate tech storytelling.Production Credits: Written and edited by Richard Delevan. Production assistance by Thedore Delevan. Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations is a production of Wicked Problems Limited. BBC footage from a documentary produced in Nov 2021 by Kate Stephens. Innovation Zero footage via @solutionshouseConnect with Us:Website: wickedproblems.earthTwitter: @rdelevanDavid Shukman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A little over a week ago, Vermont enacted the first law requiring carbon polluters to pay to clean up the damage caused by climate change, putting the money into a fund for adaptation and resilience measures. We bring back Dana Drugmand of One Earth Now and Loes van Dijk of Climate Court to talk about the implications the law might have globally, its prospects for surviving the attacks on the attribution science underlying it - which we detailed last week, and other climate litigation around the world - including a French prosecutor being asked to charge the board and management of Total with criminal charges including manslaughter.Segment 1: Interview with Dana Drugmand03:47 Dana Drugmand discusses Vermont's new law 04:22 how the law passed 07:48 first of its kind globally and its potential impact 12:29 expected legal challenges.Segment 2: Broader Implications and Reactions19:34  could such a law have passed without recent severe flooding in Vermont?20:33 broader trend of climate accountability laws Segment 3: Interview with Loes van Dijk23:48 Introduction to Loes van Dijk and her work with Climate Court24:09  importance of climate litigation for addressing climate change24:45 Urgenda case in the Netherlands25:40 the Peruvian farmer vs. RWE.Segment 4: Legal Strategies and Future Outlook26:58 power of tort law in climate litigation, 30:38 the Republican attorneys generals' attempt to block state-level climate litigation in the U.S. Supreme Court.32:06 role of attribution science in proving climate change causality 33:50 Loes's reaction to Vermont's law, focusing on the need for a global legal mechanism to address climate change.Segment 5: Broader Legal and Political Context44:29 Exploration of the potential for criminal charges against corporate executives for climate-related damages, focusing on a case against Total in France.* Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.* Consider becoming a paid subscriber at wickedproblems.earth Credits:* Host: Richard Delevan* Guests: Dana Drugmand, Loes van Dijk* Production Assistance: Theodore Delevan* Music: Suncharmer and check out our playlist for other tunes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this World Oceans Day special edition of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations, host Richard Delevan dives deep into the pervasive issue of ocean plastic pollution. Joined by Will Pearson, founder of Ocean Bottle, they discuss the alarming increase in plastic production, the environmental and health impacts of microplastics, and the innovative solutions that Ocean Bottle is pioneering to tackle this global crisis.Key Topics Covered:* Interview with Will Pearson:* Background on Will Pearson and the founding of Ocean Bottle in 2018.* Discussion on the impact of microplastics on ocean ecosystems, particularly the reproduction of plankton.* Will Pearson's personal experiences that led him to tackle ocean plastic, including his time spent at sea and witnessing plastic pollution firsthand.Ocean Bottle's Mission and Achievements:* Ocean Bottle's innovative model: funding the collection of 1000 plastic bottles for each product sold.* Achievements: Reaching the milestone of collecting one billion plastic bottles.* Expansion of collection projects in coastal communities worldwide.Challenges and Future Goals:* Discussion on the challenges of creating a profitable business model that also delivers positive environmental impact.* The company's growth from a Kickstarter campaign to raising $9 million in funding.* Future goals: Expanding the product range and digital technology to further the mission of reducing ocean plastic.The Plastics Treaty and Recycling Issues:* Insight into the ongoing negotiations for a global plastics treaty.* The complexities and inefficiencies of current recycling systems.* Potential policy changes, such as extended producer responsibility, to incentivize better plastic management.Will Pearson's Catalysts:* Influences that shaped Will’s approach to tackling ocean plastic, including the book "Net Positive" by Paul Polman.* The importance of understanding the problem and the power of innovation in creating solutions.Final Thoughts:* Optimistic outlook on the potential to address ocean plastic pollution through collective effort and innovation.* Encouragement for listeners to engage with and support initiatives that aim to protect the environment.Additional Resources:* Ocean Bottle: WebsiteCredits:* Hosted by Richard Delevan* Guest: Will Pearson* Production Assistance and Additional VO: Theo Delevan* Music by Suncharmer and in our Playlist:Support the Show: please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And wickedproblems.earth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this milestone 50th episode, Richard Delevan interviews Akshat Rathi about his book "Climate Capitalism," discussing the intersections of technology, policy, and systemic change needed to combat climate change. Akshat shares personal stories, insights from his research, and his views on the future of capitalism in addressing environmental issues. This episode combines deep analysis with light-hearted moments, offering listeners both education and entertainment.Key Topics:Theories of change and the necessity of systemic reformEconomic rationale behind addressing climate changeRole of businesses and governments in fostering sustainable practicesPersonal anecdotes from Akshat's life and careerChallenges and opportunities in climate actionInsights on technological innovations and their impact on the environmentHighlights:[02:21] Theories of Change and Climate Capitalism[07:29] Economic Rationale and Systemic Levers[13:35] Personal Anecdotes and Inspirations[18:47] The Role of Businesses and Governments[23:45] Challenges and Opportunities in Climate Action[29:22] Insights on Technological Innovations[34:17] Audience Q&A and Funniest Moments[40:00] Final Thoughts and What's Next for AkshatAkshat's Catalysts:The Great Derangement by Amitav GhoshPurchase on AmazonThe Best of Times, The Worst of Times by Paul BehrensPurchase on AmazonThe Current War (Movie)Watch on Amazon Prime VideoAdditional Resources:Buy Akshat Rathi's book "Climate Capitalism"Listen to ZeroFollow Us:Twitter and LinkedInWickedProblems.earth Music: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2AWvHdqqNAUCJcByQEokut?si=51e8e2a837da4591 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.