Zero: The Climate Race

Rachel Slaybaugh, a former nuclear engineering professor and now a partner at DCVC focused on climate and energy, dives into the renewed interest in nuclear power. She discusses the booming electricity demand driven by AI and electric vehicles, and Microsoft’s striking deal to revive the Three Mile Island plant. Slaybaugh examines the historical challenges of nuclear development, the promise of advanced reactors, and the growing bipartisan support for nuclear energy in the U.S. This conversation highlights how modern nuclear solutions could become vital in addressing energy needs.

Laura Clarke, CEO of ClientEarth, a legal NGO fighting environmental harm, joins the conversation to discuss a landmark case initiated by law students from Pacific island nations that ascended to the International Court of Justice. They explore the court's game-changing ruling obligating countries to act on climate change, its implications for statehood amidst rising sea levels, and the intersection of climate action with human rights. Clarke highlights the global urgency for legal reforms and the role of litigation in demanding accountability from polluters.

Venture capitalist Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures and a pioneer in breakthrough technologies, shares his insights on the challenging landscape of climate tech. He discusses the significant drop in investments and why he remains optimistic about the future of fusion energy within five years. Khosla highlights the detrimental impact of immigration policies on the talent pipeline vital for innovation. He argues that despite financial setbacks, the best clean tech solutions are yet to come, emphasizing the need for global talent to tackle these climate challenges.

Jigar Shah, a clean energy expert and former head of the Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office, dives into the implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which threatens to slash nearly $500 billion from clean energy funding. He discusses the resilience of the clean energy sector amid political setbacks and competition with China. Shah examines the future of sustainable aviation fuel, legislative challenges in financing, and the vital role of community support for thriving clean energy initiatives. His insights reveal a complex but hopeful landscape for climate progress.

Ethan Zindler, head of policy research at BloombergNEF and former climate counselor to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, is joined by Bloomberg reporter Emily Birnbaum, who covers corporate lobbying in DC. They dive into how recent legislative changes threaten the renewable energy sector, risking higher electricity bills. The discussion highlights the tension between fossil fuel interests and clean energy initiatives, exploring the implications for U.S. competitiveness in AI and the ongoing struggle to balance energy policies amidst political lobbying.

Retired Lieutenant General Richard Nugee, author of the UK Ministry of Defence’s climate change report, joins to discuss the military's substantial carbon footprint, accounting for 5.5% of global emissions. He highlights the urgent need for NATO to adapt its defense spending to include sustainable practices. The conversation dives into how climate change endangers military readiness and the necessity for innovative green technologies. Nugee emphasizes that militaries must integrate climate resilience into their operations while addressing the challenges posed by extreme weather.

Dr. Link, Chairman of B.Grimm, leads a historic Thai conglomerate known for its compassionate business model. He discusses the essence of merging purpose with profit and the four immeasurables of compassion rooted in Buddhism. The conversation covers the importance of core values like positivity and professionalism, as well as the philosophy of gross national happiness influencing business practices. Dr. Link also highlights their conservation initiatives, such as tiger protection, and their dedication to promoting education and vocational training in Thailand.

Dan McGrail, Interim CEO of Great British Energy, leads discussions on the ambitious goals for the UK's new state-owned energy company. He outlines a substantial £5.8 billion funding plan aimed at achieving 95% clean power by 2030. McGrail emphasizes the potential of floating offshore wind technology and the government's initiative to invest £700 million in clean energy supply chains. He also illustrates how public institutions can promote sustainability through innovative projects, aiming for a greener future across the UK.

Mike Schroepfer, former CTO at Meta and now running Gigascale Capital, discusses the current downturn in climate tech investments. He explores the shift from software to hardware in this sector, highlighting the unique challenges in manufacturing and energy solutions. Schroepfer warns about the dangers of funding cuts to U.S. research and underscores the potential for AI to drive energy innovation. The conversation sheds light on the complex dynamics of venture capital and the vital need for continued investment to foster long-term advancements in climate technology.

Lauri Myllyvirta, co-founder of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air and an expert on China's climate and energy, discusses the pivotal moment of China's emissions possibly peaking. He highlights the surge in renewable energy and electrification in transport. Myllyvirta also dives into concerns about the impact of the US-China trade war on climate strategies. Additionally, he examines how China's transition from manufacturing to household consumption could reshape its emissions trajectory amidst economic changes.