Zero: The Climate Race

Al Gore, former U.S. Vice President and Oscar-winning climate advocate, shares his insights on the intersection of geopolitics and climate action. He discusses how countries should respond to a defiant U.S. and reflects on whether we have reached 'peak Trump' politically. Gore addresses the implications of AI on energy demand and the resilience of the private sector in clean technology. He also warns of rising polarization and misinformation undermining global climate consensus, making for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation.

Darren Woods, CEO of ExxonMobil and a key figure in energy transition discussions, shares insights on his attendance at COP30 amidst industry skepticism. He highlights Exxon's support for a new carbon accounting initiative and the need for non-ideological climate solutions that balance economic growth. Woods discusses the challenges and opportunities in low-carbon ventures, such as hydrogen projects and lithium extraction. He emphasizes the importance of emissions reporting for tax incentives and provides a glimpse into Exxon’s future strategies.

Rachel Kyte, the UK's Special Representative for Climate and seasoned climate diplomat, joins Sarah Wells, who leads Bloomberg's climate and energy coverage. They delve into the rocky start of COP30 in Brazil and the urgent need for climate consensus. Rachel highlights the challenges of garnering international cooperation amidst political polarization. They also discuss Brazil's initiative for tropical forest funding, the prospects of other nations stepping up in U.S. leadership's absence, and the importance of relatable climate narratives for public support.

André Corrêa do Lago, the COP30 President and experienced diplomat, dives deep into the upcoming climate negotiations in Belém, Brazil. He explains why this summit might prioritize implementing past agreements, creating a sense of optimism. The discussion ranges from the challenges of countries missing the NDC deadline to the pressing economic rationale for climate finance in the face of trillion-dollar damages. André also highlights the importance of rebuilding trust in multilateralism, emphasizing that a balanced outcome is crucial for all stakeholders.

In this insightful discussion, Bloomberg Green journalist Laura Millan highlights a decade of progress and challenges stemming from the Paris Agreement. Christiana Figueres, a principal architect of the deal, emphasizes the shift towards implementing real-economy metrics for success. Laurence Tubiana discusses the momentum in the private sector and the need for COP reform to include global citizen participation. The podcast delves into the difficulties of transitioning from fossil fuels, addressing methane emissions, and the urgent need for climate financing to support developing nations.

Sanjiv Lamba, CEO of Linde and expert in industrial gases, discusses how his company’s electricity consumption rivals that of small nations. He explores the increasing demand for low-carbon hydrogen and its viability as a commercial opportunity. Lamba highlights Linde's strategies for reducing emissions and improving efficiency, detailing innovations like Flex ASUs and AI forecasting. He also addresses the importance of stable policies for the future of clean hydrogen projects, shedding light on environmental challenges within the industrial sector.

Abby Innes, an Associate Professor of Political Economy at the London School of Economics and author of 'Late Soviet Britain', discusses the irrationalities of government and market behaviors. She explores the parallels between neoliberal and Soviet economic systems, arguing for new strategies in climate policy. Abby highlights the failures of privatization in public services and critiques the portrayal of net zero as 'socialism'. She advocates for adaptive, plural economic models to address climate challenges without resorting to revolution.

Shayle Kann, a venture capitalist at Energy Impact Partners and host of the Catalyst podcast, dives into the climate tech landscape. He and Akshat Rathi explore which technologies are genuinely promising and which are just talk. They discuss distributed energy resources as underappreciated, the hype around onsite gas generation for data centers, and the bottlenecks in transmission deliverability. They also dissect sodium-ion batteries and advanced geothermal's overhyped status in the U.S., offering insights into the complex world of climate innovation.

In this discussion, Akshat Rathi, a climate and energy journalist for Bloomberg Green, explores the dramatic competition between US fossil fuel exports and China's booming clean-tech market. He reveals how China is currently winning the race, driven by substantial demand for its technologies in developing nations. Rathi breaks down the differences between 'petrostates' and 'electrostates,' and dives into how China's domestic use impacts its export figures. The conversation also touches on the growing role of renewables in energy generation, hinting at a shift in the global energy landscape.

Greg Jackson, Founder and CEO of Octopus Energy, discusses the significant shifts in the UK’s energy landscape and markets. He highlights how competition fosters innovation, making clean energy more accessible. Jackson advocates for granular pricing to align investments and lower bills while addressing the rising public opposition to traditional transmission methods. He also reveals plans to use distributed energy resources, like solar and batteries, to eliminate energy costs for consumers, reshaping the future of energy resilience.