Zero: The Climate Race

In this discussion, Dan Wang, a technology analyst and author of *Breakneck*, explores how China's engineering mindset has propelled its success in climate technologies. He contrasts this with the US's lawyerly approach, highlighting how political and cultural factors have stifled American innovation. Wang discusses the rapid electrification in China driven by energy sovereignty, suggests areas where the US can improve in clean tech, and touches on the implications of AI in this global race. He advocates for a shift towards an engineering-focused approach in America to enhance infrastructure and manufacturing.

David Stringer, Managing Editor of ESG and Climate Coverage for Bloomberg News in Asia, dives into Australia’s recent climate challenges. He discusses the implications of Australia losing its COP bid and how this affects its international standing. Stringer explains the political shift with the Coalition abandoning net zero emissions, highlighting the potential repercussions for future elections. He also addresses how this climate volatility could impact energy investments and household power bills, emphasizing the need for policy certainty.

Join Jennifer Dlouhy, a Bloomberg Green correspondent, as she breaks down the chaotic COP30 in Belém. With insights from on-the-ground reporting, she reveals the tangled negotiations, the impact of indigenous protests, and the challenges posed by a fire at the venue. Dlouhy discusses Brazil’s surprising push for climate transition roadmaps and highlights the prominent role of the Amazon in shaping discussions. The conversation dives into the effectiveness of COP30 and whether it truly moved the needle on climate action.

Join former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, a climate champion behind initiatives like Climate Trace, for a riveting conversation with Akshat Rathi. Gore highlights the stark influence of fossil fuel companies on democracy and global climate efforts, urging reforms in the COP process. He advocates for scaling climate activism and overcoming financial barriers in developing countries. With optimism, he discusses innovative ways to unlock private capital, while emphasizing the urgency of transparency in emissions reporting. Hope shines through as Gore encourages renewed political will.

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.