Hugh Bromley, BNEF’s Head of Food, Agriculture and Nature, and Alistair Purdie, a BNEF team member, delve into the upcoming UN Biodiversity Summit in Cali, Colombia. They highlight the urgent need to address the funding gap in the Global Biodiversity Framework and the various national biodiversity strategies. The discussion uncovers the tensions around profiting from genetic data and emphasizes the significance of collective action among nations to combat biodiversity loss and integrate Indigenous voices in negotiations.

Kwasi Ampofo, global lead of BNEF's metals and mining team, and Rosemary Katz, a member of the same team focused on the 2024 Transition Metals Outlook, share their insights on the critical role of metals in the energy transition. They reveal staggering projections for lithium and manganese demand, driven by electric vehicle trends. The discussion delves into declining metals prices, supply chain challenges, and the economic influences on platinum mining. Plus, they highlight manganese's growing potential in battery technologies—an often overlooked but crucial player in the green revolution.

Discover the groundbreaking innovations tackling climate challenges, from net-zero fuels to biodiversity. Hear about the rise of pennycress as a sustainable fuel and the impact of technology like CRISPR in agriculture. Industry leaders share insights on transitioning to clean power and overcoming obstacles in financing climate tech. Dive into data-driven strategies to enhance biodiversity and learn how monitoring efforts can lead to effective solutions for a greener future.

Helen Ramsbottom and Alistair Purdie, analysts from BNEF's Food, Agriculture and Nature team, dive deep into the environmental impacts of the agri-food system. They tackle the staggering role agriculture plays in global emissions and biodiversity loss. The duo discusses the complexities of quantifying a food company’s environmental footprint and the promising potential of regenerative agriculture. Hear how sustainable practices could reshape the industry amidst rising pressures and the crucial interlink between biodiversity and economic value in this vital sector.

Maria-Olivia Torcea from BNEF’s Oil Team joins to discuss the pressing issue of methane emissions. She highlights satellite technology's revolutionary role in detecting methane leaks from oil and gas operations. The conversation covers the challenges of accurate emission reporting and the contrasting efforts of international and national oil companies. They delve into global initiatives like the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership, the impact of COP28 discussions, and regulatory measures in the EU and US aimed at reducing emissions and enhancing transparency in the industry.

Giorgio Fortunato, Head of Clean Energy and Power in Asia Pacific for Google, joins experts at the BNEF Summit to discuss India's monumental task of expanding clean energy to meet skyrocketing demand. They explore the urgent need for fourfold increases in wind and solar capacity. The conversation delves into the challenges of underperforming renewable projects, the importance of nuclear power, and the impact of rising energy needs from tech companies. Innovative approaches like wind-solar hybrids and pumped hydro storage also take center stage.

David Doherty, the Head of Oil and Renewable Fuels Research at BloombergNEF, shares insights on the shifting landscape of oil asset divestment. He highlights the surprising $290 billion divestment by major oil companies since 2015, yet notes a recent slowdown. The discussion delves into how rising energy prices and public pressure for decarbonization are reshaping strategies. Doherty emphasizes that mere asset divestment won't ensure a greener future, urging a deeper look into investment practices and the importance of balancing financial returns with environmental accountability.

Carbon capture is experiencing a fascinating transformation, with over $11 billion invested in 2023 but facing a slowdown in 2024. Innovations like Direct Air Capture (DAC) and novel ocean removal techniques are gaining traction. The discussion also dives into the impact of government policies and tax credits on global CCS projects. Surprisingly, whales play a role in carbon capture strategies. As the landscape evolves, the balance between investment, innovation, and environmental implications remains critical.

Fauziah Marzuki, the Global Head of Gas Markets at BNEF, dives into the rapidly changing landscape of liquefied natural gas (LNG). She discusses how a surge in LNG supply could lead to a market glut and examines the pivotal roles of the US and China in global trade. The conversation touches on the impact of sanctions on Russian LNG, introducing the concept of a 'shadow fleet' evading detection. Ultimately, Fauziah explores the implications of shifting energy policies and the need for a balance between gas supply and demand in an evolving economic climate.

Helen Kou, Head of US Power, and Ian Berryman, Head of Energy Systems Modeling, delve into the intricate world of power markets. They explore how supply and demand dynamics shape electricity pricing and the vital role of capacity markets. Using tandem bicycles as an analogy, they explain how power plants synchronize their outputs for efficiency. The discussion also highlights challenges for renewable energy integration and the importance of innovative market designs to support a transition to a lower-carbon economy.