Earthlings 2.0 Podcast

E-bikes, e-scooters, and other forms of micromobility are changing how we get around cities and cities. In this episode, we examine multiple angles of this change to smaller, more efficient forms of transportation, looking at the benefits to individual riders and how and why we can change cities to allow people to meet their travel needs more efficiently. We also explore the danger of fires from today’s lithium-ion batteries and new chemistry that could make micromobility safer. In this episode, our guests include: Melinda Hanson, co-founder of Electric Avenue and the Equitable Commute Project: Getting e-bikes into the hands of low-income people and how this can change livesCarlos Pardo, senior advisor to the New Urban Mobility Alliance: Working with cities to accommodate simpler forms of mobility and better meet the needs of residents - and Bogota’s experience doing thisCharlie Welch, co-founder and CEO of ZappBatt: Lithium-titanate battery chemistry and how it can help to make e-bike batteries safer and shared micromobility more efficientResources:The Equitable Commute Project The Banality of Joyfulness (in Transportation) by Carlos PardoLithium-titanate could prove the new driver of micromobility by Charlie WelchHow to Prevent an E-Bike Fire (Consumer Reports)Websites:Electric Avenue ZapbattNew Urban Mobility Alliance Thanks to audio editors Yan Mora and Eduardo Prosperi, and special thanks to Zachary Subin of RMI for research support.

The future of flight is evolving. From battery electric airplanes to hydrogen power to sustainable aviation fuels, new technologies are opening up new vistas of what is possible. As an industry, airlines and aircraft manufacturers are informally aiming to make aviation net zero by 2050. But decarbonizing how we fly people and goods isn’t just about new airplane technology; it requires new fueling and charging infrastructure and new business models. In Flying the Sustainable Skies, co-hosts Lisa Ann Pinkerton (former NPR reporter) and Christian Roselund (formerly of Rocky Mountain Institute, Pacifica) explore this new Golden Age of Aviation with three guests with different perspectives on how this new future will evolve. We start at 10,000 feet with Graham Warwick, Senior Editor of Aviation Week. He covers the basics of sustainable aviation fuels and synth fuels that today’s planes can burn to make their flights carbon-neutral without disrupting engine design or airline operations. Next, serial entrepreneur, pilot, founder and CEO of ZeroAvia Val Miftakhov outlines the potential for hydrogen-electric aviation, how it works, and his vision of green hydrogen hubs at airports to power the planes. Finally, Blain Newton, COO of Beta Technologies, demonstrates how battery-electric airplanes are running actual cargo missions today for real customers. He illustrates how the fuel independence of electric flight opens up new possibilities for flying that were previously unimaginable. Subjects Discussed: Sustainable Aviation Fuel or SAFsThe carbon accounting of SAFs Hydrogen fuel cell airplanesHydrogen combustion to power airplanesBattery electric airplanes Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technologies The need for new aircraft designs The limits of different zero-emission technologiesGreen hydrogen Why renewable power for zero-emission aviation is expected to be available at very low costRegulations necessary to certify new configurations and aircraft designs Airlines and large companies invested in and working to develop zero-emission aviationThe economic benefits of electric aviation for companies and the military    ResourcesAviation WeekBeta Technologies - Alia Flies to BentonvilleZeroAvia -  Dornier228 High-Speed Taxi Testing

Plastic is everywhere. And it could be making you sick. As higher concentrations of microplastic particles are found throughout the world, in the air, soils and water, more and more research is suggesting that all this plastic could have negative health impacts, including on babies, children, and our ability to have children. This is particularly a danger for the Global South, which is suffering disproportionately from plastic pollution.In Plastic Diet, co-hosts Lisa Ann Pinkerton (former NPR reporter) and Christian Roselund (formerly of Rocky Mountain Institute, Pacifica) look at where plastic waste comes from, where it goes (hint: not some magical “away” place), what’s in it, and what research tells us it is likely doing to our bodies. And we look at what we can do about it, including how we can design for a different world without plastic pollution.Plastic Diet features UN-recognized Land Hero, social entrepreneur, and journalist Patricia Kombo, scientist and researcher Kam Sripada, centre manager at the Centre for Digital Life Norway, and Beth Rattner, the executive director of the Biomimicry Institute.Subjects discussedSources of plastic pollutionImpact of plastic pollution on the Global SouthDocumented health risks from toxins in plasticsStatus of research on health effects of plastic pollutionChallenges in studying health impacts of microplastics and nanoplasticsThe false promise of recycling as a solution to plastic pollutionFashion’s role in microplastic pollution Techniques for redesigning textiles to mimic nature Plastic-eating fungus, (yes, you heard us- a new magic mushroom)Alternatives to single-use plastics (a.k.a. Milk ATMs)Resources/LinksDo away with plastic additives wreaking havoc on our health (Patricia Kombo, The Standard)Report: A Children’s Health Perspective on Nano- and Microplastics (Kam Sripada et al.)Report: Nature of Fashion (Biomimicry Institute)Report: The Real Truth About the U.S. Plastics Recycling Rate (Beyond Plastics, The Last Beach Cleanup)Also: Want more information about children’s health, microplastics, and other environmental hazards? Check out Little Things Matter, where Kam and an international team of scientist-advocates share the latest research and tips for families to reduce their exposures. You can find videos and more information on their website: littlethingsmatter.ca/

Wildfires in the 21st Century feel more intense, burning more acres, taking more lives, and encroaching closer to where people live. And they are raising big questions about how we can live close to nature when that means the risk of fire. In this show, we look at what is causing these megafires, whether or not their size and intensity are really a new phenomenon, and how we can learn to adapt and live with wildfires, discovering solutions both indigenous and high-tech.Living with Wildfire features guests Dustin Mulvaney, Santa Cruz resident, environmental scientist, and amateur forest documentarian, Molly Hunter, Associate Research Professor at the University of Arizona and science advisor to the Joint Fire Science Program, Tim Barat, the co-founder & CEO of GridWare, and Carrick Detweiler, the CEO of Drone Amplified.Talking pointsFirst-hand accounts of what it was like to live near the 2020 CZU Lighting Complex Fires in CaliforniaThe history of wildfires in the United StatesFactors causing increased & more intense wildfiresThe ecology of the forest and how it has evolved to depend on firesPrescribed burns, intentional fires & other management techniquesNew technology to help prevent catastrophic fires and protect the  lives of fire crewsResources/LinksDustin Mulvaney’s work on the Six Fifty dot comJoint Fire Science Program

We’ve received a number of questions from listeners, asking us about ourselves and what we do. So here's a bonus episode on our journey, ourselves, and the origin story of this podcast. We also go into our plan for Earthlings.Talking Points:Who is Lisa Ann? What is her background?Christian’s journey and backgroundHow did we meet?Why did we start the Earthlings podcast?What do we plan to cover in future episodes? Resources/Links:The RMI article that started it allPromo video of the WCS EventLisa Ann Pinkerton: LinkedInTwitterTechnica CommunicationsWomen in Cleantech and SustainabilityChristian Roselund:LinkedInTwitterRMI

How do you make steel without cooking the planet? What is "green steel"?Steel is a fundamental part of our world, but the process we use to make it is inherently carbon-intensive. In this latest episode, we talk about new developments in both the production of fossil-free steel and how it is making its way to global markets with experts Thomas Koch Blank, Anders Williamsson, and Anne-Claire Howard.Chiefly, we discuss the implications of a new, cleaner process being used in Sweden to make fossil-free steel using hydrogen. We also examine what this means for both the global steel industry and consumers, as well as the timeframe for green steel take over brown steel.Thomas Koch Blank is a global expert on green steel and senior principal at RMI's Climate Aligned Industries program. Anders Williamsson is an executive VP and head of industrial operations at Swedish truck maker Scania. Anne-Claire Howard was the chief executive officer of Responsible Steel at the time of the recording. She has since moved on to a different role as the director of procurement at the UNOPS.About us: Earthlings Podast looks at the decisions that we can make today to ensure that the future we have is one we want to live in. Hosts Lisa Ann Pinkerton (former award-winning NPR and PBS environmental science reporter) and Christian Roselund (founding editor of pv magazine USA) take a close look at our relationships with technology, science, the planet, and each other.Talking Points:Why is the steel-making process such a carbon-intensive process?The process of using hydrogen to make steelDevelopments in hydrogen-based steelmaking in SwedenRecycled steel versus primary steelThe prospects for direct reduced iron made with hydrogenVolvo’s first autonomous electric mining vehicle with green steelScania’s use of green steelAt what time will green steel take over brown steel?Which sectors are the most effective uses of hydrogenThe potential for a differentiated market for green steelCarbon pricing and how that plays a role in the production of steelResources/Links:“Volvo unveils world’s first vehicle using fossil-free steel” video“The Story of TARA | Volvo Group's autonomous electric dumper TA15” videoScaniaResponsible SteelRMI Climate Aligned IndustriesUNOPS

In the 21st Century, experts predict the growth of mental health treatments using psychedelics for clinical treatment of disorders such as depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and other challenges. Blossoming out of an extensive body of well-respected research, medical professionals are now using psychedelics as a tool for treatment-resistant disorders where pharmaceuticals may have failed to provide people with long-term healing. Today, ketamine is a legal and broadest available treatment option, while psilocybin and MDMA are on their path to gaining legal status in the U.S. In this episode, we discuss the extensive research and potential benefits that can be achieved with ketamine with Ronan Levy from Field Trip Health. In the Earthlings podcast, we talk about the challenges and opportunities coming in the 21st Century, and the information we have today to make better decisions for tomorrow. Hosts Lisa Ann Pinkerton (former award-winning NPR and PBS environmental science reporter) and Christian Roselund (founding editor of PV Magazine USA) take a close look at our relationships with technology, science, the planet, and each other. Talking Points:The history of psychedelics in American societyThe research behind the effectiveness and use of KetamineTransformative mental health with ketaminePsychological and physiological effects of ketamine Ketamine and psychedelic medication in the futureThe most important, recent studies about psychedelicsThe work that Field Trip Health doesAn example of treatment with psychedelics The changing perspectives of psychedelicsResources/Links:Compass PathwaysField Trip HealthField Tripping Podcast

Nuclear power - the question we come to as a society time and time again. Do we keep it? Get rid of it? Build more? Do the benefits outweigh the challenges, costs, and risks? To tackle these questions and more are hosts Lisa Ann and Christian speak with three experts in the field of nuclear energy, Dr. Jessica Lovering of the Good Energy Collective, MV Ramana of the University of British Columbia, and Chris Vlahoplus formerly of Scott Maddan's energy practice.Dr. Jessica Lovering is co-founder and co-executive director of the Good Energies Collective. MV Ramana is a physicist and a professor at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, University of British Columbia. Chris Vlahoplus is a former management consultant to the energy industry, specifically in the area of nuclear.About the show: The Earthlings Podcast explores the technology and social challenges and opportunities facing us in the 21st century, and what knowledge we have to make the best decisions for tomorrow. Co-host Lisa Ann Pinkerton is a former award-winning NPR and PBS environmental science reporter, now providing startups with public relations support at Technica Communications and leading Women in Cleantech & Sustainability. Co-Host Christian Roseland is a self-described energy wonk, analyst, and founding editor of PV Magazine USA.  Talking Points:Understanding microreactors and small modular reactors (SMRs) and the promise for near-term mass commercial deploymentThe challenges with mass-producing new nuclear technologyThe aftermath of the nuclear renaissance When and if we should shift our funding to renewable energyKeeping current plants versus building new plantsClean versus low carbon nuclear energyThe prospect of phasing out nuclear energyResources/Links:OKLOMV Ramana at the University of British ColumbiaThe Good Energy CollectiveScott Madden - Nuclear Power Generation

The metaverse, vertical farming, robots, autonomous vehicles, and space all have one thing in common - the Consumer Electronics Show. Lisa Ann attended CES this year in Las Vegas and brought back some of the most interesting and innovative ideas brought up at the show. There are some fascinating and amazing things to look forward to in the near and far future including innovative tech. Many countries and companies were represented at the show, so there was something for everyone. While there weren’t any flying cars just yet, there were plenty of other forms of technology represented. Science fiction in the past is no longer fiction, or in the past. Some of those things will be available in the near future! Lisa Ann talked with a number of representatives from various companies to show us what we can look forward to.Oleg Dre is the CEO and founder of Manna (an interactive 3D media production platform). John Roth is the Vice President of Business Development at Sierra Space. Dan Park was the representative from N.thing. Nicholas Duprey is the United States representative from Moon Bikes.Talking Points:The 2022 Consumer Electronics Show in Las VegasThe future of the metaverse and virtual realityFunctional uses for the metaverseVirtual reality sicknessSpace and space travel in the future zero gravity manufacturingVertical farming and farming in zero gravityRobotics and autonomous vehiclesRobotic restaurants and servers to help with increased sanitation Transportation in the futureResources/Links: Manna App Seenetic SN Corp Nthing Reencleus StorantMoon Bikes The Earthlings podcast is about all of the decisions that we’ll have to make to ensure that the future we have is one we want to live in. Hosts Lisa Ann Pinkerton (former award-winning NPR and PBS environmental science reporter) and Christian Roselund (founding editor of PV Magazine USA) take a close look at our relationships with technology, science, the planet, and each other. Today we’re focusing on future technology.  

Will cryptocurrency be the future of money? What does that mean for society?Welcome to the Earthlings podcast, where we’ll talk about all of the decisions that we’ll have to make to ensure that the future we have is one we want to live in. Hosts Lisa Ann Pinkerton (former award-winning NPR and PBS environmental science reporter) and Christian Roseland (founding editor of PV Magazine USA) take a close look at our relationships with technology, science, the planet, and each other. Today’s focus is on the opportunities facing us in the 21st century.Will cryptocurrency be the future of currency? And what does that mean for investors and what does that mean for us? What about the energy used in mining cryptocurrency? What does it even mean to “mine” crypto? There are so many questions around cryptocurrency. To many people, it is still a huge confusing concept. The aim of today’s episode is to decrypt these myths, stereotypes, and defog the haze around cryptocurrency. Lisa Ann and Christian bring three expert guests together in order to talk about the use, the security, and the mining of crypto. They also help to define the buzzwords and tackle some of the misconceptions. Alejandra Argueta is the owner of Requisite, and he's been a crypto enthusiast since 2017. Laura Shin is the senior editor at Forbes. She also runs the Unchained Podcast and she's the author of the The Cryptopians: Idealism, Greed, Lies, and the Making of the First Big Cryptocurrency Craze. John Paul Barrick is the CEO at the MiningStore.Talking Points:How people are using crypto right nowSone currencies to researchDecentralized finance and how coins interact with itWhat are NFTs and how are they different from cryptocurrenciesThe security of cryptocurrencyThe benefits (to the user) in cryptoHow cryptocurrency is like being your own bankWhy cryptocurrency has been the currency of choice for ransomwareHow other countries are utilizing cryptocurrencyThe future trends in cryptocurrency and miningMining cryptocurrency and the energy neededWhat is blockchain?Resources/Links:ForbesUnchained PodcastThe Cryptopians: Idealism, Greed, Lies, and the Making of the First Big Cryptocurrency CrazeMiningStore