Solving for Climate

Kathleen Alexander, CEO of Savor and a pioneer in sustainable food technology, discusses groundbreaking synthetic alternatives to traditional dairy and vegetable oils. She shares the journey of creating a fat perfect for pastries and explores innovative methods that minimize land use and environmental impact. The conversation delves into the chemistry behind these oils, the significance of branding for market entry, and the surprising notion of using fossil fuels as a food source. A blend of culinary innovation and sustainability challenges awaits!

Cat Clifford, Senior Science and Economics Correspondent for Cipher News, dives into the resurgence of nuclear energy amid climate goals. She discusses the innovative small modular reactors and the promising future of nuclear fusion. Cat highlights China's leadership in the nuclear sector and the complex public perceptions stemming from past incidents. The conversation also touches on safety advancements and bipartisan support for nuclear policies, revealing the geopolitical tensions that influence global energy strategies.

Zeke Hausfather, a climate scientist affiliated with Stripe Climate and the IPCC, dives deep into the world of carbon removal technology. He explains the balance of addressing carbon emissions and exploring innovative solutions like direct air capture and advanced rock weathering. Hausfather emphasizes the urgency for investment in these technologies over traditional clean energy approaches and discusses the interplay between AI's energy demands and climate impacts. He also highlights the vital connection between academic research and industry practices for effective climate solutions.

Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, is at the forefront of revolutionizing urban travel with electric air taxis. He discusses the imminent launch of air taxi services in Dubai and the crucial role of vertiports in this shift. The conversation dives into the challenges and regulations facing the industry, particularly in the UK. Walker also highlights the excitement around electric air travel while addressing public concerns about noise and cost. With the potential to transform both urban and rural transportation, these innovations could reshape our future.

Lauren Eatwell, Head of Engineering at BAR Technologies, is the innovative mind behind the WindWings project, which retrofits cargo ships with sails to harness wind energy. She discusses the maritime industry's significant contribution to global emissions and the ambitious goal of decarbonization. Key topics include the practical advantages of wind technology for fuel efficiency, the industry's slow adoption of sustainable practices, and the necessity for global collaboration and innovation in reducing shipping's carbon footprint.

What are carbon credits? Can you eat fossil fuels? Why is nuclear energy back in fashion? Co-hosts Dr Hannah Ritchie and Rob Stewart will answer these questions and more in a new season of Solving for Climate. Season two will be travelling sustainably into your podcast feeds at the end of February. Make sure you’re following the podcast so you are notified when episode one arrives.Season two of Solving for Climate is sponsored by Xlinks xlinks.coCo-hosts Hannah Ritchie, Deputy Editor and Lead Researcher, Our World in Data @_HannahRitchie Rob Stewart, Co-founder and Director of Sustainability, KobaWant to get in touch? Email solvingforclimate@gmail.comSubscribe to Hannah's Substack 'Sustainability by numbers'Madeleine Drury, Series Producer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Luke Haverhals, CEO of Natural Fiber Welding Co and material scientist, discusses pioneering sustainable materials made from plants. He reveals the stark realities of plastic's environmental impact and toxic legacy. Haverhals introduces innovative plant-based alternatives, envisioning a world where clothing, furniture, and more return to the earth instead of polluting it. He also addresses challenges in the industry, from supply chains to the need for systemic change, all while envisioning a greener future free from fossil fuel dependency.

Mark Bjornsgaard, the founder of Deep Green, discusses the untapped potential of excess heat from data centers. He explains how 97% of electricity consumed by computers turns into heat, which can be repurposed to heat community facilities like swimming pools and breweries. Bjornsgaard unveils a novel business model that integrates data centers with district heating systems, offering free heat while cutting cooling costs. He also highlights the competitive landscape in district heating innovations and the importance of collaboration in tackling climate challenges.

Dr. Sasha Luccioni, the AI and Climate Lead at Hugging Face, discusses the hidden carbon costs of generative AI technologies like ChatGPT. She sheds light on the significant energy consumption in data centers and the collaborative efforts to analyze AI’s full lifecycle. Luccioni shares her journey from AI research to environmental advocacy, emphasizing the ethical implications of tech company's climate commitments. The conversation also tackles AI's potential role in mitigating climate change while highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in the industry.

In this insightful discussion, Professor Sir David King, a leading climate expert and Founder of the Centre for Climate Repair at Cambridge University, shares groundbreaking strategies for climate restoration. He highlights the power of human ingenuity, from marine cloud brightening to using whale poop as a catalyst for ocean biodiversity. The conversation sheds light on the importance of diverse solutions rather than single fixes and underscores the urgent need to shift our cultural mindset towards nature as we tackle the climate crisis.