Solving for Climate

Mina Hasman, Sustainability Director at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, champions innovative low-carbon designs in architecture. She delves into the Urban Sequoia concept, envisioning buildings that emulate trees through biogenic materials and carbon capture. Discussion includes the transformative potential of algae-based concrete and direct air capture technology. Mina emphasizes the importance of integrating beauty with sustainability and stresses the need for regulations to elevate industry standards. Her insights illuminate the path toward greener building practices.

Ian McKay, Founder of Orca Sciences, dives into innovative solutions for climate challenges. He discusses a surprisingly simple fix for aviation contrails, highlighting their warming effects and easy alternatives in flight planning. The conversation also explores the pioneering work of Peregrine in clean hydrogen production for fertilizers, as well as unorthodox ideas like 'food without agriculture.' McKay shares insights on scaling hydrogen markets and the importance of learning from failed projects.

Leah Ellis, CEO of Sublime Systems, is at the forefront of decarbonizing cement production, which generates a staggering 8% of global CO2 emissions. She discusses her pioneering electrochemical method that aims to revolutionize cement manufacturing by eliminating reliance on fossil fuels. Leah emphasizes the importance of making these sustainable alternatives cost-competitive and accessible, particularly in developing nations. She also highlights the challenges and innovations emerging in the concrete industry, setting the stage for a greener future.

Lauri Myllyvirta, a Senior Fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute and co-founder of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, dives into China's complex climate story. He discusses how China balances its rapid renewable energy expansion with a heavy reliance on coal. The conversation highlights the country's electric vehicle revolution, changes in public perception towards climate, and ethical concerns in global supply chains. Myllyvirta sheds light on China's significant role in global climate solutions while navigating its intricate energy landscape.

Professor Alex Edmans, a finance expert from the London Business School, shares his skepticism about the effectiveness of divesting from fossil fuels. Instead, he argues that implementing a carbon tax is a far more effective climate solution. During the discussion, Edmans highlights the complexities of individual investment choices and the potential benefits of supporting companies transitioning to sustainable practices. The conversation also touches on the crucial roles that various stakeholders play in combating climate change and the need for pragmatic solutions.

Dr. Marit Brommer, the Head of the International Geothermal Association, passionately argues for the untapped potential of geothermal energy to revolutionize our power sources. She discusses how it currently accounts for less than 0.5% of global electricity and outlines the vast benefits it offers for heating and renewable energy generation. Marit highlights successful case studies, the need for supportive policies, and the challenges of transitioning from fossil fuels. With advancements in technology, she envisions a future where geothermal is a major player in sustainable energy.

Heikki Malinen, CEO of Neste, a leader in sustainable aviation fuel development, discusses the transformative potential of SAF for the aviation industry. He highlights how these fuels can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% but faces challenges like production costs and regulatory hurdles. The conversation digs into the competitive landscape, particularly China's advantages and the necessity for technological advancements. Malinen emphasizes the urgent need for societal and governmental support to navigate the transition toward more sustainable air travel.

Guillaume Lambotte, Chief Scientist at Boston Metal, is at the forefront of revolutionizing steel production to combat climate change. He discusses the steel industry's significant carbon footprint and the promising innovation of molten oxide electrolysis. Lambotte emphasizes that while decarbonizing this age-old industry won't happen overnight, even minor emission reductions can make a big difference for our planet. He also addresses the need for a universal framework to support sustainable practices in steel manufacturing.

Mark Titley, a senior researcher at Trase, utilizes satellite imagery and shipping data to unveil links between supply chains and deforestation. He dives into how technology can monitor and combat forest loss while exploring the role of consumer behavior in this crisis. The conversation also tackles multinational companies' transparency challenges and the emerging tools, like AI, aimed at addressing environmental impacts. Finally, Titley discusses the issue of greenwashing and how AI could enhance the authenticity of corporate sustainability claims.

Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive of the UK’s Climate Change Committee, dives into the future of sustainable living. She shares how cutting carbon emissions can reshape daily life in London by 2050, highlighting the rise of electric vehicles and healthier habits. Pinchbeck also critiques the reliance on hydrogen for transportation and discusses the complexities of carbon capture technology. Plus, she emphasizes the role of effective communication in driving climate policy and the necessity of behavioral shifts for lasting change.