Solving for Climate

Rahul Tongia, a Senior Fellow at CSEP, dives into India's complex climate landscape. He discusses the tension between development and emissions, noting India's low per-capita emissions amidst its status as a major emitter. Rahul explores the continued reliance on coal, solar energy's economic challenges, and India's ambitious net-zero goals by 2070. He emphasizes the need for targeted finance and local empowerment to enhance climate resilience, while advocating for gradual tech adoption and smart grids as keys to future progress.

Professor Ed Hawkins, a Climate Science expert from the University of Reading and creator of the impactful 'warming stripes' visualization, shares insights on effective climate communication. He discusses the inspiration and global reach of his stripes, showcasing their use in various unexpected contexts. Hawkins emphasizes the power of simple visuals in sparking discussions about climate change and highlights the importance of personalizing narratives to engage others. He also addresses the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to craft compelling climate stories that inspire action.

Hannah Ritchie, a data scientist and author of 'Clearing the Air,' dives into the complex intersection of AI and climate change. She explores AI's energy demands and its surprising potential to drive efficiency. Ritchie shares insights on electric vehicles as promising solutions, particularly citing Norway's success. She emphasizes the need for small countries to contribute to emissions reduction and discusses public sentiment balancing climate concern with economic worries. With a focus on non-partisanship, she provides a clear-eyed view of the challenges and opportunities ahead.

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.