

Solving for Climate
Rob Stewart
Data scientist Hannah Ritchie and sustainability nerd Rob Stewart are climate optimists. They join forces to unpack solutions to the climate crisis, and the innovators, entrepreneurs and scientists behind them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 31, 2025 • 3min
Solving for Climate will return
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 ProducerTranscriptions available for season 3: https://solvingforclimate.substack.com/Co-hosts Hannah Ritchie, Deputy Editor and Lead Researcher, Our World in Data @_HannahRitchie Rob Stewart, Co-founder and Director of Sustainability, KobaSubscribe to Hannah's Substack 'Sustainability by numbers'Want to get in touch? Email solvingforclimate@gmail.comMaddie Drury, Series Producer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

17 snips
Nov 28, 2024 • 21min
Dr Luke Haverhals: Making plastics out of plants
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.

15 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 22min
Mark Bjornsgaard: The free heat revolution
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.

29 snips
Nov 14, 2024 • 30min
Dr Sasha Luccioni: The climate cost of AI
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.

22 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 26min
Professor Sir David King: What’s whale poo got to do with it all?
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.

44 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 33min
Kingsmill Bond: How is the energy transition going?
Kingsmill Bond, an Energy Strategist at RMI and former city analyst, shares his optimistic vision for the energy transition. He argues that we peaked in fossil fuel demand a decade ago and predicts a fossil-free future in just five years. Bond challenges misconceptions around renewable costs, drawing parallels to past tech shifts. He discusses China’s leading role in electrification, the financial sector’s rapid shift toward renewables, and calls for crucial actions against climate change, including ending fossil fuel subsidies.

Oct 30, 2024 • 1min
Solving for Climate...coming soon
Hannah Ritchie and Rob Stewart are fascinated by solutions to the climate crisis and the innovators, entrepreneurs and scientists behind them. They want to shine the spotlight on the people working tirelessly to change the narrative on the climate crisis to show that there's brilliant stuff going on out there, and that all isn't lost.Subscribe to the feed now to listen to the first two episodes when they drop next Thursday 7th November.Transcriptions available for season 3: https://solvingforclimate.substack.com/Co-hosts Hannah Ritchie, Deputy Editor and Lead Researcher, Our World in Data @_HannahRitchie Rob Stewart, Co-founder and Director of Sustainability, KobaSubscribe to Hannah's Substack 'Sustainability by numbers'Want to get in touch? Email solvingforclimate@gmail.comMaddie Drury, Series Producer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.