Stories for the future

Ever wondered why we react the way we do to change, especially when it comes to the big stuff like sustainability and the energy transition? Well, today we're diving into that very topic with our guest, Gerdien de Vries, an expert in climate psychology from TU Delft. We’ll explore why some people are all in for new energy solutions while others dig in their heels. We'll break down psychological concepts like cognitive dissonance and social identity, revealing how they shape our responses to new energy projects and technologies. Plus, we'll discuss how our livelihoods impact our openness to change, making it clear that understanding these dynamics is crucial for fostering real progress. Takeaways: Understanding why we react differently to change is crucial, especially in sustainability contexts. Psychological concepts like cognitive dissonance can explain our resistance to necessary changes. Social identity plays a big role in how we perceive and accept new energy technologies. Communication is key in overcoming public resistance to sustainable energy projects. Life events often propel us to change when we otherwise might stick to the status quo. Engaging people from diverse backgrounds fosters understanding and can lead to effective climate action. Links referenced in this episode:Gerdien's LinkedIn profileTU Delftvklavenes.substack.com

Today's chat is all about the energy transition and how international oil companies are navigating this tricky terrain. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Krista Halttounen, a sustainability researcher and CEO of Halton Ventures, who dives deep into her research on the oil industry's future in a world aiming for lower carbon emissions. We explore some eye-opening insights from her PhD thesis, focusing on how these companies can adapt and perhaps even thrive amidst the green revolution. Krista shares the challenges, opportunities, and the importance of having those tough conversations—because let’s face it, if we only talk to those who agree with us, we might miss the chance to bridge gaps and spark real change. So grab your favorite drink, kick back, and let’s unravel this complex but super important topic together!Links referenced in this episode:Imperial College LondonKrista's LinkedIn profileJoin me on Substack! Your opportunity to become a supporter

Today, we're looking into how industry associations like the European Association for Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE) can play an important role in connecting the dots in the complex world of energy. I had a chat with Artem Kotenev, the president of the Oslo chapter of EAGE, who shares his insights on how EAGE is stepping up to bridge gaps between traditional oil and gas expertise and the growing field of renewable energy. We explore the exciting developments at EAGE, including new courses and conferences aimed at helping members adapt to this rapidly changing landscape.Links referenced in this episode:eage.orgConnect with Artem on LinkedInEAGE Oslo Chapter on LinkedInstoriesforthefuture.com

My guest in this episode is sustainability expert and author Jenny Morgan, and we discuss the themes of her new book 'Cancel Culture in Climate'. Jenny shares her insights into how cancel culture negatively impacts the climate action movement by promoting fear, silence, and retraction among organizations. She emphasizes the need for positive accountability and collaboration, particularly within the oil and gas sector, to drive meaningful progress. The conversation delves into the nuances of greenwashing, greenhushing, and green recanting, stressing the importance of open, constructive communication over divisive tactics. 00:00 Introduction 02:03 Introducing Today's Guest: Jenny Morgan04:06 Jenny Morgan's Background and Career07:50 The Impact of Cancel Culture on Climate Change11:13 Key Arguments from Jenny's Book13:42 Challenges in the Oil and Gas Sector23:48 Symptoms of Cancel Culture33:50 Finding Common Ground and Moving Forward40:08 Conclusion and Book PromotionTakeaways: The importance of collaboration over cancellation in addressing climate change is paramount for progress. Communication breakdown due to cancel culture can hinder effective climate action and collaboration. Greenwashing and green hushing are detrimental to transparency and accountability in sustainability efforts. Acknowledge the complexities of organizations working in oil and gas to foster constructive dialogue. Finding common ground between stakeholders can lead to innovative solutions for climate issues. Accountability should focus on positive outcomes rather than punishment to encourage better practices. Connect with Jenny on LinkedInFind the book hereStoriesforthefuture.com

My guest in this episode is professor Brad Hayes, a geoscience consultant and adjunct professor at the University of Alberta, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. We dive into the importance of understanding energy security and the need for diverse solutions that respect environmental impacts while ensuring energy access for all. Takeaways: Energy literacy is crucial for understanding the complexities of the energy transition. Finding practical solutions requires balancing energy security with environmental impact reduction. The energy debate often falls into extreme positions; a middle ground is essential. Geoscientists play a vital role in both fossil fuel and renewable energy sectors. The energy transition must include diverse voices from all sectors to succeed. Links referenced in this episode:MOOC on Courserastoriesforthefuture.comBrad on Linkedinbigmedia.org

Navigating the transformation of the energy sector, particularly as fossil fuel giants like Equinor pivot towards renewable energy, is no small task. This episode dives into the intricacies of this transition, highlighting the role of sustainability professionals who find themselves at the crossroads of environmental responsibility and corporate profitability. My guest is Natasha Blisson, a seasoned expert in sustainability at Equinor, with a career journey spanning from the French Ministry for Environment to leading a team focused on managing environmental and social risks within Equinor. Her insights reveal the complexities and challenges faced by energy companies as they strive to balance ambitious sustainability goals with the realities of profitability and market pressures. The conversation touches on the importance of collaboration across sectors—government, industry, and civil society—to create a unified front in the fight against climate change. Natasha emphasizes that true progress will require innovation not just in technology, but also in economic models and regulatory frameworks. This holistic approach is crucial for developing solutions that are both effective and economically viable, paving the way for a sustainable future.Natasha provides a candid look at the duality of feeling like a change agent while grappling with the frustrations of an industry that has historically relied on fossil fuels. Takeaways: The energy transition requires collaboration between industries, policymakers, and civil society to succeed. Equinor's ambitious net-zero goal by 2050 emphasizes the need for sustainable practices in energy. The challenge of balancing sustainability and profitability is a constant dilemma. Carbon capture and storage technologies are seen as vital for achieving short-term climate goals. Understanding the complexities of energy production helps shift perspectives from good versus bad.

How does a global company steeped in combustion engine technology navigate the energy transition? This episode dives into the intricacies of communication and innovation at Wärtsilä, a leader in marine and energy solutions. Meet Jane Jünger, who shares her journey from journalism to leading communications in a tech giant, and now to her role at the University of Bergen. We discuss the vital role of collaboration and transparency in engaging employees and the public about sustainable practices, as well as the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in tackling climate change. Takeaways: Communication is crucial in building trust and understanding around new energy technologies. Collaboration across different sectors is essential for driving successful energy transitions. Innovation should be owned by all employees, not just top management or R&D departments. Engaging local communities in discussions about renewable energy is vital for public acceptance. Academia and industry must work together to create relevant educational programs for future jobs. Diversity in skills and perspectives can lead to more effective problem-solving in energy transition projects. WärtsiläUniversity of BergenJane Jünger Stories for the Future

Geoscientists are essential for shaping a sustainable future, and today's conversation dives deep into how they can transition away from traditional fossil fuel industries towards more innovative and environmentally friendly roles. I chat with Emer Caslin, a business development manager at ICRAG, who shares her journey from the oil and gas sector to exploring geoscience's contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals. We discuss the importance of engaging younger generations in geoscience, emphasizing the need for increased visibility and relevance in schools. Emer highlights the collaborative efforts between geoscientists and social scientists to tackle pressing challenges like climate change and resource management.Takeaways: Geoscientists have a crucial role to play in shaping a sustainable future for humanity. Transitioning away from fossil fuel industries is essential for geoscientists to remain relevant. Engaging younger generations in geoscience is vital for the future of the field. The collaboration between geoscience and social science enhances understanding of environmental issues. Mapping geoscience to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals highlights its importance in various sectors. Communication skills are increasingly important for geoscientists to convey their impact on society. Mentioned in this episode: ICRAG EAGE Geoscience in ActionEmer Caslin on LinkedInStoriesforthefuture.com

Creating optimistic and realistic narratives about the future is essential for inspiring collective action against climate change. In this episode, we meet Steve Willis, an author and innovator, who discusses his climate fiction novel "Fairhaven," which explores solutions to pressing environmental challenges. Steve emphasizes the need for large-scale projects to address the climate crisis and highlights the potential for industries traditionally seen as part of the problem, like oil and gas, to contribute to the solution. The conversation delves into the importance of fostering dialogue between the traditional energy sector and renewable solutions, as well as the role of storytelling in shaping a compelling vision for the future. Takeaways: Creating optimistic and realistic narratives about the future can inspire collective action. The oil and gas industry must adapt to meet climate challenges and leverage their resources. The importance of engaging diverse voices in the dialogue about climate solutions cannot be understated. Despair in the face of climate change leads to inaction; hope can ignite progress. We need multi-million dollar projects to combat climate change at the necessary scale. Fiction can be a powerful tool to visualize and communicate potential climate solutions. Links referenced in this episode:storiesforthefuture.com Herculean Climate SolutionsFairhaven: A Novel of Climate OptimismFairhaven on AmazonGet in touch with Steve on LinkedInThe chart and LinkedIn post mentioned in the episode

In this episode of 'Stories for the Future,' I reconnect with one of my very first podcast guests, Anders Dræge, an ex-petroleum geophysicist who shifted from a successful career in Norway's state-owned energy company, Equinor, to a new role in the insurance sector. We discuss Anders' motivations for leaving the oil and gas industry due to environmental concerns, his transition and adaptation to a different field using skills from his previous career, and the current state and future of the energy industry. The episode highlights the importance of transferable skills and adaptability in career transitions, especially in the context of the global energy shift towards sustainability.Takeaways: The guest, Anders, transitioned from a successful career in the oil and gas industry to a new role in insurance, using skills like machine learning to adapt to a different sector. Despite changes in the industry, Anders would still choose to leave the oil and gas sector today, highlighting ongoing concerns about environmental impact and the pace of transition to renewables. The podcast explores the need for better dialogue between those inside and outside the oil and gas industry, emphasizing the importance of understanding different perspectives and bridging knowledge gaps. Universities and educational institutions are suggested as ideal venues for fostering constructive debates and discussions on energy transition, engaging both students and industry professionals. The episode touches on the complexity of balancing energy needs with environmental impact, pointing out the nuanced debates about energy shortage versus climate change risks. Anders expresses concern about the slow pace of change towards renewable energy, despite technological advancements and increasing global energy consumption driven by new technologies like AI.