Speed & Scale

In this engaging discussion, Anna Johnson, a leader in Copenhagen's climate food strategy, and Nina Sinbel, a culinary advisor, share insights on transforming public meals to combat climate change. They tackle food production's emissions, detailing the ambitious 25% reduction goal by 2025. Young Una Nixon, a sixth grader, adds her perspective on the exciting shift toward tasty, plant-forward meals. From innovative recipes to effective training for kitchen staff, they showcase how Copenhagen's food schools are redefining sustainability without sacrificing flavor.

Dan Rutherford, a policy and aviation environmental expert, dives into the pressing issue of sustainable aviation. He explains how contrails significantly contribute to short-term warming effects and shares innovative strategies for mitigating this, such as altitude adjustments during flights. Dan also discusses the two pathways for sustainable aviation fuels—biofuels and synthetic electrofuels—and the challenges of cost and adoption. With insights into the EU's mandates and U.S. policies, he emphasizes the need for supportive frameworks to drive the aviation industry towards sustainability.

Did you know that cows emit methane when they burp? Livestock account for over 12% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, but farmers and scientists have discovered a superfood that might be the key to lower emissions—and raise healthier cows. In this episode, Ryan and Anjali investigate the mystery of Asparagopsis, a seaweed variety that removes methane from the guts of the animals who eat it. The catch? There are only nine licensed growers in the world. Ryan and Anjali are joined by three experts to talk about the science behind this amazing plant, the benefits we’re already seeing from the animals who eat it, and the next steps for scaling up its use by farmers around the world.  For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/speed-and-scale-transcript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nan Ransohoff is the Head of Climate at Stripe, pioneering efforts in carbon removal markets, including the ambitious Frontier initiative. In this engaging discussion, she breaks down the urgent need for gigatons of carbon removal to tackle climate challenges. Nan explores cutting-edge technologies like direct air capture and shares how corporate investments can drive innovation. She also discusses Stripe's commitment to enabling businesses to fund carbon removal easily, emphasizing the crucial role of government policy in scaling these efforts.

How much time do you spend commuting to and from work in your car? And do you drive alone? In the US, the transportation sector emits more carbon pollution than any other sector—but in 1991, Washington State decided to take matters into their own hands. In this episode, Ryan and Anjali talk to Brian Lagerberg, who worked on the state’s commuter trip reduction plan: a policy that required employers to provide their employees with alternative ways to get to work. Together, they unpack the factors that led to the plan’s success and discuss how other cities and states can promote the same practices that make Washington the carpool state, and the kind of model that others can follow. For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/speed-and-scale-transcript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ten years ago, Indonesia’s forests were being decimated due to a big spike in palm oil production…until two Girl Scouts decided to get involved. Anjali and Ryan uncover the story behind Indonesia's dramatic reduction in deforestation. From grassroots activism to corporate boardrooms, this episode explores the delicate balance of pressuring companies, influencing governments, and empowering local communities to protect our forests. Discover how a blend of smart policies and market forces can create lasting change, and learn why the fight against deforestation is a global game of whack-a-mole we can't afford to lose.For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/speed-and-scale-transcript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful discussion, Amol Phadke, a clean energy scientist from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, sheds light on the UK's recent closure of its last coal plant and the urgent challenge of replacing natural gas. He proposes an innovative 'Airbnb for the grid' model, suggesting that repurposing existing power plant interconnections can drastically enhance transmission capacity. Amol highlights the potential to host nearly 1,000 GW of renewables, offering a cost-effective path toward decarbonization that could reshape energy strategies for the future.

This is the surprising story of how Texas – rich in oil and gas – became America's biggest producer of wind energy. For our first episode, Ryan and Anjali talk with Pat Wood, once George W. Bush’s right hand man and head of Texas's Public Utility Commission, to uncover the innovative approach that turned Texas into a renewable energy powerhouse. It’s a story about what could get done before partisan politics got in the way of good climate policy, and it shows that economic incentives for consumers, government, and companies can play a huge role in supercharging clean energy.For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/speed-and-scale-transcript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shelley Welton, a law professor and energy policy expert, breaks down how electricity bills are structured, highlighting the confusion around charges and the influence of utilities on rates. Severin Borenstein, an economist, discusses the rising electric rates in California and the challenges posed by climate impacts. Kevin Miller shares insights on Maine's push for a nonprofit utility, Pine Tree Power, and the complexities that led to its referendum failure. Together, they explore the financial pressures on consumers and the future of energy affordability.

Coming September 22nd, 2025: Speed & ScaleTED has a new podcast.Here’s a new climate story: the biggest solutions to our climate crisis exist all around us, but they’re hiding in plain sight. Join hosts Ryan Panchadsaram and Anjali Grover as they identify the greatest climate wins unfolding across the world. They’ll chat with the people tackling the issues quickly, efficiently, and at a scale that actually makes a difference. From the explosion of wind energy in Texas (yes, Texas!) to ending coal in England, you’ll hear fresh perspectives, solution-oriented thinking and inspiring stories that will leave you knowing we CAN solve humanity’s toughest challenge.Subscribe wherever you are listening to this.For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/speed-and-scale-transcript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.