Shift Key with Robinson Meyer and Jesse Jenkins
Heatmap News
Every week, Heatmap News Executive Editor Robinson Meyer and Princeton University Professor and energy systems expert Jesse Jenkins make sense of the biggest shift of our time -- navigating the energy transition away from fossil fuels. Drawing on their years of experience reporting on and researching climate change and decarbonization, Meyer and Jenkins unpack the most important issues of the week and how the impacts of climate change and efforts to address it are transforming our economy, politics, and society at large. Music by Adam Kromelow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
13 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 34min
Heatmap’s Annual Climate Insiders Survey Is Here
This discussion dives into the annual Insiders Survey, revealing insights from climactic leaders. They tackle industrial decarbonization challenges, spotlight promising clean heat companies, and critique misleading hydrogen terminology. The impact of AI on electricity demand raises concerns over decarbonization efforts. Notably, the hosts debate the U.S. EV industry's troubles and China’s dual role in emissions. Predictions suggest global emissions peaking by 2030, while the likelihood of solar radiation management deployment this decade remains grim.
27 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 53min
Why Trump’s Oil Imperialism Might Be a Tough Sell for Actual Oil Companies
Rory Johnston, a Toronto-based oil markets analyst and founder of Commodity Context, dives into Venezuela's oil industry post-U.S. military incursion. He discusses the staggering costs and time required to restore production, estimating up to $100 billion and a decade of work. Johnston contrasts Trump's imperial rhetoric with the reality of $57 per barrel prices and the risks for oil companies like Chevron and Exxon. He also explores how U.S. sanctions and shifts in market dynamics could reshape global oil politics and energy transitions.
14 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 1h 5min
Shift Key Classic: California’s Rooftop Solar Question
Severin Borenstein, an economist and director at UC Berkeley's Energy Institute, delves into the high costs of rooftop solar in America and its impact on low- and middle-income Californians. He reveals how net metering shifts nearly $4 billion onto non-solar households, challenging the fairness of electricity pricing. The discussion also touches on equity issues related to electrification, the historical shift in energy pricing, and the potential benefits of public ownership in utilities. It's a deep dive into the complex landscape of energy economics.
68 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 45min
The Biggest Energy and Climate Stories of 2026
Emily Pontecorvo is a staff writer at Heatmap known for her climate and energy reporting, while Matthew Zeitlin dives into energy technologies and policy. They discuss predictions for 2026, including how Democrats might shift their relationship with the oil and gas industry. The panel also tackles the future of geothermal projects, the nuances of heat pump regulations in California, and key developments in renewable energy deployment. They forecast rising electricity prices and potential political shifts that could reshape the energy landscape.
18 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 44min
Say ‘Guten Tag!’ to This New Kind of Geothermal Tech
Mark Fitzgerald, President and CEO of Eavor, brings 35 years of oil and gas experience to the table, discussing innovative closed-loop geothermal technology. He shares insights on how their system works without fracturing, the successful Geretsreid project in Germany, and the potential for zero-carbon energy. Fitzgerald highlights the lessons from the oil industry that apply to geothermal, emphasizing the transition to sustainable energy and Eavor's commercial strategy for expanding into European markets. Tune in for a glimpse into the future of clean energy!
37 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 60min
Why the Rest of the World Is Buying Chinese EVs
Ilaria Mazzocco, Deputy Director and Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, delves into the booming Chinese electric vehicle market. She reveals how countries are strategically welcoming or resisting Chinese EVs based on local economic goals. Mazzocco discusses buyer patterns in emerging markets, the challenges of charging infrastructure, and the implications for U.S. policies. With insights on Brazil's tariff changes and India's dependence on Chinese technology, she highlights the complexities of global EV competition and the future of industrial policy.
29 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 1h 1min
The Biggest Lessons of a Not-So-Great Year for Climate Policy
The discussion dives into the rollercoaster events of 2025, notably the impact of the Trump administration on climate policy. Surprising dynamics surrounding the repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act are explored, revealing unexpected partisan unity. The rapid increase in electricity demand fueled by data centers and AI raises important questions about future energy consumption. Compelling debates on EV policies highlight how changes in subsidies have affected sales and manufacturing. Finally, the hosts tackle the complexities of messaging and organizing for climate advocacy.
17 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 57min
How to Make Your Climate Giving Count, According to an Expert
Dan Stein, founder and executive director of Giving Green, shares his insights on effective climate philanthropy. He discusses the five top nonprofits to support in 2025, emphasizing policy and technology as key drivers for change. Stein critiques the limitations of traditional dollars-per-ton models and highlights the need for systemic shifts rather than just measurable interventions. He also reflects on Bill Gates' recent pivot to poverty reduction and argues that while adaptation is important, mitigation remains critically underfunded.
27 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 19min
How Clean Energy Could Prepare for an AI Bubble
In this discussion, guest Advait Arun, a senior associate at the Center for Public Enterprise and author of 'Bubble or Nothing', unpacks the complex financial dynamics between AI companies and the clean energy sector. He reveals the systemic risks tied to data centers and GPUs, emphasizing refinancing challenges and cash flow issues. Advait also explores the potential fallout from a market correction, the role of private credit, and how big tech might exploit distressed assets while smaller firms face hardships. Ultimately, he raises questions about the sustainability of this intricate landscape.
26 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 51min
Shift Key Live: The 2025 Elections, the Gates Memo, and More
Matthew Zeitlin and Emily Pontecorvo from Heatmap unpack critical insights on recent electoral victories for Democrats. They delve into how electricity politics influenced the New Jersey governor's race and the significance of the Georgia public service commission race. The duo scrutinizes Bill Gates's climate memo, critiquing its focus on technology and affordability politics that may hinder ambitious climate action. They discuss the ramifications of voter sentiment toward utilities and the challenging dynamics of decarbonization in today's political landscape.
