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
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.
Nov 12, 2025 • 52min
Shift Key Classic: Have China’s Carbon Emissions Peaked?
Lauri Myllyvirta, co-founder of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, dives deep into China’s emissions landscape. He discusses whether the nation’s carbon emissions have peaked and contrasts its booming renewables growth with persistent coal use. Lauri reveals how rising industrial demand and a complex energy sector are critical drivers of emissions trends. They explore the electrification of transport and its benefits for urban air quality, along with the challenges in construction and steel sectors. Can China navigate its ambitious energy transition?
12 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 21min
How EVs Can Actually Help the Electricity Crisis
Apoorv Bhargava, CEO and co-founder of WeaveGrid, dives into the world of electric vehicles and their potential to support the electricity grid. He discusses how managed charging can reduce costs and why it should be as simple as paying a mobile bill. Apoorv highlights the importance of interoperability, comparing EVs to smartphones, and explains how AI is reshaping utility operations. The conversation also covers consumer willingness to embrace managed charging and the regulatory landscape needed to facilitate these innovations.
13 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 52min
The Lesson Nuclear Companies Should Take From the Dot-Com Boom
Skanda Amarnath, executive director of Employ America and former Federal Reserve analyst, joins the conversation about New Jersey's electricity crisis amid the gubernatorial race. He discusses the reasons behind skyrocketing electricity prices and whether the nuclear boom reflects a speculative bubble. The impact of AI on energy demand is examined, along with lessons for today's investors drawn from the dot-com boom. Skanda also shares insights on the feasibility of nuclear restarts and the broader economic landscape.
18 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 60min
The Startup Trying to Put Geothermal Heat Pumps in America’s Homes
In this conversation with Dulcie Madden, founder and CEO of Dig Energy, listeners discover how her startup is revolutionizing geothermal heat pumps. Dulcie reveals the technology behind ground-source systems and discusses how Dig's small drilling rigs could slash installation costs by 80-90%. They explore the efficiency, energy savings, and market potential for geothermal solutions in various U.S. regions. The discussion also touches on policy incentives and the future of geothermal infrastructure, painting an optimistic picture for cleaner energy.
14 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 53min
How Julian Brave NoiseCat Changed His Mind About Climate Politics
Julian Brave NoiseCat, a writer, Oscar-nominated filmmaker, and former climate organizer, shares insights from his new book, 'We Survived the Night.' He discusses the evolution of his views on climate politics, emphasizing the importance of persuasion over direct action. Julian illustrates how Native American stories, particularly coyote trickster narratives, connect personal and political history. He also delves into the complexities of Native identity, the dynamics of political recognition, and the challenges faced by Indigenous nations in environmental stewardship.
56 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 13min
How China’s Power Grid Really Works
Michael Davidson, a UC San Diego professor specializing in Chinese electricity and climate policy, delves into China’s recent climate commitment to reduce emissions by 7-10% by 2035. He discusses the complexities of China’s energy grid, revealing the tension between central and provincial governments. Davidson explains why China may under-promise yet over-deliver on renewable energy targets and addresses the challenges of integrating renewables and coal into the power system. The conversation also touches on the rapid growth of electricity demand and what that means for future planning.
