By Tom Raftery
Climate Confident is your go-to podcast for the latest in climate innovation and sustainable solutions. Hosted by Tom Raftery, this weekly series explores the cutting-edge strategies and suc
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In this episode of the Climate Confident Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr Ana Nacvalovaite, a research fellow at the University of Oxford’s Kellogg College Centre for Mutual and Co-Owned Business. Ana brought a wealth of insight into a fascinating and complex topic: the role of sovereign wealth funds in advancing sustainability, tackling climate change, and driving equitable global development.
We started with the basics—what sovereign wealth funds are and why they matter. Think of them as government-managed investment funds, often backed by surplus revenues from resources like oil, which aim to secure economic stability for future generations. But, as Ana explains, their influence extends well beyond national borders. With trillions of dollars under management, these funds are increasingly pivotal in shaping ESG (environmental, social, and governance) strategies and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
We explored how sovereign wealth funds from countries like Norway, the UAE, and China are pivoting towards green technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure. Ana also shared why transparency varies so much between funds and how geopolitical strategies can limit what the public—and sometimes even stakeholders—can access.
Of course, we didn’t shy away from the challenges. Greenwashing, the lack of global standards, and the delicate balance between profitability and sustainability were all on the table. Ana explained how sovereign wealth funds can be both a force for good and a source of contention in developing countries, particularly in regions with weaker regulatory frameworks.
By the end of our conversation, one thing was clear: sovereign wealth funds are not just passive players in global finance; they’re active architects of a sustainable future. Whether it’s mitigating climate risks or funding net-zero technologies, their potential is enormous, but so too are the responsibilities that come with managing such immense capital.
For anyone interested in sustainability, global finance, or the interplay between economics and climate action, this episode offers a wealth of insights. Have a listen and let me know what you think!
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Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
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In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I chat with David Nicholson, Mercy Corps' Chief Climate Officer, about their impactful work at the intersection of climate resilience, energy access, and humanitarian action. Mercy Corps operates across 42 countries, tackling critical issues around food and water security, governance, and economic opportunity—all with a climate focus.
David explains why energy access, often overlooked in climate adaptation, is vital for vulnerable communities. We dive into the power of renewable microgrids and solar-powered solutions that enable cold storage and water pumping, helping farmers preserve produce and communities manage water resources in increasingly extreme climates. David shares insights into projects like a solar mini-grid in an Ethiopian displacement camp, which is providing electricity and boosting economic resilience for 18,000 people.
We also discuss the challenges of driving energy solutions in fragile regions, from funding obstacles to the perceived risks that discourage private investment. David advocates for a ‘just energy transition’ to address these barriers, one that not only prioritises decarbonisation but includes the world’s most climate-impacted communities.
If you're keen to learn about the critical role of energy access in climate adaptation, the emerging clean energy solutions for vulnerable areas, and how organisations like Mercy Corps are shaping a more resilient future, tune in to this episode. You won’t want to miss this insight into climate justice at the frontline.
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I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:
And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.
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If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.
Credits
Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
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In this episode of *Climate Confident*, I’m joined by Viktor Meier, CEO and co-founder of Glice, a company that's transforming ice sports by creating eco-friendly, zero-energy synthetic ice rinks. We dive into the story behind Glice, exploring how Viktor's early commitment to environmental issues led him on a journey to revolutionise ice skating without the environmental cost of traditional ice rinks.
Viktor shares how Glice was born out of a desire to maintain the joy and accessibility of ice sports while tackling some of the massive energy and water demands typically associated with them. Their solution? High-tech synthetic panels that don’t require refrigeration, eliminating the energy and water waste typical of regular ice. Remarkably, each Glice rink can cut energy use comparable to the needs of thousands of homes, making it a powerful tool for sustainability, and emissions reduction. Viktor explains that the product’s durability and ability to be recycled or repurposed at the end of its life add further to its eco-credentials.
We also discuss the broader implications for ice sports as global warming makes natural ice scarcer, even in traditionally cold regions. From the NHL to local communities and even Hollywood film sets, Glice has found a unique niche in over 100 countries, showing how sustainable innovations can be globally adaptable.
So, if you’re interested in how sustainable innovation can preserve the essence of an activity while slashing its carbon footprint, or simply curious about how synthetic ice works, tune in for an insightful conversation with Viktor.
Don’t miss it!
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Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:
And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.
Contact
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn.
If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.
Credits
Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
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Here’s a deep dive into sustainable IT with Ralph Loura, co-founder and Chairman of SustainableIT.org. In this episode, Ralph shares his journey from CIO to sustainability advocate and outlines why the tech industry must take accountability for its environmental impact. We cover the unique role of technology leaders in driving sustainability, tackling issues like e-waste, energy overuse, and the soaring environmental cost of AI.
Ralph introduces SustainableIT.org’s mission, which goes beyond carbon reduction. The organisation focuses on creating frameworks and standards for sustainable IT practices, encouraging tech leaders to adopt efficient, ethical, and green strategies in their operations. We also discuss their work on “sustainable AI,” a concept that pushes for energy-conscious AI applications by minimising resource consumption and carbon output.
A key highlight of our chat was Ralph’s practical advice for IT leaders navigating sustainability amidst growing regulations. He emphasises balancing AI’s promises with its power demands and urges CIOs to consider long-term impacts on communities and the planet. Plus, Ralph discusses the importance of metrics, recommending KPIs that go beyond compliance to reflect real, measurable impact.
If you’re interested in practical steps to make tech greener and more responsible, you’ll find this episode insightful. You can check out SustainableIT.org and download their white paper on sustainable AI for more resources.
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Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:
And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.
Contact
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn.
If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.
Credits
Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
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In this week's episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I’m joined by Lew Blaustein, founder and CEO of EcoAthletes, an organisation dedicated to inspiring athletes to lead the charge on climate action. We delve into Lew’s fascinating career pivot, from sports marketing to environmental advocacy, sparked by the events of 9/11 and a pivotal Tom Friedman article on energy dependence and global conflict.
Lew shares the unique influence athletes hold in shaping public opinion and how EcoAthletes works to empower them, providing the tools and resources needed to overcome challenges like misinformation, fear of backlash, and the "too sciency" perception around climate change. We discuss how athletes have led on social issues in the past – from civil rights to gender equality – and how they can bring that same drive to the climate crisis.
A standout topic is the EcoAthletes Collegiate Cup, where student athletes compete to reduce methane emissions by converting exercise into environmental currency, proving that sports and sustainability can go hand in hand. Lew also highlights Vote Climate, a campaign encouraging U.S. voters to make climate a priority in elections.
Whether you’re a climate advocate or just curious about the intersection of sports and sustainability, this episode offers a practical look at how athletes can become powerful agents of change. Listen in to explore how passion, competition, and leadership on the field can translate into meaningful climate action.
Tune in and join the conversation!
BTW - I have to apologise for the quality of my audio in this episode. We had builders in, and so I wasn't in my normally audio treated recording space. I did my best to fix the audio, but you can still realise it isn't up to its normal quality. Sorry.
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Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:
And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.
Contact
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn.
If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.
Credits
Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
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In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Professor Valerie Thomas from Georgia Tech to dig deep into some of the pressing topics in the climate space today – from carbon capture and biofuels to the growing potential of using timber in construction.
We kicked off with carbon capture, a technology often seen as a critical tool in reducing atmospheric CO2. Valerie broke it down for us, explaining the science behind capturing CO2 from the air and the enormous challenges of scaling this up to meet global needs. Even with the latest projects in places like Iceland, we’re still orders of magnitude away from removing the billions of tonnes of CO2 required. The tech works, but it’s costly and energy-intensive.
From there, we ventured into biofuels. Valerie outlined some fascinating projects using algae and bio-crude, and the potential of integrating these processes with existing infrastructure. The goal? To eventually make biofuels more affordable and sustainable for industries like aviation. However, much like carbon capture, costs remain a significant barrier.
Finally, we explored the concept of using timber in construction as a natural carbon capture solution. Using mass timber to replace steel and concrete not only reduces emissions but locks away carbon in buildings for decades or even centuries. It's a promising avenue, but again, scaling this up will take time.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of energy and how we might tackle some of the biggest climate challenges we face.
Listen now to get a glimpse into the future of climate solutions!
Support the show
Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:
And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.
Contact
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn.
If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.
Credits
Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
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In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I had a great chat with Dr Denis Phares, founder and CEO of Dragonfly Energy. Denis shared the fascinating journey of how Dragonfly Energy came to be, stemming from his background in academia, and a desire to make a tangible impact on climate change through entrepreneurship.
We delved into their innovative dry electrode manufacturing process for lithium-ion batteries. This method eliminates the need for toxic solvents, significantly reducing costs and environmental impact. Denis explained how this technology is versatile across various battery chemistries and has the potential to revolutionise the industry by making batteries more efficient and sustainable.
We also discussed the importance of domestic lithium resources in Nevada and how Dragonfly Energy is poised to capitalise on this to build a robust, local supply chain. Denis shed light on the future of lithium recycling and its role in creating a sustainable and circular economy for battery materials.
Our conversation touched on practical applications of their technology, from providing energy solutions for RVs and heavy-duty trucks to enhancing grid stability through distributed energy storage. Denis emphasised the pivotal role batteries play in facilitating a transition to renewable energy without compromising our way of life.
A highlight was when I asked Denis which celebrity he'd choose as a spokesperson for Dragonfly Energy, and he picked all four Beatles! We also pondered over futuristic concepts like flying cars and how close we are to such advancements.
This episode offers deep insights into innovations in battery technology and their significance in combating climate change. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in sustainable energy and the future of our power grids.
Support the show
Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:
And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.
Contact
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn.
If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.
Credits
Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
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Welcome to a special edition of the Climate Confident Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Jim Sullivan, Global Head of Product Management for Sustainability at SAP. With three decades of experience in sustainability and climate change—including roles at the EPA and in startups—Jim offers deep insights into the evolving corporate approach to climate action.
We delve into the key takeaways from this year's Climate Week in New York. Jim highlights how the event has grown beyond climate discussions to encompass material transitions like the circular economy and hard-to-abate sectors such as aluminium and steel. He shares encouraging progress, noting that members of the CEO Climate Action Alliance have achieved a 10% absolute reduction in emissions over three years, even as their businesses have grown.
A central theme of our conversation is the pivotal role of data and technology in accelerating sustainability initiatives. Jim explains that much of the necessary data for sustainability reporting already exists within companies but isn't effectively utilised. We explore how AI can act as a valuable colleague, handling tedious tasks like emissions factor mapping and freeing up human resources for strategic decision-making.
We also discuss the importance of standardising data exchange to ensure consistent and comparable sustainability reporting. Jim emphasises that agreeing on standards is crucial for making meaningful progress and avoiding the pitfalls of fragmented efforts.
Finally, we touch on the evolving role of the Chief Sustainability Officer and how sustainability is increasingly integrated into financial and operational planning. Jim offers advice to business leaders hesitant about committing to sustainability initiatives, stressing that while the best time to invest was a decade ago, the second-best time is now.
I hope you'll find this episode insightful as we explore how technology, data, and collaborative efforts can drive meaningful progress in the fight against climate change.
Check out SAP's Sustainability page for more.
Support the show
Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:
And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.
Contact
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn.
If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.
Credits
Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
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Hi everyone, Tom Raftery here, and welcome to episode 188 of the Climate Confident podcast. In this episode, I had a fascinating conversation with Michael Barnard, a climate futurist who's spent the last 15 years delving deep into the challenges and solutions around climate change.
Michael and I discussed the often controversial topic of carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS). We explored why mechanical carbon capture technologies, particularly those promoted by the fossil fuel industry, may not be the panacea they're often touted to be. Michael shed light on the stark differences in climate policies between countries with and without fossil fuel industries, highlighting how nations without such industries focus more on nature-based solutions like reforestation and wetland restoration.
We delved into the limitations of direct air capture technologies, examining why they struggle to scale effectively and why they may not be the most efficient use of resources. Michael also discussed the challenges associated with oceanic carbon capture methods and how they can inadvertently harm marine ecosystems.
One of the key takeaways from our discussion is the importance of prioritising emission reductions at the source. Michael emphasised the potential of sustainable construction practices, such as using cross-laminated timber, to both sequester carbon and reduce reliance on high-emission materials like cement.
We also touched on the risks associated with transporting captured CO2, citing real-world examples that underscore the safety concerns.
This episode is a deep dive into the complexities of CCUS and offers valuable insights into why focusing on emission reduction and investing in renewable energy solutions might be more effective paths forward.
I hope you find this discussion as enlightening as I did. Don't forget to click follow on this podcast in your app of choice to ensure you don't miss any future episodes. Thanks for tuning in!
Support the show
Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:
And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.
Contact
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn.
If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.
Credits
Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
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On this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Carina Gormley from the Centre for Public Impact. We delved into the challenges local governments face when implementing climate action plans, particularly the "intention gap" where well-crafted plans struggle to translate into tangible actions due to systemic barriers.
Carina shed light on the complexities within government structures, highlighting how departmental silos can hinder collaboration and impede progress on climate initiatives. We discussed the importance of adopting a systemic approach to climate action, emphasising the need for cross-departmental cooperation and a holistic view that integrates urban planning, public health, and social equity.
We also explored how governments can leverage procurement as a powerful tool to advance climate goals, utilising their buying power to influence market practices and support sustainable solutions. Carina shared insights on the role of technology and AI in aiding decision-makers, especially in processing vast amounts of data to inform policy and action.
Moreover, we touched on the critical role of community engagement and the necessity of reimagining cultural values to effectively address climate change. Carina emphasised that while technology and policy are vital, it's ultimately the people and communities that drive meaningful change.
This conversation offers valuable insights into the intricacies of government operations and the pathways to more effective climate action at the local level. I hope you find it as enlightening as I did.
Support the show
Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:
And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.
Contact
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn.
If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.
Credits
Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
The podcast currently has 196 episodes available.