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In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I’m joined by Dev Dalal and Xavi Laguarta, co-founders of Mitti Labs, for an insightful chat about the critical role of sustainable agriculture in combating climate change.

Dev and Xavi explain how traditional rice farming, particularly in India and Southeast Asia, is a significant source of methane emissions – a potent greenhouse gas. We dive into how Mitti Labs is addressing this through innovative solutions like alternate wetting and drying, direct seeding of rice, and carbon credit incentivisation. These practices not only reduce emissions but also conserve water and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

One of the most compelling points we discuss is the importance of scaling these solutions. Dev and Xavi are clear that without large-scale adoption, the environmental impact will be limited. Their work, currently impacting over 30,000 farmers, is proof that this can be done effectively, and they share their vision of expanding into other Southeast Asian countries.

For anyone interested in the intersection of agriculture, sustainability, and innovation, this episode offers practical insights into how we can make global food systems both more productive and more climate-friendly. Be sure to listen in to learn more about the exciting potential of climate-smart farming!

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Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Jerry Sweeney
• Andreas Werner
• Stephen Carroll
• Roger Arnold

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 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.

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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 had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Jay Hakes, a renowned expert in U.S. energy and environmental policy. We delved into the critical role the upcoming U.S. presidential election will play in shaping global climate action, particularly as we approach the 2030 climate targets.

Dr. Hakes provided an insightful analysis of how the U.S. political system, with its built-in complexities, often hinders swift climate action. He shared his thoughts on the historical impact of past presidential decisions, particularly around automobile efficiency standards, and the lasting effects these have had on the country’s climate progress.

We also discussed the potential implications of a shift in U.S. leadership, particularly contrasting the climate stances of Trump and Harris. Dr. Hakes highlighted the importance of science-based decision-making and the need for sustained, bipartisan commitment to addressing the climate crisis.

If you’re interested in how the intersection of politics and environmental policy will shape our future, this episode is a must-listen. For more insights, be sure to check out Dr. Hakes' work at JayHakes.com.

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Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Jerry Sweeney
• Andreas Werner
• Stephen Carroll
• Roger Arnold

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.

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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 had the pleasure of speaking with Shravan Kumar, Director of Client Success at Gramener, about the transformative role AI and geospatial data can play in tackling climate challenges. Shravan shared insights into how AI is being utilised to address urban heat islands, predict and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters like floods, and support cities in becoming more climate-resilient.

We delved into real-world examples where Gramener's AI solutions have been successfully implemented in cities, helping local governments optimise resources, create thermally comfortable public spaces, and even adjust energy trading systems. Shravan also discussed the importance of partnerships and the challenges in scaling these solutions globally, particularly in regions with limited resources.

One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the need for accurate, micro-level data to make informed decisions on climate action, as well as the critical role of education and trust in driving adoption of these AI tools. If you're interested in how technology can drive meaningful change in urban environments, this episode is not to be missed.

Support the show

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Jerry Sweeney
• Andreas Werner
• Stephen Carroll
• Roger Arnold

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.

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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 had the pleasure of speaking with Gagan Dhillon, the CEO and co-founder of Synop. Gagan and his team are helping commercial fleets transition to electric vehicles, focusing particularly on school buses and drayage trucks. We delved into the challenges fleet managers face when shifting from diesel to electric, and how Synop’s platform optimises vehicle charging to reduce costs and increase uptime.

One of the standout discussions was around Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, especially how school buses, with their predictable routes and downtime, are ideal candidates for this emerging technology. Gagan also shared insights on the importance of global regions starting their infrastructure development with electric solutions, bypassing the need for traditional diesel.

As always, the focus was on practical solutions that can drive real change. Whether you’re involved in fleet management, policy-making, or just curious about the future of transport electrification, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the path ahead.

Listen in to learn more about the critical role Synop is playing in accelerating the transition to a more sustainable transportation future.

Support the show

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Jerry Sweeney
• Andreas Werner
• Stephen Carroll
• Roger Arnold

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.

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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 had the pleasure of chatting with Elizabeth Thompson, the director of Visions 2030. Elizabeth dives into the importance of artistic imagination in addressing climate change and how her organisation is leveraging creativity to foster optimism and action. 

We explore the Lumisphere experience, a unique project designed to counteract climate anxiety by engaging people in visualising positive futures through immersive art and technology.

Elizabeth shares her insights on how pop culture and storytelling can shape public perception, the significance of the Earth Optimism movement, and the role of education in driving systemic change. We also touch on the challenges of inspiring young people to take up the mantle of climate action and how initiatives like Visions 2030 are providing tools to empower individuals at the community level.

If you're curious about how art and innovation can intersect to create tangible solutions for our planet's future, this episode is a must-listen. Don’t miss the chance to explore how we can all contribute to a brighter, more sustainable world.

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Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Jerry Sweeney
• Andreas Werner
• Stephen Carroll
• Roger Arnold

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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It is that time of year again - summertime!

I'm taking a couple of weeks off to get some much needed R&R. This podcast will be back again on August 14th, and I have some excellent episodes lined up for the 14th, and the subsequent weeks, so don't go away!

In the meantime, it is time for me to go work on my tan (not really - blue eyed redheads like me don't tan!), see you back here on the 14th!

Support the show

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Jerry Sweeney
• Andreas Werner
• Stephen Carroll
• Roger Arnold

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 another episode of the Climate Confident podcast! I'm Tom Raftery, and today I had the pleasure of chatting with Larry Selzer, President and CEO of The Conservation Fund. Larry shares his fascinating journey from marine biologist to conservation leader, explaining how he's found at the intersection of economic development and environmental preservation.

In this episode, Larry discusses the innovative strategies The Conservation Fund employs to conserve land while supporting economic vitality. We delve into the importance of shifting the environmental movement from a position of saying no to one of proactive engagement, particularly in the context of combating climate change. Larry also highlights the Fund’s pioneering efforts in financing conservation through green bonds and public-private partnerships.

Key takeaways include: 

• the significance of working forests, 
• the need for infrastructure that supports climate resilience, and 
• how conservation easements can balance ecological and economic goals. 

Larry's insights underscore the vital role of strategic conservation in our fight against climate change.

Don’t miss this enlightening conversation on how we can protect our natural resources while fostering sustainable development. Tune in now!

Support the show

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Jerry Sweeney
• Andreas Werner
• Stephen Carroll
• Roger Arnold

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 with another episode of the Climate Confident Podcast. This time, I'm joined by Lina Fedirko, Associate Director on the Road Transportation team at ClimateWorks Foundation. Lina dives deep into the complexities of decarbonising road transportation and highlights innovative urban mobility solutions, like congestion pricing and low emission zones, that cities are adopting globally.

We also explore the critical role of responsible mineral supply chains in the energy transition. Lina explains how sustainable practices in mineral extraction and recycling are essential to support the growing demand for EVs and renewables. She shares fascinating insights on how policy, behaviour change, and strategic collaborations can drive a cleaner, greener future.

Tune in to understand the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in creating a sustainable transportation system and the importance of a holistic approach to managing mineral resources. Whether you're a policy wonk, an EV enthusiast, or just curious about sustainable practices, this episode offers valuable takeaways for everyone.

Support the show

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Jerry Sweeney
• Andreas Werner
• Stephen Carroll
• Roger Arnold

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 chat with Daniel Jaconetti, the National Sustainable Design Leader at HED. 

Daniel delves into his journey from New York to becoming the corporate sustainable design leader at HED. 

We discuss the importance and practices of integrated design, the future of sustainable architecture, and the role of innovative materials and technologies. 

Daniel also shares valuable resources and insights on achieving high-performing, net-zero buildings, along with funding sources and cost-effective strategies for decarbonizing building portfolios. 

Join us to learn how we can grow buildings inspired by nature, and shape a more sustainable future.

00:00 Introduction to Future Building Concepts
00:25 Welcome to the Climate Confident Podcast
01:38 Today's Guest: Daniel Jaconetti
02:07 Daniel's Background and Passion for Sustainability
04:56 The Role of Teaching in Sustainability
06:08 HED's Commitment to Sustainable Design
12:39 Integrated Design for Net Zero Projects
17:47 Navigating Regulations and Building Codes
20:46 Finding Exemplars of High-Performance Buildings
22:34 Introduction to Living Building Certification
22:52 Net Positive Energy and Water Systems
23:53 Case Studies and Certifications
25:08 Funding and Cost Reduction Strategies
29:32 Innovations in Sustainable Architecture
37:58 Advice for Aspiring Architects and Engineers
40:30 Final Thoughts & Resources

Daniel's links:

• International Living Future Institute
• COTE Top 10 Award
• AIA Framework for Design Excellence

Support the show

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Jerry Sweeney
• Andreas Werner
• Stephen Carroll
• Roger Arnold

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 engage in a fascinating discussion with Yonatan Neril, founder and director of the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development (ICSD). Despite being an atheist myself, I recognise the potential of religion in shaping opinions and driving action. This prompted me to explore Yonatan's work in mobilising faith communities for ecological sustainability.

Yonatan shares his journey from California to Israel, highlighting the deep connection between religion and ecology. We delve into the concept of integrating spiritual teachings with modern technological solutions to address climate change effectively. Yonatan explains how religious communities, often seen as a "sleeping giant," can be pivotal in inspiring ecological behaviour change.

We also discuss the significance of the Faith Pavilion at COP28, which brought together diverse religious leaders to advocate for climate action. Yonatan offers practical examples of faith-based environmental initiatives and emphasises the importance of ethical consumption and sustainable living.

Join us for an insightful conversation on how ancient spiritual wisdom can complement modern efforts to create a sustainable and spiritually aware future. 

Yonatan's ICSD links:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter and
• YouTube

Whether you're religious or not, this episode provides valuable perspectives on tackling the climate crisis. Don’t miss it!

Support the show

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Jerry Sweeney
• Andreas Werner
• Stephen Carroll
• Roger Arnold

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