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In this episode of Climate Confident, I sit down with Puja Balachander, CEO and co-founder of UpGreen, to explore how commercial landlords and asset managers can accelerate energy efficiency retrofits while keeping costs down.

Buildings account for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, yet many remain inefficient due to financial and logistical barriers. UpGreen tackles this by reducing upfront retrofit costs and enabling landlords to recapture savings from tenants, turning sustainability upgrades into a viable business strategy.

We discuss:

• Why 87% of UK commercial buildings must undergo energy upgrades within the next five years to meet regulations.
• How UpGreen's model cuts retrofit costs by up to 80% while recovering 60% of expenses through tenant savings.
• The hidden inefficiencies preventing widespread adoption of energy retrofits, despite their cost-effectiveness.
• The challenges of scaling retrofits across different markets, from the UK’s public energy performance data to Germany’s fragmented regulations.
• The future of retrofits beyond energy efficiency, including climate adaptation measures for flood and heat resilience.

This episode offers practical insights for commercial landlords, sustainability professionals, and policymakers looking to unlock the full potential of building decarbonisation.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to Climate Confident to stay ahead of the latest sustainability trends.

🔗 Show links:
🌍 Learn more about UpGreen: getupgreen.com
📩 Contact me: [email protected]

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In this episode of Climate Confident, I sit down with Dr. Jemma Green, Co-Founder and Chairman of PowerLedger, to explore how blockchain technology is reshaping the energy sector. We discuss the shift towards peer-to-peer energy trading, how utilities can adapt to a decentralised grid, and what role blockchain-backed renewable energy certificates can play in ensuring transparency and accountability.

Dr. Green explains why traditional feed-in tariff models are becoming unsustainable, how local energy autonomy can reduce grid congestion, and why distributed energy solutions are key to managing growing electricity demand. We also dive into the economics of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology and the impact of Europe’s Clean Energy Package on decentralised energy markets.

Takeaways from this episode:

• Why utilities need to move beyond traditional energy supply models
• How blockchain ensures trust and efficiency in energy trading
• The economic incentives driving distributed renewables adoption
• What energy prosumers (like EV owners) can do to optimise costs

We also touch on India’s approach to energy decentralisation, regulatory hurdles slowing adoption in Europe, and how businesses can benefit from corporate renewable energy trading.

Tune in to understand how technology is driving the future of sustainable energy.

🔗 Listen now and subscribe!

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In this episode of Climate Confident, I sit down with Annalisa Bracco, a physical oceanographer and climate scientist at the Georgia Institute of Technology, to explore how our oceans are changing—and why it matters.

The ocean is a critical carbon sink, absorbing vast amounts of CO₂, but it’s also warming at an alarming rate, driving more extreme weather events and disrupting marine ecosystems. Annalisa explains how rising sea temperatures are fuelling stronger hurricanes, shifting rainfall patterns, and devastating biodiversity—particularly in coral reefs, where we’ve already lost up to 75% in the Atlantic alone.

We also discuss the role of marine protected areas, the surprising impact of sea cucumbers on coral survival, and how AI and machine learning are helping scientists map oceanic ecosystems. Annalisa shares insights on potential solutions, including ocean-based carbon sequestration, enhanced weathering, and the challenge of safely storing CO₂ at depth.

Key takeaways from this episode:
✅ Warming oceans are intensifying weather patterns and reducing freshwater availability.
✅ Coral bleaching threatens food security for over a billion people.
✅ AI is revolutionising how we track biodiversity and predict climate impacts.
✅ Marine conservation efforts can rapidly restore ecosystems and improve fisheries.

The health of our oceans is deeply intertwined with the future of our planet. Listen now to understand what’s at stake—and what we can do about it.

🎧 Tune in now on your favourite podcast platform!

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In this episode of Climate Confident, I sit down with Jarand Rystad, CEO of Rystad Energy, to take a hard look at where we are in the global energy transition and whether we’re moving fast enough to meet climate targets.

We discuss:

• How disruptive technologies are reshaping the energy landscape – and why the transition would happen even without climate concerns.
• Why solar, wind, and battery technologies are now economically outcompeting fossil fuels.
• The China paradox – leading the world in renewables while still expanding coal power.
• Whether current momentum is fast enough to keep warming below 1.5°C.
• The overlooked challenges – from sustainable aviation fuel to long-duration energy storage.
• The role of policy and regulation in shaping the speed and direction of the transition.

We also touch on AI’s rising energy demand, how agrivoltaics and floating solar could resolve land use concerns, and why hydrogen won’t be the all-encompassing energy solution some envision.

Rystad brings data-driven insights into what’s working, where we’re lagging, and the key economic and technological trends shaping the future of energy. If you want a clear-eyed analysis of the energy transition, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Listen now!

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Factory farming isn’t just an animal welfare issue—it’s a major driver of climate change, biodiversity loss, and public health risks. In this episode of Climate Confident, I speak with Thom Norman, co-founder of FarmKind, to break down the true environmental costs of industrial animal agriculture and explore solutions.

We discuss:
✅ How factory farming contributes up to 19% of global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through methane, deforestation, and fertiliser use.
✅ The inefficiencies of animal agriculture—80% of cropland is used to feed livestock, yet it provides only 17% of global calorie intake.
✅ The role of antibiotic overuse in factory farming and its link to rising antimicrobial resistance.
✅ Why shifting to alternative proteins—such as plant-based and cultivated meat—could significantly reduce emissions and land use.
✅ The effectiveness of corporate campaigns in driving industry-wide change, such as the transition away from caged eggs.

We also discuss consumer choices and why the focus shouldn’t just be on individuals but on systemic change—better policies, clear food labelling, and investment in sustainable food innovation.

If you’re interested in supporting impactful organisations tackling factory farming, Thom shares how FarmKind helps direct funding to the most effective charities.

🎧 Tune in to learn how rethinking food production can cut emissions and improve global health.

🔗 Links & Resources:
FarmKind: FarmKind.Giving
Compassion Calculator: CompassionCalculator.org

👉 Follow the podcast for new episodes every Wednesday!

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• Roger Arnold

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In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I’m joined by Ollie Burch, a communications strategist and co-founder of Among Equals, to dive into the thorny but crucial issue of climate communications. How can we engage more people in the fight against climate change, and why are so many efforts to do so falling flat? Ollie, with his background in behavioural science and sustainability communications, offers fresh insights into what’s gone wrong—and, more importantly, how we can fix it.

One of the key takeaways from our conversation is that much of the current climate messaging is preaching to the choir. Ollie argues that climate communications have been framed largely through a progressive lens, unintentionally alienating large segments of the population. The solution? A shift towards messaging that resonates across political and cultural divides, leveraging behavioural psychology to make climate action feel relevant to everyday lives.

We also discuss the critical concept of psychological distance. Many people see climate change as a distant issue—whether geographically, socially, or temporally—making it difficult to inspire meaningful action. Ollie suggests that communicators need to focus on the here and now: how climate impacts things people care about, like their local environment, daily routines, or even their morning coffee.

Other highlights include:

• Why reframing climate action as patriotic or grounded in personal values can bridge political divides.
• The importance of moving from anxiety-inducing messaging to practical, solution-oriented communications.
• How simplifying messages (think: “Get Brexit Done”) and tapping into social norms can be powerful tools for change.

If you’re involved in climate communications, policymaking, or simply trying to make a difference, this episode offers actionable advice and a critical lens on how to communicate effectively about the most pressing issue of our time. Give it a listen, and let me know what you think!

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• Roger Arnold

And remember you too can Subscribe to 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, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.

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In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I’m joined by Angelo Campus, the CEO and co-founder of BoxPower, to explore the transformative potential of microgrids in building resilient and sustainable energy systems.

Angelo shares his journey from growing up at the edge of the grid in rural Northern California to founding a company that develops microgrids powered by solar, batteries, and backup generators. These systems are delivering power to underserved communities, disaster-stricken regions, and rural areas where traditional grid infrastructure is too costly or unreliable.

We delve into the surprising shift that brought BoxPower’s solutions back to the US, where ageing grid infrastructure and rising wildfire risks have utilities rethinking their approach to energy delivery. Angelo explains how microgrids can replace end-of-line infrastructure, reduce wildfire risks, and cut costs for utilities—all while increasing renewable energy use.

Key takeaways from the conversation include:

• The economic tipping point where microgrids become more cost-effective than traditional distribution systems.
• The role of microgrids in improving energy access for tribal communities and disaster relief efforts.
• Why current battery technologies, though promising, still require complementary solutions like backup generators in certain climates.
• How utility collaboration and regulatory reform are essential to scaling distributed energy solutions.

Angelo also provides a frank critique of clean tech investment trends, calling for more focus on infrastructure innovation over pure software solutions. His pragmatism about integrating existing technologies to combat climate change is refreshing.

Tune in to hear how microgrids could redefine our approach to energy in a rapidly warming world.

Links and Resources:

• Visit BoxPower for more on their microgrid solutions.
• Connect with Angelo on LinkedIn or follow BoxPower on social media.
• Don’t forget to follow this podcast and leave a review!

Let me know what you think of this episode—get in touch via LinkedIn or email at [email protected].

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• Anita Krajnc
• Cecilia Skarupa
• Ben Gross
• Jerry Sweeney
• Andreas Werner
• Stephen Carroll
• Roger Arnold

And remember you too can Subscribe to 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, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.

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In this week's episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I’m joined by Anders Lindberg, President of Wärtsilä Energy, to unpack the complexities of the global energy transition. Wärtsilä has a wealth of insight into how we can move towards a 100% renewable energy future—without breaking the bank.

Anders and I dive into the often-overlooked need for flexibility in energy systems. While solar and wind energy have become cheaper and more widespread, integrating them effectively into existing grids is far from straightforward. Anders explains how Wärtsilä’s grid-balancing engines and battery storage solutions can work together to stabilise energy supply, preventing curtailment and ensuring renewables deliver maximum impact.

We explore why relying solely on renewables and battery storage leads to significantly higher costs, using Chile as a case study where a more balanced system could save $17 billion in investment. Anders also tackles the future of green hydrogen, acknowledging its promise while stressing it won’t scale up meaningfully until 2035 or later. In the meantime, he makes the case for natural gas as a transitional fuel, with Wärtsilä’s engines already primed to run on sustainable fuels when they become viable.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Flexibility is critical: Balancing technologies like batteries and flexible engine power plants are essential for integrating renewables efficiently.
• Curtailment hurts progress: Inflexible grids force renewables offline, undermining their financial viability and prolonging fossil fuel reliance.
• Future-proof investments: Wärtsilä’s hydrogen-ready engines ensure today’s investments won’t become stranded assets tomorrow.
• Policy matters: Anders highlights how regulatory environments, like Texas' nodal pricing and the Texas Energy Fund, can either accelerate or hinder the energy transition.

If you’re interested in how we can accelerate decarbonisation while maintaining energy security and controlling costs, this conversation offers plenty to consider.

For more on Wärtsilä’s work in shaping the future of energy, check out their website [insert link], or connect with Anders Lindberg on LinkedIn.

Thanks for tuning in—let’s stay climate confident!

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And remember you too can Subscribe to 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, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.

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In this episode of Climate Confident, I sit down with Charlie Angelakos, Global VP of External Affairs and Sustainability at McCain Foods, to delve into the company’s ambitious goal of achieving 100% regenerative agriculture by 2030. With a direct relationship with 3,500 farmers globally and a commitment to farming in harmony with nature, McCain is tackling the twin challenges of climate resilience and sustainable food production.

Charlie provides a detailed breakdown of regenerative agriculture as McCain defines it—focusing on improving soil health, reducing emissions, and minimising reliance on synthetic inputs. He shares insights from their Farms of the Future initiative, where McCain tests and refines regenerative practices to share successes (and failures) with their farmer partners. Early results are encouraging, with emissions down 30% and fertiliser use reduced by 17% at their New Brunswick farm.

One key takeaway is the importance of partnerships. McCain collaborates closely with farmers, providing training, financial incentives, and long-term contracts to support the transition to regenerative methods. Charlie also highlights the role of broader collaboration across the food industry to standardise metrics and reduce pressure on farmers.

We also touch on educating consumers about the benefits of regenerative agriculture. From launching interactive tools to engaging advertising campaigns, McCain is making strides in closing the awareness gap.

Tune in to hear why regenerative agriculture isn’t just about climate—it’s about building a resilient, sustainable food system that works for both farmers and the planet.

Find links to McCain's sustainability initiatives, including their Hot Potato podcast here.

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This year-end episode of Climate Confident takes a deep dive into the most impactful insights from 2024. With 47 episodes of inspiring conversations, we explore the technological breakthroughs, systemic strategies, and collaborative efforts shaping climate action.

Highlights include Dragonfly Energy’s game-changing battery tech, Neara’s grid optimisation solutions, and regenerative agriculture practices from eAgrinom. We also discuss collaborative initiatives like the Dairy Methane Action Alliance and the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, showing the power of working together for real impact.

From innovative tools like Karma Wallet to storytelling-driven approaches by EcoAthletes, we see how individuals are driving change. On the policy front, the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act has been pivotal, while sovereign wealth funds and carbon-backed currencies hint at the future of climate finance.

As we head into 2025, I challenge you: What role will you play in the climate comeback? Every action matters. Join me in January for more insights as we continue building a sustainable future.

Enjoy the holidays, and let’s keep the momentum going!

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• Anita Krajnc
• Cecilia Skarupa
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• Stephen Carroll
• Roger Arnold

And remember you too can Subscribe to 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, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.

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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.