Climate Correction™ Podcast

Welcome to the Climate Correction Podcast! Today marks the first episode of our special series highlighting motivated and effective youth activists who are smart, hungry for change, and dedicated to growing up in healthy, hospitable environments. Our guest today is Sofia Arnau, a 17-year-old junior at Miami Palmetto Senior High School and a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability. As Vice President of the Miami Youth Climate Summit, Sofia leads efforts to raise awareness and mobilize youth for climate action. She is also the Consulting Director for Turtle Team, protecting local wildlife, and a Historian for the Science National Honor Society. Sofia's dedication extends to creating TerraServe, a climate organization fostering community-based environmental projects in Miami. Join us as Sofia shares her journey, discusses overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome, and offers advice on getting started in climate activism. Sofia's inspiring mission is to create a sustainable future and inspire others to follow their passions.

Splitting Water: All About Hydrogen with Tianyi Sun, EDF

Splitting Water: All About Hydrogen with Tianyi Sun, EDF

Dr. Tianyi Sun is a climate scientist at the Environmental Defense Fund. This nonpartisan, nonprofit organization relies on science and economics to tackle climate change and other pressing environmental issues of our day. Tianyi holds a Ph.D. in Climate Dynamics from the University of Texas at Austin and did her undergraduate studies in Atmospheric Sciences at Nanjing University, China. Her work at EDF focuses on the impacts of short-lived climate pollutants, such as methane and hydrogen. She explores how their emissions and mitigation affect the climate system and the role of short-lived gases in net zero emissions pathways. She also leads EDF's hydrogen science work on hydrogen emissions measurements and their climate implications.

Dr. Sun walks us through a very helpful Hydrogen 101. Learn why hydrogen is the new rising star in the climate mitigation world.

Hydrogen is emerging as a pivotal solution for climate mitigation, offering both promise and challenges. Its versatility as a clean energy carrier enables decarbonization across transportation, industry, and power generation sectors. Utilizing green hydrogen produced from renewable sources reduces carbon emissions significantly. Benefits include zero emissions, energy storage capabilities, and fostering energy independence.

However, challenges loom, notably regarding cost, scalability, and infrastructure development. Risks encompass safety concerns, primarily related to hydrogen's flammability and transportation hazards. Addressing these challenges demands concerted efforts in technological advancement, policy support, and investment. Hydrogen stands as a potent ally in combating climate change, albeit with caveats requiring careful navigation.

Learn more here:

1. EDF's 2022 award-winning paper on the climate implications of hydrogen: https://www.edf.org/blog/2022/03/07/hydrogen-climate-solution-leaks-must-be-tackled

1. EDF's latest study on the implications of overlooked factors in climate assessments of hydrogen Statement: https://www.edf.org/media/hydrogen-could-have-much-bigger-climate-impact-most-estimates-study-shows

1. Link to the full study: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c09030

In the quest to mitigate climate change, transitioning industries to zero-carbon practices stands out as a paramount challenge. In this episode of the Climate Correction podcast, we delve into this crucial topic with Jeff Rissman, Senior Director of Industry Program at Energy Innovation. Rissman, with his extensive background in environmental science and policy, provides valuable insights into the complexities and opportunities inherent in this transition. At the heart of our discussion is exploring what the zero-carbon industry entails and why it's imperative for combating climate change. We examine the diverse sectors within the industry and their significant contributions to carbon emissions, highlighting the urgent need for decarbonization.

Throughout the conversation, Rissman illuminates the challenges faced by industries in adopting zero-carbon practices, from technological limitations to regulatory hurdles. Yet, amidst these challenges lie vast opportunities for innovation and economic growth. By embracing sustainable technologies and fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future. Policy and regulation play a pivotal role in driving this transition, and Rissman underscores the importance of effective policies and strategies to incentivize sustainable industry practices worldwide.

He emphasized the critical role of renewable energy in powering the zero-carbon industry and the necessity of collective action to accelerate progress. As we navigate the complexities of this transition, it's crucial to remain committed to collaboration and innovation. Together, we can chart a path toward a zero-carbon industry and achieve sustainable prosperity for future generations.

We heard an exciting announcement in the episode. Jeffrey Rissman has just released his new book, "Zero Carbon Industry: Transformative Technologies and Policies to Achieve Sustainable Prosperity." Available now on Amazon and Columbia University Press (link below), this book delves deeper into the strategies and technologies needed to drive the transition to a zero-carbon industry.

As a special offer for our listeners, enjoy a 20% discount on zerocarbonindustry.com. Let's continue working together to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Show links and speaker bio:

ZeroCarbonIndustry.com

Twitter

LinkedIn

JEFFREY RISSMAN is the senior director of the industry program at Energy Innovation, a nonpartisan energy and climate policy think tank. His work focuses on technologies and politics to achieve net zero industrial greenhouse gas emissions. He is the co-author of Designing Climate Solutions: A Policy Guide for Low-Carbon Energy (2018).

VISTA Award Presentation- Evaluation of Plant Varieties for Green Roofs in South Florida

Description

Green roofs are innovative roofing systems that support plant growth on buildings. They replace traditional roofing materials with a layer of soil for vegetation, offering various benefits such as mitigating the heat island effect, reducing stormwater runoff and sequestering carbon. However, implementing green roofs in the challenging climate of Miami and South Florida is a formidable task due to high humidity, extreme heat, desiccating winds, and hurricanes. The urgency is underscored by Miami's ranking as the third-worst Urban Heat Island Effect city in the US. The intensity of the problem is evident by the recent appointment of the world's first Chief Heat Officer for Miami-Dade County, underlining the severity of Miami's Urban Heat Island Effect. This problem affects residents, and addressing it through greening the city, including green roofs, is crucial. This project aims to recommend resilient plant species for South Florida green roofs, focusing on their carbon sequestration capabilities and reducing the urban heat island effect. This initiative's significance lies in mitigating climate change effects, fostering sustainable urban ecosystems, reducing carbon footprints, enhancing biodiversity, and improving urban well-being. Recognizing the urgent need for climate solutions, the project seeks to provide actionable insights for addressing South Florida's pressing climate issues.

Speakers

• Ivan Oyege, Florida International University , Ph.D. Candidate

• Priyanka Belbase, Florida International University, Graduate Teaching Assistant

• Moses Kiwanuka, Florida International University, Graduate Teaching Assistant

• Jordan Prats, Florida International University , Ph.D Candidate

Empowering Youth for Climate Action: Community Solutions in Action

Description

This panel will focus on the vital role of youth in implementing effective climate solutions within their communities. As the group who is most impacted by climate issues, yet having contributed the least to the problem, centering the voices of youth climate leaders is critical for equity. Highlighting the urgency of climate change, youth climate advocates will share their perspectives on the climate crisis and provide an overview of their climate initiatives to combat environmental challenges at the local level. From mangrove restoration to community gardens, the panel will showcase a range of grassroots efforts led by passionate young activists. Panelists will discuss the challenges youth face in mobilizing communities, emphasizing the need for collaboration with local stakeholders, educational institutions, and government bodies. They will also highlight the role of educational programs such as the FXB Climate Advocates program and others to support emerging leaders in their climate endeavors.

Speakers

• Karina Weinstein, FXB, Program Strategy and Innovation Director

• Sofia Arnau, TerraServe, Inc., Founder & President

• Avi Gulati, FXB USA Climate Advocates

WWF Presents Food Waste Warriors: OCPS and South FL

Description

Join WWF's Food Waste Warriors team as they dive into their collaboration with K-12 school food waste leaders in 5 Orange County Public Schools and expand efforts to South Florida.

Speakers

• Mary Chandler, World Wildlife Fund, Food Waste Warriors

• Dan St Onge, OCPS

• Elaine Fiore, Broward Schools

Carbon credit markets are a key market-based solution for accelerating global climate progress while restoring nature and creating a more just world. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) supports effective carbon pricing across the global economy; however, it will take years to build political support in countries across the world. Yet, to meet global climate goals, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) calls for urgent progress today. The goal is a 45% reduction in global emissions by 2030, which is equivalent to eliminating the annual emissions of the United Kingdom every week for the next seven years. In response, companies and governments are ramping up action in a race toward net-zero emissions by 2050.

There is a massive ambition gap between the current pace of decarbonization and the pace needed to reach net zero by 2050. While carbon markets are a key tool in helping close this ambition gap, they have also been subject to criticism. In this session, TNC Managing Director of Carbon Markets Cam Moore will discuss why carbon credit markets are essential to closing the ambition gap, the urgent need to build a carbon markets Version 2.0; and the potential for this enhanced approach to create a cleaner, greener, and more just world.

• Campbell Moore, The Nature Conservancy, Managing Director, Global Carbon Markets
• Sofia Leon, The Nature Conservancy , Climate Innovation & Fundraising Lead

Reaching the Peak of the Summit: How Can Climate Events Create Change?

Description

Whether it's COP, Climate Week NYC, or Earth Day, summits and convenings have become a major way to accelerate climate action. But how can we shift the focus from mere discussion to tangible action? Adam Lake gives his reflections on how climate events have changed since he joined Climate Group as Head of Climate Week NYC in 2018 and will discuss how grassroots campaigns, activists, and NGOs can better engage with key moments to push through more meaningful change. The session will also explore how to spot and avoid greenwashing, the importance of inclusivity, and how to create a big impact on a small budget.

Speakers

• Adam Lake, Climate Group, Head of Engagement, North America

• Alejandro Delgado, VoLo Foundation, Editor in Chief

Florida's Climate Future: Sunshine State or Stormy Situation?

2:20 PM – 2:40 PM

Description

Florida families are already weathering the effects of climate change. Recognizing that knowledge is power, this panel will share stories of impact and showcase how this new tool can deepen understanding of how heat, flooding, and volatile energy costs risks vary and compound economic risk across their specific communities and what they can do to take charge of Florida's Climate Future.

Check out the tool: https://floridasclimatefuture.org/

Speakers

• Dawn Shirreffs, Environmental Defense Fund , Florida Director

• Claudia Navarro, WeCount!, Co-Executive Director

• Jonathan Alingu, Central Florida Jobs With Justice, Co-Executive Director

• Yoca Arditi Rocha, CLEO INSTITUTE, Executive Director

Climate Correction™: What Does It Mean to Put a Price on Carbon?

This panel will discuss what it means to put a price on carbon, why this is important to drive climate action and provide insights into efforts being made in the U.S. and around the world by governments and businesses.

Speakers:

Angela Churie Kallhauge

Executive Vice President, Impact, Environmental Defense Fund

Angela Churie Kallhauge is the Executive Vice President, Impact at Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). Her work is focused on using inclusive processes and economic approaches to achieve ambitious climate solutions that deliver equitable benefits to people around the world. Angela joined EDF from the World Bank where she served as the head of the Secretariat of the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition (CPLC) for five years. Before that she was at the Swedish Energy Agency where she worked for 14 years on climate change, energy and development issues. During her time at the Swedish Energy Agency, she worked on carbon market development issues, including portfolio development and capacity building in developing countries. She also served as the EU lead negotiator on adaptation and resilience issues under the UNFCCC for close to a decade and represented Sweden in the Adaptation Fund Board where she led the work on accreditation for direct access. Angela also draws experience from the International Renewable Energy Agency, where she spent a couple of years leading the work to develop a climate change work program that places renewable energy action as a key part of climate change strategies. Prior to her engagement at the Swedish Agency, Angela spent close to a decade working at the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden and in Zimbabwe and Kenya with civil society organizations on climate, energy and development policy.

Dirk Forrister

IETA President and CEO

Dirk is the CEO of IETA, a business association of carbon market professionals dedicated to delivering the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. IETA's 330 member companies operate in every carbon market in the world. Dirk's prior roles include Managing Director at Natsource, a 1.4 billion carbon fund management firm and Energy Director, Environmental Defense Fund. Earlier, he served as Chair of the White House Climate Change Taskforce in the Clinton Administration and as Assistant Secretary of Energy for Congressional Affairs.

Holly Pearen

Lead Counsel, Global Climate Cooperation, Environmental Defense Fund

Holly Pearen is Lead Counsel for EDF's Global Climate Cooperation Team where she helps teams develop and execute legal and regulatory strategies to achieve climate objectives. Her work focuses on addressing price transparency and equity in voluntary carbon markets through tailored and predictable regulatory oversight and private law solutions. Prior to joining EDF Holly represented banking and financial clients in litigation involving natural resource assets and worked as an Attorney-Advisor for the Department of the Interior, Southwest Regional Office of the Solicitor. She has a J.D., with focus on Environmental Law from Lewis & Clark Law School, an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and studied at the London School of Economics.