Earthlings 2.0 Podcast

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Victor Gensini, professor of meteorology at Northern Illinois University, who explains how climate change is altering the frequency, intensity, and geographic reach of extreme weather events like hailstorms and tornadoes. He explains how the changing statistical distributions of climate make it harder to rely on historical models, and discusses his fieldwork through the ICECHIP hail research campaign. Gensini highlights the power of AI, Doppler radar, machine learning, and even drones to transform prediction, and stresses that exposure and development patterns are just as critical as climate change itself in determining damage. 

Key Points:

• Extreme Weather Events Are Becoming More Frequent and More Damaging: Gensini explains that climate change is shifting the statistical distribution of weather, making extreme events like hailstorms and tornadoes more likely. Though rare in occurrence, these events now carry an outsized impact on society in terms of destruction, disruption, and insured losses.
• Tornado and Hail Risk Is Moving — and So Should Our Thinking: The classic idea of “Tornado Alley” is outdated. Gensini’s research shows that tornado and hail activity is shifting geographically, affecting new regions with greater intensity. Relying on outdated maps or assumptions could leave entire communities unprepared.
• Technology Is Rapidly Enhancing Our Forecasting Capabilities: From upgraded Doppler radar systems to AI, machine learning, and even drone-based atmospheric sampling, the tools available to meteorologists are evolving fast. These technologies allow for more precise and timely predictions, helping people make smarter decisions in the face of severe weather.

• Victor Gensini, Certified Consulting Meteorologist, Associate Professor for the Department of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment at Northern Illinois University
• LinkedIn
• X

Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn

🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  

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In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Bruce Anderson, CEO of 247Solar, about the next generation of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and how it’s being reimagined to overcome the challenges that have long held the technology back. Anderson explains why traditional CSP struggled with complexity, high costs, and molten salt storage, and how 247Solar’s modular, air-based systems are addressing those issues head-on. From a commercial demonstration plant in India to localized manufacturing in emerging markets, the conversation dives deep into how this technology can provide reliable, baseload clean energy and spur economic development. 

Key Points:

• Concentrated Solar Power Has Deep Roots but Slow Growth: CSP dates back to ancient civilizations but has struggled in the modern era due to cost, complexity, and infrastructure demands.
• 247Solar’s Solution Is Modular, Air-Based, and Scalable: Bruce discusses how their systems use ambient-pressure hot air, not steam or salts, and are built in small, repeatable units — lowering cost and enabling fast deployment.
• Real-World Projects Are Already Underway: The company is building a 400 kW demonstration plant in India, with plans for larger installations and a growing global pipeline.

• Bruce Anderson, CEO of 247Solar, LinkedIn

• Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we continue our conversation with technologist and author Daniel Doll-Steinberg, Co-Founder of EdenBase. This is part two of a two-part series exploring the societal transformations driven by six foundational technologies: AI, quantum computing, smart data (blockchain), always-on communications, immersive tech, and self-replicating systems. While part one focused on the technologies themselves, this episode zooms out to examine their global ripple effects—touching on geopolitics, economic inequality, cyber warfare, and the potential for techno-authoritarianism. Daniel also shares how developing countries may have an opportunity to get ahead by embracing new technologies, and why the next global superpowers may not be determined by industrial strength, but by who controls AI and quantum systems.

Key Points:

• Cyber Conflicts and Technological Arms Races Are Already Underway:
• The global competition over AI and quantum computing is not just economic, it's geopolitical. Daniel warns that we may already be engaged in a low-grade cyber war, where attacks on infrastructure and digital retaliation could escalate rapidly. He compares it to the nuclear arms race, but with fewer rules and far more participants.
• Tech May Displace Currency, Labor, and Democracy Itself:
• As technologies scale, traditional economic and political systems may struggle to keep up. If human labor becomes obsolete in many sectors, what happens to money? And if fear, inequality, or climate-driven instability take hold, will populations turn to authoritarian solutions for order and security?
• Now Is the Time to Engage, Before Systems Are Locked In:
• Daniel encourages listeners to stay involved, from understanding AI’s built-in biases to giving feedback and influencing tech development. He outlines five traits of the tech-driven future: persistent, personalized, immersive, predictive, and directed, and stresses that even small individual actions today can help shape a more inclusive tomorrow.
• Daniel Doll-Steinberg, Author of Unsupervised, LinkedIn, Co-Founder of EdenBase, LinkedIn

Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn

🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  

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Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website

Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.

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Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we sit down with technologist Daniel Doll-Steinberg who is also Co-Founder of the active innovation and ecosystem fund, EdenBase. This special episode is part one of a two-part series on six foundational technologies shaping a new digital civilization: AI, quantum computing, smart data (blockchain), always-on communications, immersive tech, and self-replicating systems. Daniel argues we are witnessing the end of the Industrial Age, marked by geopolitical instability and outdated institutions. He explains how technologies now adopt instantly and dematerialize physical tools, raising concerns about persistent connectivity, data interpretation, and the emergence of AI agents that act autonomously. 

Key Points:

• Six Foundational Technologies Will Reshape Society: Daniel identifies six core technologies — AI, quantum computing, smart data (blockchain), always-on communications, immersive technologies, and self-replicating technologies, as the key enablers of future change. These systems are converging to alter how we work, communicate, and organize society.
• The End of the Industrial Era Is Already Underway: Daniel argues that we are witnessing the end of the Industrial Age, with many of its systems — economic, political, and social — struggling to adapt. This transition is bringing geopolitical instability and societal confusion, as old institutions and rules no longer fit emerging realities.
• Technology Is Creating Massive Asymmetries in Power and Access: Tools like AI agents and immersive tech will create large gaps between adopters and non-adopters. For example, an individual using a contact lens interface could know everyone in a room by name, creating unfair advantages in both personal and professional interactions. Those who don’t adopt will be left behind or excluded.
• Daniel Doll-Steinburg, Author of Unsupervised, Co-Founder of EdenBase
• LinkedIn
• EdenBase
• LinkedIn
• Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn

🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  

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Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website

Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.

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Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Dana Clare Redden, founder of Solar Stewards, about the intersection of clean energy, equity, and community empowerment. Drawing from her Appalachian roots and years of experience in solar development, Dana shares how Solar Stewards is transforming the traditional solar model by ensuring frontline communities are not just included—but are leading and benefiting from the clean energy transition.

Key Points:

• Centering Communities in Climate Action: Dana founded Solar Stewards to ensure that clean energy benefits flow to the communities most impacted by climate change, rather than bypassing them. The model focuses on local wealth-building and co-ownership, not charity.
• Corporate Commitments with Real Impact: By linking corporate ESG and sustainability goals with community-led solar projects, Solar Stewards creates a win-win situation—helping companies meet their climate targets while advancing energy equity on the ground.
• The Power of Trust-Based Partnerships: Dana highlights how long-term relationships with grassroots organizations are essential for success. In contrast, larger institutions often struggle to cede power and collaborate authentically.

• Dana Redden, Founder of Solar Stewards 
• LinkedIn
• Luis de Leon, Senior Account Executive at Technica Communications
• LinkedIn

• Solar Stewards
• LinkedIn

🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  

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Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website

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In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Vanessa Miler-Fels, VP of Climate and Environment at Schneider Electric, about the complexities of decarbonizing global supply chains. Drawing on her extensive expertise in climate strategy, Vanessa discusses how Schneider Electric is helping its top one thousand suppliers work towards net zero. The conversation covers everything from tracking various levels of Scope emissions when pledging corporate sustainability goals, to the importance of supplier engagement, the influence of climate regulation, and the geographic variations in decarbonization efforts.

Key Points:

• Starting with Measurement and Strategy: Vanessa emphasizes the importance of measuring Scope 1 and 2 emissions as the first step in a company’s sustainability journey. This foundation enables businesses to develop tailored strategies before tackling Scope 3 emissions in their supply chains.
• Decarbonizing Electricity: With electricity being a major contributor to carbon emissions, Vanessa highlights the necessity of transitioning to renewable energy sources as a key action for companies aiming to reduce their environmental impact and align with global climate targets.
• Navigating the Path to 1.5°C: The conversation also touches on the importance of science-based targets and the need for companies to stay on track to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, ensuring their decarbonization strategies are aligned with the latest climate science.

• Vanessa Miler-Fels, Vice President of Climate and Environment at Schneider Electric
• LinkedIn

• Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability 
• LinkedIn: Lisa Ann Pinkerton
• X - Lisa Ann Pinkerton 
• Instagram - @LisiAnni
• Technica Communications 
• Women in Cleantech and Sustainability

• Schneider Electric USA
• LinkedIn

🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  

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Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website

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In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Tom Yeshurun, CEO and Founder of Civ Robotics, about how his company is transforming the construction industry with autonomous layout robots. From military service to construction tech, Tom shares his journey with building the company, how their robotic solution, the CivDot rover, replaces months of manual layout work with precise robotic automation, and why he believes building reliable, “boring” infrastructure tech can have the biggest impact.

Key Points:

• Robots augment the workforce, not replace it: CivDot helps fill labor shortages — particularly in remote areas — by automating repetitive, hazardous tasks and enabling workers to focus on supervision and tech-driven roles, rather than replacing human jobs.
• A 'boring' robot that quietly transforms infrastructure: While not flashy, Civ Robotics builds behind-the-scenes systems that radically improve efficiency, safety, and repeatability for massive infrastructure projects like solar farms.
• CivDot automates the layout process to boost speed and safety: Civ Robotics’ autonomous robots streamline the process of marking layout points — doing it faster and more precisely — while working alongside surveyors to accelerate timelines and reduce manual, high-risk tasks.

• Tom Yeshurun, CEO and Founder of Civ Robotics
• LinkedIn
• Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability 
• LinkedIn: Lisa Ann Pinkerton
• X - Lisa Ann Pinkerton 
• Instagram - @LisiAnni
• Technica Communications 
• Women in Cleantech and Sustainability

• Civ Robotics 
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  

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Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website

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In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, Nikki Reisch, Director of the Climate & Energy Program at CIEL, joins us to unpack the global rise of climate litigation. From landmark cases in the Global South to parallels with Big Tobacco, she explores how legal strategies are holding fossil fuel companies accountable, defending human rights, and driving systemic change. As political action stalls, the courtroom is emerging as a powerful arena for climate justice.

Key Points:

• Litigation as a Tool for Climate Justice: Nikki highlights how climate lawsuits are shifting the power dynamic, giving communities a legal avenue to challenge fossil fuel companies for environmental harm and human rights violations.
• From Big Tobacco to Big Oil: Drawing parallels with tobacco litigation, Nikki explains how courts are examining decades of corporate deception — aiming to make fossil fuel giants financially and morally accountable for climate damages.
• A Call for a Fossil Fuel Treaty: Nikki underscores growing calls for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty, arguing that legal action through international courts can reinforce global efforts to hold polluters accountable for climate-related damages.

• Nikki Reisch, Director, Climate & Energy Program at Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL)
• LinkedIn
• Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability 
• LinkedIn: Lisa Ann Pinkerton
• X - Lisa Ann Pinkerton 
• Instagram - @LisiAnni
• Technica Communications 
• Women in Cleantech and Sustainability

• Center for International Environmental Law
• LinkedIn

🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  

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Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website

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In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we explore how Pine Island Redfish is flipping the script on aquaculture. Megan Sorby, CEO of Pine Island Redfish, shares how they're raising redfish in a land-based recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) while restoring mangrove ecosystems—nature’s original coastal defense. It’s a model they believe could be replicated to help tackle seafood supply issues, enhance climate resilience, and build community engagement. Megan talks about navigating regulations, partnering with scientists to track environmental impact, and creating local-to-global solutions through sustainable seafood and education.

Key Points:

• Aquaculture as Coastal Climate Resilience: Megan frames land-based fish farming as a critical tool in bolstering coastal communities against rising seas and intensifying storms. With mangroves reducing coastal flooding by up to 70%, integrating restoration into food production is a win-win.
• Challenges in Restoration: Megan outlines the regulatory hurdles faced by restoration projects. While private landowners may easily plant mangroves, restoring public or protected areas requires navigating complex state and federal permitting—often delaying urgent action.
• Scalable, Replicable Model: Pine Island Redfish is creating a blueprint for how sustainable aquaculture can co-exist with, and even enhance, coastal ecosystems. By collecting real-time data on fish production and plant survival rates, they’re building a measurable case for aquaculture as ecosystem restoration.

• Megan Sorby, CEO of Pine Island Redfish
• LinkedIn

• Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability 
• LinkedIn: Lisa Ann Pinkerton
• X - Lisa Ann Pinkerton 
• Instagram - @LisiAnni
• Technica Communications 
• Women in Cleantech and Sustainability

• Pine Island Redfish
• LinkedIn

🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  

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Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website

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In this episode, we explore the transformative power of nonlinear thinking with Perry Knoppert, founder of The Octopus Movement. This global community connects nonlinear thinkers to address complex challenges and spark meaningful change. In the discussion, Perry shares how embracing chaos and breaking free from rigid, linear structures can unlock creativity, innovation, and new ideas. We explore the vital balance between linear and nonlinear thinking, the role of neurodiversity, and how human connection, meditation, and even improv can enhance problem-solving. Tune in to discover why nonlinear thinkers are essential for shaping the future.

Key Points:

• The Power of Nonlinear Thinking: Perry explains how stepping beyond structured, linear thought patterns unlocks creativity, innovation, and new ways of solving problems.
• Building a Global Network of Nonlinear Thinkers: The Octopus Movement connects individuals who think outside the box to tackle complex global challenges in new and unexpected ways.
• Redefining Leadership and Education: Perry explains how a balanced approach between linear and nonlinear thinking can transform organizations, leadership, and learning systems for a more dynamic future.

Diversions: 

• Interview with Paul Stamitis’ Professor Michael Beug - #60: The Magical Future of Mushrooms

• Perry Knoppert, Founder of the Octopus Movement
• LinkedIn
• Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability 
• LinkedIn: Lisa Ann Pinkerton
• X - Lisa Ann Pinkerton 
• Instagram - @LisiAnni
• Technica Communications 
• Women in Cleantech and Sustainability

• The Octopus Movement
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Discord

🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  

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Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website

Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.

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Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!