Energy Vista

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Amos Hochstein, a businessman and former diplomat at the US State Department. They exchange on timely energy and environmental topics ahead of the US elections: 1) Putting climate at the center of all policies and what it means for foreign policy; 2) China's inconsistent climate trajectory; 3) Cost of the energy transition and need for international/private/public financing; 4) European energy security. At a personal level, Amos opens up about his sense of making a contribution when he worked for the government. He worked also for a gas company and had some explaining to do at home about the role of gas in the transition while raising a Climate generation.  

Leslie Palti Guzman exchanges with Rachel Kyte, dean of the Fletcher School at Tufts University. They discuss the opportunities and challenges of a global green recovery post-pandemic. They delve into the complicated dynamics between fossil fuels and energy access, including access to cleaner cooking. Rachel shares her thoughts on leapfrogging to cleaner energies, fossil fuel subsidies, and the future role of natural gas in the energy transition. On a personal note, Rachel is opening up on the epiphany that led her to become a Dean, her responsibility to train tomorrow's leaders, and what it takes to live life fully. Hint: Courage is key.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Amy Jaffe, Managing Director at the Climate Policy Lab at Tufts University's Fletcher School. We delve into US-China energy competition, impact of trade wars on investments and trade flows, and geopolitics of climate change. We also explore the outcome of the US elections on the US-China energy relationship. Amy walks us through her force of adaptation, explaining how her career followed the evolution of the energy markets. This episode was recorded on September 25, 2020.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Romany Webb, a Climate Law Fellow at the Sabin Center at Columbia University. We delve into US flip-flop policies on methane emissions and their legal consequences. We discuss EU's upcoming methane strategy, impact of US elections on climate, integration of biogas and hydrogen. Also, Romany shares how her legal and Australian backgrounds inform her perspective and how her move to the US brought her many opportunities. This episode was recorded on Sep. 22, 2020.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Robert Johnston (RJ), managing director, energy, climate and resources at Eurasia Group (EG). They discuss Canada's energy challenges and opportunities as the country moves towards economic recovery and energy transition. They delve into Canadian companies' strategies to reduce their carbon footprint, get governmental support, and prepare for some stranded assets. Canada will be a place to watch for carbon capture technologies. RJ is also sharing about his professional and personal trajectories, with a stint as EG's CEO while being a modern dad.

This episode was recorded on Jun. 26, 2020

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Amlan Saha who spends most of his time advising companies on their road maps to become carbon-neutral. They start by defining the 'net-zero emissions' concept and chat about timely topics, such as offsets, peer pressure, public policies, carbon budget, stranded assets, investors, hydrogen, and scenario analysis. Amlan discusses his multicultural background that makes him look at things with alternative perspectives/approaches. This episode was recorded on June 15, 2020.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Heather Rock, the Climate Resilience Chief at Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). They discuss the company's new climate change adaptation focus, growing weather-related risks and strategies to build resilience. California-based power companies are at the forefront of adaptation efforts (e.g wildfire risks) and can share lessons with the rest of the world. Heather is also sharing about her career evolution from being a political risk on Latam to working for oil and gas companies and trying to reduce climate change risks from within the industry. This episode was recorded on May 22, 2020.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Benjamin Schmitt, a former European Energy Security Advisor at the US Department of State and Scientist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. The podcast is divided in two parts given Benjamin's unique background on geopolitics of energy and physics : PART 1) We dive into the latest developments in European energy security: Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, Russia's energy vision, Ukraine, Belarus and motivations behind US's involvement ; PART 2) We discuss nuclear fusion, US mission in the South Pole, emerging power competition in Antarctica. Lastly, you will hear why we need more scientists in policy making. This episode was recorded on Apr. 24, 2020.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Colette Lewiner, an outstanding Women in Energy, who is currently energy adviser to the president of Capgemini and independent board member at several blue chip companies. They discuss the rapid transformations of the energy market in an environment marked by low prices, COVID-19 and demand destruction, including competitiveness of renewables, access to financing, green stimulus, and digitization. Colette explains how utilities are adapting to the situation at a time when some European governments consider nationalization. Also, she shares her insider view of what sitting on boards through a crisis, such as Covid-19, looks like. This episode was recorded on Apr. 3, 2020.

This is a special episode with Leslie Palti-Guzman's daughter, Lyla (her stage name), who asks authentic questions on energy, natural gas and pollution. This is a fun, witty, genuine conversation from the perspective of a third grader who tries to understand better our energy world. All levels. Viewer discretion: There is one mention of the coronavirus/COVID19, when discussing why energy is important in our life. To be shared with families and happy listening during this challenging shelter-in period.