Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations

In this episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations, host Richard Delevan discusses global climate litigation trends with Kate Higham, Policy Fellow at the Grantham Institute and head of the Climate Laws of the World Project.

Get Global trends in climate change litigation: 2024 snapshot - Grantham Institute.

They explore the efficacy and future of climate litigation against governments and corporations, the justice concerns between the Global North and South, and potential legislative solutions like Vermont’s recent Climate Superfund Act. Higham also addresses the complexities of climate and biodiversity cases, the influence of rising populist governments on climate rulings, and the potential parallels to the tobacco litigation era. The episode closes with reflections on current political climates worldwide and key events influencing future climate policies.

And to be part of the Q&A for tomorrow night’s livestream looking at the UK election results through our climate and climatetech lens, you have to register here!

You’ll be able to see the chat in other places. But we hope you bring some questions and comments to share with quickfire panels with our absolutely stellar speakers

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Here’s this episode’s lineup.

00:00 Introduction to Climate Justice and Global South Concerns

00:50 Upcoming UK Election and Climate Leadership

01:00 Intro 01:58 Grantham Institute's Climate Litigation Report

02:33 Live Election Night Event Announcement

03:28 Interview with Kate Higham on Climate Litigation Trends

07:42 Challenges in Climate Litigation and Biodiversity Cases

14:28 Polluter Pays Cases and Global Tax Proposals

22:23 Political Implications of Climate Litigation

29:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Because we really hope tomorrow night offers some good news for the climate, we also thought it was important to just nod to the global context. Michael E. Mann fretting that a Trump 2.0 means “game over” for climate. The meltdown over whether Joe Biden, the best US president on climate since Theodore Roosevelt, can continue his candidacy. James Murray’s welcome optimism tempered by realism in responding to Ed Miliband’s promise to restore UK global climate leadership. Seeing things as they are is not easy. But necessary.

See you tomorrow night!

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In today's episode we have two insightful interviews that explore the frontiers of clean energy and the political landscapes shaping its future.

Sign up for our UK election night livestream on 4th July at 9pm UK time with a great panel including Sarah Mackintosh, Rupert Read, Prashant Rao, Ben Cooke and more.

Hal Hodson discusses his recent deep dive into solar energy, exploring the rapid advancements and exponential growth in the sector. He emphasises the importance of solar energy in the global energy transition and shares insights into the positive feedback loops driving solar's expansion.

Key Points:

• The role of solar energy in the energy transition
• Positive feedback loops in solar energy adoption
• The challenges and future potential of solar energy
• Comparison to information processing technologies

Read more from Hal Hodson: The Economist - Solar Special Issue

Sarah Mackintosh provides an analysis of the different party manifestos in the UK, focusing on their support for innovation and the growth of the climate tech sector. Sarah also discusses the importance of cross-party collaboration and the potential for the UK to regain its leadership in climate tech.

Key Points:

• Analysis of party manifestos and their support for climate tech
• Labour's framing of climate tech as an economic opportunity
• The need for detailed plans and ambitious policies
• The importance of skills transition and workforce planning

Learn more about Cleantech for UK: Cleantech for UK

Oliver Morton - Editor and author known for his works on climate and energy. Recommended books:

• Eating the Sun
• The Planet Remade

Science Fiction Classics - Authors like Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke, whose imaginative works have inspired Hal's thinking about technological unlocks and future possibilities.

James Gleick - Nonfiction author known for his precise and holistic approach to fundamental issues. Notable works:

• The Information
• Chaos

Sign up for the live stream: Election Night Live Stream

Get more at wickedproblems.earth

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This episode of Wicked Problems features a profound discussion featuring Dr. Tadzio Müller - an influential German climate activist who writes at Peaceful Sabotage - on recent elections, the failure of previous climate activism strategies, the psychological dynamics of society's rejection of climate action, and the need to reinvent activism to empower communities amidst impending climate disasters.

Tadzio and Richard Delevan cover a range of topics from the hunger strikes of climate activists in Germany, the emotional and practical aspects of activism, to the rise of right-wing populism in Europe and its implications. They compare current activism challenges to historical contexts, discuss the legitimacy and critique of electric capitalism with Tesla as a case example, and explore the importance of collective action and neighbourhood-level organisation in times of crisis. The conversation underscores the necessity for pragmatic and hopeful actions aligned with harsh realities to achieve meaningful change.

00:00 Introduction: The Struggle Against History's Most Powerful System

00:53 Guest Introduction and Previous Conversations

01:23 Heat and Climate Activism

02:56 The Chessboard Analogy and Climate Movement Challenges

03:17 The Hunger Strike and Its Implications

10:21 Empowerment in Climate Activism

14:13 Climate Justice and Social Cooling

21:02 Election Analysis and Youth Voting Trends

29:44 Exploring the Capital Stack for Climate Solutions

30:07 The Nightmare Scenario: Grid Failure and Heatwaves

31:03 Book Recommendations and Activism Insights

31:43 Reflecting on Climate Probabilities and Activism

32:43 The Reality of Climate Collapse and Hope

36:13 Political Shifts and Right-Wing Movements

38:51 The Rise of Fascism in Europe

41:49 The Coming Out of the Asshole Society

46:32 The Role of Climate Activism in Society

50:46 Tesla and Electrocapitalism

56:34 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections

And check out our playlist to find songs from the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2AWvHdqqNAUCJcByQEokut?si=b860f6aff6074649

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Richard Delevan reports from London Climate Week 2024. Starting at the Groucho Club, he brings listeners to the flagship event at the ExCel, showcasing the vibrancy of the climate tech sector. He highlights interviews with key industry leaders including Duncan Reid of Reset Connect, Sarah Mackintosh of Clean Tech UK, and Lukky Ahmed, CEO of ClimateX, who discusses their recent $18 million funding round.

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Ahmed explains how ClimateX focuses on helping financial institutions integrate climate risk into their models through sophisticated data analytics. Further discussions touch on the challenges and opportunities of the private sector in climate adaptation finance, the role of public policies, and the upcoming political developments that could impact the sector.

Additional insights come from of Carbon Risk, discussing the effects of political shifts on carbon markets. The terrific Carbon Risk political risk pricing analysis that led to this chat: Europe's green backlash was priced in a long time ago

And EDB’s Kenneth Ler on the ambitious sustainability goals of Singapore.

The episode underlines the importance of policy stability, innovation, and global collaboration in tackling climate change.

01:58 Overview of ClimateX's Mission

02:13 ClimateX's Unique Approach to Climate Risk

04:16 Focus on Financial Sector

06:23 Data and Technology Behind ClimateX

11:55 Adaptation and Future Plans

20:45 Advice for Founders

25:46 Introduction to Peter Sainsbury and Carbon Risk

27:50 European Elections and Green Backlash

33:35 Impact on Carbon Markets and Policies

40:23 UK Political Landscape and Climate Policies

45:44 Discussing Market Opportunities and Challenges

46:12 Singapore’s pitch at Reset Connect

Our ad-free member feed is at wickedproblems.earth. And check out our playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2AWvHdqqNAUCJcByQEokut?si=2320c971486e4799

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Navigating the Future of Europe's Energy Transition: A Conversation with Christian Ruby

In this episode of 'Wicked Problems, Climate Tech Conversations,' host Richard Delevan talks with Kristian Ruby, Secretary General of Eurelectric. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in Europe's energy transition, highlighting the need for investment in grid infrastructure and the balance between environmental protection and climate goals. Ruby shares insights on the impact of recent geopolitical events and legislation on Europe's energy policies and emphasises the importance of industrial competitiveness, implementing renewable energy solutions, and stimulating electricity demand. The conversation also touches on the role of digital technologies and anticipatory investments in modernising the grid.

00:47 Introduction and Welcome

01:02 Overview of Eurelectric

01:43 Eurelectric's Advocacy and Goals

03:45 Challenges and Changes in European Energy Policy

07:14 Biodiversity and Renewable Energy

12:58 Grid Expansion and Infrastructure Needs

20:26 Investment and Regulatory Challenges

28:36 Christian Ruby's Personal Insights and Inspirations

31:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Richard Delevan sits down with Colin Mahoney, founder of Mahoney Communications Group, to explore the burgeoning climate tech scene in New York City. From policy-driven growth to the key players driving innovation, Colin provides an insider's perspective on what makes NYC a unique hub for climate technology. They also delve into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, the role of private capital, and the importance of adaptation technologies.

New York City as a Climate Tech Hub:

• Role of NYSERDA and state policies in fostering innovation.
• Comparison with other cities like Boston, San Francisco, and Austin.

Key Companies and Projects Mentioned:

• Goldwind: A leading wind turbine manufacturer that Mahoney Communications helped move to the U.S. Goldwind Official Site
• Nthcycle: Innovators in clean recycling for nickel and cobalt. NthCycle
• Electrified Thermal Systems: Developing solutions for electrifying industrial heat. Electrified Thermal Systems Official Site
• Ion Storage Systems: Advancing solid-state battery technology. Ion Storage Systems Official Site
• Prisma Photonics: Working on decongesting the grid with real-time data solutions. Prisma Photonics Official Site

Policy and Private Capital:

• The impact of federal and state policies on private capital investment.
• How companies are adapting to changes in the financial landscape post-SVB collapse.

Adaptation Technologies:

• The growing importance of technologies to adapt to climate change.
• Potential areas for investment and innovation in food security, water desalination, and urban resilience.

Our theme music is by Suncharmer. Assuming the copyright gods let it thru, check out one of the potential outros here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2AWvHdqqNAUCJcByQEokut?si=e94c425911a149aa

Links:

• Mahoney Communications Group
• NYSERDA
• Goldwind
• NthCycle
• Electrified Thermal Systems
• Ion Storage Systems
• Prisma Photonics

Connect:

• Follow us on Twitter: WickedProblems
• Connect on LinkedIn: Richard Delevan
• wickedproblems.earth: Subscribe, get goodies, and all our transcripts and show notes

Thank you for tuning in!

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Richard Delevan sits down with Edward Matthew, Director of Campaigns at E3G, to discuss the crucial role of climate policy in the upcoming UK election. They delve into the manifestos of various political parties, exploring their commitments (or lack thereof) to climate action, and what this could mean for the future of the UK and the planet.

Wicked Problems is member-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Key Topics:

* The current political climate in the UK and its impact on climate policy.

* Analysis of party manifestos from the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Greens, and Reform UK.

* The implications of potential electoral outcomes for climate tech and environmental policy.

* Edward Matthew's perspectives on the necessity for ambitious climate action and the economic opportunities of a green transition.

Links & Resources:

* E3G - Third Generation Environmentalism: Website, Manifesto Analysis

* Edward Matthew on Twitter: @Ed_Matthew1

* Richard Delevan on LinkedIn: Richard Delevan

Connect:

* Follow Richard on Twitter: rdelevan

* Subscribe to Wicked Problems on YouTube: Wicked Problems YouTube Channel

* Become a member at wickedproblems.earth

Our theme music is by Suncharmer.

Outro Music: "Big Yellow Taxi" by Joni Mitchell. Check our playlist for more tunes from the show -https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2AWvHdqqNAUCJcByQEokut

Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Check out our YouTube feed for video versions of our episodes. Most importantly, support independent climate tech media by becoming a member at wickedproblems.earth. It'd be a lot cooler if you did!

Transcript: For a full transcript of this episode, visit wickedproblems.earth.

Tell us what you think - email us at [email protected].

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Running Tide is the first big name in Carbon Removals (CDR) to collapse. Maeve Allsup chases the story. And we talk to the organiser of the flagship event of London Climate Action Week.

Guests:

* Maeve Allsup, Journalist at Latitude Media (Follow Maeve’s reporting)

* Duncan Reid, CEO and Co-Founder of Reset Connect, a flagship event at London Climate Action Week (get tickets)

Quotes:

* Maeve Allsup: "If the tech is viable, we need to know because somebody else in the industry can pick it up and run with it. If it's not, we also need to know because everybody is trying to figure out what works and what doesn't."

* Duncan Reid: "We want sustainability and Net Zero to become business as usual. That would be the holy grail."

Resources Mentioned:

* Latitude Media

* Reset Connect

* Running Tide Scientists Depart over Concerns (2022, James Temple - MIT Tech Review)

* on Running Tide’s collapse (LinkedIn)

* U.S. Department of Energy’s Carbon Removal Pilot Program

* London Climate Action Week

Subscribe & Follow:

* Subscribe at wickedproblems.earth for ad-free and exclusive content

* Apple Podcasts

* Spotify

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In this episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations, host Richard Delevan sits down with Jeff Chamberlain, CEO of Volta.vc, to discuss the future of electric vehicles and long-duration energy storage. Jeff shares insights from his extensive career in the energy sector, highlighting the importance of combining technical and financial lenses in investment, the evolution of battery technology, and the challenges and opportunities in the current market landscape. The conversation delves into Volta's unique approach to ‘deep’ (as opposed to just ‘due’) diligence in climate tech investing, the slow adaptation of legacy automakers, and the critical role of supply chains in scaling new technologies.

Wicked Problems is member-supported. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber at wickedproblems.earth.

1. The Future of Electric Vehicles - Industry changes and the impact of emerging markets.
2. Lithium-Ion Batteries - Advancements and long-duration storage potential.
3. Investment Strategies - Combining technical and financial perspectives.
4. Supply Chain Integration - Importance for scalability and market readiness.
5. Market Trends and Adaptation - Challenges for legacy automakers and future predictions.

1. [#LDES] is “like fusion. That's very far away."

• Jeff on the long-term potential of long-duration energy storage technologies.

1. "We look at every deal through two lenses: the technical lens of what it takes to scale a technology and the financial lens of making a return for our investors."

• Jeff discussing Volta's unique investment approach.

1. "The biggest surprise remains the slowness of the legacy automakers. Anyone paying attention could see electric vehicles coming, but they dragged their feet."

• Jeff on the challenges legacy automakers face in adapting to new technology.

00:00 Introduction to Wicked Problems

00:06 The Rise of Chinese Automobiles

00:46 UK General Election Insights

01:26 Climate Litigation and European Elections

02:12 Ocean-Based Carbon Removal Startup Shuts Down

03:48 Tesla's Strategic Moves and Global Implications

05:55 Interview with Jeff Chamberlain: Volta's Mission

06:15 Challenges and Innovations in Battery Technology

28:21 The Future of Long Duration Energy Storage

33:43 Market Dynamics and Investment Strategies

38:13 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations

• The Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation

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In this episode of 'Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations' host Richard Delevan navigates through the political and scientific landscape shaping climate tech and what’s at stake in this election summer.

He discusses the upcoming UK general election and its implications on energy policy, featuring panelists Ben Kilbey of BOLDVOODOO, Allister Thomas of True North, and we interview Dr. Noah Walker Crawford of the Grantham Institute. Topics include the impact of political changes on renewable energy and oil and gas sectors, the role of attribution science in climate litigation, and the need for a coherent industrial strategy in the UK. The show also highlights the concerns of local communities like Aberdeen about energy transition.

Wicked Problems is member-supported. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Follow Our Guests:

* Dr. Noah Walker-Crawford:

* LinkedIn

* Grantham Institute

* Ben Kilbey:

* LinkedIn

* Twitter

* The Trend Is Your Friend

* Allister Thomas:

* LinkedIn

* Twitter

* True North

Connect with Us:

* Website: wickedproblems.earth

* Twitter | LinkedIn | BlueSky

* Email: [email protected]

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