Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations

Prashant Rao from Semafor and Freya Pratty from the FT-backed Sifted join Richard Delevan and discuss the latest in climate tech, investment challenges, and the evolving energy landscape. We also share our interview with Laura Fleming, UK country director at Hitachi Energy.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Valley of Death

- Prashant Rao discusses the significant funding gap in climate tech. He highlights that while a $7 billion fund by KKR is substantial, it is a drop in the ocean compared to the $4 trillion needed annually.

- Insights about the "valley of death" for climate tech startups.

2. Innovative Funding Models

- Richard and Prashant explore innovative funding models that could mitigate the valley of death problem. They discuss the need for different types of CFOs who are familiar with high capex industries.

3. European Climate Tech Expansion to the Gulf

- Freya Pratty recounts her recent trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, observing a significant interest from European climate tech companies in the Gulf region. Despite the enthusiasm from European founders, she notes a potential mismatch with local priorities, which are more focused on Asia and Africa.

- The discussion also touches on the ethical and human rights concerns surrounding mega-projects like Saudi Arabia's NEOM

4. Political Uncertainty and Its Impact on Climate Tech

- The panel delves into the political uncertainties in the US and Europe and their implications for climate tech investments. Richard raises concerns about the potential impact of a Trump presidency on Inflation Reduction Act and investor confidence.

- Freya mentions that many founders seek stability and long-term policy certainty.

5. Tesla's Hardcore Pivot

- The conversation shifts to Tesla's recent pivot away from a $25,000 model to focus on AI-driven Robo-taxis. Richard and Prashant debate the implications of this move for Tesla's market position and the broader EV industry.

- Prashant highlights the intense competition from Chinese EV manufacturers like BYD, which poses a significant challenge to Tesla's dominance.

Laura Fleming from Hitachi Energy, at InnovationZero

- Laura Fleming, Managing Director of UK and Ireland for Hitachi Energy, joins the conversation to discuss the future of the energy grid. She explains the need for a more integrated and flexible system to accommodate the increasing reliance on renewable energy.

- Laura emphasises the importance of storage solutions and the role of Hitachi Energy in facilitating the transition to a more resilient and secure energy system.

Links

Semafor’s Net Zero newsletter

Sifted’s Climate Tech newsletter

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Joining us from Buenos Aires, Tasmin Lockwood, a seasoned journalist with a rich background reporting at the intersection of people, climate and technology. Tasmin shares her journey from local news in South Wales to international climate tech coverage at Insider, discussing the pivotal moments that shaped her career and her passion for the intersection of technology, society, and climate. The conversation delves into the nuances of climate tech, the importance of adaptation, and the collaborative spirit within the industry.

Key Topics Discussed:

* Tasmin's Career Journey: From her early days at the Northern Echo to her impactful role at Insider, Tasmin recounts her experiences covering tech and climate stories.

* The Importance of Metadata and Privacy: How the Snowden revelations influenced Tasmin's focus on the societal impacts of technology.

* The Power of Venture Capital: Understanding the critical role of VC in shaping today's technological landscape and its potential for driving climate solutions.

* Collaboration in Climate Tech: The unique, cooperative atmosphere within the climate tech sector, where sharing knowledge and resources is crucial for collective progress.

* Adaptation and Climate Finance: The urgent need for adaptation solutions and the debate around their investability, highlighting the importance of creative approaches to climate resilience.

* The Role of Journalism in Climate Reporting: The challenges and responsibilities of reporting on climate issues, including the importance of accountability journalism and the rise of climate disinformation.

Tasmin’s Catalysts:

* Dark Waters (2019): A film based on the 2016 New York Times article about a lawyer's battle against DuPont's pollution, highlighting corporate responsibility.

* The Lorax by Dr. Seuss: A compelling introduction to environmental themes, suitable for both children and adults.

* Drilled Podcast by Amy Westervelt: An insightful podcast series on climate disinformation and environmental reporting.

* Planet Critical with Rachel Donald : A podcast offering diverse perspectives on climate and technology, including critical analysis of current issues.

Follow Tasmin Lockwood: LinkedIn

Connect with Us: LinkedIn | BlueSky | X

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If you enjoyed this episode, please consider becoming a member at wickedproblems.earth, and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or sharing it with a friend. Your support helps us continue to bring you insightful conversations on climate tech.

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In this episode of Wicked Problems: Climate Tech Conversations, host Richard Delevan dives into groundbreaking new law in Vermont and its potential to reshape the fight against climate change. Richard is joined by two distinguished guests: Lucy Maxwell, Co-Director of the Climate Litigation Network, and Tobias Engelmeier, Co-Founder of Munich-based climate tech startup VIDA. They explore the intersection of litigation, legislation, and technological innovation in tackling climate change and holding major carbon polluters accountable.

Key Topics Discussed:

Interview with Lucy Maxwell

- Lucy Maxwell discusses her role as Co-Director of the Climate Litigation Network and the organisation's work in climate justice.

- Climate Superfund Act: Lucy explains the significance of the Vermont Climate Superfund Act, which seeks to fund climate adaptation and infrastructure resilience through damages collected from major polluters.

- Human Rights Litigation: Insights into the human rights-based litigation approach, exemplified by cases like the Urgenda ruling and the recent European Court of Human Rights decision involving Swiss senior women.

- Global Impact: Lucy highlights how these legal precedents are influencing climate litigation worldwide, including in Korea, Australia, and Latin America.

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

Interview with Tobias Engelmeier

- Tobias introduces VIDA, which leverages satellite imagery and advanced data analytics to assess climate risks and opportunities for infrastructure projects.

- Climate Data and Technology: Discussion on how VIDA technology provides granular climate risk assessments, helping investors, insurers, and governments make informed decisions about infrastructure resilience.

- Vermont Legislation's Relevance: Tobias explains why VIDA has been closely monitoring the Vermont Climate Superfund Act and how such legislation could drive demand for climate adaptation technologies.

- Future of Climate Adaptation: Insights into the potential for new markets and innovations in climate adaptation driven by legislative and regulatory changes.

Quotes:

- Lucy Maxwell: "The climate crisis is a human rights crisis, and governments have human rights obligations to adopt strong and robust climate laws based on science."

- Tobias Engelmeier: "We are very excited about the Vermont legislation because it represents a massive change in the legal regulatory environment, potentially driving demand for climate adaptation technologies."

Featured Guests:

* Lucy Maxwell: Co-Director of the Climate Litigation Network, an expert in climate justice and human rights-based litigation.

* Tobias Engelmeier: Co-Founder and CEO of VIDA, a Munich-based startup focused on using satellite imagery and data analytics to assess climate risks for infrastructure projects.

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For the first time anywhere, a law will make carbon polluters financially liable for climate damage.

Here is part 1, about Vermont's groundbreaking Climate Superfund Bill. With independent climate journalist Dana Drugmand and climate litigation expert Nigel Brook, the discussion explores the implications of this pioneering legislation, its potential impact on fossil fuel companies, and the broader context of climate litigation globally.

Dana Drugmand

Vermont’s Climate Superfund Bill

- Grassroots advocacy and the Make Big Oil Pay campaign.

- Impact of the 2023 Vermont floods on the bill's momentum.

Climate Attribution Science

- Differentiation between event attribution and source attribution.

- The role of key studies like the Carbon Majors report in linking emissions to specific companies.

Legal Challenges and Future Outlook

- Anticipated legal battles and possible federal court involvement.

- Speculations on the bill’s impact if passed and potential ripple effects globally.

Nigel Brook

European Court of Human Rights - Klimaseniorren

- Discussion on the ECHR ruling against the Swiss government for inadequate climate protection.

- Nigel explains its significance and potential for inspiring similar cases in Europe and globally.

ClientEarth Case and Potential for Future Litigation

- Analysis of the ClientEarth case in English courts and its implications.

- Speculation on how new precedents might affect future climate litigation efforts.

Vermont’s Climate Superfund Bill’s Global Impact

- Discussion on how Vermont’s Climate Superfund Bill might influence global climate accountability efforts.

- Potential parallels with existing U.S. lawsuits against oil majors.

Tobacco Litigation Parallel and Future of Climate Accountability

- Comparison of climate litigation to past tobacco lawsuits.

- Potential outcomes if the Vermont bill sets a precedent.

Guests:

- Dana Drugman - Independent climate journalist, founder of One Earth Now and expert on climate litigation and policy.

- Nigel Brook - Consultant with Clyde & Co., specialising in climate risk and litigation.

Connect

- LinkedIn

- BlueSky

[email protected]

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In this episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations, we delve into the intersecting crises of climate change, internal disintegration, and global security with Dr. Anatol Lieven, Quincy Institute Eurasia programme director. With a stellar career as a journalist, scholar, and author, Dr. Lieven brings a wealth of expertise to discuss the mounting challenges facing democracies worldwide.

Key Topics Discussed:

* Security Establishments and Climate Change:Dr. Lieven argues that inherited institutional priorities have led security establishments to focus on external threats, while the real challenges lie in internal disintegration driven by climate change, migration, and socioeconomic inequality.

* Green New Deal and Nationalism:A compelling advocate for a Green New Deal, but on “realist” grounds, Dr. Lieven emphasizes the importance of compensating those most affected by climate policies while ensuring that the rich bear their share of the burden. He suggests that patriotism should be harnessed to mobilize public support.

* U.S. Political Crisis and Constitutional Flaws:Lieven critiques the U.S. Constitution as "not fit for purpose" and explores the potential for a severe political crisis in the event of a contested 2024 election. He underscores the danger of both sides refusing to back down.

* Global Shocks and the Importance of Resilience:The need to build resilience against global shocks is paramount, argues Lieven. He discusses how competition with China can help, but warns that "just-in-time" supply chains are profoundly dangerous.

* Migration and Internal Stability:Migration remains a crucial issue affecting Western democracies, and Dr. Lieven describes how differing ideas about national identity can lead to severe polarization. He likens it to the challenges facing Middle Eastern democracies.

Dr. Lieven’s Catalysts

* The Uninhabitable Earth by David Wallace-Wells

* The Economics of Climate Change: The Stern Review by Nicholas Stern

* Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed by Jared Diamond

About the Guest: Dr. Anatol Lieven is the Director of the Eurasia Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. He has had a distinguished career as a journalist covering the former Soviet Union and Pakistan and has held academic positions at King's College London and Georgetown University in Qatar. He is the author of Climate Change and the Nation State.

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Connect with Us:

* Richard Delevan

Follow Anatol Lieven:

* Twitter

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 Adaptation and resilience may be the Final Frontier of climate tech. Until recently even talking about it openly was taboo. But can climate adaptation be investible? And if we start talking about it openly - and shifting investment in that direction - does that starve other mitigation pathways of capital?

Previous guest Ulrich Seitz, in just a few weeks after we spoke to him in November 2023, put together one of the first dedicated conferences just about climate adaptation investing - Adapt Your World 24, at the beautiful Nymphenburg Palace in Munich.

Ulrich kindly let us come as a guest to the event, which featured more than 70 funders and founders looking at adaptation as an investment theme.

Guests:

* Cleantech Group CEO Richard Youngman, who has analysed the investment and innovation landscape of climate tech since before it was called that - and get his views on what the capital stack for adaptation might look like, whether there’s a climate tech “bubble” after some Indoor Farming and Alternative Protein companies left some investors feeling sore, and where he’s paying most attention.

* Ororatech cofounder Thomas Grübler, a pioneer in using AI and satellite data to enhance efforts to control the wildfires that seem to grow each year in number, range, duration and intensity - costing up to 4% of GDP in just the US alone (see below).

Other clips:

We also bring you inside the Nymphenburg Palace to listen in on conversations around climate risk data, and VC and corporate investing:

* Ben Murphy from Kiko Ventures

* Tobias Engelmeier, CEO of VIDA

* Robert Sunderland, Director at RedLine Analytics

* Fonger Ypma, founder of Arctic Reflections (on re-icing the Arctic)

* Jil Lindauer of 2150 VC

* Dr. Helge Daebel of Emerald Technology Ventures, on VC life with lots of corporates as LPs

* Dr. Tim Jungblut, Venture Partner at Eurazeo

If you’re enjoying these conversations, consider becoming a paid subscriber at wickedproblems.earth to allow us to continue this work. And if you’re already a paid subscriber, thank you for your generosity.

Coming soon:

* InnovationZero takeaways featuring Laura Fleming from our friends at Hitachi Energy

* Anatol Lieven, fellow at the Quincy Institute, looks back on his Climate Change and the Nation State.

* The State of Climate Litigation and

* And tomorrow we’re off to the ClimateImpact Summit in Mayfair where we’ll be ferreting out more insights from the sector.

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In this episode, Richard Delevan is joined by Rupert Read and Liam Kavanagh, who are spearheading the Climate Majority Project. They dive deep into the implications of their initiative, discussing the current state of climate awareness and the strategic moves required to mobilize and empower a climate-conscious majority.

Key Topics Covered:

* Introduction to the Climate Majority Project: Read and Kavanagh outline the project's goals to deepen and activate a global concern for climate change, turning passive concern into active engagement​​.

* Challenges of Achieving a Climate Majority: The discussion covers the complexities of public opinion and activism, highlighting the necessity of sustained, strategic actions over simple technological or electoral solutions​​.

* Strategic Adaptation for Emergency Resilience (SAFER): Kavanagh introduces SAFER, a new campaign focused on making communities more resilient through proactive adaptation strategies​​.

* The Role of Public and Private Sectors: They discuss the critical role of both sectors in pushing for regulatory changes that support sustainable practices and climate adaptation​​.

* Empowerment through Education and Action: The importance of community-level actions and educational initiatives that enable individuals to engage with climate issues in meaningful ways is emphasized​​.

Guests:

* Rupert Read, Assistant Professor of Philosophy and former spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion.

* Liam Kavanagh, Social Scientist and Co-founder of the Life Itself Project. Speaking at Innovation Zero on 30 April.

Resources Mentioned:

* The Climate Majority Project Website: ClimateMajorityProject.com

* Book: "The Climate Majority Project" by Rupert Read and Liam Kavanagh et al

* BBC interview with Chris Stark:

* Our previous chat with Tadzio Mueller

* And Solitaire Townsend:

See you soon. Drop us a line at [email protected] to tell us what you think.

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Welcome back to Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations. This episode was supposed to come out last week. But Man plans and God laughs.

Fortunately, and thanks to the amazing skills of voice and production wunderkind Theodore Delevan, we’re able to bring you this slightly-delayed episode. 

• Our roundtable discussion with veteran journos and analysts: Jonathan Leake, Energy Editor at the Daily Telegraph; and Ryan Chilcote, former energy correspondent for CNN and Bloomberg. We get into 
• Fear & Loathing in Aberdeen after North Sea Oil
• An epochal ECHR ruling that climate protection is a human right
• A sneak peak at DESNZ’s solar plan
• Critical mineral alliances 
• + much more
• Additionally, this episode features abridged interviews with Stephen Crosher, CEO of “medium duration” high-density pumped hydro player RheEnergise; and Chris Adams of the Green Web Foundation, who share their pioneering work in energy storage and whether that work can help stop the Internet from remaining the world’s biggest coal-powered machine. Stay tuned for the full interviews with Stephen and Chris - only for subscribers at wickedproblems.earth.

• Green Web Foundation
• Mr. Chris Adams on LinkedIn
• RheEnergise
• Jonathan Leake at Daily Telegraph
• Ryan Chilcote on LinkedIn
• Pilita Clark on “What if emissions went down instead of up” in the FT

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*INNOVATION ZERO DEADLINE*

We’re getting this out before 31 March 2024 to remind you of your last chance to get free tickets to Innovation Zero at the London Olympia next month. Where you also might get a chance to see Matt Winning who will host the Innovation Zero Awards (ticketed separately) on the evening of 30th April.

After the 31st, tickets for the 2-day event go for £199 each.

TODAY’S BONUS EPISODE

Richard Delevan sits down with Dr. Matt Winning, who strikes the balance of being the OG of climate comedy with capital-S Serious academic as Head of Climate Research at Oxford Economics.

In addition to pitching ourselves to Gary Lineker and Goalhanger to front “The Rest is Climate”, and suggesting that outgoing Climate Change Committee head Chris Stark could benefit from his own Anger Translator (if you’ve seen the Obama version), we explore how Matt keeps that balance.

Show Notes

The Intersection of Comedy and Climate:

* Matt describes the moment he decided to merge his work on climate change with his passion for comedy.

* The challenges and rewards of communicating serious topics through humor.

Career Path and Unexpected Turns:

* Matt reflects on his unexpected journey from academia to the comedy stage.

* Discussion on how current events, like Brexit and the election of Trump, influenced his comedy on climate change.

Audience Reactions Over Time:

* How audience perceptions and knowledge of climate change have evolved since Matt started his comedy career.

* The impact of global events, such as the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the rise of Greta Thunberg, on public awareness.

The Dynamics of Climate Comedy:

* The process of crafting comedy that resonates with both climate experts and the general public.

* Matt's experience with balancing humor and factual accuracy in his performances.

Comedy as a Vehicle for Climate Communication:

* Insights into how comedy can break down barriers and engage people in climate conversations.

* Examples from Matt's shows that have effectively combined laughter with learning.

Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Ambitions:

* Matt shares his plans for future comedy projects, including shows that incorporate theatrical elements and staged protests.

* The importance of creating new platforms and spaces for climate-related comedy.

Links and Resources:

* Matt Winning's Website: mattwinning.com

* Machynlleth Comedy Festival: Details about Matt's participation and how to get tickets.

* Edinburgh Fringe Festival: Information on Matt's upcoming shows in August 2024.

* And Matt is one of LinkedIn’s best follows.

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Welcome back to Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations for a special Good Friday edition focused on the ever-evolving landscape of climate tech in the UK and Europe, the impacts of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, and insights into the insurance and energy sectors amidst climate change. Host Richard Delevan delves into these topics with insights from industry experts and reporters.

Featured Guests:

* Ben Cooke, Earth Editor, The Times

* Freya Pratty, Climate Tech Reporter, Financial Times-backed Sifted.eu

* Neil McLoughlin, Startup Coalition

Segment Highlights:

* Climate Tech in the UK and Europe: A discussion on the recent UK Climate Tech Index and the potential impact of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act on climate tech companies considering relocation for better subsidies and investor pressures. Insights from Ben Cooke on Parallel Carbon’s move to the US and Freya Pratty’s observations on the broader trends.

* Direct Air Capture and the Inflation Reduction Act: Ben Cooke shares insights from his article on Parallel Carbon, a direct air capture company moving from Manchester to Jersey City, NJ, highlighting the lure of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act's subsidies.

* The Impact of Energy Demand on Data Centers: Freya Pratty discusses her article on Oriole, which has just raised £10m and aims to dramatically reduce data center energy consumption using optical networks, shedding light on the significant energy demands of AI and data processing.

* Sifted 100 Report: A look into the UK and Ireland's top 100 companies by revenue, showcasing fintech dominance and emerging climate tech ventures. Freya Pratty discusses the findings and the future of climate tech investment.

* Climate Tech Index by Startup Coalition: Neil McLoughlin discusses the creation and purpose of their inaugural Climate Tech Index, its role in influencing policy, and the highlighted disparities and successes within the UK climate tech scene.

* Insurance and Climate Change: Ben Cooke’s upcoming piece on the challenges and rising costs of flood insurance in the UK, reflecting on the broader implications of climate change on insurability and homeowner vulnerabilities.

* Green Energy Tariffs and Corporate Practices: Freya Pratty teases an investigation into the transparency and impact of green electricity tariffs, aiming to demystify how companies label and benefit from "green" energy - and her hunt for climate tech founders who may have seller’s remorse for exiting to oil companies.

For more in-depth conversations on climate tech and to support our work, consider subscribing for an ad-free experience and access to exclusive content at wickedproblems.earth.

Credits:

* Production Assistance: Theodore Delevan

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