Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations

James Murray, Editor in Chief of Business Green, talks with Wicked Problems about everything from handling unexpected protestors to Terry Pratchett-inspired Solar Panel Theory of Socioeconomic Unfairness.

Join us as James shares insights from the Net Zero Festival, discusses the challenges of transition poverty, and offers a vision for a sustainable and equitable future.

The Boots Theory of Socioeconomic Unfairness: Drawing on Terry Pratchett's insightful humor, James discusses economic disparities in accessing green technology and the broader implications for the net zero transition.

Mastering Unplanned Moments: Hear about the unexpected stage invasion at the Net Zero Festival and James's perspective on handling protests with respect and understanding.

The Importance of Equitable Policies: A discussion on the necessity of designing policies and investments that recognize the risk of transition poverty and ensure benefits are shared equitably.

Celebrating Women in Green Business: James introduces the Women in Green Business Awards, highlighting the role of diversity in driving the green economy and addressing the green skills gap.

Looking Ahead to the Next Net Zero Festival: A sneak peek into the upcoming Net Zero Festival, its aims to celebrate and showcase the exciting developments in the green economy, and the introduction of a new, in-depth workshop stream.

James’ Catalysts

* David Wallace-Wells' "The Uninhabitable Earth" for its stark depiction of climate risks.

* George Monbiot's "Heat" as a pioneering discussion on achieving a net zero economy.

* Akshat Rathi's optimistic views in Climate Capitalism.

* David Roberts’ volts.wtf

Further Reading

* Women in Green Business Awards

* UK Green Business Awards (June)

Connect with James Murray

* LinkedIn

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* Follow us on LinkedIn or BlueSky for updates and discussions on the latest in climate tech and renewable energy.

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Freya Pratty, FT-backed Sifted.eu’s prolific climate tech reporter, joins Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations. Just in time for her scoop this morning about 2150.vc leading a ‘buzzy’ £22m Series A investment into Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy-backed, UK-based, direct air capture pioneer Mission Zero.

Episode Highlights:

• The Quest for White Hydrogen: Freya opens up about her exploration into white hydrogen, emphasizing its potential impact and the formidable challenges associated with harnessing this elusive energy source.
• Climate Adaptation & Venture Capital: A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to adaptation technologies. Freya shares her insights on the venture capital community's cautious engagement with climate adaptation tech despite its critical importance.
• The Rapid Evolution of Direct Air Capture (DAC): Freya discusses the advancements in DAC technology, highlighting companies that are pioneering scalable and efficient solutions to carbon capture.
• Unveiling the Vargas Group's Success: Anticipation builds as Freya teases her upcoming piece on the Vargas Group, a conglomerate known for its streak of successful climate tech ventures, underscoring a unique model of innovation and execution.

Name Checks:

• Sifted
• ClimateX
• Pale Blue Dot
• Planet A Ventures
• Mission Zero
• RealIce
• The Vargas Group (Mentioned as a successful conglomerate in climate tech)
• Northvolt, Polarium, H2 Green Steel, and Aira (All part of the Vargas Group's portfolio)

• LinkedIn

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• Follow us on LinkedIn or BlueSky for updates and discussions on the latest in climate tech and renewable energy.

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Ciarán Cuffe, prominent Green Party Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from Dublin, known for his pivotal role in shaping European climate and energy policies, joins the pod. We discuss the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, aimed at cutting the 40% EU emissions from buildings, and the pressing challenges and prospects leading up to the 2024 European Parliament elections.

Key Topics Discussed

* Climate Breakdown and Optimism: Cuffe opens with a stark observation of climate breakdown, underscored by the extreme weather events sweeping across Europe. Yet, he remains optimistic, citing Europe's advancements in doubling energy efficiency over the past decade as a beacon of hope and potential for future progress.

* European Elections and Climate Policy: As the conversation shifts towards the 2024 European Parliament elections, Cuffe expresses a desire to see the debate focus on the need for sustained green voices in European politics to ensure the continuity of ambitious climate policies.

* New Energy Performance of Buildings Directive: Cuffe shares insights into his instrumental role in navigating the recast directive through the EU's legislative process. The directive mandates a significant enhancement in the energy performance of buildings, aiming for an A energy rating by 2050, marking a pivotal step towards reducing the EU's carbon footprint.

* Challenges of Migration and Social Media's Role: Cuffe addresses the complexities of migration in Europe, advocating for a balanced and empathetic approach. He also highlights the concerning impact of social media in amplifying hate and driving violence, underscoring the need for more controlled and responsible digital communication platforms.

* Looking Ahead to Elections 2024: With an eye towards the future, Cuffe discusses his aspirations for further legislative impacts on Europe's green transition, emphasizing the critical role of continued innovation, investment, and international cooperation in tackling the climate crisis.

Episode Highlights with Timestamps

* [00:00:03-00:04:11] Cuffe's candid reflections on the mixed outcomes of COP28 and the intrinsic lag between political decision-making and scientific urgency.

* [00:06:48-00:07:33] The anticipated impact of the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the nuanced challenges of its implementation.

* [00:24:46-00:28:53] The potential effects of the 2024 European Parliament elections on climate policy, amidst a backdrop of rising right-wing populism.

* [00:28:53-00:33:20] Cuffe's nuanced take on migration, the importance of targeted development aid, and the critical need for a reevaluation of the Dublin regulation to foster a more equitable and sustainable approach to addressing global inequalities.

Connect with Us

* Follow us on LinkedIn or BlueSky for updates and discussions on the latest in climate tech and renewable energy.

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In this episode of Wicked Problems, Richard talks with Joe Pretorius, one of the visionaries behind the “toco” currency and co-founder of The Carbon Reserve, a non-profit central bank that will manage the money supply of tocos by matching them with carbon credits, with those assets backing the currency - marking a huge difference in approach to assets from the decentralised, vibes-driven approach of cryptocurrencies. As it launches in Switzerland this week, soon to be followed by a launch in Denmark, discover how this carbon-backed digital currency aims to transform our approach to climate change mitigation and foster a sustainable future.

Episode Highlights:

* Genesis of the Toco: Joe explains the inspiration behind Toco, detailing its function as an independent carbon-backed currency designed to directly link everyday economic activities with climate action.

* Toco's Mechanism and Impact: Discover how Toco operates, its backing by carbon mitigation assets, and the potential it holds for promoting sustainable practices among individuals and businesses alike.

* A Vision for Better Money: Joe shares his philosophical perspective on why a carbon-based currency could be the key to a better world, emphasizing how Toco can enable individuals to make a meaningful climate impact effortlessly.

* Personal Journey and Climate Awakening: Joe recounts a pivotal moment that deeply impacted his view on climate change, driving him to seek out innovative solutions and dedicate his efforts to environmental sustainability.

* Future Aspirations: Joe reflects on the potential long-term effects of Toco and similar initiatives on global climate policy, expressing hope for a future where financial systems are aligned with environmental goals.

Recommended Reading & Resources

* "Ministry for the Future" by Kim Stanley Robinson: A novel that explores the social and economic impacts of climate change, influencing Joe's thinking and many others in the climate tech space.

* The Toco App

* The Carbon Reserve: Learn more about the organization behind Toco and its mission to combat climate change through financial innovation.

Connect with Us

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

* …or rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform

* Follow us on LinkedIn or BlueSky for updates and discussions on the latest in climate tech and renewable energy.

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Welcome back to Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations. As the SEC votes today on new climate risk disclosure requirements for US public companies, here’s our conversation about the evolving landscape of climate disclosures with Ryan Skinner, Head of Research for Net Zero and Climate Risk at Verdantix — a leading market research firm advising on sustainability, operations, risk, and facilities management. Join us as we explore the complexities and challenges of climate risk, the role of financial disclosures in driving the climate transition, and the upcoming regulatory changes that could reshape corporate reporting.

Key Takeaways

* Financing the Climate Transition: Skinner discusses the critical role of transparent and comparable financial disclosures in mobilizing the billions, if not trillions, of dollars required for the climate transition. The conversation highlights the pivotal efforts, such as those led by Michael Bloomberg with the Task Force for Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), aimed at clarifying investor needs.

* Scope 3 Emissions Challenges: One of the focal points of our discussion is the contentious issue of Scope 3 emissions reporting. It’s unclear whether Scope 3 will be included in today’s final SEC rules. We talk through the controversy.

* The Uncertainty of SEC Rule Implementation: As we delve into the specifics of the upcoming SEC disclosure rule, Skinner sheds light on the uncertainty and skepticism about its finalization and implementation. The conversation considers the political and practical challenges of introducing such regulations, especially in an election year.

* Climate Skills Gap: A surprising insight from our discussion is the growing climate skills gap in the job market. Skinner points out the increasing demand for professionals with technical climate expertise, which far outstrips the current supply, underscoring the urgency of addressing this imbalance to effectively tackle climate risks.

Recommended Resources

* Verdantix Net Zero and Climate Risk Predictions for 2024

* Task Force for Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)

* Insights from Tariq Fancy on the limitations of ESG investing

Connect with Us

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* Follow us on LinkedIn or BlueSky for updates and discussions on the latest in climate tech and renewable energy.

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Richard Delevan sits down with Solitaire Townsend, author of The Solutionists: How Businesses Can Fix the Future and the co-founder of the sustainability consultancy Futerra.

* [00:03:00] Introduction: Solitaire Townsend's background and journey into environmental activism.

* [00:08:00] Optimism vs. Possibilism: Why embracing possibilism is crucial in the fight against climate change.

* [00:15:30] Storytelling as a Tool: The role of storytelling in shaping our environmental future.

* [00:22:45] Confronting Pessimism: Addressing the views of Just Collapse thinkers and the importance of maintaining hope.

* [00:30:00] The Danger of Fatalism: Discussing the "earned dystopia" narrative and its implications for climate action.

* [00:37:20] Practical Recommendations: Solitaire's advice for individuals seeking to contribute to positive change.

* [00:45:00] Closing Thoughts: The importance of imagination and creative solutions in environmental activism.

Solitaire’s Catalysts

* The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People and Planet by Leah Thomas

* What If We Get It Right? by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (pre-order)

* Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson

Related Links

Five Big Sustainability Prophesies For 2024 (Forbes) by Solitaire Townsend

Dr. Tadzio Mueller, Just Collapse

Steven Meersman, Zenobe

The Solutionists: How Businesses Can Fix the Future by Solitaire Townsend

Stories to Save the World, by Futerra

Connect with Us

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* Follow us on LinkedIn or BlueSky for updates and discussions on the latest in climate tech and renewable energy.

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Richard Delevan sits down with Steven Meersman, co-founder of Zenobē Energy, to discuss the electrifying path from a basement coffee shop meeting to leading a revolution in the renewable energy sector. Listen in as we explore the innovative strides Zenobē has made in battery storage and electric transportation, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in our pursuit of a sustainable future.

Episode Highlights

* [00:06:12] Overcoming challenges and scaling up in the renewable energy sector.

* [00:10:15] The transformative power of software in energy storage and electric vehicles.

* [00:16:10] Zenobē's approach to electrifying transportation and reducing carbon emissions.

* [00:21:47] Securing a monumental capital raise and planning for global expansion.

* [00:25:04] The story behind the name change from BESS to Zenobē.

* [00:31:55] Breaking into the U.S. market and the future of global energy systems.

* [00:38:22] Influences and recommendations from Steven Meersman

Featured Quotes:

* "We really got started in the Costa coffee on Piccadilly in the basement. I still remember doing the interview with our first employee Ned and him thinking like, 'Oh my God, what am I joining?'" - Steven Meersman

* "It's going to be Better Energy Storage Solutions because that's what... Well, let's put on the tin what it does, right?" - Steven Meersman on the original name of Zenobē.

* "If you want it to be ecologically sustainable and you want it to be adopted at scale today, then it has to be financially sustainable or advantageous to do so." - Steven Meersman

Steven's Catalysts

* "Power to the People - The Inside Story of AES and the Globalization of Electricity " by Peter Grose

* "Ministry for the Future" by Kim Stanley Robinson

* "Governing the Commons" by Elinor Ostrom

Connect with Us

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* Follow us on LinkedIn or BlueSky for updates and discussions on the latest in climate tech and renewable energy.

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What if we’re too late for a “Just Transition”, and the best we can hope for is a “Just Collapse”?

Dr. Tadzio Mueller started as an alter-globalisation protest leader in 1999 before embracing climate activism.

A spat on BlueSky with climate analyst and previous guest Ketan Joshi led to the suggestion to come on the show.

Richard differs on the inevitability, but this is a conversation, not a shouting match. It roams from LNG to “electric capitalism” to Paul Kingsnorth and crises of faith to Michael E. Mann to Isaac Asimov to adaptation.

Email [email protected]

Time Codes & Highlights

* [00:04:38] - Introduction to Tadzio Mueller, his background, and his evolution from an alter-globalization activist to a proponent of the "just collapse" theory.

* [00:05:20] - Insights into the dynamics of climate activism, the limitations of summit protests, and the strategic shifts within the movement.

* [00:11:04] - Mueller's personal journey through activism, including his preemptive arrest in 2009 and the realization of the inadequacies of current climate activism strategies.

* [00:17:31] - A critical examination of the relationship between economic growth and emissions, challenging the feasibility of decoupling them in the context of climate change.

* [00:26:59] - Exploring the psychological barriers to effective climate action, including societal repression and denial, and their impact on policy and activism.

* [00:33:56] - Introduction to the concept of "just collapse," its implications for society, and the necessity for a reevaluation of activism and societal priorities in the face of climate collapse and rising fascism.

* [00:54:58] - Mueller's take on the limitations of the degrowth movement and the distinction between analytical frameworks and actionable strategies in addressing climate collapse.

* [01:07:03] - Reflections on COVID-19 as a moment of potential leverage for governments to influence capitalism and its relevance to climate activism.

Recommended Resources

* Peaceful Sabotage - Where you can find his writings in German and English.

* Reflections on 1999 WTO protests in Seattle.

* Tadzio speaks in 2015 outside COP21 in Paris about the “Ende Gellände” movement that led to the pledge to phaseout lignite coal in Germany.

* Lützerath - the German village bulldozed in 2023 for a coalmine, and a turning point for Dr. Mueller.

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Welcome back for Series 2 of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations.

Farmers may wind up making or breaking our chance to tackle climate change.

In this episode Claire Brady and Richard Delevan speak with Antony Yousefian, partner at The First Thirty VC, shares his journey from finance to the forefront of climate tech and sustainable investment in the UK. Delving into the impacts of climate change on agriculture, the potential of regenerative farming, Antony provides invaluable insights into leveraging technology and capital for a greener future.

Time Codes & Highlights:

• [00:01:30] - Antony shares his background in finance and the transition towards sustainable investments and the decarbonisation of financial assets.
• [00:05:25] - Discussion on the challenges of ESG quantification and the journey towards actionable metrics in sustainable investment.
• [00:06:24] - Antony highlights the significance of food security, climate change, and the crucial role of sustainable agriculture in addressing these issues.
• [00:10:56] - Insights into regenerative agriculture, carbon sequestration, and the necessity of incentivising sustainable farming practices.
• [00:25:58] - The role of AI in capturing data and enabling sector growth, and the importance of data in attracting capital to sustainability efforts.
• [00:31:22] - Why investing in nature tech and the food system is bankable and the opportunity for returns on investment.
• [00:36:47] - Antony provides recommendations for books, films, and podcasts that have influenced his perspective on sustainability and agriculture.

Antony’s Catalysts:

• Films: "Kiss the Ground" and "The Biggest Little Farm" for insights into regenerative agriculture's potential.
• Book: "What Your Food Ate" by David R. Montgomery and Anne Biklé, exploring the impact of soil health on food nutrition.
• Podcasts: "Investing in Regenerative Agriculture" by Koen van Seijen and "Regenerative Agriculture" by John Kempf for discussions on the future of farming.
• Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit on climate-caused food price inflation.

Contact:

• Connect with Antony Yousefian on LinkedIn

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In case you missed it, here's our most popular episode of 2023 - our chat with the one and only Michael Barnard.

Back in October, we talked about IEA's World Energy Outlook, COP28, Hydrogen hopium, CCUS, predatory delay, HVDC, electrification, LDES, Michael Liebreich, and MPs "with the STEM background of illiterate newts"

Subscribe to our newsletter at news.wickedproblems.uk, and get new #climatetech conversations first with co-hosts Richard Delevan and Claire Brady.

Michael Barnard is a Forbes and Cleantechnica contributor, chief strategist at The Future is Electric, and climate futurist advising global corporates and financial institutions on decarbonisation scenarios with 80-year horizons. And woe be unto you if you turn up in his LinkedIn comments without receipts. 

This week the IEA released its 2023 World Energy Outlook, an updated Michael Liebreich Hydrogen Ladder 5.0, and #COP28 is only a month away - making it the perfect time to check in with the most unfiltered energy and climate tech strategists around. 

He comprehensively out-nerds host Richard Delevan in this episode of the Wicked Problems Podcast. 

Michael’s Catalysts: 

Good Strategy Bad Strategy: The Difference and Why It Matters by Richard Rummelt - a key for understanding Barnard’s ruthless focus on what’s real.

Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order by Ray Dalio 

Has China Won? The Chinese Challenge to American Primacy by Kishore Mambabani - The Eminence Grise behind Singapore’s Lee Kwan Yew 

Co-hosts Claire Brady (LinkedIn) and Richard Delevan will be back soon with another epsiode. For ad-free listening, subscribe at news.wickedproblems.uk

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