Imagine living in Los Angeles. Imagine that you actually wrote something nearly 10 years ago that pretty much nailed the fire we’re seeing this month. Imagine you put 10 years of your life into writing a novel that cut no corners and tried to make real the stakes and the conflicts those disasters would bring up – as a warning to act sooner. Now imagine the worst person in the world taking credit for your work while using the tragedy – that you forsaw – to turn people against the solutions that would do something to stop more of these disasters happening in future.

How Stephen Markley, author of 2023 novel The Deluge, is keeping it together despite all the above I will never know, but I’m grateful he could make time to speak with me this week. And do suggest future guests to me on BlueSky or in the comments below.

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00:19 Predicting the Fire Disaster

01:05 Reflecting on the Current Week

02:12 Living Through the Fire

03:43 The Role of Environmental Regulations

04:21 Interview with Stephen Markley

06:26 Stephen's Experience During the Fires

11:23 The Political Landscape and Climate Policy

26:43 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

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In this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delevan interviews Laurent Segalen, co-host of Redefining Energy, about his North Atlantic Transmission One - Link project. The discussion covers the project's ambitious goal of connecting the energy grids of North America and Europe via a 6 GW undersea cable to increase energy security and resilience, especially in a world increasingly dependent on renewables. Laurent shares his personal journey that led him to this project, including the influence of key historical events and past experiences in energy trading and investment. The conversation touches on the technical, financial, and geopolitical aspects of the project, as well as the challenges and feasibility studies conducted. The episode concludes with insights into the project's potential security implications and future developments.

00:00 Introduction to Wicked Problems

00:45 International Energy Connections

01:57 The Future of Global Energy Trade

03:58 Interview with Laurent Seguelin

04:51 Laurent's Early Influences

11:43 The Birth of Scope 2

16:46 The North Atlantic Transmission Project

24:19 Feasibility and Future Prospects

26:43 Starting the Project: Initial Challenges and Collaborations

27:54 Wind Data Analysis: Newfoundland and Ireland

28:51 Hydro and Wind Energy Developments

30:55 Investor Discussions and Independent Reports

34:34 Technical and Logistical Considerations

40:53 Cost and Feasibility of the Project

45:56 Security Concerns and Strategic Importance

48:14 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

51:54 Conclusion and Closing Remarks

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For full show notes, ad-free listening, and our newsletter, check out wickedproblems.earth.

In this episode of Wicked Problems, Richard Delevan talks with Laurie Laybourn of the Strategic Climate Risks Initiative and James Dyke from the University of Exeter. They tackle the stark reality that the preemptive climate strategies have largely failed and emphasize the need to leverage state capacities discovered during crises like COVID-19 to address the climate emergency. They explore concepts such as 'derailment risk' and discuss the potential catastrophic outcomes of the climate crisis, highlighting the vital need for dramatic policy changes and the role of academia, policymakers, and the private sector in combating climate change. The conversation also touches on the moral implications of surpassing the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold and the cynical role of fossil fuel interests. Dyke and Laybourn underscore the urgency for immediate, effective climate action and cooperation at a global scale.

00:00 Introduction: Extraordinary Times and Climate Challenges

00:20 The Climate Crisis: A Battle Unfought

00:59 Real World Conversations: Experts Weigh In

02:38 Introducing Laurie Laybourne and James Dyke

03:40 The Doom Loop: Climate and Economic Risks

11:05 Cascading Risks and National Security

13:33 State Capacity and Climate Action

24:42 Geoengineering: The Last Resort?

30:30 Complacency in Risk Assessments

31:45 Geoengineering and Emergency Toolkits

32:51 The Urgency of Climate Action

34:53 Societal Change and Optimism

38:22 Financial Markets and Climate Risk

44:39 The Role of Private Capital

54:30 The Reality of Climate Protests

01:01:26 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook

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The last few days we’ve been tracking some of the nominees for Donald Trump’s Insane Clown Posse Cabinet. Starting with Chris Wright at Energy (better than expected!) and then Lee Zeldin at EPA (and NGL was fun to watch him get stuffed into a locker by Bernie Sanders, Ed Markey, and Sheldon Whitehouse). But after 9 hours of hearings watched for you, here’s the final Trump energy boss - Interior Sec nominee and potential head of the National Energy Council, North Dakota governor and billionaire Doug Burgum. 

Burgum is a fan of “clean coal”, “methane capture”, and “energy dominance” - and while he says he acknowledges climate change doesn’t think it matters next to using more coal to build more AI data centres to beat China. But like the LA fires, whether or not you believe in climate change, climate change believes in you. 

And if Doug Burgum becomes Interior Sec he will be responsible for brokering a deal next year to replace the expiring 100-year-old agreement between the Western US states including 40 million people to divide up the flow of the Colorado River. But in 2026, the Colorado will be in the middle of a 10,000-year-drought and a long-term decline - all due to climate change. Meaning there is a lot less to go around. 

We would have loved to hear more informed questioning about claims about the track record of carbon capture or rebuttal of nonsense claims that eg 'solar is more expensive than coal'. Even Angus King from Maine, almost certainly the best of the bunch, barely laid a glove on him.

Join us at wickedproblems.earth to get these episodes ad-free and to get our newsletter and other content. Starting tomorrow, independent media that will offer insight and analysis without fear or favour will be more important than ever. But together we'll get through this.

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In this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delevan delves into the intense political landscape following Donald Trump's return to the White House and the subsequent Senate confirmation hearings for key nominees responsible for climate and energy policy. This detailed episode features in-depth discussions on climate and energy, examining the roles of various nominees, including former Congressman Lee Zeldin, in shaping future policies. Key highlights include probing questions from Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Ed Markey, who challenge Zeldin on his stance towards climate change and the fossil fuel industry. Additionally, the episode touches on the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act, the significant power wielded by the Department of Energy, and the critical issue of water rights in the context of the Colorado River. This episode promises a rich blend of urgent climate discussions, political dynamics, and the stakes for future U.S. energy policies. For listeners seeking a deeper understanding of these pivotal hearings and their potential impact on climate action, this episode is a must-listen.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:05 Trump's Influence on EPA and Fossil Fuel Politics

00:57 Senate Confirmation Hearings Overview

01:49 Climate and Energy Policy Debates

02:29 Chris Wright's Nomination for Energy Secretary

03:45 Lee Zeldin's Hearing and Climate Concerns

06:22 Sheldon Whitehouse's Opening Remarks

13:55 Senator Whitehouse Questions Lee Zeldin

19:18 Senator Ed Markey's Climate Change Concerns

31:57 Conclusion and Call to Action

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In this episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations, host Richard Delevan takes a closer look at the political theater surrounding the Senate confirmation hearings of Chris Wright, the Trump administration’s 2025 nominee for U.S. Energy Secretary. Wright, a vocal advocate for fossil fuels and CEO of Liberty Energy, has sparked controversy with his industry-first approach to energy policy and public comments dismissing the urgency of climate change.

We unpack the political, environmental, and cultural implications of Wright’s nomination, asking hard questions about how his potential leadership could shape America’s energy future.

• Chris Wright’s Energy Vision: Wright’s track record at Liberty Energy and his public statements on energy policy. How does his vision align—or clash—with the realities of a warming planet?
• The Confirmation Drama: Key moments from the Senate hearings, including fiery exchanges over Wright’s commitment to renewable energy investments and grid modernization.
• Fossil Fuels vs. Climate Policy: What Wright’s nomination signals about the Trump administration’s energy priorities in 2025 and the broader implications for global climate efforts.
• The “Non-Psychopath” Lens: A closer look at the surprisingly candid remarks from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle questioning whether Wright’s policies reflect a balanced, forward-thinking approach—or a dangerous return to fossil fuel dominance.
• Impacts on Climate Tech: How Wright’s potential confirmation could affect the U.S. energy landscape, from renewable energy incentives to innovation funding for climate tech startups.

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German political scientist, author and climate activist Tadzio Müller is pretty dark. But even he’s having trouble coping with the news. So he’s reading dystopian climate fiction, because it’s less depressing. Most recently, friend-of-the-show Stephen Markley’s The Deluge.

Given the week that’s in it we of course had to talk about the wildfires but also the rise of Alice Weidel and Tadzio decoding her “Windmills of Shame” comment, which to a non-German just sounds like Trump with better writing but to this German sounds a lot more purposeful and sinister. 

Tadzio argues it would be a mistake to ignore the fact that there is a coherent political strategy at work behind those kind of daft-sounding comments that fly in the face of supposedly overwhelming support for climate solutions whether they’re from AfD, Donald Trump, or Nigel Farage.

Tadzio has his own book out - available later this spring in English - the rough translation of the title is Between Peaceful Sabotage and Collapse: How I Learned to Love the Future Again. But don’t wait - after you listen or watch this third chat between your friendly neighbourhood neoliberal shill here and this German gay communist being far more articulate in English than the native speaker, subscribe to his “Peaceful Sabotage” newsletter to get a sense. Unlike the grumpier, earnest end of the climate movement, the great thing about Tadzio is that he (despite being as prone to depression as I am) is just so damned funny. But we did our best to keep him honest - despite the fact that when we first spoke a year ago we both made some predictions about 2024. If anything, his dark foreboding low-balled how bad the year would be. 

In 2025 I think we’re probably more in sync. And careful listeners will hear him trail “Collapse Camp” - a successor to “climate camp” - which will be apparently a mini-festival at the end of August where you can share bushcraft and other survival tips for coming climate catastrophes while also doing the things festivals are generally known for. We’ll keep you informed. 

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction: Shame and Guilt in Politics 

01:02 The Rise of Fascism in Germany 

03:12 The Collapse of Societies 

08:33 Climate Change and Irrationality 

23:20 The Politics of Catastrophe 

38:34 A Rainbow Family and Right-Wing Politics 

39:12 Facing Fears and Political Solidarity 

39:42 FEMA and Fascist Militias 

41:39 Redefining Progressive Politics 

42:22 Personal Anecdotes and Community Engagement 

44:24 The Emotional Labor of Acceptance 

47:32 Solidarity and Collective Prepping 

49:38 Dystopian Futures and Political Realities 

55:00 Enemies and Political Negativity 

01:07:56 Looking Forward: Collapse Camp and Future Plans

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In this episode, host Richard Delevan dives into the transformative legal battles shaping the future of climate accountability. From Vermont’s trailblazing Climate Superfund law to New York’s bold move to hold oil and gas companies financially liable for adaptation costs, we explore the "pincer movement" of legislation and litigation forcing polluters to pay.

Joining the conversation is Dana Drugmand, founder of Climate in the Courts, who shares insights into the biggest legal wins of 2024 and what they mean for 2025. From Montana’s historic recognition of a constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment to groundbreaking rulings in Europe and the International Court of Justice, this episode unpacks how courts and laws are changing the climate accountability landscape.

Key Topics Covered:

• The growing momentum behind “polluter pays” laws in Vermont and New York
• Youth-led climate cases in Montana, Hawaii, and South Korea
• The role of human rights in climate litigation globally
• The International Court of Justice’s potential impact on global climate obligations
• How legal wins can drive innovation in climate technology

Links and Resources:

• Learn more about Vermont’s Climate Superfund law: Read here
• Details on New York’s Climate Superfund law: Read here
• Explore Dana Drugmand’s Climate in the Courts: Visit here
• ICJ Climate Hearings Overview: Learn more
• Polluter Pays Climate Fund Act Insights: Data for Progress

Follow Us:

• Subscribe to Wicked Problems for more climate tech insights: Spotify | Apple Podcasts 
• Support us and get our newsletter, ad-free episodes, and full show notes: wickedproblems.earth

Join us as we unpack the legal battles at the forefront of climate action and explore how they could reshape our future.

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In this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delavan talks with energy expert Alexina Jackson about the digital transformation of the energy grid. They discuss the impact of grid-enhancing technologies, the significance of dynamic line ratings, and the role of storage and AI in optimizing the energy system. Alekshina shares her journey into the energy sector, emphasizing the importance of sustainability, digital solutions, and informed decision-making. They also explore the future challenges and opportunities in the energy landscape, focusing on economic growth, climate change, and technological advancements.

00:00 Introduction and Investment Verification

00:30 Welcome to Wicked Problems

00:31 Meet Alekshina Jackson: Energy Expert

01:08 Alekshina's Career Journey

02:36 Digital Transformation in Energy

07:40 Grid Enhancing Technologies

12:13 The Future of Energy Systems

15:29 Investment Strategies and Digitalization

21:21 Technological Innovations and AI

31:09 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

38:37 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

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Welcome to a special milestone episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations! In this 100th episode, hosts Richard Delevan and Peter Schwartzstein reflect on a tumultuous yet transformative 2024, joined by a host of friends and contributors from the climate tech and advocacy world. Together, they share personal highlights, challenges, and their hopes for 2025. Here's what to expect:

• Reflections on 2024: Peter celebrates the release of his long-awaited book, while Richard ponders the year's most maddening moments, including political turmoil and the slow pace of global climate action.
• Guest Spotlights:
• Adam Bell (Stonehaven) celebrates the UK government’s ambitious plan to overhaul the power system in just five years while questioning whether they’ll muster the resolve to see it through.
• Sarah Mackintosh (Cleantech for UK) highlights the closure of the UK’s last coal-fired power station and the lifting of the ban on onshore wind as key milestones for clean energy.
• Rupert Read (Climate Majority Project) turns catastrophe into a rallying cry, framing 2024’s challenges as a wake-up call for strategic adaptation.
• Jenny Chase (Bloomberg NEF) marvels at the solar boom in Pakistan and speculates on which country will follow suit in 2025.
• Dr. Matt Winning (Comedian and Lecturer) lightens the mood with his reflections on climate humor and hopes for action at COP in Brazil.
• Hannah Scott (Oxfordshire Green Tech) shares progress on the Climate Tech Supercluster, building a world-leading innovation ecosystem.
• Stephen (Climate Impact) discusses the momentum around fusion energy and the launch of new conferences to foster collaboration in the space.
• Tadzio Muller (Activist) emphasizes the importance of finding agency amidst systemic crises, offering a pragmatic yet optimistic take on climate justice.

• The personal and professional victories that keep the climate tech community hopeful despite daunting obstacles.
• How politics shapes climate action, with contributors tackling the implications of global and local governance shifts, including a second Trump administration.
• The path forward for 2025: from fusion energy breakthroughs to decarbonizing transport and reshaping planning systems.

• Behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the show’s creation, including shoutouts to musical collaborators and reflections on guestlist privileges!
• A humorous exchange about the team’s occasional carol karaoke adventures.

• Climate challenges may seem insurmountable, but community, innovation, and collaboration can help shift the needle.
• As we move into 2025, clarity on problems could lead to greater clarity of purpose in tackling them.

Tune in to hear from some of the brightest minds in climate tech and policy as we celebrate the power of storytelling, advocacy, and action. Here's to 100 episodes of wickedly good conversations—and to many more ahead!

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