Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations

UK Government's Bold Climate Goals: Renewable Energy and Policy ReviewIn this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delavan discusses British energy policy and climate strategy with notable guests Adam Bell, Director of Policy at Stonehaven UK, and Trevor Hutchings, CEO of the Renewable Energy Association (REA). They explore the UK government's ambitious plans for ramping up renewable energy, infrastructure investments, and the strategic choices surrounding emerging technology and planning reforms. Bell and Hutchings offer insights into the new roles of the Crown Estate, planning process acceleration, potential investments in offshore wind, hydrogen, and small nuclear projects, as well as the importance of robust cross-departmental government collaboration and innovative industry leadership. Additionally, Hutchings emphasizes the significance of consumer engagement, skills development, and the broader economic implications of the renewable energy transition.00:43 Intro01:57 Adam Bell, director of policy at Stonehaven UK16:17 Trevor Hutchings, REA on the race for Clean Power 2030

Navigating Sustainability in Travel and PoliticsIn this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delevan discusses the intersection of politics, travel, and sustainability. Delayed by recent significant events, the episode reflects on potential political shifts with Kamala Harris possibly picking a new VP nominee and the implications of such a move. Richard interviews Justin Reid from TripAdvisor about sustainable travel trends and consumer behavior, discussing the balance between enjoying travel and minimizing environmental impact. The episode also highlights significant political developments, including Joe Biden stepping down and JD Vance's nomination as the Republican VP candidate. The show notes an upcoming live event at the Labour Party Conference and looks ahead at future episodes on climate tech companies in Texas. Visit wickedproblems.earth to find out more!0:00 Sustainable Travel with TripAdvisor's Justin Reid and 28:09 Can Andy Beshear save the IRA?

Attempted Assassination at Trump Rally: A Reporter’s Eyewitness AccountThis video script details a harrowing recount of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania. The narrative follows Greg Walton, a foreign correspondent for Agence France-Presse, providing a firsthand account of the chaotic and tragic event. Walton describes the moment shots were fired, the crowd's reaction, and the subsequent confusion and blame directed toward the media. The script also touches on broader political implications, climate tech discussions overshadowed by the incident, and Walton's perspective on covering such events as a foreign correspondent.00:00 Introduction and Initial Setup00:44 Breaking News: Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump01:35 On the Scene: Greg Walton's Eyewitness Account07:37 The Crowd's Reaction and Media's Role18:46 Security Concerns and Secret Service Response22:01 Suspect Profile and Investigation24:24 Implications for the Election and Climate Policy30:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Subscribe at wickedproblems.earth to get us ad-free!In this episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations, host Richard Delevan sits down with Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, to delve into the transformative potential and current challenges of solar power in Europe. The conversation spans the explosive growth of solar installations, the strategic goals of SolarPower Europe, and the imperative need for a flexibility revolution in energy systems.Solar Power Growth and Impact: The discussion begins with an exploration of the remarkable growth in solar installations in Europe, with over 100 gigawatts added in the last two years alone. Walburga explains the multifaceted factors driving this growth, including plummeting costs of solar modules and the versatile applications of solar technology, from large-scale plants to residential rooftops and even agricultural settings.Manufacturing and Innovation: Richard and Walburga address the challenges and opportunities in solar manufacturing. While Europe has lost its leadership in manufacturing to Asia, there is a concerted effort to regain this position through innovation and strategic investments. Walburga discusses the importance of scaling up manufacturing and the need for supportive policies and financing to achieve this goal.Flexibility Revolution: A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the need for a flexibility revolution in the energy system. Walburga stresses the importance of integrating demand-side and supply-side flexibility to manage the intermittency of solar power and prevent energy waste. This includes electrification of various sectors, enhanced grid connectivity, and substantial investments in storage solutions like batteries and hydrogen.Policy and Regulation: The discussion also touches on the critical role of policy and regulation in facilitating the growth of solar power. Walburga highlights the need for targeted incentives, digitalization of processes, and harmonized standards across Europe. She emphasizes the importance of eliminating barriers such as double grid charges and enabling co-location of different renewable technologies to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness.Challenges and Misinformation: Richard and Walburga address common misconceptions and misinformation about solar power, such as concerns about land use for solar farms. Walburga provides data to counter these arguments, demonstrating the minimal land impact of solar installations compared to other uses like golf courses. They also discuss the broader societal benefits of solar power, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs, and increased competitiveness for European industries.Future Outlook: Looking ahead, Walburga expresses optimism about the future of solar power in Europe, provided that the necessary investments and regulatory frameworks are put in place. She underscores the urgency of accelerating electrification and flexibility to meet climate goals and ensure energy security.Conclusion: The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of the critical role solar power plays in the energy transition. Richard thanks Walburga for her insights and encourages listeners to engage with the SolarPower Europe’s Solar Mission 2040 report, which outlines the path to a sustainable and resilient energy future.Links and Resources:Solar Mission 2040 ReportWalburga Hemetsberger on LinkedIn

Guests:Adam Bell, Director of Policy at StonehavenMegan Kenyon, Policy Correspondent at The New StatesmanSugandha Srivastav, British Academy Fellow and Lecturer in Environmental Economics at the Smith School, Oxford UniversityOne week after Labour’s sweeping victory, we ask three of the smartest observers of UK climate and climate tech policy about early moves like the hiring of Chris Stark, the removal of the offshore wind ban, and picking a fight with NIMBYs - some of whom may turn out to be people who otherwise argue for faster climate action in the Greens and Lib Dems. Can they keep up the pace? UK's New Climate Policies:Adam Bell discusses the recent swift actions by the new UK government, such as lifting the ban on onshore wind. He highlights the necessity of equitable climate policies to avoid creating "low carbon haves and have-nots" and the potential for backlash if climate benefits are not widely shared​Challenges and Strategies in Climate Communication:Adam Bell emphasizes the importance of innovative communication strategies to garner local support for climate projects. He suggests that community-specific benefits, such as cash payments or co-ownership, might be necessary to gain broader acceptance of renewable infrastructure projects like pylons and wind turbines​(Meeting with Richard De…)​.Policy Insights and Green Economy Reporting:Megan Kenyon shares insights from her reporting on the green economy, including the rapid policy shifts following the UK election. She mentions the importance of engaging the community in the planning and implementation of climate projects to ensure their success and sustainability​Global Climate Action and Economic Implications:Sugandha Srivastav discusses the broader global context, focusing on emerging markets like India and their significant impact on global emissions. Innovative Approaches to Climate Policy:Sugandha highlights the importance of using the latest and most efficient technologies in the energy transition and the economic advantages of renewable energy over fossil fuels. She underscores the need for public investment in areas that provide significant societal benefits, drawing parallels with the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine​Resources Mentioned:Adam Bell's Upcoming Paper: Adam mentions an upcoming paper that outlines strategies for achieving the UK's 2030 climate goals. Keep an eye out for this report for detailed policy recommendations​ at StonehavenMegan Kenyon's Green Economy Reporting: Subscribe to The New Statesman's "Green Transition" newsletter for in-depth analysis and updates on the green economy.Sugandha Srivastav's Work on Renewable Energy: Check out Sugandha's TEDx talk and her article in The Conversation about the potential of renewable energy and the economic implications of transitioning from fossil fuels. Subscribe at wickedproblems.earth to go ad-free and get our show notes.

As Running Tide folds and Microsoft and Google scramble to figure out how to make up for rising emissions from AI and data centres, what’s next for the carbon removals market?Recovering lawyer John Lin and Dr. Amber Janda, co-founders of Tau Carbon, join us to discuss. They discuss their journey from academics and different career paths to establishing a company focused on carbon removal using innovative biomass storage solutions. The conversation explores the inspiration behind their venture, the technical and logistical challenges they faced, and the implications of carbon market dynamics. Highlighting the importance of low-cost, scalable solutions, Tau Carbon aims to preserve biomass in an above-ground system to efficiently capture and retain CO2. The co-founders also reflect on the competitive landscape, referencing similar startups like Graphyte, and discuss policy needs to support broader adoption of carbon removal technologies.Wicked Problems is member-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.00:00 Introduction to Wicked Problems00:14 Inspiration and Challenges in Climate Tech01:24 UK Climate Politics and Global Tech Reactions03:18 Introduction to Tau Carbon04:34 John's Journey from Law to Climate Tech06:48 Amber's Path in Chemical Engineering09:58 The Genesis of Tau Carbon14:37 Challenges and Evolution in Carbon Removal20:00 Business Viability and Market Challenges25:11 Reacting to Running Tide's Unexpected Exit25:57 Challenges in Carbon Credit Market27:23 Measurability and MRV in Carbon Removal28:04 Technical Aspects of Carbon Storage31:39 Comparing Approaches: Tau vs. Graphyte37:08 Policy and Market Dynamics in CDR42:35 Future Prospects and Final ThoughtsCatalysts for John and Amber* Greta Thunberg - John was deeply inspired by Greta Thunberg’s activism, which galvanized people worldwide to take action on climate change. Her ability to mobilize masses highlighted the power of collective action.More about Greta Thunberg* "An Inconvenient Truth" by Al Gore - Both John and Amber cited this seminal documentary as a major influence. It played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the urgency of climate change and inspired them to pursue solutions in this field.Watch "An Inconvenient Truth" on Amazon* "Good Night, and Good Luck" (2005) - Amber mentioned this film about Edward R. Murrow's battle against Senator McCarthy as influential. It underscored the importance of using one's skills and platforms for the greater good.Watch "Good Night, and Good Luck" on AmazonSubscribe at wickedproblems.earth to get ad-free episodes and support our work.

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 speakersWicked Problems is member-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber at wickedproblems.earth.Here’s this episode’s lineup.00:00 Introduction to Climate Justice and Global South Concerns00:50 Upcoming UK Election and Climate Leadership01:00 Intro 01:58 Grantham Institute's Climate Litigation Report02:33 Live Election Night Event Announcement03:28 Interview with Kate Higham on Climate Litigation Trends07:42 Challenges in Climate Litigation and Biodiversity Cases14:28 Polluter Pays Cases and Global Tax Proposals22:23 Political Implications of Climate Litigation29:05 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsBecause 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!

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.Part 1: Hal Hodson, Americas Editor of The EconomistHal 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 transitionPositive feedback loops in solar energy adoptionThe challenges and future potential of solar energyComparison to information processing technologiesRead more from Hal Hodson: The Economist - Solar Special IssuePart 2: Sarah Mackintosh, CEO of Cleantech for UKSarah 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 opportunityThe need for detailed plans and ambitious policiesThe importance of skills transition and workforce planningLearn more about Cleantech for UK: Cleantech for UKCatalystsOliver Morton - Editor and author known for his works on climate and energy. Recommended books:Eating the SunThe Planet RemadeScience 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 InformationChaosSign up for the live stream: Election Night Live StreamGet more at wickedproblems.earth