Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations

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 Verification00:30 Welcome to Wicked Problems00:31 Meet Alekshina Jackson: Energy Expert01:08 Alekshina's Career Journey02:36 Digital Transformation in Energy07:40 Grid Enhancing Technologies12:13 The Future of Energy Systems15:29 Investment Strategies and Digitalization21:21 Technological Innovations and AI31:09 Final Thoughts and Recommendations38:37 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

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:Highlights from the Episode: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.Themes Explored: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.Special Moments: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.Key Takeaways: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.Join the Conversation: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!

Welcome to another episode of 'Wicked Problems: Climate Tech Conversations.' In this episode, host Richard Delevan is joined by Yehuda Borenstein, a serial climate tech venture builder and Chairman & Co-founder of the Direct Air Capture (DAC) startup RepAir. Yehuda discusses his journey and the innovations his team is working on to solve one of the most pressing issues of our time: climate change. From DAC technology to integrating carbon capture with renewable energy, we dive into the nuts and bolts of the solutions that could help humanity reach net zero emissions. Yehuda also addresses the challenges and criticisms associated with funding from oil companies and shares his perspective on the broader climate tech landscape. This episode is packed with insights, optimism, and practical advice on tackling climate change. Don't miss Yehuda's firsthand insights into the future of carbon capture and the technologies that are transforming our fight against global warming. Please like, rate, and review on your favourite podcast platform, and consider subscribing to WickedProblems.Earth for an ad-free experience and exclusive content.00:51 Challenges in Carbon Dioxide Removal03:09 Key Technology Areas for Climate Solutions07:06 Interview with Yehuda Borenstein07:24 Yehuda's Journey in Climate Tech28:38 Innovations in CapEx and Material Efficiency29:51 Addressing Common Questions in Climate Tech30:23 Challenges and Solutions for Off-Takers and Customers31:10 Carbon Capture Strategies and Market Dynamics34:08 Innovative Approaches to Carbon Capture39:15 Energy Requirements and Economic Implications43:24 Storage Methodologies and Practical Demonstrations47:41 The Role of Oil Companies in Decarbonization49:58 Reflections on Climate Week and Industry Sentiments55:26 CATALYSTS: Personal Motivations and Inspirations

New times need new thinking. So Richard sits down with Jim Spencer, vet of the US renewables industry, now president and CEO of Exus Renewables North America. "Repowering" was already becoming important for getting more out of existing sites but could well become essential as electricity demand grows exponentially, the windiest sites have been developed, and political uncertainty means re-powering an existing site to make it generate more electricity could become even more attractive. For full show notes, ad-free listening, and more, come to wickedproblems.earth.00:00 Introduction to Power Demand00:15 Welcome to Wicked Problems00:58 The Evolution of Wind Energy01:21 Jim Spencer's Journey02:05 Challenges in Early Renewable Energy06:09 Pivot to Wind Energy22:38 Political and Market Dynamics31:41 Future of Renewable Energy36:14 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Author of Saving Ourselves, Professor Dana R. Fisher of American University, helps make sense of where we are as 2024 comes towards its close. And the dilemma that it will have to get worse before it gets better, but there's no other realistic way through.In this episode, we delve into the pressing issue of climate shocks, which are intensified by climate change and manifest as floods, fires, heat waves, and droughts. As we approach 2025, these disasters are expected to become more frequent and severe across the globe. Join us for an insightful discussion on how these climatic events are already affecting our world and what we can expect in the near future. Happy holidays to everyone, despite the serious topic at hand.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:45 Upcoming Content and Announcements01:51 Climate Tech and UK Leadership03:03 Realizations and Reflections on Climate Goals07:11 Introducing Professor Dana Fisher07:28 Discussion with Professor Dana Fisher07:52 The Concept of Apocalyptic Optimism10:06 The Role of Disasters in Climate Mobilization14:11 The Anthro Shift Theory21:14 Political Dynamics and Climate Policy40:31 Climate Policy and Political Ideologies41:02 Impact of Climate Shocks on Policy Support41:16 Challenges of Misinformation and Conspiracy Theories42:12 Community Resilience and Local Support42:43 Political Responses to Climate Disasters44:07 Scientific Analysis and Public Perception44:49 Relational Connections and Effective Communication52:29 Lessons from Historical Movements01:01:58 Building Community Resilience01:06:00 Hope and Optimism in Climate Action

Newsletter & full shownotes at wickedproblems.earth.The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has taken on a landmark climate case, spearheaded by the small island nation of Vanuatu, in collaboration with youth leaders and seasoned climate advocates. It’s a story of legal innovation and breaking points.We were honored to speak with Professor Elisabeth Holland, a pioneer in climate negotiations and a guiding force behind the Pacific region’s climate leadership. Joining us was Loes van Dijk, founder of Climate Court (you should subscribe) and a returning voice on our show. Together, we explored the origins, stakes, and possible outcomes of this unprecedented ICJ case.From Classroom to CourtroomWhen law students at the University of the South Pacific were challenged to imagine actionable solutions to the climate crisis, they didn’t merely brainstorm; they created a movement. As Professor Holland recounted, these students drafted the first legal frameworks that would ultimately lead to Vanuatu’s case at the ICJ. Their mission? To hold major emitters accountable for the devastation wrought by climate change.Professor Holland shared the remarkable origins of this effort, including the critical role of educators and leaders like Tony de Brum, whose work championed climate justice not just for the Pacific, but for the planet. This isn’t merely a legal case—it’s a bold redefinition of what global climate accountability can look like.A Stark Contrast: ICJ Proceedings vs. COP DiplomacyThe ICJ case has brought to light a legal and ethical battleground that feels starkly different from the staged diplomacy of annual COP summits. Professor Holland and Loes reflected on the plain-spoken clarity of the arguments presented in The Hague—far removed from the performative consensus-building often seen in international climate negotiations.Attribution Science: A New Frontier in Climate JusticeA pivotal element of this case is attribution science—the ability to trace climate impacts to specific emitters. While still an evolving field, this science has grown increasingly robust, enabling plaintiffs to demonstrate the direct role of emissions from particular states and corporations in fueling climate disasters.Professor Holland emphasized the transformative potential of attribution science, which entered the climate lexicon during the second assessment cycle of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The Pacific’s Collective VoiceOne of the most striking aspects of the Pacific submissions is their deeply collective ethos. As Professor Holland noted, Pacific cultures are rooted in interconnectedness—whether it’s the navigation of vast ocean expanses or the shared stewardship of fragile ecosystems. This perspective shapes their legal arguments, which often go beyond individual nations' interests to emphasize global responsibility.“The Pacific has always been here to save the world,” Professor Holland said, echoing the late Tony de Brum’s declaration after the Copenhagen climate summit.Merry COPmasIf you’re already a material supporter of our work, thanks. But if you haven’t, we really think that the way the world is heading needs more, not less, independent voices and forums trying to describe things as they are and discussing what to do about them. Without doomerism, or happy-clappy BS, and without fear or favour. And a sub is a great holiday gift. Come to wickedproblems.earth and maybe help keep this going. 

Not since the Cuban Missile Crisis has a UN forum seen a debate as dramatic for the future of the species. Today the International Court of Justice in The Hague (aka “the World Court”) began two weeks of hearings to produce an advisory opinion about what if any obligations national governments have to protect against the harms caused by climate change, and what if they fail to meet those obligations. We bring you highlights of, as it were, the case for the prosecution.Get more at wickedproblems.earth.Speaking first was Vanuatu’s Ralph Regenvanu, and the small island’s attorney general.Other witnesses included* Julian Aguon, the Guam-based lawyer with Blue Ocean Law who recounted the litany of communities across the Pacific that have already fallen victim to rising seas due to climate change, forced to permanently relocate, and losing their basic right to exist under international law. Aguon also made the connection between the ICJ’s earlier ruling on Gaza, which we imagine will get some responses. [We fool ourselves talking about this in terms of future harms. With all sympathy for Tenbury Wells in northern England, Fiji has a chilling “Standard Operating Procedure” plan for phased retreat from vulnerable areas from the whole country. It is already being implemented.]* Professor Margarita Wewerenke-Singh of the University of Amsterdam, who made an extremely cogent case of how existing law has led to key precedents we’ve covered on this show, and how those precedents relate to today’s set of hearings: the Swiss Klimasenniorren case at the European Court of Human Rights as well as other cases, and even a mention for Vermont’s ‘make polluters pay’ climate Superfund law.* And Cynthia Houniuhi, president of Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change, that Hollywood-ready plucky group of law students who did the work making the case possible.

In this episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations, host Richard Delevan sits down with Lisett Luik, co-founder of Arbonics, to explore the evolving landscape of voluntary carbon markets and the role of forests in combating climate change. Recorded shortly after the conclusion of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the conversation dives deep into the challenges and opportunities of nature-based solutions in carbon removal and how the Article 6 talks at COP might affect businesses like hers.Get all newsletter, extended shownotes, and ways to support our work at wickedproblems.earth.Key Topics Covered:Arbonics' Mission: Lisett shares how Arbonics uses cutting-edge data analytics to empower landowners to grow stronger forests, sequester carbon, and enhance biodiversity. Discover how this Estonian startup is scaling solutions for a sustainable future.Nature-Based Solutions: Why forests are at the heart of climate mitigation efforts, with the potential to account for up to 30% of global carbon removal needs. Lisett explains how Arbonics ensures the integrity and scalability of its projects through rigorous data and certification.COP29 Reflections: A discussion on the outcomes of COP29, including the finalisation of Article 6 carbon market regulations and their implications for voluntary and compliance markets. Lisett highlights the progress made and the gaps that remain, particularly for smaller nations and nature-based solutions.The Path Forward for Carbon Markets: Insights into how the voluntary carbon market must evolve to ensure transparency, credibility, and accessibility. Lisett addresses common criticisms and discusses the importance of aligning market mechanisms with global climate goals.Lisett’s Journey: From her Estonian roots to a career in finance and forestry, Lisett’s personal story illustrates how passion and innovation can drive meaningful climate action.Memorable Quote:"Forests have layers of value beyond timber—carbon storage, biodiversity, and cultural significance. Landowners should be empowered to realise these layers for a sustainable future." – Lisett LuikConnect with Us:Website: wickedproblems.earthBlueSky: delevan.bsky.socialSubscribe on your favourite podcast platform for more conversations on climate tech.