Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations

 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 EurazeoIf 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.

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 info@wickedproblems.uk to tell us what you think.

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 OilAn epochal ECHR ruling that climate protection is a human rightA sneak peak at DESNZ’s solar planCritical mineral alliances + much moreAdditionally, 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.Links and ResourcesGreen Web FoundationMr. Chris Adams on LinkedInRheEnergiseJonathan Leake at Daily TelegraphRyan Chilcote on LinkedInPilita Clark on “What if emissions went down instead of up” in the FT

*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 EPISODERichard 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 NotesThe 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.

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 CoalitionSegment 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

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.wtfFurther Reading* Women in Green Business Awards* UK Green Business Awards (June)Connect with James Murray* LinkedInConnect with UsWicked Problems is audience-supported media. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.* …or on your favourite podcast platform* Follow us on LinkedIn or BlueSky for updates and discussions on the latest in climate tech and renewable energy.ThanksWe appreciate you tuning in. If you got something out of it, feel free to share.

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:SiftedClimateXPale Blue DotPlanet A VenturesMission ZeroRealIceThe 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)Connect with Freya PrattyLinkedInConnect with UsWicked Problems is a audience-supported media. Become a free or paid subscriber at wickedproblems.earth.Follow us on LinkedIn or BlueSky for updates and discussions on the latest in climate tech and renewable energy.

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.ThanksThank you for reading Wicked Problems. This post is public so feel free to share it.

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 UsWicked 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.ThanksWe appreciate you tuning in. If you got something out of it, feel free to share.