Podcasts about net zero

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Quotes from the episode:  "Net zero wasn't the goal—it was the outcome of making hundreds of good building science decisions."     "One tiny installation mistake destroyed an entire refrigerant system. Details matter."     "The biggest lesson isn't that net zero works. It's that building science works."    Bill Spohn turns the microphone on himself for a candid look at what he learned by designing, building, and living in his own all-electric, net-zero home. Rather than advocating for Passive House, electrification, or solar as ends in themselves, Bill explains how those decisions emerged from a much simpler goal: creating a comfortable, healthy, quiet home that would serve his family well for decades.     Drawing on years of experience in HVAC instrumentation and building science, Bill shares the real-world successes, surprises, and setbacks that came with the project. He discusses why modular construction became the right fit, how careful modeling justified a surprisingly small two-ton cold-climate heat pump for a 4,000-square-foot conditioned home, and why airtightness, continuous insulation, and thoughtful solar orientation mattered more than oversized equipment.     The episode also explores the challenges that don't appear in glossy case studies. Bill recounts a cracked flare fitting that destroyed an entire heat pump refrigerant circuit, elusive zoning control issues, leaky high-performance windows, unexpected ventilation quirks, radon mitigation, drilling multiple wells over abandoned coal mines, and adapting to unforeseen site conditions. Throughout each story, measurements—not assumptions—led to the solutions.     Bill explains how monitoring electrical consumption, indoor air quality, solar production, and system performance has allowed him to verify what is actually happening instead of relying on opinions. He also reflects on what he would absolutely repeat, what he would change if starting over, and why successful high-performance homes depend on hundreds of well-executed details rather than any single technology.     Whether you're an HVAC contractor, building performance professional, or homeowner considering a high-performance home, this episode is a practical reminder that building science isn't about chasing trends—it's about making informed decisions that deliver comfort, durability, efficiency, and measurable results.    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billspohn/  Website: www.SpohnHome.com   Videos of Spohn Home:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_vqJbscA-U&pp=ygUJc3B  https://youtu.be/tIou30sSodM?si=QjMIGlVmIWv1h34s  https://www.youtube.com/live/mct8V5esSGY?si=ArA3Iy1Z7JKRgKc1    This episode was recorded in August 2026. 

How do you control billions of people without physically forcing them to do anything?In this fascinating conversation, researcher and author Makia Freeman joins me to connect some very big dots: from WW3, AI, data centres and surveillance to graphene oxide, propaganda, food and energy security, Net Zero and the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.We also ask a question that I think is too often missing from these conversations:WHAT ARE WE ACTUALLY GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?We can spend years researching governments, corporations, technology and systems of control.We can understand propaganda and manipulation.We can know what's happening.But knowing isn't the same as doing.So we turn the conversation back on ourselves too.How easily are our own beliefs and behaviours being manipulated?Why are fear, division, authority and belonging so powerful?And can we really talk about sovereignty and freedom without taking responsibility for our own choices?We discuss:• WW3 and the changing geopolitical landscape• The psychology of control• AI, data centres and surveillance• Graphene oxide• Propaganda and manipulation• Food and energy independence• China and BRICS• Self-knowledge and personal responsibility• Sovereignty• And, importantly, what ordinary people can actually DOPerhaps the biggest question from this conversation is simply:WHAT AM I DOING DIFFERENTLY BECAUSE OF WHAT I KNOW?Makia Freeman is a researcher, author of five books and editor of The Freedom Articles, exploring power, propaganda, technology, health, surveillance, consciousness and sovereignty.————————————————FIND MAKIA FREEMANThe Freedom Articleshttps://thefreedomarticles.com/YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@MakiaFreeman99Rumblehttps://rumble.com/user/TheFreedomArticles————————————————WORK WITH CATHERINEFreedom From Self-Sabotage — 10 Week Programmehttps://www.catherineedwards.life/consults/freedom-from-self-sabotage-10-week-programme/Websitehttps://www.catherineedwards.life/Substackhttps://substack.com/@catherineedwardsInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/catherine.edwards.life————————————————Let me know in the comments:Has everything you've learned about the world changed the way you live?Stay curious. Stay free.Catherine© Catherine EdwardsDisclaimer: This episode discusses topics for educational and commentary purposes only. Always use your own judgement.

Britain is in the grip of another hot, dry summer, with hosepipe bans in force and fears growing about the country's water supply. But are we really running out of water?Michael Simmons is joined by Reality Check reporter John Power to explain what is actually behind the shortages, whether Britain needs more reservoirs and why nationalising the water companies may not be the answer. They also ask what the drought tells us about the future of net zero – and how Britain should adapt to a changing climate.This episode is brought to you by Artemis Fund Managers, for more information on our fund range please click here https://www.artemisfunds.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hub Headlines features audio versions of the best commentaries and analysis published daily in The Hub. Enjoy listening to original and provocative takes on the issues that matter while you are on the go.0:21 - Danielle Smith talks about a ‘digital refinery.' What does that actually mean?, by Falice Chin8:31 - It's time to admit the inconvenient truth about the fallacy of Net Zero, by Derek H. BurneyThis program is narrated by automated voices. To get full-length editions of popular Hub podcasts and other great perks, subscribe to the Hub for only $2 a week: https://thehub.ca/join/hero/Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get all our best content:https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple)https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify)Watch The Hub on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanadaThe Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=enCREDITS:Alisha Rao – Producer & Editor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get in touch - leave me a messageSoil health is starting to look less like an environmental side issue and more like infrastructure. The real question is whether regenerative agriculture can improve resilience and economics without asking farmers to absorb years of financial pain.My guest is Tim Weaver of Holganix, working at the intersection of soil health, regenerative agriculture and measurable environmental outcomes. We look at the pressures farmers and companies already recognise: volatile fertiliser costs, water scarcity, supply-chain risk, and the growing demand for credible soil carbon claims rather than estimates and greenwash.We examine what changes when soil outcomes can be measured using cores, probes, farm equipment data and satellite imagery; why AI still depends on having enough reliable data underneath it; and whether water may ultimately matter more than carbon. We also challenge the assumption that regenerative agriculture necessarily means lower profitability before the benefits arrive.Listen now to understand why soil is moving from the sustainability conversation into the risk, finance and infrastructure conversation, and what that could mean for farmers, companies and investors.Sign up to Climate Confident+ for deep dive analysis of the major climate and energy stories of the day.Support the showPodcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers:Anita KrajncCecilia SkarupaBen GrossJerry SweeneyAndreas WernerStephen CarrollRoger ArnoldAnd remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast  - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.

In 2019, Theresa May positioned the UK as a global climate leader by enshrining a legally binding Net Zero target by 2050. Fast forward seven years, and the political landscape on the British Right has transformed dramatically. With Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch proposing to repeal Net Zero targets and Reform UK labeling green policies "net-stupid-zero," the consensus around climate action is fracturing. All this comes as the UK endures repeated heatwaves, droughts, and severe economic impacts—with summer heatwaves costing an estimated £4.4bn in lost productivity alongside thousands of excess deaths. As extreme weather directly threatens agriculture and rural communities, is the Right out of step with voters, or are they tapping into growing cost-of-living concerns?In this episode of The Fourcast, Matt Frei explores whether Net Zero scepticism is pragmatic economics or climate denial in disguise. Matt is joined by former Energy Minister Graham Stuart MP, Net Zero Scrutiny Group member Lord Peter Lilley, and former NFU President Baroness Minette Batters to debate conservative ideology, economic reality, and the electoral risks facing the Right.

In March 2026, Laurent was invited by Jan Rosenow at Oriel College, Oxford, for a public debate on the energy transition. Held in the College's historic library, the discussion brought together contrasting perspectives on one of today's defining challenges. Jan Rosenow, Professor of Energy and Climate Policy, is renowned for his work on energy efficiency, electrification, and the transition to net-zero energy systems.Laurent opened by introducing the "Aristotelian Triangle" of the energy debate—Ethos, Logos, and Pathos—arguing that values, evidence, and emotion all shape how people interpret energy issues. Responding to Jan's distinction between energy addition and energy transition, Laurent made two key points.First, history shows that energy forecasts have repeatedly underestimated transformative innovations, from shale gas and LEDs to solar, electric vehicles, batteries, and AI-driven data centres. His conclusion: humility is essential when predicting structural change.Second, Laurent presented his "Diocletian Tetrarchy of Energy," pairing Vaclav Smil with Clayton Christensen to represent continuity versus disruption, alongside Daniel Yergin and Michael Liebreich to illustrate the roles of markets, geopolitics, and industrial transformation. He described himself as roughly 70/30 in favour of technological disruption while acknowledging the inertia of existing energy systems.The discussion also examined the cost of ideology, arguing that opposition to technologies such as offshore wind or nuclear power can shape investment, electricity prices, and energy affordability. It concluded by exploring industrial policy, energy security, and how nations should balance resilience, competitiveness, and comparative advantage in a changing geopolitical landscape.Although the formal debate lasted just over an hour, the conversation continued long afterwards. This episode captures part of those fascinating exchanges.  

LIVE this Sunday at 8 PM UK time!   The Amish Inquisition welcomes back Marcus Gibson — author, journalist, and outspoken critic of the mainstream climate narrative — for a deep dive into “The Climate Change Myth.” Marcus has given talks at the Oxford Union, written for major outlets, and faced cancellation after challenging the orthodoxy on climate science and energy policy. His work explores how media bias, political agendas, and flawed data have shaped public perception — and what that means for the future of energy, industry, and free speech. Expect a conversation covering:

Yale researchers estimate that roughly 80 million Americans are alarmed about climate change. About 40 million of them say they want to be politically active on the issue. But only about 3 million actually are. When that 37 million-American group is asked why they aren't active, researchers most often hear that nobody has asked them. That's the focus of this week's conversation on Sustainability In Your Ear.Only 12% of Americans say they ever see anything about climate change on social media, and two-thirds say they rarely or never hear about it from friends or in the media. At the same time, the fossil fuel industry treats persuasion as core business. David Fenton calls the situation unilateral disarmament at a moment when an information war is needed. The crowning result of climate action to date is the Inflation Reduction Act that passed by one vote and was repealed by one vote. A bill you win by a single vote, he says, is a bill you never really won.David founded Fenton Communications in 1982, the first public relations firm in America built solely for progressive causes. His campaigns helped free Nelson Mandela and end apartheid, helped ban fracking in New York, where Yoko Ono's "Imagine There's No Fracking" billboard went up along Governor Andrew Cuomo's commute, and helped launch fossil fuel divestment with the heirs to the Standard Oil fortune as the messengers. His book, The Activist's Media Handbook: Lessons from Fifty Years as a Progressive Agitator, includes a foreword by cognitive linguist George Lakoff, who we discuss at length in this thought-provoking interview.He places the blame on climate advocacy spending and, more importantly, the words used to frame the issue. The climate NGO and philanthropic world spends billions a year on policy, law, and science, and spends on communication mainly to raise money from people already on its lists. David traces that to what Lakoff calls the Enlightenment fallacy, the belief that a strong idea reproduces itself because it is correct, and to its corollary, that selling ideas is dirty work beneath serious people. The second is vocabulary. “Net Zero means almost nothing to most people. “Carbon” sounds like an abstraction. And “justice,” in cognitive research, evokes images of the police and courts, not of fairness and a shared mission. We need to pivot to simpler language, like “pollution,” when describing the source of global warming. Pollution is a word nobody defends, and a blanket of pollution trapping heat that would otherwise escape into space is a picture people can easily grasp and act on.Asked how to solve climate change, the most common answer Americans give is “reduce, reuse, and recycle.” Earth911 has spent three decades on that vocabulary, and it holds up on its own terms as a materials strategy. Increased curbside recycling participation rates don't necessarily lead to decarbonizing the grid or the truck fleets. David Fenton's prescription for listeners is blunter than any campaign plan: talk about it, post about it, and press the funders you know to spend generating public demand for change rather than direct mail fundraising.Learn more about David's work at davidfentonactivist.com, and find his podcast at fentonforecast.com.Subscribe to Sustainability In Your Ear on iTunesFollow Sustainability In Your Ear on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, or YouTube 

The earth is burning, Britain is parched brown and rain is a distant memory. Yet the Tories are purging the last of their Net Zero advocates, the Greens seem to have lost interest in green policies, and Burnham's Labour are teetering on the edge of reopening oil and gas in the North Sea. Saving the planet is just so expensive! What will it take to get British politicians to take the climate emergency seriously?   Plus, will the real Kemi Badenoch please sit down? The current and quite possibly final leader of the Conservative Party stood by convicted neo-Nazi Joshua Bonehill-Paine as a local council candidate (he withdraws right in the middle of this recording). So how come the commentariat is convinced of the “Keminaissance”?  ESCAPE ROUTES: • Zoë has been reading Slags by Emma Jane Unsworth.  • Seth has been to Bayreuth for the Festival (hurry, it's still on). • Ros got a preview copy of Deep Into The Sixties: Britain 1965–66 by David Kynaston • Rachel has been reading Pagans by James Alistair Henry. Questions for But Your Emails? Thoughts? Comments? Email us at ogwn@podmasters.co.uk.  • Find out if you're owed on car finance at refundclub.co.uk/OGWN  • Refund Club is a trading style of Sandsford Law Limited, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA no. 8008114). Checking is free. A fee is payable only if your claim is successful. Eligibility: car finance taken out in the UK between 2007 and 2021. The average claim is around £829 per agreement; this is an average and not a guarantee of the amount you will receive. You can also claim yourself for free by contacting your lender or the Financial Ombudsman Service. refundclub.co.uk/OGWN   www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Ros Taylor with Zoë Grünewald, Rachel Cunliffe and Seth Thévoz. Audio Production by Chris Jones. Art direction: James Parrett. Theme tune by Tom Taylor and Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is no let-up in the culture's attempt to scare our kids about climate change. The latest development is a segment on Sesame Street to teach kids not to be scared of extreme weather. The producers deny it's a political climate message, but even The New York Times doesn't buy that.On Episode 211 of The Climate Realism Show the Heartland Institute's Anthony Watts, Linnea Lueken, Sterling Burnett, Jim Lakely … will also cover some other Crazy Climate News of the Week. Will the “gold bars” thrown off the Titanic as Biden's EPA staffers were leaving end up in the hands of grifters after all? Speaking of well-connected climate activist nonprofit groups, many are raking in millions in foreign funds every year. And a prominent UK newspaper says it's time for Britain to abandon Net Zero. Is this a tipping point for that ruinous policy?Join us Friday at 1 p.m. ET on YouTube, Rumble, X, and Facebook. Participate in the show by leaving your comments and questions in the chat.Visit our sponsor, Advisor Metals: https://climaterealismshow.com/metalsSHOW NOTES1. EPA ‘GOLD BARS' RESURFACE NYTIMES: Appeals Court Says E.P.A. Cannot Block Billions in Climate Grantshttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/04/climate/epa-climate-grants-appeals-court.html2. FOLLOW THE FOREIGN MONEY FOX NEWS: Watchdog unleashes database to expose 'loopholes' as $5B in foreign cash floods US nonprofitshttps://www.foxnews.com/politics/watchdog-unleashes-database-expose-loopholes-5b-foreign-cash-floods-nonprofits3. MUPPETS MOUTH CLIMATE PROPAGANDANYTIMES: Extreme Weather Brings Fierce Winds, and Gentle Hugs, to Sesame Street https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/05/climate/sesame-street-storm-climate-change.html4. NET ZERO IS LOST IN UK?THE TELEGRAPH UK: We've lost the war against climate change. Time to scrap net zero. – The lanyard class should have known better than to believe it could re-engineer the world from Whitehall. https://www.climatedepot.com/2026/07/30/uk-telegraph-editor-throws-in-the-climate-towel-weve-lost-the-war-against-climate-change-time-to-scrap-net-zero/ In The Tank broadcasts LIVE every Thursday at 12pm CT on on The Heartland Institute YouTube channel. Tune in to have your comments addressed live by the In The Tank Crew. Be sure to subscribe and never miss an episode. See you there!Climate Change Roundtable is LIVE every Friday at 12pm CT on The Heartland Institute YouTube channel. Have a topic you want addressed? Join the live show and leave a comment for our panelists and we'll cover it during the live show!

Solar and wind power is growing worldwide, but so is electricity consumption: as a result, renewables are often only added to the energy mix, rather than replacing fossil fuels. Reducing energy demand would make net zero more achievable, but it recieves far less attention than decarbonisation efforts. This may be due to a perception that managing energy demand would be politically unpopular, requiring governments to make radical interventions into people's lifestyles and spending. Oliver Broad, Senior Research Fellow at University College London, tells Alasdair that such fears are unfounded. His team's research found that the UK could reduce energy demand by 52% without new tech or overly disruptive societal change, and has worked with policymakers and public focus groups to demonstrate political acceptability. Further reading: 'Policymakers and academics envision energy demand reductions beyond typical policies in the United Kingdom', Nature Energy, 2025'Policymaker-led scenarios and public dialogue facilitate energy demand analysis for net-zero futures', Nature Energy, 2025'Energy demand reduction options for meeting national zero-emission targets in the United Kingdom', Nature Energy, 2022'Real people or "economic processing units"? The limited understanding of people's roles in energy and climate governance', Energy Research & Social Science, 2022'A low energy demand scenario for meeting the 1.5 °C target and sustainable development goals without negative emission technologies', Nature Energy, 2018'Invisible energy policies: A new agenda for energy demand reduction', Energy Policy, 2018Send us Fan MailFind all our latest investigations, features and interviews at www.landclimate.org

What will it take to move net zero from an ambitious goal to the way we actually design and operate our buildings?Drew Shula is the founder and CEO of Verdical Group, a sustainability consulting firm focused on decarbonizing the built environment. Since founding the company in 2012, Drew has worked to advance greener buildings through engineering services, green building certifications, sustainability strategy and net-zero consulting. He is also the founder of the Net Zero Conference, one of the world's largest events dedicated to building a net-zero future.In this episode, Drew breaks down what net zero means and why buildings are such an important part of the climate conversation. He and Lexy discuss the work involved in making buildings more sustainable, how organizations can turn environmental goals into practical action and the role green building certifications can play in that process. Drew also shares the story behind the Net Zero Conference and why education, new ideas and collaboration are essential to accelerating climate progress.Whether you already work in sustainability or are simply curious about how the places where we live and work can become part of the solution, this conversation offers a practical look at the path toward a lower-carbon future.Listen to the full episode and subscribe to The Lexy Show wherever you get your podcasts.Social MediaDrew Shula: Instagram @sustainability_ceo | LinkedIn Drew ShulaVerdical Group: Instagram @verdicalgroupIf you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe to The Lexy Show, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who's ready to make more mindful choices for themselves and the planet. For more information visit https://lexysilverstein.com/

Host: Tom Angus, Director of Conferences, Decarb ConnectGuest: Clay Bedwell, Associate Director of Platform and Partnerships, 3DegreesFor years, ambitious corporate renewable energy goals were built on simple targets and Excel spreadsheets. Today, those programs have expanded into complex portfolios spanning physical PPAs, virtual PPAs, spot RECs, green tariffs, and behind-the-meter solar across multiple jurisdictions. What was once a straightforward procurement task has quietly turned into a persistent drain on internal time, budget, and risk capacity.In this episode, Clay Bedwell outlines why software automation alone cannot solve modern portfolio friction, why customer revenue protection is redefining how organizations buy energy, and how sustainability teams can build a compelling case for portfolio risk management to skeptical CFOs.Key TakeawaysWhy corporate renewable portfolios have outgrown traditional spreadsheets.As organizations accumulate multiple contract types and counterparty arrangements, manual reconciliation becomes unmanageable. Escalating demands from internal stakeholders (spanning P&L impact queries from finance, audit preparation from sustainability, and target reporting from leadership) mean manual data aggregation is no longer operational.Customer revenue protection as a new driver for renewable allocation.Corporate buyers are no longer procuring renewable energy solely to meet internal target metrics. Using an example from the metals sector, Clay illustrates how commercial customers increasingly demand specific, audited renewable allocations before purchasing products. Demonstrating compliance at the customer level has transformed procurement into a tool for safeguarding revenue.The critical pairing of software platforms with human trading expertise.While software excels at routine PPA hygiene (such as invoice validation, production tracking, and contract management) it falls short during non-standard edge cases. Managing complex counterparty events, such as developer insolvencies or contract restructuring, requires direct market relationships and real-world trading experience alongside digital tools.How to frame the business case for skeptical CFOs.Repeatable financial value rarely comes from chasing quick, one-off PPA savings. Instead, the core ROI lies in portfolio risk management: stress-testing downside scenarios, evaluating long-term contract strips, and providing financial leadership with the confidence to scale programs responsibly as standards evolve.Navigating policy shifts and future-proofing buying strategies.With upcoming changes to the SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard and GHG Protocol Scope 2 guidance, corporate buyers must shift from short-term compliance mindsets to long-term strategic planning. Early adopters are moving away from bloated PPA exposure toward structured portfolio risk models and 24/7 carbon-free energy tracking.LinksConnect with Tom Angus on LinkedIn and discover how to engage with the Decarb Connect community.Connect with Clay Bedwell on LinkedIn.Learn more about 3Degrees Meridian.Sign up for the Decarb Connect Newsletter: Industrial EdgeLearn more about Industrial Connect Group's global events and membership network. 

Comments/ideas: ACFpod@outlook.comChan Yau Chong, leading thought-leader and co-founder of Climate Finance Asia, reveals why Hong Kong's solar revolution hasn't scaled and exposes the uncomfortable truth about Asian investors' grip on coal. We unpack the real barriers to Asia's energy transition: from fiduciary duty rhetoric masking climate inaction to the policy gaps holding back coal phase-out across Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Discover how climate finance can accelerate the shift from coal to renewables when institutions finally align investment with genuine impact.REF.: Climate Finance Asia insights and reports. ABOUT CHAN YAU: Chan Yau co-founded the CarbonCare Innolab (CCIL) in 2014 and is now the Board Advisor. Prior to overseeing CCIL, he served in the Hong Kong Government. He became an Executive Director of Oxfam Hong Kong and a member of the Board of Directors of Oxfam International. Thereafter, he joined the University of Hong Kong as the Director of Student Development for its Centre for Development and Resources for Students. He is the ex-President of the Hong Kong Blind Union and was a member of the Education and Publicity Subcommittee of the Council for Sustainable Development, an advisory committee to the Hong Kong SAR Government on sustainability issues. He was appointed Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1995 for his outstanding service to the Hong Kong civil society and received the Ten Outstanding Young Persons Award in 1991. He was also named one of the “Leaders of 2011” by Sing Tao Publishing and an Honorary Fellow by the University of Hong Kong.Recomendations:[Policy Brief May 2026] Accelerating Coal-Fired Power Plant Retirement in Indonesia: From Policy Commitment to Executable Pathways:  A Climate Finance Asia policy brief examining Indonesia's pathway to retiring coal-fired power plants, bridging the gap between government commitments and practical, financially feasible transition strategies. HOST, PRODUCTION, ARTWORK: Joseph Jacobelli  |  MUSIC: Ep76 onward excerpts from Vivaldi's La Follia, played by Luca Jacobelli.

What if the solution to the alleged climate change was hiding in plain sight—literally in the smokestacks of power plants, factories, and boilers around the world? On this episode of the Energy Newsbeat Podcast, host Stu Turley sits down with Natan Shahar, founder of Standard Carbon, to explore a breakthrough technology that's turning CO2 emissions into pipeline-grade natural gas. Drawing inspiration from Mars mission architecture and driven by New York City's aggressive climate regulations,Standard Carbon has cracked the code on making clean energy economically viable—not through subsidies or carbon credits, but through clever energy arbitrage. With commercial systems already operating in Manhattan and Israel, and a growing pipeline of contracts from Europe to Pakistan, Shahar reveals why this technology could be the missing piece in the global energy puzzle, solving not just climate concerns, but the energy security crisis facing nations worldwide.For Blue States and Countries following Net Zero policies, this podcast is critical. Consumers and constituents want low-cost energy with the least impact on the environment. Couple that with wind and solar needing dispatchable power to fill in when the wind does not blow, or the sun does not shine. Producing natural gas out of CO2 that is burning from coal, or other industrial processes, is a real win for everyone. For countries that still have coal plants, this would be a much more cost-effective way to bring them into the Net Zero world rather than just shutting them down.1. Standard Carbon's Core TechnologyThe company produces pipeline-grade natural gas (methane) from CO2 emissions captured from combustion sources like power plants, boilers, cement factories, and refineries. They capture CO2 from smokestacks and convert it into usable natural gas through a process combining three established technologies: amine-based carbon capture, low-pressure alkaline electrolysis, and 19th-century Sabatier methanation chemistry.2. Operational Readiness & DeploymentStandard Carbon has deployed two commercial-scale systems—one in Israel (2023) and one in New York City (2025). The NYC system is publicly accessible in Manhattan and operated by the Grove School of Engineering at City College, providing transparent, third-party verification of the technology's effectiveness.3. Market Economics & Competitive AdvantagesThe business model focuses on three key factors:Cost of intermittent power: Using cheap, off-peak electricity (often negatively priced wind/solar power at night)Fossil fuel pricing: Competing against natural gas and LNG prices in different marketsRegulatory incentives: Carbon pricing and decarbonization mandatesThe company can produce gas competitively in markets like Europe and New York City, where LNG and fossil fuel prices are high.4. Geographic Market OpportunitiesPrime markets include:New York City: Most aggressive climate regulations globally (3x higher carbon price than EU)Europe & UK: Strong decarbonization regulations and high LNG pricesJapan, South Korea, Taiwan: Coal plants being reactivated; high energy security concernsPakistan: Energy security crisis driving interest in energy independenceSaudi Arabia & GCC countries: High oil-based electricity generation5. Energy Security & Geopolitical ContextThe Strait of Hormuz chokepoint is critical for global energy supply. Recent developments include:UAE and Saudi Arabia pipeline expansionsIraq's new Mediterranean pipeline projectsPakistan's LNG crisis and power shortagesQatar cutting LNG/LPG exportsEuropean dependence on energy imports6. Regulatory & Policy LandscapeBiden Administration: Inflation Reduction Act rejected "imaginary" renewable credits; requires real-time renewable useTrump Administration: Favors "firm" energy (batteries, geothermal, green molecules) over intermittent sourcesBoth administrations converged on prioritizing reliable, available energyNew Secretary of Energy Chris Wright emphasizes levelized cost of energy vs. electricity7. Carbon Credits vs. Real MoleculesStandard Carbon is moving away from carbon credit trading toward delivering certified clean fuel with chain-of-custody verification. Customers want actual low-carbon gas delivered through pipelines, not accounting credits—a more valuable business model than credit trading.8. Technology Origins & InspirationNatan's inspiration came from reading "The Case for Mars" by Dr. Robert Zubrin, which described producing rocket fuel from Mars's CO2 atmosphere. He adapted this concept for Earth-based applications after New York City passed aggressive climate legislation in 2019.9. Grid Resiliency & Data Center PowerA critical emerging use case: AI data centers require localized power generation near urban centers due to latency requirements. Gas-fired generation is the only practical option, making decarbonized gas essential for powering future AI infrastructure in cities.10. Intellectual Property & Competitive MoatStandard Carbon has filed extensive patents in the US and Europe to protect their integrated technology, though the core components are well-established. The competitive advantage lies in the integration and optimization rather than individual technologies.This is a compelling story about how existing technologies can be combined to address both energy security and decarbonization challenges in a commercially viable way.Follow Natan on his LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natan-shahar-3ba84920/Check out Standard Carbon here: https://www.standardcarbon.com/Check the articles on https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/A shout-out to Steve Reese and the Reese Energy Consulting group for sponsoring the Podcast https://reeseenergyconsulting.com/.Data2 if you have any business systems, can you trust A? Well, they have the patent on validation. . https://data2.zoholandingpage.com/energyAnd we have WellDatabase rolling in as a new sponsor. https://welldatabase.com/

In this compelling episode of Heretics, I'm joined by the "Skeptical Environmentalist" himself, Bjorn Lomborg, to dismantle the current narrative surrounding Net Zero and climate policy. While the world is often told that the transition to green energy will be cheap and easy, Lomborg presents a starkly different reality: a plan that could cost trillions, lead to de-industrialization, and effectively demand that you become poorer to save the planet. Follow Bjorn on X: https://x.com/BjornLomborg Check out his website: https://lomborg.com Find his think tank: https://copenhagenconsensus.com We dive deep into the data they don't want you to see—from the surprising statistics on heat versus cold deaths to the hidden costs of wind and solar. Is the current panic actually leading us toward a political and economic catastrophe? And if Net Zero is physically and politically impossible, what is the real solution to our environmental challenges? If you're tired of the alarmist headlines and want a rational, data-driven look at the future of our planet, this is an episode you can't afford to miss. Chapters 0:00 The hidden cost of Net Zero 2:12 The truth about heat vs. cold deaths 5:12 Why we aren't "boiling" (and the truth about infrastructure) 7:02 Will climate change make us poorer? 10:55 Are we helping or hurting Africa? 15:00 Why a $100 Trillion plan will only change 0.1°C 17:40 The lie about "cheap" wind and solar 20:05 We aren't actually transitioning (The Wood Prop Paradox) 25:00 How innovation (not taxes) solves pollution 27:40 The battery backup fantasy 31:25 Why elites love bad climate spending 33:10 Fourth generation nuclear: The real solution? 36:55 How energy ended slavery 43:00 Why the media only reports the worst news 46:30 The 2040 "Film" is going to break 51:50 Why we must stop the panic #BjornLomborg #ClimateChange #NetZero #Economics #Sustainability #Heretics #AndrewGold #EnergyPolicy #Environmentalism #Innovation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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One of Denmark's most internationally recognized climate researchers, Dr. Henrik Svensmark, was just sacked from his long-time position at the Technical University of Denmark. Unlike many climate scientists, Svensmark conducted actual science experiments, and his work on the effects cosmic rays and clouds have on the climate was leading edge. He was fired after years of moves that look like they were purposely trying to push him out. What happened? Is it because his work didn't support the alarmist climate narrative? We will have Dr. Svensmark on the program to get the story directly from him.On Episode 210 of The Climate Realism Show the Heartland Institute's Anthony Watts, Linnea Lueken, Sterling Burnett, Jim Lakely and Henrik Svensmark will also cover some of the Crazy Climate News of the Week. Is climate change ruining summers for kids? Can wind farms help real farms? Is the best way to fight Net Zero through comedy?Join us Friday at 1 p.m. ET on YouTube, Rumble, X, and Facebook. Participate in the show by leaving your comments and questions in the chat.Visit our sponsor, Advisor Metals: https://climaterealismshow.com/metalsSHOW NOTES:1. WHY WAS SVENSMARK FIRED?WUWT: Henrik Svensmark Fired by his Universityhttps://wattsupwiththat.com/2026/07/2...2. NO MORE SUMMER FUNNPR: Climate change is now threatening a pillar of childhood: summer breakhttps://www.npr.org/2026/07/26/nx-s1-...3. WIND FARMS HELPING REAL FARMS?THE PULSE: Farmers placed a wind turbine in a cornfield and discovered it was changing the crops by unexpectedly drying dewhttps://www.ecoportal.net/en/farmers-...4. BEATING NET ZERO WITH COMEDY X: ARTIFICIAL IDIOTShttps://x.com/MorEdge_Insight/status/... In The Tank broadcasts LIVE every Thursday at 12pm CT on on The Heartland Institute YouTube channel. Tune in to have your comments addressed live by the In The Tank Crew. Be sure to subscribe and never miss an episode. See you there!Climate Change Roundtable is LIVE every Friday at 12pm CT on The Heartland Institute YouTube channel. Have a topic you want addressed? Join the live show and leave a comment for our panelists and we'll cover it during the live show!

One of Denmark's most internationally recognized climate researchers, Dr. Henrik Svensmark, was just sacked from his long-time position at the Technical University of Denmark. Unlike many climate scientists, Svensmark conducted actual science experiments, and his work on the effects cosmic rays and clouds have on the climate was leading edge. He was fired after years of moves that look like they were purposely trying to push him out. What happened? Is it because his work didn't support the alarmist climate narrative? We will have Dr. Svensmark on the program to get the story directly from him.On Episode 210 of The Climate Realism Show the Heartland Institute's Anthony Watts, Linnea Lueken, Sterling Burnett, Jim Lakely and Henrik Svensmark will also cover some of the Crazy Climate News of the Week. Is climate change ruining summers for kids? Can wind farms help real farms? Is the best way to fight Net Zero through comedy?Join us Friday at 1 p.m. ET on YouTube, Rumble, X, and Facebook. Participate in the show by leaving your comments and questions in the chat.Visit our sponsor, Advisor Metals: https://climaterealismshow.com/metalsSHOW NOTES:1. WHY WAS SVENSMARK FIRED?WUWT: Henrik Svensmark Fired by his Universityhttps://wattsupwiththat.com/2026/07/2...2. NO MORE SUMMER FUNNPR: Climate change is now threatening a pillar of childhood: summer breakhttps://www.npr.org/2026/07/26/nx-s1-...3. WIND FARMS HELPING REAL FARMS?THE PULSE: Farmers placed a wind turbine in a cornfield and discovered it was changing the crops by unexpectedly drying dewhttps://www.ecoportal.net/en/farmers-...4. BEATING NET ZERO WITH COMEDY X: ARTIFICIAL IDIOTShttps://x.com/MorEdge_Insight/status/... In The Tank broadcasts LIVE every Thursday at 12pm CT on on The Heartland Institute YouTube channel. Tune in to have your comments addressed live by the In The Tank Crew. Be sure to subscribe and never miss an episode. See you there!Climate Change Roundtable is LIVE every Friday at 12pm CT on The Heartland Institute YouTube channel. Have a topic you want addressed? Join the live show and leave a comment for our panelists and we'll cover it during the live show!

We are now recording an audio version of written posts that we will upload to Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, which you can listen to by clicking the play button above.We conclude our month long series on Strait of Hormuz (SoH) Crisis takeaways with a look at what this conflict means for the related topics of sustainability, climate, and the environment.Three key messages this week:* Many proponents and opponents of “Net Zero” are drawing the wrong conclusions about what this war means for different energy sources and technologies. Energy's natural hierarchy of needs applied at the country level mean the optimal mix of various energy sources and technologies will vary for any given country—a reality the crisis reinforces.* The topic of Sustainability needs to be right-sized and recognized for where it fits into corporate level strategies. Companies exist to generate growth and profitability for investors. Certain sustainability objectives are core to being successful over the long run. Sustainability is not a strategy in and of itself.* We shall offer free advice on what hyperscalers can learn from the oil & gas industry.We are going to do our best to not rehash our now well-known pushbacks on the excesses of the 2020-23 “Net Zero” era. The madness of that period we don't think ever returns, no matter who wins the US presidency in 2028. But we do get the question—and we are appreciative of those of you that ask—how does sustainability, climate, and the environment factor into our outlook for the energy sector, public policy, and corporate strategy and how does the SoH Crisis change or impact the views we have been articulating?We will start with a grounding on how we think about environmental and climate considerations. Our title gives it away: increasing global prosperity is our centering point, both for countries and companies. In terms of our concern level around the need to address climate change, we would characterize our specific climate opinions as broadly consistent with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and former University of Colorado professor and Substack author (here) Roger Pielke Jr.At the country level, energy's natural hierarchy of needs that we frequently discuss is observably all any country cares about at all times (Exhibit 1). Abundant and reliable energy is a 24/7/365 pre-requisite. It needs to be affordable the vast bulk of the time. Country leaders care about geopolitical security in order to protect reliability and affordability. Clean air and clean water are 100% correlated with societal wealth. Addressing carbon emissions goes hand-in-hand with a maximum prosperity scenario where billion person-scale economies like China and India are highly motivated to crack the code on new energy technologies that are de facto lower in carbon intensity. Pretending that society and companies can be forced onto prescriptive “Paris-aligned Net Zero by 2050 pathways” was the fatal flaw of the 2020-2023 era.For companies, the only goal is to generate competitive returns and growth for shareholders. Sustainability exists at the level of community engagement, license to operate, and as a possible alternative to government regulation. It is a component of running a company similar to many other functions; it is not a strategy in its own right (e.g., pressuring oil & gas companies to transition business models in the name of addressing climate change never made sense).With that grounding, we are going to use a Q&A styled format to address how we think the related topics of sustainability, climate, and the environment will be impacted by the Strait of Hormuz Crisis.Exhibit 1: Energy's natural hierarch of needsSource: Veriten.Subscribe to Super-Spiked to receive all content via email. Also available on https://veriten.com.Q1: Does the SoH Crisis mean that the core tenet of Net Zero by 2050—which was to switch out of crude oil, natural gas, and coal into renewables, EVs, and other new tech—was correct after all?No. It does not. Our issue with Net Zero by 2050, or any other year for that matter, is that it incorrectly treats carbon emissions as the organizing principle for economic activity. It is not nor will it ever be, irrespective of how much (or little) concern any specific leader or group of citizens has about climate. There is nothing about the Strait of Hormuz Crisis that suddenly makes Net Zero pathways more relevant.Q2: So the opponents to Net Zero are correct that renewables and other new technologies are a boondoggle that plays on climate alarmism?No. It does not mean that either. The focus on non-oil, natural gas, and coal technologies will be driven by the massive unmet energy needs of the other 7 billion people on Earth that seek their own version of the prosperous lifestyles The Lucky 1 Billion of us take for granted. A specific view on climate is largely irrelevant to technology development. Reliability, affordability, and geopolitical security are the motivations to figure out new technologies. We are seeing this in real time in places like China and other Asian countries.Q3: Are there examples of countries that are adjusting away from a prior emphasis on Net Zero pathways as a result of geopolitical turmoil?We are optimistic about Norway and Canada, as two countries that are showing signs of appropriate course corrections. In the case of Norway, as a small, wealthy country, de facto mandating 100% EVs in order to not burn gasoline for consumer transportation is a choice they are free to make. More importantly, Norway is remembering that increasing oil and natural gas supply from the Norwegian North Sea is critically important to the geopolitical security and economic health of Norway, Europe, and its allies. Norway is also the home to a vibrant community of new technology companies. More oil, more natural gas, and investing in new technologies—yes!Canada's post Trudeau pivot away from Net Zero zealotry seems as much of a reaction to unfavorable rhetoric toward the country from President Trump than necessarily a recognition of how little sense it made for Canada to pursue energy policies that sought to limit the development of its massive oil sands and natural gas resources. Still, we will accept the directional improvement under PM Carney, irrespective of the apparent motivations.Long-time Super-Spiked subscribers know how critically important we believe energy and power integration between the United States and Canada is, making the recent political schism deeply unfortunate, even as it has seemingly improved energy policy decision making in Canada. The United States is economically and geopolitically stronger thanks to our close energy integration with Canada. The same is true for Canada. We credit our friend, former colleague, and current Deputy Secretary of Commerce Paul Dabbar for the idea that US + Canada + Norway would make for an outstanding trans-Atlantic alliance of energy and technology super powers (here).Q4: What else does geopolitical turmoil reveal about where the Net Zero mindset went wrong?The practical application of Net Zero by 2050 policies in many rich-world countries, states, and provinces has been to restrict domestic oil, natural gas, and coal production, mandate the use of new technologies, all while losing competitiveness in manufacturing and business more broadly. Restricting domestic energy supply, making energy prices uncompetitive, and offshoring industrial manufacturing should not be the objective of any country, state, or province. It is without question bad for geopolitical security, bad for domestic economic growth, and bad for the environment.Rather, we recommend a play on the George Castanza (Seinfeld) line (here): Show me an energy policy strategy that does the opposite. The litmus test is which country's energy and environmental policies come with competitive energy prices and business and manufacturing growth?The United Kingdom versus China is case in point. U.K. leaders have spoken glowingly about eliminating coal from their power sector and all but ending viability of the U.K. North Sea for oil and gas exploration. Yet, the country also faces the outsourcing and offshoring of its refining, petrochemical, and broader industrial base. To be clear, the U.K.'s policy challenges are not limited solely to its energy and climate policies, but those are foundational and almost certainly a meaningful contributing factor.We contrast the U.K. with China which has dramatically increased coal-fired power generation, renewables, nuclear, natural gas, and grown its domestic oil supply while building a massive strategic petroleum reserve. China is now manufacturer to the world with improving living standards for its citizens. The U.K. being on-track, or not, for domestic Net Zero is completely irrelevant to global emissions and, if anything, has been net negative for the climate given China's higher emissions profile. It has certainly been a negative for the economic competitiveness of the U.K.Q5: What are the takeaways from the Strait of Hormuz Crisis for corporate sustainability objectives?Our biggest takeaway is that sustainability is a component of running a successful company, but not a defining objective. It has generally been overstated in importance, especially by a segment of the finance world in Europe and the United States that has pushed for these objectives to gain in prominence. Companies don't exist for “sustainability.” It never made any sense to pressure oil & gas companies, as an example, to aggressively transition to low-carbon technologies in the name of Net Zero and sustainability. Companies exist to generate competitive profitability and growth for investors. Full stop.In order to generate long-term profitability and growth, various sustainability objectives (industry and company specific) for sure need to be met. Employee health and safety is at the top of the list along with ensuring the surrounding community to a given asset is also not harmed. Community engagement is core to any company's license to operate, especially when new growth plans are being pursued. The ultimate list is longer than what is mentioned here, but the point is that this area broadly does not separately merit high profile attention any more than do other critical corporate functions like human resources, legal, cybersecurity, treasury, and so forth. They all contribute to running a successful company.Q6: What are some contemporary examples of “sustainability” objectives you believe need to be addressed?Examples of current sustainability issues that we believe should be proactively addressed (not intended to be an exhaustive list):* Water disposal in the Permian Basin and water usage by AI datacenters are hot button issues that communities understandably want answers to.* We have long supported and continue to support near zero methane flaring/venting objectives for the oil & gas industry. This is a topic we have been pleasantly surprised to see the environmental community focus on globally rather than more narrowly just in the United States, Canada, or Europe, as is often the case with activists. We were also pleased to see the progress US companies have made in recent years per the World Bank (Exhibit 1).Exhibit 2: US producers have reduced flaring intensitySource: World Bank* We believe oil & gas, power sector, and hyperscaler/data center companies all have room for improvement in proactively engaging with the public on their industries, how they contribute to jobs, taxes, and economic development. It is the rare executive that is capable of speaking in normal, human, non-corporate speak language.In contrast, we do not believe a company's carbon emissions profile is relevant to its “license to operate” in a given community—a point often pushed by those advocating most loudly for Net Zero policies. No normal human being anywhere spends any time thinking about this. Putting activists aside, no regular person is protesting an oilfield or data center due to its carbon emissions intensity. Water impacts? Yes. Noise? Yes. Particulate pollution? Yes. Traffic? Yes. Carbon emissions? Give me a break.Q7: What should companies do with previously articulated Net Zero objectives?Pragmatically speaking, we recognize the significant pressure companies around the world were under during 2020-2023 to articulate company-specific “Net Zero by 2050” objectives. That said, very few if any could possibly have met those goals, since the wider world has never been even remotely on track for Net Zero be it by 2050 or any other year. The Strait of Hormuz Crisis and general geopolitical turmoil is helping more politicians and policy makers recognize that healthy energy policy starts and stops with reliability and affordability. In the interest of being transparent and sincere, companies should be truthful about whether sticking with prior Net Zero aspirations is something they actually think is (1) in the best interest of their companies and (2) is possible on any time horizon that can be modeled today.Q8: What can hyperscalers learn from the oil & gas industry?Key lessons:* You will never appease climate activists. Focus on optimizing for growth and profitability.* Your prior Net Zero objectives never had a chance of being achieved, especially if including so-called scope 3 emissions. Net Zero does not make sense at the individual company level.* Economic development, of which the technology sector today is a huge driver, is 100% correlated with clean air and clean water. Richer societies are better equipped than poorer regions to adapt to a broad range of environmental and climate issues. Americans and the wider world is overall better off that our leading technology companies exist in a similar way that we are fortunate to have healthy, vibrant, and profitable energy and power companies.* Speak sincerely and directly to the general public and the communities where you are investing about the actual impacts of your projects. You can't outsource this function. It starts with the CEO and then filters down. Skip the corporate speak and language of appeasement.* Vocally push back on policies that weaken domestic energy development opportunities in any region in which you are investing.⚡️On A Personal Note: Gone Shootin'The last time I shot a gun was in the 4th grade in what was then called Indian Guides. That almost certainly is not the name today; I think in New Jersey it is now called “Adventure Guides” which frankly is kind of lame. I believe we appropriately remembered and honored Native Americans under the original name, but society apparently disagrees with that perspective. Credit to my wife's brother's wife, who hails from the Golden State of all places, for the brilliant idea to go clay pigeon shooting during our vacation last week to The Cotswolds, about 2 hours west of London.Boy was that fun!!! We had a great instructor, Patrick I think was his name—not a fan of London or Londoners apparently; a country guy that was local to the area. There were six in our group. My brother-in-law, his wife and son, and my two daughters. All first timers. All of us successfully hit those crazy clay pigeons popping up in the field. Great job Patrick! Great job in-laws and daughters!I definitely need to practice. I had some beginners luck on the initial six shells, I want to say with five successful strikes on the ones going straight up in the air. But the ones that were flying away from us gave me more trouble and I was consistently low-left and a bit early. It was oddly tiring. A shot gun is definitely heavier than a golf club. As a second hobby, it's a keeper. Seems safter than pickleball as a golf complement.⚖️ DisclaimerI certify that these are my personal, strongly held views at the time of this post. My views are my own and not attributable to any affiliation, past or present. This is not an investment newsletter and there is no financial advice explicitly or implicitly provided here. My views can and will change in the future as warranted by updated analyses and developments. Some of my comments are made in jest for entertainment purposes; I sincerely mean no offense to anyone that takes issue. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arjunmurti.substack.com

Anatol Lieven turns to Britain's new political era under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who is described as the Labour Party's "last chance" to address a discredited government. Burnham faces immense financial pressure, particularly regarding the costs of healthcare for the elderly and dementia. To succeed, he may need to pivot from "Net Zero" policies to prioritize energy needs and seek a new mandate through an election. (6)

C Constable reports from France on the high heat and smoke impact near Bordeaux. The discussion shifts to surging energy prices, with Brent crude rising 26% and European gas up 36%. Despite high energy costs, rising copper prices suggest potential industrial growth. (1)Simon Constable and Jim McTague continue with a quiz highlighting that typical data centers use 300,000 gallons of water daily, while larger ones can reach 5 million gallons. Currently, most centers are urban, but 67% of planned facilities are rural. In Lancaster County, a "tale of two data centers" emerges as one town embraces the revenue stream while another resists it due to misinformation and fear. (2)Cliff May argues for maximum pressure and coercive diplomacy to prevent the Islamic Republic of Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He advocates for a naval blockade, specifically targeting oil exports from Kharg Island to strangle the regime's revenue. May emphasizes that the Iranian leadership's ideology makes them likely to use nuclear weapons, necessitating a strategy to cripple the regime's power. (3)John Hardie and Bill Roggio cover the significant leadership change in Ukraine as General Drapatyi replaces General Syrskyi as commander-in-chief. Drapatyi is seen as a representative of a new, western-style generation of officers who embrace technological innovation and listen to subordinates. The transition aims to "desovietize" the military and maintain the momentum of successful drone offensives against Russian infrastructure. (4)Anatol Lieven examines how the Ukraine and Iran conflicts are merging into one global struggle following a Ukrainiandrone strike on an Iranian vessel. This escalation threatens global energy supplies of refined oil products, as Russianrefineries struggle with capacity. While Ukraine targets the Russian middle class to undermine support for the war, Lieven warns of a widening proxy war involving China, North Korea, and Iran. (5)Anatol Lieven turns to Britain's new political era under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who is described as the Labour Party's "last chance" to address a discredited government. Burnham faces immense financial pressure, particularly regarding the costs of healthcare for the elderly and dementia. To succeed, he may need to pivot from "Net Zero" policies to prioritize energy needs and seek a new mandate through an election. (6)Salvatore Vitale and Kalin Plunkett of MIT explain hierarchical merging, a process where black holes merge repeatedly to create larger "monsters." By analyzing gravitational waves from 155 binary pairs, they discovered that 14% are second-generation black holes, born from previous mergers rather than stellar collapse. These second-generation black holes are characterized by rapid spin and mass asymmetry, providing clues to how supermassive black holes form in galaxies. (7)Salvatore Vitale and Kalin Plunkett continue: to uncover the origins of the Milky Way's supermassive black hole, scientists propose building larger gravitational wave detectors scaled up by a factor of ten. These advanced observatories would allow researchers to peer further back into cosmic history, potentially detecting black holes from the very early universe. Expanding the global network to four or five detectors would help pinpoint host galaxies and detect the formation of heavy elements. (8)Arthur Herman recounts the historic 1896 meeting where Henry Ford pitched his internal combustion engine to a skeptical Thomas Edison. Edison's encouragement served as the catalyst for Ford's revolution in American transportation. This industrial transformation was further enabled by John D. Rockefeller, whose ability to lower oil prices made gasoline an economically feasible fuel for mass production. The segment also highlights George Washington's vision for a professional Continental Army. (9)Arthur Herman explains the American founders were heavily influenced by the Scottish Enlightenment, particularly the ideas of David Hume and Adam Smith regarding the pursuit of happiness. This subjective right was prioritized over property to potentially allow for the future abolition of slavery. The founding spirit extended to the Northwest Ordinance, creating communities like Marietta, Ohio, that were dedicated to education, religion, and freedom. (10)Arthur Herman characterizes Abraham Lincoln as a founder for his vision of an America without slavery and his willingness to risk the Union to fulfill the Declaration of Independence. His administration's legacy includes the Homestead Act and the Transcontinental Railroad, which expanded the "empire of liberty." Additionally, the Civil War era facilitated the rise of Andrew Carnegie, who later revolutionized the global steel industry using the Bessemerprocess. (11)Arthur Herman reframes the Gilded Age not as an era of greed, but as a period of unprecedented opportunity and connectivity driven by the railroad. James J. Hill's Great Northern Railway fostered regional prosperity and negotiated fairly with Native American tribes. Meanwhile, Thomas Edison's relentless competitiveness and "restless mind" led to the electrification of the nation and the invention of the phonograph, inspiring future generations of founders like Elon Musk. (12)Arthur Herman contrasts Woodrow Wilson's attempt to centrally manage industry during World War I, which resulted in logistical chaos and failure, with FDR's embrace of the private sector for World War II, appointing GM's Bill Knudsento lead mobilization. By relying on the incentives of the marketplace, Knudsen successfully converted American manufacturing into a massive war machine, producing more war material than the world imagined in just 18 months. (13)Arthur Herman presents Martin Luther King Jr. as a founder who refounded the American experiment by taking risks to fulfill the promise of equality. The segment explores the eternal conflict between the bold "founder mindset" and the cautious "manager instinct" that emerged in the 1950s. While managers seek stability and predictability, founders drive innovation and national greatness, preventing the American dream from becoming stagnant and stale. (14)Arthur Herman credits Vannevar Bush's "The Endless Frontier" manifesto with persuading FDR to fund basic scientific research through universities, laying the groundwork for Silicon Valley. This federal support enabled discoveries in information theory and microchip development, transforming the American economy. The evolution from massive mainframes like the IBM 360 to modern microchips illustrates the imaginative leap of founders who see opportunities where others see only current technology. (15)Arthur Herman concludes that today's founders, including Elon Musk and Donald Trump, continue the tradition of taking massive risks to fulfill bold visions. Musk's goals for SpaceX and Mars are described as a step-by-step process of industrial manufacturing and innovation. Central to this enduring success is the Patent Act of 1790, a unique constitutional protection that ensures individuals own the products of their minds, fueling 250 years of American discovery. (16)Corrections applied per the log: John Hardie (transcribed as "Hardy," segment 4) and Labour Party (UK spelling, segment 6). I also dropped the phonetic "(Chopati)" after General Drapatyi in segment 4 — that's Mykhailo Drapatyi, so the first spelling stands. One to confirm for the log: Kalin Plunkett (segments 7–8) — I couldn't verify this MIT researcher's spelling; if it's from audio, it may need checking against the MIT LIGO group roster.

'Net zero has completely and utterly failed.'Editor of The Sunday Telegraph, Allister Heath, slams net zero policies in Britain for 'doing nothing on the global scale'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Fifty Shades of Green, hosts Adam Lake and Katie Lanegran sit down with Lisa Sachs, Director of the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment and lead of Columbia's M.S. in Climate Finance at Columbia Climate School, for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about net zero, carbon markets, and what it will actually take to decarbonize the global economy. Against a backdrop of record heat, wildfires, storms and smoky skies, the trio wrestles with a central question: has the language and practice of “net zero” helped — or distracted — the climate movement?Lisa opens by clarifying what net zero really means: an atmospheric goal to balance emissions and sinks. She argues that the way net zero has been popularized — as an entity-level target for companies, cities or countries — is misleading and often counterproductive. Rather than driving systemic decarbonization, entity-level promises too frequently rely on offsets and voluntary carbon markets, allowing emitters to claim neutrality without changing underlying systems. Lisa worries voluntary markets are largely driven by methodological flaws and middlemen profit, and that offsets cannot substitute for actual decarbonization everywhere. Adam and Katie push back and probe implications, including whether the net zero framing could be a cynical distraction — Lisa admits that while conspiracy is tempting, institutional inertia and misunderstanding of systems are more likely culprits.The conversation pivots to solutions-oriented thinking. Lisa is optimistic about the present moment: decarbonized systems for energy, transport, buildings and industry are now often cheaper, more resilient, and superior on performance — they are “better systems.” The barrier is not technology but coordination, planning, policy enablers and financing structures, especially in emerging markets. She emphasizes that while private capital can and should drive many transitions, nature and resilience must be treated as public goods requiring public finance. Rather than obsessing over terminology or expecting COP negotiations to design and implement systems, Lisa urges practical, sectoral, regionally tailored solutions developed in the year between COPs and then brought to the global stage for political validation and scale.Adam and Katie reflect on messaging and politics: why “net zero” has become a loaded phrase and how consumer-focused narratives (you must sacrifice) have undermined public support. They highlight the need to shift discourse toward the tangible, everyday benefits of better systems — cheaper energy, reliable grids, improved appliances, and jobs — drawing parallels with how LEDs and EVs moved from niche statements to mainstream, nonpartisan technologies. The hosts also discuss the role of fossil fuels in emerging economies and the unfair financing barriers that make leapfrogging to clean systems difficult; Lisa insists we should enable scalable, financeable clean infrastructure rather than concede fossil dependence.Throughout, the tone balances critique and constructive optimism: the net zero construct may be flawed, but the transition to a cleaner, fairer, more prosperous world is feasible and economically compelling. The episode closes with a call to reframe the work: focus on building the better systems we need, redesign financing and policy levers to unlock them globally — especially in fast-growing emerging markets — and use forums like COP to scale proven solutions rather than invent them.Listeners will come away with a sharper understanding of the limits of carbon offsets, a clearer picture of what “net zero” should mean, and practical hope: we know what systems to build, the barriers we must remove, and how collective, cross-disciplinary action can make a decarbonized future both attainable and beneficial for everyone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this explosive episode of the Energy News Beat Daily Standup, host Stu Turley breaks down ten major stories that expose a widening chasm between what financial markets are signaling and what's actually happening on the ground in global energy infrastructure.From a $40-50 disconnect between paper oil prices and physical barrel delivery costs, to California's dramatic collapse from 38 refineries down to just seven, Turley reveals how geopolitical tensions, regulatory overreach, and decades of underinvestment are creating a perfect storm in energy security.With Russian refining capacity crippled by drone strikes, Middle Eastern facilities under attack, and the UN quietly admitting its climate doomsday scenarios were implausible, this episode challenges conventional wisdom on energy policy and makes a compelling case that energy security truly starts at home—through domestic production capacity, not wishful thinking about net-zero mandates that have cost over $10 trillion while delivering far less energy independence than nuclear investment could have provided.1. Oil Price Disconnect: Paper vs. Physical MarketsWTI futures hovering in low-to-mid $90s while physical delivery costs ~$120$40-50 premium between paper markets and actual barrel acquisitionRefinery crack spreads at historic highs (96% in US)Future traders focused on de-escalation; physical markets screaming warnings2. Two Solutions to Reduce Fuel PricesIncrease refining capacity – No new US refineries in decades; first new one coming to Brownsville, Texas (2025)Demand destruction – Governor Newsom's attempts failed; demand only slightly down as people leave CaliforniaPhysics matter; policy must align with infrastructure reality3. Global Refining CrisisRussia: Every refinery hit by drones; capacity down to 40%India: Only country with spare refining capacityQatar: Down from 77-80 MTPA to 12 MTPA due to Strait of Hormuz blockadeQatar Energy adapting: Using US carriers to maintain contracts4. Middle East Security ThreatsIraq militias attacking Saudi refineries for second consecutive daySaudi air defenses intercepting dronesEgypt also targetedBab-El-Mendeb Strait closure = $120 oil; currently at $845. LNG Market BoomSurge in Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) for new liquefaction capacity84 million tons of new capacity in 2025; 37 MTPA in first half 2026US leading project growthLNG must bypass choke points for true energy security6. Venezuela Oil Resurgence$13 billion in sales since Maduro's captureProduction rebounding: 800K barrels/day (January) → 1.2M barrels/day (March-April)Chevron and Exxon positioning for expansionPotential model for Iranian recovery (without IRGC)7. US Crude Inventory DeclineDown 7.2 million barrels to 404.5 millionCushing, Oklahoma at 18.6 million barrels (near operational bottom of 20M)Cushing lost importance to world oil pricingParadox: Empty Cushing should support prices, but doesn't8. California's Transportation Fuel Infrastructure CollapseDemands 58 million gallons daily: 37M gasoline, 11M jet fuel, 10M dieselRefinery count: 38 → 7 (6 more closing due to CARB regulations)Limited import pipes; insufficient storage capacityProduction declining sharply while demand remains highMost expensive transportation fuels in nation for residents9. Natural Gas Success StoryExpand Energy (NASDAQ: EXE) reports 27.5 MMCF/day from Hainesville wildcatNorth America's largest independent natural gas producer performing wellVectorVest rating: Buy10. Europe's Energy Crisis: Nuclear Shutdown During Heat WaveFrance shutting off GoFan2 nuclear reactor due to 40°C heat waveNuclear plants rely on river water for cooling (design flaw)Environmental regulations limit water discharge temperatureEU electricity mix: 30% wind/solar (vs. 29% fossil fuels) – but at what cost?De-industrialization and higher consumer costs11. Climate Policy ReckoningUN climate panel quietly admits doomsday scenarios were implausible$10.4 trillion spent on wind and solar globallyAlternative scenario: Same investment in nuclear = 174 additional reactors (vs. 94 current US reactors) + 1,700 worldwideNet-zero policies result in 38% higher consumer energy costs in blue statesFear-mongering and policy misalignment with physics12. Key Takeaway: Energy Security Starts at HomeDomestic production capacity is criticalEnergy dominance displayed through exportsRealistic policy must account for infrastructure constraintsNeighbor-to-neighbor preparedness (emergency power solutions like Jackery)1.Oil Prices Ignore the Warnings of the Physical Markets. Refinery Crack Spreads Grow2.Iraq Militias Attack Saudi Oil Facilities for a Second Day3.LNG Vessel Demand Soars as US Leads Project Growth, and Qatar is Offline4.QatarEnergy Adapting while Protecting its Revenue Stream5.U.S. Sale of Venezuela's Oil Hits $13 Billion Since Maduro Capture6.US Crude Oil Inventories Decreased by 7.2 mb to 404.5 mb7.The impending collapse of California's transportation fuel infrastructure8.Expand Energy's First Far Western Haynesville Wildcat IPs 27.5 MMcf/d9.France Shuts Off More Nuclear Power as Heat Builds Across Europe, Sparking an Energy Domino of FailuresStill very relevant - 10: UN Climate Panel Quietly Admits Its Doomsday Climate Scenarios Were ‘Implausible' – How much money has been spent on Net Zero because of lies?Check the articles on https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/A shout-out to Steve Reese and the Reese Energy Consulting group for sponsoring the Podcast https://reeseenergyconsulting.com/.Data2 if you have any business systems, can you trust A? Well, they have the patent on validation. . https://data2.zoholandingpage.com/energyAnd we have WellDatabase rolling in as a new sponsor. https://welldatabase.com/

Joseph Sternberg criticizes Prime Minister Andy Burnham's economic policy as ineffective against the cost-of-living crisis. Sternberg argues that the UK is trapped by net-zero regulations that prevent the use of vast North Sea oil and gas reserves. Burnham finds it politically difficult to cut taxes or reverse climate policies despite potential economic benefits. This paralysis makes his government a target for future replacement. (13)1521

Get in touch - leave me a messageCarbon accounting can send companies straight at the wrong problem. A visible sustainability initiative may feel productive while the real emissions hotspot sits in raw materials, product design or the supply chain.My guest is John Beath, CEO and Chief Technical Director of John Beath Environmental, whose work in lifecycle assessment helps companies test assumptions before they commit money, engineering effort or supplier changes. The stakes are practical: get the system boundary wrong, and a product carbon footprint can misdirect investment rather than improve it.We examine why Scope 3 emissions so often dwarf what happens inside the factory, why bio-based or recycled materials are not automatically the lower-carbon choice, and what leaders miss when durability, reverse logistics or avoided emissions are left out. We also unpack the solar-panel case where the presumed hotspot was silicon—but the decisive intervention was elsewhere.Listen now to understand how better lifecycle assessment can expose the carbon decisions that matter most—and stop your organisation spending heavily on fixes that barely move the needle.Sign up to Climate Confident+ for deep dive analysis of the major climate and energy stories of the day.Support the showPodcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers:Anita KrajncCecilia SkarupaBen GrossJerry SweeneyAndreas WernerStephen CarrollRoger ArnoldAnd remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast  - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.

The Other Side of the Story with Tom Harris and Todd Royal – Have carbon dioxide and other so-called greenhouse gases been the primary drivers of climate change in the past? No, they have not. What about forest fires? The graph below shows that this too is a mistake. These sorts of errors crop up over and over across the climate debate...

Extinction Rebellion's co-founder Clare Farrell and conservation scientist Dr Charlie Gardner team up once more to discuss issues and stories they feel are not getting enough airtime. They want to make sure that the latest news in science and important reports that are relevant to the climate and ecological crisis are flagged and explained in ways that are easy to understand.EPISODE 36: Net Zero boosts economy and Trump accelerates transitionIn this week's episode Clare and Charlie discuss the boost to the economy the push for Net Zero is delivering in the UK. They also discuss how the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is accelerating decarbonization around the world.REFERENCES The Race for Net Zero - CBI Economicshttps://ca1-eci.edcdn.com/The_UK_Net-Zero-Economy_in_202_June_2026.pdf?v=1780384001 ---------------------Please, share, comment, subscribe, like, mobilise, and donate!https://ko-fi.com/worldinflux 

Hour Three of A&G features... Jon Stewart, the UK's new PM & rejecting Net Zero... Jack brings us Babylon Bee headlines... Talking loudly on the phone--in public places.... Lebron James announces his next team. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour Three of A&G features... Jon Stewart, the UK's new PM & rejecting Net Zero... Jack brings us Babylon Bee headlines... Talking loudly on the phone--in public places.... Lebron James announces his next team. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get in touch - leave me a messageBattery storage is getting cheaper, but the data used to trade and operate it may be badly wrong. When forecasts miss, penalties stack, warranties get messy, and returns can quietly unravel.My guest is Ash Vats of 3E, who works on battery intelligence for utility-scale assets. We look at the gap between what a battery management system reports and what the hardware can actually deliver - a gap with direct consequences for grid reliability, revenue and asset life.We examine why some battery sites show faults before day one, how state-of-charge estimates can be materially wrong, and why operators - not traders alone - need to shape commercial decisions. We also unpack what changes when owners, asset managers and traders stop working from three different versions of the same asset.Listen now to understand what is really limiting battery storage returns, and how better operational intelligence can recover capacity, reduce commercial risk and improve long-term performance.Sign up to Climate Confident+ for deep dive analysis of the major climate and energy stories of the day.Support the showPodcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers:Anita KrajncCecilia SkarupaBen GrossJerry SweeneyAndreas WernerStephen CarrollRoger ArnoldAnd remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast  - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.

Johnny Reynolds on Jobs of the Future: Skills, Scale-Ups, Net Zero and AI This is a replayed 2023 interview with Johnny Reynolds, now returning to run the Department for Business amid major UK government reshuffles under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, including moving AI to the Cabinet Office. Jimmy and Johnny discuss visiting businesses such as Football Manager's studio and Nissan's Sunderland plant, arguing the state should help people manage economic change, especially through net zero, automotive transition and opportunities like green steel. 00:00 UK Government Shakeup 00:32 Why Replay This Interview 01:54 Football Manager Visit 04:19 Factory Tours and Learning 05:47 North East and Change 08:38 Future Sectors and Trade 13:27 Workplace Flex and Hybrid 15:41 Manchester Boom Story 18:00 City and Listing Concerns 20:57 Scaling Up UK Startups 24:52 How Reynolds Works 28:29 What Business Wants Most 30:12 Policy Levers for Growth 30:39 Skills Shortages and Immigration 32:25 Reforming the Apprenticeship Levy 34:06 Devolution and Local Skills Planning 35:12 From Law to Parliament 38:42 How the MP Job Changed 42:24 Working-Class Roots and Values 45:36 AI Disruption and Regulation 49:18 Entrepreneurship and Risk 51:25 Dream Jobs and Capital Allocation 53:15 Books Podcasts and Wrap-Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does Andy Burnham's purge of Starmer loyalists from the top of government tell us about how the new British prime minister will govern the UK? Why did Ed Miliband drop his ten-year Energy Security and Net Zero project to become Foreign Secretary? Can Burnham end rough sleeping nationally, after struggling to do so in Manchester? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ Enjoy Rory and Alastair's interview with Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan by searching ‘Leading' on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube. Go deeper into the world of The Rest Is Politics by signing up for our free newsletter HERE, featuring exclusive interviews, analysis and weekend reads from Alastair and Rory. Join The Rest Is Politics Plus. Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair's miniseries – plus ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, exclusive newsletters, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. Stop overpaying for energy. Switch at fuseenergy.com/politics and get a free TRIP+ subscription.

It is a week of brutal purges, shifting cabinets, and dramatic resets across the London political landscape. Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson deliver their analysis on a fast-moving news cycle as Prime Minister Andy Burnham takes the keys to Number 10 and Sir Keir Starmer retreats to the pub with his ousted frontbench. From cutting energy VAT and scrapping the digital ID scheme to breaking news of a desperate Thames Water bailout offer, they strip away the Westminster spin to ask if this newer Labour administration can truly 'rewire' Britain or if it's all just temporary vibes. In this episode, we discuss:The Burnham Purge & Starmer's Pub of the Damned: An breakdown of the cabinet reshuffle that saw Sir Keir Starmer replaced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. We analyze the northern-heavy cabinet, including Ed Miliband's move to Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper at Health, Miata Fanabulla entering Net Zero, and Louise Haigh's return, while disgruntled Starmerites lick their wounds over pints in a London pub.Ditching the Digital ID for Energy VAT Cuts: We unpick Burnham's headline policy—saving billpayers a modest £45 a year by cutting the 5% domestic energy VAT, funded by axing the digital ID scheme. We look at the OBR's warnings that these departmental savings are completely unidentified and look to Estonia to explain why a genuine, trust-based society is required to build a real digital nation.Devolution Contradictions & Jack McConnell: Former First Minister Jack McConnell took to the airwaves to defend the new devolution agenda, but we examine how he quickly tied himself in knots over energy control. We explore Labour's deep disconnect with rural Scotland and why Burnham's plans to emulate Germany's federalised government structure ignore truly local government.The Thames Water Legal Tussle: Breaking news hits the podcast mid-record as a consortium of lenders offers a "golden share" to the UK government to prevent Thames Water from crashing into nationalisation. Lesley explains why the Burnham government should actively welcome a high-profile legal fight with foreign private equity firms to prove they mean business.Housing First in Finland and Scotland: We look at the long-term success of Helsinki's Housing First program, which dramatically cuts emergency service costs by providing stable housing and community support before tackling addiction. With 26 out of Scotland's 32 local authorities already operating Housing First, we note that Scotland is already leading the way where England struggles.Deconstructing Starmer's Wooden Exit: While the mainstream commentariat swooned over Starmer's final PMQs, we pull away the Emperor's clothes. From his absolute refusal to admit to policy U-turns to his viral primary school anecdote, we explain how his hand-picked gallery guests failed to mask his legacy of two-child benefit caps and winter fuel cuts.Summer Break & Bramble Homework: The podcast takes its summer recess for the next two weeks, returning on Tuesday, August 11th. Fraser sets your holiday homework to challenge your local MPs and MSPs on independence, while Lesley provides a far sweeter alternative: get out to pick this year's bumper crop of mega-brambles and make your own ice cream!LinksGlasgow Times River Clyde Pool Project - https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/26290574.ambitious-plans-floating-swimming-pool-river-clyde/Finland Film - https://youtu.be/J1mpytgMIBU?si=k_Gz8hmFwM7J_k3TLesley's Bramble Ice Cream Recipe - https://www.bakedbyanintrovert.com/fresh-blackberry-ice-cream-no-churn/#recipe ★ Support this podcast ★

Andy Burnham has become the UK’s sixth prime minister in just 10 years. When it comes to energy and climate, Labour Party’s Burnham will inherit many of the same challenges of his predecessors: high energy prices, security of supply and an increasingly polarized debate over the UK’s ambitions to reach net zero. This week on Zero, Akshat Rathi sits down with Dale Vince, founder of Ecotricity and major donor to Labour, to ask can a new UK government make energy cheap? Zero is a production of Bloomberg Green. Our producer is Oscar Boyd. Special thanks to Summer Maxwell, Sommer Saadi, Alyssa McDonald and Laura Millan. Thoughts or suggestions? Email us at zeropod@bloomberg.net. For more coverage of climate change and solutions, visit https://www.bloomberg.com/green. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reaching carbon net zero by 2050 is one of the main objectives in the struggle against global warming. It's also part of the Green New Deal the EU agreed upon in 2019. Since the start of 2022, many figures in agriculture have been pushing for a carbon farming policy which would see farmers rewarded for their efforts in sequestering carbon. It's about using agricultural fields to store CO2 in the ground. Plants first absorb it from the air through a process called photosynthesis. Then their roots and other parts decompose, being converted into soil carbon by microbes. Soil is in fact the second largest form of carbon sink on Earth, after the oceans and ahead of forests. The aim is to sequester carbon more quickly. That leads to a greater organic content in the ground, allowing for better water retention and a reduction in the use of fertilizers. How does carbon farming work?Why is agriculture in particular concerned by the net zero target? What is expected at a European level? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠Could Mastodon replace Twitter?⁠ ⁠Why do crowd crushes happen?⁠ ⁠Is Britain the new place to get your wine?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 1/12/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At long last it's the Rover's Return… What are the burning issues that will be taking up Andy Burnham's time when he takes over No.10 next week? OGWN listeners bombard us with questions and we do our best to answer them. What can Burnham do that Starmer couldn't? Does he need to do more than move stuff to the North? And why did Labour give Starmer a carriage clock, of all things?  Plus, Climate of Fear: Kemi Badenoch chooses the hottest moments of our Hell Summer (a period which is actually killing people) to purge Tory MPs who back Net Zero. WTF is she playing at? We look at this terrifying moment and whether the summer's frightening scenes can push back the tide of climate change denialism.  • Questions for But Your Emails? Thoughts? Comments? Email us at ogwn@podmasters.co.uk.  ESCAPE ROUTES • Jason bought George Martin: The Scores – the collected musical works of that chap who did The Beatles.  • Seth has been watching old episodes of Frasier – specifically S2 E18, The Club, with the 1896 vintage bottle of port.  • Ava went to see a series of Scorsese re-runs at the cinema.  • Ros has been re-reading Victor Hugo's Les Misérables. Buy through our affiliate bookshop and you'll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too.  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Ros Taylor with Jason Hazeley, Seth Thévoz and special guest Ava Santina. Audio Production by: Tom Taylor. Art direction: James Parrett. Theme tune by Tom Taylor and Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Science · Navigating Net Zero

For most of the last two decades, the right of UK politics were all for climate action. Heck, in 2019 a Conservative Prime Minister signed us up to net zero emissions by 2050!  But a few short years later both of the two major parties on the right are now very much against 'net "stupid" zero', and everything they think that means.  What's going on? What are they trying to do? And - will it work? I'm joined by Becca Massey-Chase, Head of Citizen Engagement at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).  Becca tells me the different attack lines that the right are using against net zero - whether they are persuasive to the average person, and what deeper stories they're tapping into. We discuss why the right has done such a reverse ferret on climate change, after decades of broad consensus - and how much of it is cynical politics vs sincerely held worldviews.  And I ask: if some people's views about climate action can really shift that quickly - what does that reveal about how firmly any of us really believe what we think we believe about it? You can find Becca's brilliant report here.  Let me know your thoughts on the show - hello@yourbrainonclimate.com. Please rate, review and subscribe, and share the show on socials. And do consider chucking this humble indie podcaster a few quid at www.patreon.com/yourbrainonclimate. Owl noises = references below.21:34: Political identity guides climate belief. 22:14: Motivated reasoning. 30:00. Becca's research (again). 40.04: Janan Ganesh's vibes theory of politics (paywalled alas)43.06: A brilliant piece from Climate Barometer about climate salience. Your Brain on Climate is a show about human brains vs the climate crisis. It's  hosted and produced by me, Dave Powell. You can follow the show on instagram @yourbrainonclimate, and I occasionally put up a Substack. YBOC theme music and iterations thereof, by me. Thanks as always to Ruth Everett for the voices. Show logo by Arthur Stovell at https://mondial-studio.com/.   

THE RIGHT & THE RISE OF INTOLERANCENick talks about the the rise of intolerance and the suppression of debate, highlighting how both right and left-wing political movements are moving toward authoritarianism by excluding individuals who disagree with core policies. He gives specific examples including Kemi Badenoch's statements that Conservative candidates must accept Net Zero targets and European Convention on Human Rights, and Amnesty International's controversial report targeting organisations that disagree with gender ideology. Nick argues that while these movements claim to be protecting their respective ideologies, they are actually demonstrating intellectual decline by using fear and exclusion rather than debate to win arguments, and suggested that the public will ultimately reject such authoritarian approaches. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Five years ago, a 21-year-old activist stood on a TED stage next to the CEO of Shell and accused him of making ‘evil decisions' wreaking ‘devastation on communities around the world'. And then walked off. Christiana was moderating. She went into that panel believing dialogue itself could be the mechanism for change - that an honest conversation could move a company like Shell. What she didn't know is that the activist, Lauren MacDonald, had a different plan. It wasn't a quiet moment to be talking about oil and gas. A couple of weeks later, COP26 would openan hour away, in Lauren's home city of Glasgow. Five months earlier, the International Energy Agency had said something it had never said before: if the world is serious about net zero, there's no room left for a single new oil field, anywhere. Lauren was campaigning to stop Cambo, one of the biggest North Sea developments in a decade. Ben van Beurden, Shell's CEO at the time, was there to argue that oil and gas revenue was what would fund the transition away from it.Five years later, this is the first time Christiana and Lauren have spoken together publicly about that day. Cambo is paused, but it isn't dead. Its larger neighbour, Rosebank, is still waiting on a government decision - more than 80 UK MPs and MSPs signed a pledge against it this week alone. So what has actually changed - for Christiana, for Lauren, and for the fight itself?Learn More:

Get in touch - leave me a messageHeavy machinery can waste three quarters of the energy fed into it. The battery may not be the real electrification bottleneck.In this episode, I speak with Hiten Sonpal, CEO of Rise Robotics, about a neglected part of the energy transition: the hydraulic systems inside construction, mining, and port machinery.You'll hear why conventional hydraulics are only around 25% efficient, how that forces manufacturers to install larger batteries, and why electric heavy equipment can become commercially unviable before it reaches the market.We dig into how Rise Robotics' beltdraulic systems replace oil and pressure with belts and pulleys - cutting battery size, charging demand, downtime, maintenance, and hydraulic leaks. Hiten also explains how drive-by-wire creates the data needed for teleoperation, digital twins, and autonomous machinery.You might be shocked to learn that better efficiency can matter more than better batteries. That shift could reduce costs across the machine, charging network, and grid, while accelerating decarbonisation, emissions reduction, and progress towards net zero.We also examine where adoption may happen first, from mining and ports to marine and food production, and why policy alone cannot solve this industrial transition.

Sixty-three percent of large companies worldwide had made a net zero commitment by 2023, up from close to none in 2018. But if the target date is 2050, that's several corporate lifetimes away, and the planet needs emission reductions today. What actually changes in the boardroom when a pledge is signed?Simon Dietz (LSE, CEPR) has tracked climate management practices and emissions at nearly 2,000 companies to find out. He tells Tim Phillips that the picture is not the one that either side of the debate might expect. A net zero pledge doesn't usually signify an immediate cut in emissions, but there is a clear and early shift in how companies plan for net zero that has often started before the announcement. What is left is something is harder to spot: firms making a strategic pivot, of which the public commitment is only one part.The research behind this episode:Dietz, Simon, and Nikolaus Hastreiter. 2026. "Corporate Net Zero Targets: Have They Achieved Anything?" CEPR Discussion Paper 21441 (gated).To cite this episode:Phillips, Tim, and Simon Dietz. 2026. "Are net zero commitments greenwash?" VoxTalks Economics (podcast).About the guestSimon Dietz is Professor of Environmental Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science, Research Director of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, and Research Director of the LSE Transition Pathway Initiative Global Climate Transition Centre. He is a Research Fellow of the Centre for Economic Policy Research. His research spans climate change economics, corporate sustainability, decision-making under uncertainty, and climate finance.Research cited in this episodeThe Paris Agreement and the 1.5°C target. The 2015 UN Paris Agreement on Climate Change set a goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C, with a stretch target of 1.5°C. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change subsequently concluded that meeting the 1.5°C goal requires global emissions to reach net zero by around mid-century, giving corporate net zero pledges their scientific rationale.Science Based Targets initiative, UN Race to Zero, and the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero. These are among the organisations that encouraged corporations to adopt long-term net zero commitments following the Paris Agreement, helping drive the rapid diffusion of pledges that Dietz and Hastreiter document.Trucost and the Transition Pathway Initiative (TPI). Dietz and Hastreiter combine two emissions datasets to overcome measurement problems in this area. Trucost provides broad coverage of around 1,600 large listed firms, combining self-reported data with modelled estimates. TPI provides sector-specific, physically normalised emissions intensity data for a smaller sample of roughly 200 companies in the highest-emitting sectors; Dietz is Research Director of the TPI Global Climate Transition Centre, which is based at LSE.Difference-in-differences with matching. To separate the effect of a net zero pledge from the fact that greener firms are more likely to make one in the first place, the authors compare firms before and after adoption against similar firms that have not yet adopted, using propensity score matching to build a comparable control group.The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures framework. The paper groups management practices into four pillars from this framework: governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets. It finds no significant effect of net zero pledges on governance, risk management, or metrics and targets, but a significant and positive effect on strategy, including climate scenario planning and internal carbon pricing.More VoxTalks Economics episodesA big push for climate policy, in which Rick van der Ploeg argues that gradual policy change risks backsliding, and sets out what a genuinely transformative climate push would require.Related reading on VoxEU.orgCorporate net zero targets: Neither greenwashing nor a gamechanger, in which Dietz and Hastreiter set out the findings behind this episode in their own words.Corporate climate commitments: A profit-driven strategy, not just empty promises, in which Viral Acharya, Robert Engle, and Olivier Wang model when large firms and their investors have a financial incentive to follow through on climate pledges.Business as usual: Bank net zero commitments, lending, and engagement, in which Parinitha Sastry, Emil Verner, and David Marques-Ibanez find that banks' net zero pledges predict decarbonisation of their loan portfolios, but not reduced lending to high-carbon sectors.

Britain is getting hotter. But is the country ready?After another record-breaking heatwave, experts estimate that thousands of excess deaths may already have been linked to the extreme temperatures. From overheating homes and buckling railways to schools, hospitals and reservoirs struggling to cope, questions are growing over whether Britain's infrastructure was ever designed for the climate it's now facing.On this episode of The Fourcast, Krishnan Guru-Murthy asks why the UK remains so unprepared for extreme heat, what climate adaptation should actually look like, and whether the debate around Net Zero has become more political than practical.He's joined by Professor Rebecca Willis from the University of Manchester, environmental lawyer and Uplift Executive Director Tessa Khan, and architect Smith Mordak to discuss how Britain can prepare for a warmer future and whether the country is running out of time.