Podcast appearances and mentions of nori nori

The fellas had WPGC's own It's Nori Nori on the show.

Listen as we sit down with WPGC 95.5's own Nori-Nori! We chronicle Nori's 20 year radio career while she takes us on a journey from her hometown of Chattanooga, TN to Washington D.C. The episode starts during our pre-podcast session with Nori while Kyle DJs. At the 28:00 minute mark we start the show with prayer and introductions. You'll learn that Nori is very big on family, intention about her career, and has a story about almost every celebrity…. including Drake. We even asked a question that had her at a loss for words.”

There are only 1.5M Atlantic salmon left in the world. And despite putting an end to commercial fishing, their numbers continue to dwindle. As a keystone species, the implications of their loss go far beyond not being able to order salmon for dinner. So, why are Atlantic salmon disappearing at such an alarming rate? What does their loss mean for other species? And how does it impact the rivers where they live? Mark Kurlansky is a New York Times bestselling and James A. Beard award-winning author with a knack for seeing the broader implications of seemingly little things. He has written 33 books in all, including The Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell, Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World and most recently, Salmon: A Fish, the Earth, and the History of Their Common Fate. His forthcoming book, The Unreasonable Virtue of Fly Fishing is due out in March of 2021. On this episode of the podcast, Mark joins Ross to share what inspired him to choose salmon as the topic of his most recent book and explain why climate change is catastrophic for the fish. He weighs in on the problems with salmon farming (be it inland or on the water) and discusses why hatcheries are not a viable way to enhance the salmon population. Listen in for Mark’s insight on how the disappearance of Atlantic salmon will impact other species and learn how to be a conscious consumer of the popular fish. Connect with Nori: Nori on Patreon Purchase Nori Carbon Removals Nori Nori on Facebook Nori on Twitter Resources: Mark Kurlansky’s Website Salmon: A Fish, the Earth, and the History of Their Common Fate by Mark Kurlansky Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World by Mark Kurlansky Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky Paper: Paging Through History by Mark Kurlansky The Basque History of the World: The Story of a Nation by Mark Kurlansky A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/reversingclimatechange/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/reversingclimatechange/support

Da RONAreport is a collection of conversations;; an authentic depiction of emotion, circumstance, and the will to survive during Pandemic 2020. Our 54th VOICE:: We sat down back in May 2020 with NoriNori; a Radio Personality in Baltimore;; sooo that is definitely a recipe for a robust conversation... Aaand Nori does not disappoint;; she serveS us the lowDOWN on how she actually accessS and useS current technology in a more efficient capacity! She is also enjoying working from home and cherishing her PEACE&REST! NoriNori can be heard every SATURDAY from 10am-3pm on Magic 95.9FM Baltimore OR check her iG:: @itsNoriNori for her Live interviewS! CLICK Here to Subscribe... BBRBigup to Rashad D. Hawkins for donating da RONAbeat.! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/blakboxx/message

It’s Nori Nori joins Nate on Lifetips to discuss Radio & TV, Voiceovers, BLM, Social Media, YouTube, Public Figure Life, Podcasting, BLM, and more! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifetips/message

The average person owns more than 300 items of clothing but only wears about 20% of what’s in their closet. And 100B pieces are produced every year for the 8B people on the planet. Exactly how much does the fashion industry contribute to the climate crisis? Some studies suggest that its carbon emissions are greater than that of international air travel and maritime shipping combined! So, why isn’t fashion regulated in the same way as oil and gas, for example?   Dr. Elizabeth Segran is a Senior Staff Writer at Fast Company and the author of several recent articles on the need for regulation in the fashion industry. Today, Liz joins Ross and guest host Lorraine Smith to discuss how fashion works, explaining how the industry has evolved over the last 150 years to a system in which clothes are disposable. She explores the environmental cost of fast fashion, describing the dangers of using synthetic material and the tremendous waste associated with producing inventory well beyond what consumers are likely to buy.   Liz weighs in what makes it challenging to regulate the fashion industry and addresses the consumer trend toward owning fewer, more timeless pieces that last longer. Listen in for Lorraine’s insight around what circularity really means for fashion brands and find out why Liz believes that, in the absence of regulations, it’s up to US to curb overconsumption, demand higher quality clothing, and mitigate the industry’s impact on climate change.   Key Takeaways   [3:16] How the fashion industry has evolved over the last 150 years Only very wealthy had choice, clothes for everyone else handmade  Mass production changed function (practical vs. self-expression) Designers created new trends each season, clothes are disposable Fast fashion democratized access to trends   [9:25] The environmental cost of fast fashion Produce inventory well beyond what consumers likely to buy Assume some styles won’t do well and will be landfilled Uses labor, resources and carbon emissions but no utility 60% made of synthetic material that will not biodegrade Ends up in food chain or gets incinerated (producing more CO2)   [18:03] Why it might be challenging to regulate the fashion industry  Complex global supply chain, multiple steps in process Best option to hold brands responsible for waste, pollution Some brands working toward carbon neutrality on own Government regulations would radically transform supply chain Address overconsumption first (average person owns 300+ pieces)   [31:06] The trend toward owning fewer, more durable, timeless pieces Brands like Eileen Fisher coming into vogue Movement initiated by consumers themselves   [33:21] What luxury brands can teach us about circularity  Create durable products that can be repaired, last generations Business model not premised on selling at scale   [39:23] The potential to be truly regenerative in producing fashion Could use principles of living systems in manufacture and sale Falls on consumer to change behavior in absence of regulations Current business model predicated on constant growth No pressure to invest in infrastructure to change production   Connect with Ross    Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori on Patreon Nori Newsletter Email podcast@nori.com  Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Fast Company Liz on Fast Company "It's time to regulate fashion the way we regulate the oil industry" by Liz Segran at Fast Company "Our obsession with "color trends" is killing the planet" by Liz Segran at Fast Company Liz on Twitter Liz on Instagram Lorraine’s Website Katja Bartholmess’ Article on Overproduction The Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Definition of a Circular Economy H&M’s Sustainability Declarations Eileen Fisher’s Work on Social Consciousness Patagonia’s Repair Program Gucci’s Sustainability Plan Walmart’s Sustainability Journey Hermés’ Repair Policy American Giant Cuyana Interface’s Climate Take Back Plan Interface’s Factory as a Forest Program Lorrain’s Open Letter to BlackRock CEO Larry Fink Ettitude on RCC Bonus #13 Shop Ettitude (with a Nori Discount)

Are you out of work because of COVID-19? Or are you reevaluating the work you do and wishing you could apply your skills to something much more meaningful? You CAN spend your working hours (and get paid) for solving the climate crisis, and you don’t have to be a climate scientist to make an impact.   Evan Hynes is the founder of Climate.Careers, a job site dedicated to helping talented jobseekers find high-impact, high-paying jobs at organizations working to address climate change. On this bonus episode of Reversing Climate Change, Evan joins Ross to discuss why he built the Climate.Careers platform and explain what qualifies a job to be listed on the site.   Evan describes the exodus from the tech startup world to the climate action space, sharing his own journey to mission-driven work and offering advice for jobseekers interested in making a similar transition. Listen in to understand Evan’s long-term vision for Climate.Careers as a one-stop shop for climate action and learn how you can use the site to find meaningful work, learn about upcoming events, or perhaps even join the Climate.Careers team!   Key Takeaways   [1:08] The fundamental purpose of Climate Careers Platform for finding climate job Apply skills to solving climate crisis   [1:52] Why Climate Careers is necessary Existing job sites limited to nonprofit/for-profit Includes nonprofit, policy + research and market solutions   [3:43] Evan’s climate journey Introduced to mission-driven work at Make School IPCC report inspired focus on climate   [7:29] What qualifies a job for Climate Careers Organizations working on Project Drawdown solution Any role at organization meets criteria   [8:32] How Climate Careers makes money Monthly subscription model for companies Access to talent database, unlimited job posts   [10:09] Evan’s long-term vision for the platform Continue to focus on climate Expand to one-stop shop for climate action   [13:06] How Climate Careers thinks about adding features People don’t want/need another social network or Slack group Survey users for complementary tools (e.g.: events directory)   [18:47] Who Climate Careers is looking to add to their team Early volunteer-employees interested in journey Technical cofounder   [22:27] What we can do at Climate Careers Keyword search thousands of listings for climate jobs Subscribe to newsletters (events or job opportunities)   [24:51] Evan’s advice to job seekers in the climate space Leverage current experience to transition Can make impact without being climate scientist   Connect with Ross    Nori Nori on Patreon Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email podcasts@nori.com  Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Climate Careers Climate Careers Events Directory Join the Climate Careers Team Idealist.org AngelList My Climate Journey Make School IPCC Report on Climate Change Project Drawdown ClimateAction.tech Sunrise Movement  Air Miners New Energy Nexus Y-Combinator Portfolio Companies

Regenerative agriculture improves soil health and stores carbon, and there is mounting evidence that it produces healthier, more nutrient-dense food. But our agricultural system is complex and interconnected, and farmers need capital to finance the shift to regenerative practices. So, how can one put investment dollars to work to support this transition?   Koen van Seijen is the host of the Investing in Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, where he talks to pioneers in the regenerative food and agriculture space about putting money to work to regenerate the soil. Today, Koen joins Ross and Christophe to discuss the many different flavors of financing for regenerative agriculture and explain the distinction between investing in regenerative agriculture and what is sometimes called "regenerative financing" which innovates in terms of deal structure and beyond.   Koen goes on to explore the role of transition finance in the regenerative economy and the danger in overselling the potential for soil to address climate change. Listen in for Koen’s insight around the connection between soil health and nutrient density in food and learn how he thinks about the influence of technology in making the transition to regenerative agriculture.   Key Takeaways   [1:53] What inspired Koen to create the Investing in Regenerative Agriculture podcast Active in impact investing space, discovered potential of ag to be part of climate solution Record conversations to share with investors and entrepreneurial farmers   [5:08] The distinction between investing IN regenerative ag and regenerative finance Can argue that traditional terms NOT regenerative Push for experimentation in ownership structures   [6:49] The role of transition finance in the regenerative economy  Support farmer through transition to regenerative practices Investor and farmer on same side, improve soil health as fast as possible   [9:46] The different flavors of financing for regenerative agriculture Organic transition finance loans Green or transition bonds Blended capital Corporate (e.g.: buy ecosystem services, provide access to market) Crowd lending   [15:49] What role ecosystem services might play in financing regenerative ag Increase as we wake up to benefits of soil for carbon capture and storage Likely to become normal part of transition for farmers   [17:37] The challenges around gaining the trust of farmers Promises of markets, financing not delivered Need all hands on deck to speed up transition   [21:19] The danger in overselling the potential of soil to solve climate change Underestimates job to be done in transition Agriculture part of complex, interconnected systems   [25:03] How to get consumers behind the transition to regenerative ag Research around nutrient density and soil health More funding available in realm of healthcare (food as medicine)   [27:46] Why large food companies are likely to fight the transition to regenerative ag  Removes need for global supply chain as nutrients lost in shipping Doubt campaigns similar (i.e.: tobacco, fossil fuels) to delay   [33:08] The role of technology in the transition to regenerative agriculture Measure carbon storage for ecosystem services Measure soil health and nutrient density Assist landscape designers in deciding what to plant where   [36:34] How Koehn thinks about the wizard and the prophet Use tech to augment, not replace land stewards Leverage tech to scale regenerative practices faster   [45:23] The role of policy in the transition to regenerative agriculture Legacy policy didn’t consider soil health Perverse incentives make change more difficult   Connect with Ross & Christophe    Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori on Patreon Nori Newsletter Email podcast@nori.com  Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Investing in Regenerative Agriculture and Food Investing in Regenerative Agriculture and Food on LinkedIn Investing in Regenerative Agriculture Podcast on SoundCloud Regenerative Agriculture on Patreon Koen on Twitter Koen on Medium Aqua-Spark Toniic Rabo AgriFinance’s Organic Transition Loan Offering The Perennial Fund Carbon Yield Woody Tasch on RCC EP088 Bionutrient Food Association Dan Kittredge on RCC EP063 TeakOrigin Guide Food Research Farmed Smart Sustainable Agriculture Certification Jill Clapperton The Wizard and the Prophet: Two Remarkable Scientists and Their Dueling Visions to Shape Tomorrow’s World by Charles C. Mann Ettitude on RCC Bonus #13 Shop Ettitude (with a Nori Discount) 

Spoiler Alert: In this episode, we discuss the endings of several works, including Jenny Offill’s Weather, Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, P.D. James’ The Children of Men, Jacques Lob and Jean-Marc Rochette’s Snowpiercer, the Paul Schrader film First Reformer, and the HBO series Game of Thrones. Probably some others too!   A lot of fiction that deals with climate change 1) considers a very different future world, and 2) ends on a hopeful note. But a new genre is emerging that no longer fits into the category of speculative or science fiction. In doomer lit, climate change is simply part of the landscape—and a feeling of fatalism pervades the work.   Kate Knibbs is a Senior Writer at WIRED covering culture, and is the author of ‘The Hottest New Literary Genre is Doomer Lit.’ Today, Kate joins Ross to explain what inspired her conception of the new (sub)genre, discussing what differentiates doomer lit from cli-fi and how Jenny Offill’s new novel Weather functions as a mood piece on climate change.   Kate and Ross go on to explore the pros and cons of fatalism in art, the intersections between climate change and pandemic doomerism, and the way COVID-19 is likely to inform art and literature moving forward. Listen in for Kate’s insight around the challenge of writing great literature that engages in politics and learn why we have yet to develop a strong monster metaphor for climate change the way we have for other big societal issues.   Key Takeaways   [1:51] What inspired Kate’s conception of doomer lit Familiarize with best of climate change literature Weather not speculative/science fiction (climate change = part of world)   [3:54] The distinction between cli-fi and doomer lit Cli-fi possibly hopeful about future of humanity Feeling of fatalism pervades doomer lit   [9:53] Why we remember the worlds in sci-fi, speculative and historical fiction  Hard to do both vivid world and character building  Tend to remember universe vs. specifics of plot   [16:49] Kate’s insight on the pros and cons of fatalism Humans generally bad at understanding how risk works Hard to grasp such radical changes in way things are   [19:32] The connection between climate + pandemic doomerism No longer have to imagine either as possibility Examples of climate fiction using pandemic as jumping off point   [24:12] The appetite for fatalism in art Some may not want to read something that reflects current anxieties Others want to consume art that speaks to moment   [34:18] Why there is no monster metaphor for climate change Zombies and vampires as archetypes for other social problems Perhaps because scope of problem resists metaphor   [40:05] The challenge of writing great literature that engages in politics Hard to write good book period Cannot prioritize moral message over narrative   [46:09] Kate’s take on how COVID-19 will inform literature moving forward  Spark conversations, art re: public health in general Likely to remain preoccupation for years to come   Connect with Ross   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori on Patreon Nori Newsletter Email podcast@nori.com  Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Kate at WIRED Kate on Twitter Kate’s Article on ‘Doomer Lit’ Heat of the Moment Podcast Weather by Jenny Offill The Road by Cormac McCarthy The Children of Men by P.D. James Snowpiercer by Jacques Lob and Jean-Marc Rochette Paul Schrader’s First Reformed Adaptation Books by Kim Stanley Robinson Neal Stephenson Books by James Michener Blackfish City by Sam J. Miller Game of Thrones Are You Afraid of the Dark? Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez ettitude on RCC Bonus #13 Shop Ettitude (with a Nori Discount)  Night of the Living Dead  The Walking Dead Severance by Ling Ma Contagion Sullivan’s Travels The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri Paul Theroux No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain The Pervert’s Guide to Cinema Get Out The Babadook The Fire is Upon Us: James Baldwin, William F. Buckley Jr., and the Debate Over Race in America by Nicholas Buccola James Baldwin’s ‘Everybody’s Protest Novel’ Essay Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin Native Son by Richard Wright Books by Leo Tolstoy Books by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Considering that we spend one-third of our lives in contact with bedding and sleepwear, it seems obvious that we would choose products we are comfortable with being close to our skin. So, what are our options when it comes to textiles for sheets and pajamas? Does one need to choose between comfort and environmental ethics?   Phoebe Yu and Kat Dey are the cofounders of ettitude, a sustainable lifestyle brand that uses CleanBamboo fabric to produce bedding, bath, and sleepwear. On this bonus episode of Reversing Climate Change, they join Ross to walk us through the process ettitude uses to turn bamboo into fabric, sharing the benefits of using bamboo as a raw material in terms of carbon capture and storage.    Kat discusses her role in ettitude’s expansion to the US, describing the startup’s growth in recent years and the potential for bringing the brand to retail locations. Listen in for Phoebe’s insight on what ewttitude is doing to innovate and further improve the sustainability of their processes and learn how you can be a more informed consumer in shopping for fabrics that are good for you—and the planet. There is an advertising relationship between Nori and ettitude, with some midroll ads to come in the next few weeks, but as discussed at the beginning of the episode, this is not sponsored content. Key Takeaways   [2:21] What inspired Phoebe to create ettitude Shopping for new home, sustainable product didn’t exist Bring environmentally friendly textile to bedding industry   [4:16] How ettitude turns bamboo into fabric Use clean tech to dissolve grass in organic solution Resulting pulp made into thread, weave into fabric   [7:00] Kat’s role in bringing ettitude to the US Consumers in North America pay $40 for shipping  Incubator in NYC, establish global HQ in LA   [8:15] The growing consumer awareness around sustainable fabrics Young consumers more aware of climate change  Started with organic food, then products for skin   [10:53] What makes cotton one of the most polluting industries Wastes water, uses pesticides (health danger to workers) Toxic dyes to color fabric   [12:11] ettitude’s recent business growth Grown 6x in last two years (65% of revenue from US) Strong brand awareness in Australia   [13:13] Kat’s take on retail sales of ettitude products Popup store in LA (tactile experience) Educate on materials + process   [17:08] The advantages of using bamboo as raw material Takes carbon out of air faster than most plants Thrives in inhospitable land, restores soil   [19:49] What ettitude is looking to achieve next Positive impact lifestyle and health of customers Positive impact on environment Educate consumers about alternatives   [22:00] ettitude’s competitors in the bamboo fabric space Others selling sheets but use toxic chemicals in process Read label to determine if rayon or viscose bamboo   [24:00] What ettitude is doing to innovate and improve New fabrics and more sustainable packaging Better raw materials (plant-based buttons, zippers) Donate used returns to animal shelters   Connect with Ross    Nori Nori on Patreon Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Ettitude Ettitude in Australia Project Drawdown YKK Fastening Products Group TerraCycle

Join in on the conversation around regenerative capitalism and if/how capitalism can be made regenerative by tweeting @volansjohn and @nori, and you will automatically be entered to win copy of John Elkington’s latest book, Green Swans: The Coming Boom in Regenerative Capitalism!   Most of us are familiar with Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s concept of a black swan: an unforeseen, adverse event with off-the-scale impact. But what if we were to flip this concept on its head? In his new book, John Elkington envisions a world where capitalism transforms to serve people and planet, where the black swan problems currently leading us to exponential breakdown are mitigated by green swan solutions taking us exponentially toward breakthrough.   John is an internationally recognized authority on corporate responsibility and sustainable development, bestselling author, and serial entrepreneur. He currently serves as Chief Pollinator at Volans, a future-focused business working at the intersection of the sustainability, entrepreneurship, and innovation movements. Today, John joins Ross and Paul to discuss his most recent book, Green Swans: The Coming Boom in Regenerative Capitalism, and explain how a green swan differs from a black swan event in its potential for an exponentially positive impact.   John goes on to discuss the idea of regenerative capitalism, explaining why he doesn’t trust incumbents to lead the movement, how we can approach new ventures with a regenerative mindset, and why he suggests transforming the current system rather than scrapping capitalism altogether. Listen in for John’s insight around the unintended consequences of implementing new technologies, and find out what green swans might arise out of the COVID-19 pandemic.   Key Takeaways   [2:52] What John is trying to communicate through Green Swans Black swan = unexpected event, exponential negative impact Raise question re: exponentially positive trajectories   [5:52] How John defines a gray swan and a white swan Gray swans have massive negative impact but were foreseen White swan = template for anything with exponential impact    [8:27] John’s concept of regenerative capitalism Social movements must engage with markets + business Reprogram key parts of system to build resilience   [11:17] The potential for oil and gas to lead the movement Fundamental distrust of incumbents in old economic orders Reptilian instincts, try to undermine opposition   [13:49] Why we shouldn’t just get rid of capitalism Market activity gone on for thousands of years Reform with government, regulatory involvement   [15:57] How to start new ventures with a regenerative mindset Leverage approach of B Corp movement Requires transformation of financial market   [22:19] How a regenerative focus might heal the political divide Potential for transfer of wealth from urban to rural Still dispossessed by tech (automotive, dairy industries)   [25:57] Nori’s potential role in establishing regenerative capitalism Evolving ecosystem of likeminded companies Operate as standard setter of what is regenerative   [30:08] What we need to know about Thomas Midgley  Chemist/engineer with patents for leaded gasoline, freons Single organism who did most damage to planet   [33:26] How to cultivate leaders who put the community’s needs first Reach out to people don’t understand, make uncomfortable Develop ability to listen for weak signals of change   [36:25] What green swans may arise out of COVID-19 Commitment to air quality, places to walk and cycle Universal basic income (has own unintended consequences)   Connect with Ross & Paul    Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori on Patreon Nori Newsletter Email podcast@nori.com  Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   John’s Website John on Twitter Volans John Elkington on RCC EP028 Green Swans: The Coming Boom in Regenerative Capitalism by John Elkington The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable by Nassim Nicholas Taleb Books by John Elkington People of the State of New York v. Exxon Mobil Corporation Hyman Minsky Kate Raworth Mariana Mazzucato Business Roundtable  The Innovator’s Dilemma: The Revolutionary Book That Will Change the Way You Do Business by Clayton M. Christensen Certified B Corporation Richard Roberts’ Series on Shareholders vs. Stakeholders RethinkX Thomas Midgley ‘To an Uneducated Ruler’ by Plutarch Leaders’ Quest The Finnish Basic Income Experiment Regenerators John Fullerton at the Capital Institute Janine Benyus at the Biomimicry Institute

We spend a lot of time discussing the impacts of the climate crisis we need to avoid as a global community, including but not limited to sea-level rise, climate refugees, and the collapse of our agricultural system. But astrobiologist David Grinspoon argues that we need to go beyond simply mitigating the risks of climate change and consider what kind of future we want to create. And he sees the rise of planetary change agents conscious of their role as bigger than mere epoch status as typically conceived of with the Anthropocene. David posits that this change deserves its own eon, the Sapiezoic, or Time of Wisdom.   Dr. David Grinspoon is the author of Earth in Human Hands: Shaping Our Planet’s Future. He is also part of the team working with NASA on a proposed mission to Venus! On this bonus episode of Reversing Climate Change, David is back on the show with Ross to discuss the basic units of the geological time scale and explain why he proposes calling this new time marked by human impact and self-awareness the Sapiezoic Eon rather than the Anthropocene Epoch.   Listen in for insight on what’s unique about the current transition in geological time and learn how we can create a vision for the future that includes a sustainable, lasting global civilization.   Key Takeaways   [3:31] David’s work on DAVINCI+ Part of team proposing NASA mission to Venus Selected as one of four finalists (two will fly) Other planets help us better understand Earth   [7:32] The basic units of the geologic time scale Only five eons, each spans billions of years Epochs = much smaller units (millions of years)   [11:23] The Anthropocene vs. the Sapiezoic  Anthropocene = proposed epoch to mark human forces changing Earth Eons represent new relationship between life + planet that causes irreversible change David proposes Sapiezoic Eon = time of wisdom (cognitive processes changing planet)   [18:51] The Sapiezoic Eon as an aspirational goal Opportunity to think about how we want to change planet Use technology to transition to lasting, sustainable state   [24:29] David’s concept of the Terra Sapiens Use growing knowledge to create vision of future we want (Wise Earth) Imagine role for ourselves on planet as sustainable, global civilization   Connect with Ross    Nori Nori on Patreon Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Earth in Human Hands: Shaping Our Planet’s Future by David Grinspoon David on Twitter Funky Science Story Hour David on RCC EP047 The Wizard and the Prophet: Two Remarkable Scientists and Their Dueling Visions to Shape Tomorrow’s World by Charles C. Mann 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus by Charles C. Mann 1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created by Charles C. Mann DAVINCI+ Peter Brannen on RCC Bonus #4

It’s easy to disagree with an idea, but it’s hard to be disagreeable with a person, especially if it’s someone you happen to know and like. And yet, most of the conversations we have around climate change are politically charged shouting matches with strangers—typed in all caps online. So, what can we do to foster truly productive discussions around climate solutions, even among people with a very different point of view?   Julia Pyper is a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and contributing editor at Greentech Media, and Shane Skelton is the cofounder and partner at S2C Pacific, an energy and environment consultancy firm. Together, they are two of the three cohosts of Political Climate, a bipartisan podcast on energy and environmental politics in America. Today, Julia and Shane join Ross to discuss how their show is working to normalize the conversation on climate change (on both sides of the aisle) and explore what’s behind the increasing polarization in DC and what role the media plays in perpetuating our political divisions.   Julia and Shane go on to explain how we can be open to views that differ from our own without participating in ‘balance is bias’ and address the arguments for and against carbon removal as a climate solution. Listen in for insight into the common ground that exists between Democrats and Republicans and learn what YOU can do to further productive discussions on climate change!   Key Takeaways   [2:09] What the Political Climate podcast is working to achieve New kind of dialogue, disagree in civil manner Normalize conversation on right and left   [5:11] How Shane and Julia think about the idea of deplatforming Silencing people who disagree is dangerous Don’t want to participate in ‘balance is bias’   [8:06] The concern that taking half measures is not enough Risk doing nothing if block moderate steps ‘Yes, and’ = more effective way of communicating   [13:21] What’s behind the increasing polarization in politics Removal of earmarks, ethics rules and transparency Lack of shared experiences prevents friendships   [17:46] The media’s role in our current political divisions Giving content away for free led to devaluation Outrage is in vogue and clicks dominate   [24:54] How much common ground exists on climate change More than we think, shift to see as problem to solve Broad bipartisan support on some policy measures (clean tech)   [30:15] The arguments against carbon removal as a solution Permits fossil fuel use in perpetuity Preserves longevity, influence of oil and gas industry   [37:49] What we can do to further the climate discussion In-person conversations, more in common than different Reach out to elected leaders (continued attention = action)   [45:49] Shane’s insight on how to foster productive discussion Not there to win or conduct real-time fact checking Provide context of what person says through own view   Connect with Ross    Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori on Patreon Nori Newsletter Email podcast@nori.com  Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Political Climate Political Climate on Twitter Shane on Twitter Julia on Twitter David Roberts on Political Climate Arnold Schwarzenegger on Political Climate The Political Climate Path to Zero Series The Political Climate Solutions Show The Schwarzenegger Institute The Schwarzenegger Institute on Reversing Climate Change Green New Deal American Energy Innovation Act IPCC Report on Climate Change Atlantic Council US Representative Bob Latta republicEn GTM Solar Summit

I’m just one person! What can I do to fight climate change?   Yes, the climate crisis is a systems problem. And to solve it, we need governments and corporations to take action. But governments and corporations don’t make changes unless citizens and consumers demand it. So, how can we demonstrate our collective commitment to reduce and reverse our emissions?   Sanchali Pal is the Founder and CEO of Joro, an app designed to mobilize climate action. On this bonus episode of Reversing Climate Change, Sanchali joins Ross and Alexsandra to explain how Joro allows users to track their carbon footprint (by way of credit card data) and take collective action to reduce emissions through behavior change, and how Nori and Joro are working together.   Sanchali discusses what inspired her to build Joro and how her company plans to make money in the long term. Listen in for insight around the new Nori-Joro pilot launching on Earth Day 2020 and learn how YOU can use the app to be part of the climate solution!   Key Takeaways   [1:31] The purpose of the Joro app Allow users to track + improve carbon footprint Join others to make big change, reduce emissions   [2:40] Behavior changes that reduce our carbon footprint Food choices (e.g.: reduce meals with meat) Behavior re: travel or commute  Spending habits   [3:43] How Joro uses credit card data to calculate carbon footprint Track purchases and convert dollars to pounds of CO2 Example: vegetarian spending $100 at Whole Foods   [5:35] Why Joro and Nori have formed a partnership Can’t get to zero emissions without offsets Gives Joro users access to way of reversing emissions    [7:25] What inspired Sanchali to create Joro Personal frustration with lack of available tools Realize consumer choices inform systems   [8:54] How Joro works on the back end  Categorizes transactions and aligns with user profile Use available data sets to process through ‘carbonator’ Working on brand-level estimates (Starbucks vs. local coffee shop)   [14:00] The Nori-Joro pilot program Releasing NRTs for Joro users on Earth Day Option to use soil sequestration to reduce footprint   [15:14] How Joro plans to make money in the long term Corporate engagement strategies for emissions reduction Brand partnerships on behavior change challenges   [16:43] Consumer-level vs. corporate behavior change Companies won’t change without consumer demand Need better tool to demonstrate collective action   Connect with Ross & Alexsandra   Nori Nori on Patreon Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Joro Joro on Facebook Joro on Instagram Joro on Twitter Berkley’s CoolClimate Calculator ICAO Carbon Emissions Calculator Plaid Food, Inc.

One of the many tragedies of the climate crisis is that the people least responsible will be the first to suffer. Among the regions where this is playing out is in the atoll nations of Oceania,  an area of small islands in the Pacific where it feels ‘more like being on a boat than a continent.’   J. Maarten Troost is the travel writer behind such titles as The Sex Lives of Cannibals, Getting Stoned with Savages and Headhunters on My Doorstep. He spent multiple years in Kiribati in the Equatorial Pacific as well as Fiji and Vanuatu. On this episode of the Reversing Climate Change, Maarten joins Ross to explain how he came to spend time in the region of Oceania and offer insight around the provocative titles for his books and the egalitarian nature of island culture.    Maarten goes on to describe how climate change is impacting the area, explaining why these atoll nations will be uninhabitable within 30 years and what the people there are doing to prepare for this inevitability. Listen in to understand why Maarten is pessimistic about our ability to make systemic change before it’s too late and hear his take on the role of the travel writer in the age of climate change.   Key Takeaways   [1:20] Maarten’s take on the term Oceania Refers to islands of Pacific, South Pacific More like being on boat than continent   [2:05] How Maarten came to travel in the region Adventurous work as journalist in Prague Mundane job as temp after grad school Girlfriend got work opportunity in Kiribati   [6:24] Why Maarten chose provocative titles for his books Racist overtones in previous books about region Titles designed to mock Victorian mindset   [8:51] The egalitarian nature of island culture Someone asks for something, you give it to them Must work as team to survive   [10:28] How climate change is impacting the Pacific King tides cover entire islands (without storm) Coconut trees near shoreline dead from salination Gardens only work in middle of island now Atoll nations uninhabitable in next 30 years   [14:41] The two schools of thought in the region Some believe God will take care of people Others making plans to migrate to Fiji   [17:05] Why adaptation is not an option in Oceania Atoll = finite space Islands will be gone by 2100 with 4° increase   [18:23] Maarten’s take on so-called ‘climate porn’ tourism Guilty of it himself (travel to Africa to see rhinos in wild) Glaciers, atolls and certain animals will disappear   [20:11] Maarten’s pessimism re: our ability to make systemic change Carbon emissions still on rise despite need for drastic drop Not creating political infrastructure to mitigate climate change   [22:03] The connection between human progress and temperature Human civilization around for 300K years ‘Didn’t do squat’ until 10K years ago when temp stabilized Hasn’t deviated by more than 1° since then   [26:08] The role of a travel writer in the age of climate change Travel as source of personal meaning won’t go away Experience something novel that changes us for better   [31:19] What makes a good travel writer Develop voice that resonates with people Brings out ‘the human’ in any setting   [35:32] What Maarten is working on now Some consulting work Collaborating on TV show   [36:59] The tragedy of the loss of islands in Oceania People among least responsible for climate change Unique culture on each island will disappear   [39:01] Maarten’s take on social media Creates environment of misinformation, conflict Tweeting dumb thought can destroy life in seconds   Connect with Ross    Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori on Patreon Nori Newsletter Email podcast@nori.com  Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Books by J. Maarten Troost Maarten on Facebook The Happy Isles of Oceania: Paddling the Pacific by Paul Theroux Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia by Christina Thompson Jean-Jacques Rousseau Paul Gauguin: The Search for Paradise: Letters from Brittany and the South Seas selected and introduced by Bernard Denvir James Cook Books by Bill Bryson Books by Paul Theroux A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again: Essays and Arguments by David Foster Wallace John Jeremiah Sullivan’s Disneyland Piece Lands of Lost Borders: A Journey on the Silk Road by Kate Harris David Sedaris

Most of us think of regenerative agriculture as a way to restore biodiversity and store carbon in the soil. But regenerative agriculture can also be about restoring our awareness of ancestral and spiritual traditions—and then using those practices to inform our farming techniques.     Ethan Soloviev is the coauthor of Regenerative Enterprise and Levels of Regenerative Agriculture and co-owner of High Falls Farm,  a multi-enterprise farm in the Hudson Valley of New York that aims toward regenerative principles and practices. On this bonus episode of Reversing Climate Change, Ethan joins Ross to introduce us to the Jewish idea of shmita, explaining its religious significance and sharing his take on the ancient traditions of harvesting in the wild that might inform the practice, but the show soon heads into Irish/Celtic and indigenous North American traditions as well.   Ethan discusses why he’s not a fan of dichotomies, challenging us to see beyond one ‘right’ way of doing things and explore regenerative agriculture as an opportunity to look into the past but make it work now. Listen in for insight on how Ethan draws his farming techniques from both his own ancestral lineage and the traditions of the place where he is growing and learn what YOU can do to learn more about your own heritage—and what your ancestors ate!   Key Takeaways   [1:14] An overview of Ethan’s diversified farm Spans 30 acres in Upstate New York Aiming toward regenerative agriculture   [2:56] How Ethan thinks about the value of language Words we choose point to way of seeing world Supply chain = mechanical, regenerative = living system   [4:09] Why Ethan is not a fan of dichotomies  Suggests one true God, one right way of doing things His way not ‘better’ but has different effects in world   [8:50] The Jewish idea of shmita Happens every seven years in agricultural system Do not cultivate land (take year off from usual practice)   [10:18] Ethan’s take on what’s behind shmita Religious significance of sacred time every seven units Historic memory of ancient way of harvesting in wild   [14:21] The Jewish concept of the year of Jubilee  Forgiveness of all debts every 49 years Tool against separation, income inequality   [19:19] The farming techniques Ethan draws from Irish ancestry (e.g.: acorns, hazelnuts) Jewish teachings of corners, harvest fruit in third year Tradition + history of place where farming   [27:09] How to start engaging in our own heritage Talk to oldest living relative about food Study where from, what grows there Find ancestral seeds, grow until can share meal   Connect with Ross   Nori Nori on Patreon Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   High Falls Farm High Falls on Instagram Ethan’s Website Regenerative Enterprise: Optimizing for Multi-Capital Abundance by Ethan Roland Soloviev and Gregory Landua Levels of Regenerative Agriculture by Ethan Roland Soloviev and Gregory Landua The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion by Jonathan Haidt Carol Sanford Martin Prechtel Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T. E. Lawrence The Unlikely Peace at Cuchumacquic: The Parallel Lives of People as Plants—Keeping the Seeds Alive by Martin Prechtel The Tangled Tree: A Radical History of New Life by David Quammen

As Samuel Johnson famously said, “Hell is paved with good intentions.” And many of the previous attempts to commodify carbon, in forests for instance, excluded the very people who were impacted most and led to a number of unintended consequences. So, how can Nori create a market that quantifies carbon removal—without making those same mistakes?   Dr. Lauren Gifford is a critical geographer exploring the intersections of global climate policy, conservation, markets and justice. She is also the host of Carbon Social Club and the author of a recent paper entitled “‘You Can’t Value What You Can’t Measure’: A Critical Look at Forest Carbon Accounting.” On this episode, we dig into avoided deforestation credits, REDD/REDD+, and the dynamics at play when carbon is commoditized in forestry and in general.   Lauren describes the carbon colonialism charge that is often levied against early iterations of REDD, explaining why the Global North’s investment in saving high-density tropical rainforests failed, how the money was actually spent, and what unintended consequences emerged around these carbon offset projects. Listen in for Lauren’s insight on the danger in financializing a forest and learn how Nori is considering issues of equity and justice as we work to standardize an efficient way of quantifying carbon.   Key Takeaways   [2:34] Lauren’s work around the commodification of carbon 10 years looking at forest carbon assets Consider who’s included + excluded   [4:59] The origin of carbon credits for forestry REDD introduced at UNFCCC 2007 Paid forest stewards not to cut down trees   [7:18] What happened to the money invested to save the rainforest $4M invested in project in NC Peru $100K to $300K for people doing conservation work Rest spent on bureaucracies (make forest carbon legible in markets)   [11:44] The driving question behind Lauren’s doctoral research What is a forest carbon offset? Means something different to every player along pipeline   [13:42] Lauren’s insight on carbon colonialism Unintended consequences, justice implications of development  Top-down environmental governance (how dominant community wants managed)   [18:19] The danger in financializing forests Seen as financial entity, overlooks biodiversity/habitat Becomes dominant way of understanding space   [23:42] Donating to soil carbon projects vs. creating complex markets Both good ways to remove carbon from atmosphere Nori looking to standardize efficient way to quantify   [27:59] Lauren’s take on why we’d be better off without REDD+ Very colonial from beginning (Global North pay off ecological guilt) Tumultuous land tenure, can’t prevent deforestation in weak states   [32:13] How the terms baseline and additionality are defined Baseline = business-as-usual scenario (defined by own parameters) Additionality = carbon sequestration beyond baseline   [38:33] Nori’s intention to avoid the criticisms of previous carbon markets Relationship between environment + finance = hotly contested Carefully consider unintended consequences, who’s left out   [41:54] How Nori thinks about the loss of small farms in the US Farmers empowered to get together in cooperatives Make easy to play part in market (but not ‘savior’)   [44:16] What equity and justice mean to the Nori team Can’t serve intended communities without those core values Build equitable talent funnel for diversity of perspective   Connect with Ross & Christophe   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori on Patreon Nori Newsletter Email podcast@nori.com  Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Lauren’s Academic Website Carbon Social Club “‘You Can’t Value What You Can’t Measure’: A Critical Look at Forest Carbon Accounting” in Climatic Change United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Jerome Whitington  The Carbon Rush: The Truth Behind the Carbon Market Smokescreen by Amy Miller Patrick Bond What Money Can’t Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets by Michael J. Sandel Kelly Kay’s Research Works Wendell Berry ISO Guidelines on Greenhouse Gas Accounting & Verification Lisa Song’s REDD Feature in ProPublica Dr. Jane Zelikova on RCC S2 EP07

The mining industry has a reputation for being a villain in the environmental space. But enhanced weathering and managed mine tailings could change that, giving mines the ability to capture and store carbon long-term. So, what does that process look like? What have we learned from the research thus far? And why doesn’t the idea get more attention in the carbon removal space?   Dr. Greg Dipple is a Professor of Geology in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of British Columbia—Vancouver,and a podcast alumnus! On this bonus episode of Reversing Climate Change, Greg joins Ross to give us an update on his research around carbon mineralization in mine tailings, reminding us how the process works and explaining why it’s not already common practice.   Greg describes his team’s field pilot experiments with concentrated flue gas and direct air capture, discussing how these processes, implemented at scale, could make mining operations carbon neutral—or even net negative. Listen in for insight on how the Coronavirus is impacting scientific research and learn how carbon mineralization in mine tailings could make the industry a hero in the fight against climate change.   This episode is jointly released as Carbon Removal Newsroom episode #48.   Key Takeaways   [2:20] The focus of Greg’s research Combine CO2 with metals from mine waste Form metal carbonate minerals Store for hundreds of thousands of years Potential to make mines net negative   [5:50] Why carbon mineralization isn’t already common practice Must tailor approach to geological deposit, local climate Field pilot last summer at diamond mine in NW Territories Direct air capture experiment at FPX in BC this summer   [9:55] The problems Greg is solving through these experiments Design processes in lab to overcome rate limits Test acceleration strategies on active mine site Develop suite of tools for verification purposes   [11:39] The price at which it would be worth it to mine for waste rock Exploring for most reactive rock would bring cost down Pay for cost of mining with carbon tax in $100/ton range   [12:39] Why carbon mineralization in mine tailings doesn’t get more hype More attention in mining-focused areas like Canada Verification through peer-review process before publishing results   [16:07] How the Coronavirus is impacting the pace of scientific research  Greg’s team still very productive from home At least half of 2020 field projects delayed   Connect with Ross   Nori Nori on Patreon Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences at UBC Geoscience BC Dr. Greg Dipple on RCC EP009 Dr. Roger Aines on RCC S2EP06 Natural Resources Canada’s Clean Growth Program Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine FPX Nickel Corp Offsetting of CO2 Emissions by Air Capture in Mine Tailings at Mount Keith Nickel Mine, Western Australia Project Vesta on CRN EP019

The mining industry has a reputation for being a villain in the environmental space. But enhanced weathering and managed mine tailings could change that, giving mines the ability to capture and store carbon long-term. So, what does that process look like? What have we learned from the research thus far? And why doesn’t the idea get more attention in the carbon removal space?   Dr. Greg Dipple is a Professor of Geology in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of British Columbia—Vancouver,and a podcast alumnus! On this bonus episode of Reversing Climate Change, Greg joins Ross to give us an update on his research around carbon mineralization in mine tailings, reminding us how the process works and explaining why it’s not already common practice.   Greg describes his team’s field pilot experiments with concentrated flue gas and direct air capture, discussing how these processes, implemented at scale, could make mining operations carbon neutral—or even net negative. Listen in for insight on how the Coronavirus is impacting scientific research and learn how carbon mineralization in mine tailings could make the industry a hero in the fight against climate change.   This episode is jointly released as Carbon Removal Newsroom episode #48.   Key Takeaways   [2:20] The focus of Greg’s research Combine CO2 with metals from mine waste Form metal carbonate minerals Store for hundreds of thousands of years Potential to make mines net negative   [5:50] Why carbon mineralization isn’t already common practice Must tailor approach to geological deposit, local climate Field pilot last summer at diamond mine in NW Territories Direct air capture experiment at FPX in BC this summer   [9:55] The problems Greg is solving through these experiments Design processes in lab to overcome rate limits Test acceleration strategies on active mine site Develop suite of tools for verification purposes   [11:39] The price at which it would be worth it to mine for waste rock Exploring for most reactive rock would bring cost down Pay for cost of mining with carbon tax in $100/ton range   [12:39] Why carbon mineralization in mine tailings doesn’t get more hype More attention in mining-focused areas like Canada Verification through peer-review process before publishing results   [16:07] How the Coronavirus is impacting the pace of scientific research  Greg’s team still very productive from home At least half of 2020 field projects delayed   Connect with Ross   Nori Nori on Patreon Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences at UBC Geoscience BC Dr. Greg Dipple on RCC EP009 Dr. Roger Aines on RCC S2EP06 Natural Resources Canada’s Clean Growth Program Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine FPX Nickel Corp Offsetting of CO2 Emissions by Air Capture in Mine Tailings at Mount Keith Nickel Mine, Western Australia Project Vesta on CRN EP019

At Nori, we’re interested in helping people get paid for carbon sequestration, including the farmers and ranchers implementing soil health practices. But as much as scientists have learned about how to quantify soil carbon, there is still a lot left to be done. So, what can one do to 1) help support the producers who are interested in sequestering CO2, and 2) compensate them for the work they do?   Dr. Jane Zelikova is the Chief Scientist at Carbon180, a carbon removal think tank on a mission to fundamentally rethink carbon, and cofounder of 500 Women Scientists, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the leadership, diversity, and public engagement in science.  On this episode of the Reversing Climate Change, Jane joins Ross and Christophe to share her ecologist’s perspective on climate math. She discusses the challenges of measuring the carbon content of soil and the projections around how much CO2 we can sequester with improved management practices.    Jane describes her time working with farmers and ranchers in the West, explaining what she learned about the challenges they face in implementing soil health practices and why it’s so much harder to measure carbon sequestration on rangeland versus cropland. Listen in for Jane’s critique of capitalism as a framework for climate solutions and learn how you can be a part of the work 500 Women Scientists is doing to make the field inclusive and accessible to everyone.   Key Takeaways   [5:53] An ecologist’s perspective on climate math Stop additional emissions over and above carbon cycle Remove emissions in atmosphere (since Industrial Revolution)   [10:02] The top trends in the soil carbon space People discussing, looking for ways to pay for carbon sequestration Understand and improve or optimize what microbes already doing   [13:18] The challenges around measuring the carbon content of soil Takes significant time and effort to measure Can’t quantify at scale needed to describe variation in contexts   [16:24] How much CO2 we can sequester with improved management practices Some studies estimate land sink at 900 Tg-C per year Potential for 100 Tg-C per year via US cover crops in next 5 years   [20:42] What producers need to implement soil health practices Access to technical assistance and education Science infrastructure (collect data and track outcomes) Business and policy incentives   [27:19] The controversy re: measuring carbon sequestration on rangelands Easier to collect data across field borders vs. grazing systems Can’t confirm grazing management practices yield strong carbon benefits   [32:24] How weather and geography influence soil dynamics Soil is living system with carbon going in and out Organisms respire more in warmer climates   [37:54] Jane’s criticism of using capitalism as a framework for climate solutions Potential for furthering system that created problem Trends toward tech solutions, disregards socioeconomic challenges Solutions must be accessible to everyone, not just wealthy   [47:20] The origin story and evolution of 500 Women Scientists Began with open letter written in response to 2016 election Grew into nonprofit organization with 400 chapters worldwide Change system so science is inclusive and accessible to all   [52:18] The idea that science aspires to a standard of objectivity Scientists inherently biased, influenced by culture and worldview Questions we’re asking in and of themselves inherently biased   Connect with Ross & Christophe   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori on Patreon Nori Newsletter Email podcast@nori.com  Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Carbon180 Carbon180 on Medium Carbon180 on Twitter Jane on Twitter 500 Women Scientists 500 Women Scientists on Twitter No Place Like Home Podcast AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships DOE Office of Fossil Energy Fargione Paper in Science Advances David Roberts on RCC S2EP03 UT’s Leafcutter Ant Research Lab

“What if your power in this fight lies not in what you can do as an individual, but in your ability to be part of a collective? What if you broadened your perspective beyond what you can accomplish alone and let yourself see what you could do if you lent your efforts to something bigger? Yes, it’s true that you can’t solve the climate crisis alone, but it’s even more true that we can’t solve it without you. It’s a team sport.” —Mary AnnaÏse Heglar   When Wired Editor-in-Chief Nicholas Thompson’s kids asked him what they should learn to do to save the planet, he brought the question to his team at the magazine. And they responded with an entire issue devoted to climate solutions.   Maria Streshinsky is the Executive Editor of Wired, a science and technology magazine devoted to exploring technology’s potential to shape the world for the better. On this bonus episode of Reversing Climate Change, Maria joins Ross to discuss the forthcoming issue of Wired, walking us through its sections on carbon capture, food and land, transportation and renewable energy.   Maria describes the magazine’s positioning as techno-optimists, explaining their decision to focus on the technology we have today that can make the biggest impact in the next ten years. Listen in for Maria’s insight on how the magazine addresses both big picture infrastructure and individual responsibility for climate solutions and learn how you can access this special climate issue of Wired.   Key Takeaways   [1:11] Why Wired devoted an entire issue to climate solutions See climate as Earth’s greatest existential problem Explore how tech can shape future in healthy way    [3:52] The magazine’s positioning as techno-optimists  Highlight technology that promotes human flourishing Must use tech to counter problems we have created   [6:38] The wizard vs. prophet dichotomy  Either go back to nature OR ‘technology our way out’ Need both strategies to solve climate change at scale   [9:05] How the Wired team structured its climate issue Big picture infrastructure, personal responsibility Carbon capture, food + land, transportation and renewable energy   [14:42] The careful optimism that characterizes the issue Highlights diverse solutions (no single silver bullet) Promotes application of YOUR skills to address climate Give reason for optimism without being naïve    [19:00] How to access the climate issue of Wired On newsstands as planned March 24, 2020 Online rollout in April (current focus on Coronavirus)   Connect with Ross   Nori Nori on Patreon Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Wired Maria on Twitter The Wizard and the Prophet: Two Remarkable Scientists and Their Dueling Visions to Shape Tomorrow’s World by Charles C. Mann 1491: New Revelations of America Before Columbus by Charles C. Mann Brooke Jarvis The Breakthrough Institute Ted Nordhaus on RCC EP100 Norman Borlaug The Green Revolution Lisa Margonelli US Department of Defense Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Mary AnnaÏse Heglar on Twitter  Rivian ‘I Sing the Body Electric’ by Walt Whitman

In September of 2018, then-Governor Jerry Brown signed an ambitious executive order committing the State of California to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045 and maintain net negative emissions thereafter. But is this a feasible goal?   Dr. Roger Aines is the Chief Scientist of the Energy Program at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and coauthor of the LLNL report Getting to Neutral: Options for Negative Carbon Emissions in California. On this episode of the Reversing Climate Change, Roger joins Ross and Christophe to discuss how the California study came about and walk us through the three carbon removal strategies outlined in the report—natural solutions, waste biomass and direct air capture.   Roger explains the technology involved in turning biomass into hydrogen and offers insight into the relative safety of carbon capture and storage or CCS. Listen in to understand why Roger sees oil and gas evolving into the direct air capture industry and learn how California is leading the charge toward negative emissions.   Key Takeaways   [2:46] Roger’s work at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Part of Department of Energy science infrastructure Address questions of moment + long-term issues like climate change   [4:50] The origin of the LLNL report Getting to Neutral  California’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2045 yet to be studied ClimateWorks funded report to find out if goal feasible   [8:03] The carbon removal strategies outlined in the report Natural solutions (e.g.: trees, store in soil) Waste biomass Direct air capture   [11:02] How we can turn biomass into hydrogen Gasification uses widely available technology from 1920’s Put biomass in gasifier, then catch CO2 to store underground   [15:08] The issues around direct air capture Expensive (cost $300/ton at present) Renewable energy to power takes enormous amount of land   [18:29] Roger’s insight on the safety of carbon capture and storage (CCS) Inject CO2 3K feet underground, fill in spaces in sandstone No leakage from 20-year test done by DOE Must choose right rocks and avoid major fault lines Strict federal and state regulations to control process   [25:20] Industrial carbon management vs. negative emissions Never get rid of all industrial emissions Natural solutions limited to 25M tons stored/year Need to put a lot underground (from atmosphere AND industry)   [31:15] The ‘coming soon’ technology Roger is most excited about Mineral carbonation (rocks react with CO2 to form limestone) Industrial demos in progress in Canada   [35:55] How much the report’s plan would cost California residents Most affordable path = $8B/year (0.3% of GDP) Less than spend on trash collection, average of $60/ton   [39:38] How oil and gas might evolve into the direct air capture industry Companies like Shell want to make products out of CO2 vs. oil Will need constant source, understand tech and have capital   [42:12] Why the LLNL report took a local approach Assume people want jobs and money to stay in state Mistake to assume global optimum will be reached   Connect with Ross & Christophe   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori on Patreon Nori Newsletter Email podcast@nori.com  Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   LLNL Report: Getting to Neutral Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Roger on Twitter Center for Sustainable Energy Research Coordination Network on Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage ClimateWorks Foundation David Roberts on RCC S2EP03 Dr. Greg Dipple on RCC EP009 Project Vesta on CRN EP018 Rhodium Group Adam Smith’s Theory of Moral Sentiments

We live in a world of abundance. And yet, a growing number of us struggle with mental health issues like anxiety, depression and PTSD. What if our disconnection from the natural world is part of the problem? To that end, thousands of Westerners are traveling to the Amazon Basin to engage in the healing tradition of ayahuasca.   Sophia Rokhlin is the coauthor of When Plants Dream: Ayahuasca, Amazonian Shamanism and the Global Psychedelic Renaissance. She also serves as the director of the sustainable ayahuasca cultivation program at the Temple of the Way of Light, a traditional plant medicine retreat center in the Peruvian Amazon. On this episode of Reversing Climate Change, Sophia joins Ross and Alexsandra to introduce us to the traditions of shamanism and discuss the fundamentals of ayahuasca, and how ayahuasca tourism impacts indigenous communities.   Sophia explains the role of plant medicine in addressing climate change, describing the intelligence of plants and the connection between humans and the natural world elevated by the ayahuasca ceremony. We also weigh in on the spiritual elitism and cultural appropriation surrounding Amazonian shamanism and examine the pros and cons of commoditizing plant medicine. Listen in for Sophia’s insight on the permaculture idea of edge realms and learn how combining our rational, pragmatic mindset with an enchanted indigenous perspective can lead to a kinder, more empathetic way of being.   Key Takeaways   [4:40] How Sophia defines shamanism Lifestyle of people who communicate with invisible Mediators between environment and human ecology   [8:06] The fundamentals of ayahuasca and ayahuasca tourism Psychoactive concoction of two plants from Amazon Basin Used by indigenous communities for range of purposes Growing number travel to connect with healing methods Many leave with sense of connection to natural world   [12:26] The permaculture concept of edge realms New species develop in place where two ecosystems meet Territories of confrontation and awkwardness Similar to overlap of rational West + animist perspectives   [14:16] How Sophia thinks about overcoming our cultural aversion to psychedelics Potential to commodify gaining interest of traditional investors Science as ally in articulating healing properties   [19:23] The role of plants like ayahuasca in addressing climate change Plants evolve to manipulate world around, chemical SOS to global North Capitalism always looking for new material to add to global marketplace   [29:05] How Sophia compares the 1960’s to what is happening now Promise of money in new industry washes away stigma Discord and unrest foster new wave of cognitive liberty   [33:39] How ayahuasca tourism impacts indigenous communities Already integrated in global marketplace, not frozen in time First time celebrated and compensated for wisdom   [44:28] Sophia’s insight around experience-based spirituality Mysticism implies direct relationship to divine (not mediated by clergy) Awaken to idea of living connection with natural world   [51:02] How ayahuasca interacts with different faith traditions Brings people closer to archetypes, values celebrated in their culture Plants speak through symbols we already know   [54:12] The ordeal aspect of plant medicine Forces us to look within and do hard work Fear privatization will lead to loss of ceremony   [58:39] Sophia’s advice on choosing an ayahuasca center Not legal in US (DMT = Schedule 1 substance) Ask questions re: facilitator’s training   Connect with Ross & Alexsandra   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori on Patreon Nori Newsletter Email podcast@nori.com  Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   When Plants Dream: Ayahuasca, Amazonian Shamanism and the Global Psychedelic Renaissance by Daniel Pinchbeck and Sophia Rokhlin Sophia’s Website Sophia on Instagram Graham Hancock: The War on Consciousness Shane Mauss Head Talks Tour Temple of the Way of Light Black Elk Speaks by John G. Neihardt Abbie Hoffman Wendell Berry

Most of us believe that climate change is a relatively new problem. But the fact is, the government and the oil and gas industry knew about global warming long before Dr. James Hansen’s famous testimony in Congress in 1989. And believe it or not, actors on both sides of the aisle spent the 1980’s working toward a comprehensive solution even more ambitious than the Green New Deal.   Nathaniel Rich is a writer-at-large for The New York Times Magazine and the author of three novels. His nonfiction book, Losing Earth: A Recent History, is an account of the 10-year period from 1979 to 1989 when we ‘almost stopped climate change.’ On this episode of the podcast, Nathaniel joins Ross to give us an overview of the story behind the book, explaining how climate change was a bipartisan issue at the time and what eventually moved Republicans into a much more hostile posture.   Nathaniel goes on to discuss the evolution of the oil and gas industry’s fight against legislation to reduce emissions and the potential legal ramifications for the deliberate misinformation campaign that followed. Listen in for Nathaniel’s response to Naomi Klein’s criticism of his work and find out what lessons we can learn from the failure of the 1989 global treaty to curb carbon emissions.   *Nori has a Patreon. Would you please support the show?*   Key Takeaways   [1:31] The story Nathaniel tells in Losing Earth  Period from 1979-1989, climate change brought to world stage Global treaty to reduce carbon emissions fell apart   [3:48] How different the political landscape was in the 1980’s Protecting natural world held as conservative ideal Bipartisan push for major comprehensive solutions   [6:52] What turned Republicans into the party of climate denialism Oil and gas industry’s decision to fight against policy to reduce emissions Billions spent on lobbying effort + misinformation campaign    [9:59] Nathaniel’s take on the intentions of oil and gas execs Emphasize uncertainty in science + fight legislation that impacted bottom line Grew more sinister as put civilization at risk to maximize profits   [15:45] The potential legal ramifications for fossil fuel companies Legal campaign in motion to hold companies, government accountable Broader movement likely in future as devastation mounts   [17:41] Why Nathaniel believes oil execs took the actions they did Won’t be as greatly harmed in short/medium term (exacerbates inequality) Brings up questions re: our ability to make sense of long-term threats   [21:25] How Naomi Klein’s writing differs from Nathaniel’s Naomi’s activist writing conveys that capitalism can’t solve climate change Nathaniel focuses on complicated stories with less clear heroes + villains    [30:58] The historical lessons we can learn from Nathaniel’s work Appeal to reason not enough to motivate action Shift to moral urgency more likely to inspire transformation   [34:48] The current shift away from climate denial Becomes ridiculous to pretend climate change isn’t happening Not enough to believe in science, must pressure elected officials to act   Connect with Ross   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori on Patreon Nori Newsletter Email podcast@nori.com  Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Nathaniel’s Website Nathaniel on Twitter Losing Earth: A Recent History by Nathaniel Rich “Losing Earth: The Decade We Almost Stopped Climate Change” in The New York Times Magazine Benji Backer on RCC EP074 Bob Inglis on RCC EP086 The Madhouse Effect: How Climate Change Denial is Threatening Our Planet, Destroying Our Politics, and Driving Us Crazy by Michael E. Mann and Tom Toles Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Climate Change by Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway Dr. James Hansen’s 1988 Congressional Testimony  Green New Deal Juliana v. United States On Fire: The Burning Case for a Green New Deal by Naomi Klein “Capitalism Killed Our Climate Momentum, Not ‘Human Nature’” in The Intercept An Inconvenient Truth Extinction Rebellion Sunrise Movement 1917

The team at Nori prides themselves on including individuals across the political spectrum in the climate conversation and being open to the idea of energy companies as partners in the fight against climate change. Is this a naive position to take? Is it possible to rekindle the social trust we need to work together on climate solutions?   David Roberts is a staff writer for Vox, and his work focuses on energy, politics and climate change. On this episode of the podcast, David joins Ross and Aldyen to share his take on the disappearance of the center-right as a faction of the Republican Party and discuss the role social trust plays in the health of a society. Aldyen introduces the idea of a common goal as key to the survival of an empire, and David explains why climate change is unlikely to serve as our national purpose here in the US.   David goes on to describe what drew him to the topic of carbon utilization and how he thinks about applying emissions performance standards to carbon removal. Listen in for David’s warning around allowing what he sees as bad actors (potentially like the oil and gas industry) into the fold as partners and learn why we can’t solve climate change with a spreadsheet—and would do well to prepare ourselves for a messy process.   Key Takeaways   [1:53] David’s take on the center-right as a faction Erudite, fiscal conservatives used to serve as face of Republican Party Most abandoned moral + economic principles in wake of Trump’s win Still worth holding space for center-right in climate conversation   [8:01] Why most major environmental laws were signed by Republicans Not because genuinely motivated to protect environment Concessions made to Democrats as part of compromise    [13:03] The challenge around creating a multi-ethnic democracy Core group with power and privilege more inclined to make concessions Demographics pushing us to create system with no one subculture on top Never been done before, open question re: whether possible    [15:20] How the health of a society is linked to the idea of social trust Must believe those who run institutions working on your behalf Current decline in trust in science, media, government and academia   [19:28] Why empires need a common, driving goal to survive All domestic and foreign policy organized around Cold War  With help of right-wing media, conservatives now see liberals as enemy   [24:28] Why David doesn’t think climate change can serve as our national purpose People need people to hate, climate change doesn’t have villain Must accept collective responsibility even if participation unconscious   [31:58] What drew David to the topic of carbon utilization Capture and bury requires brute force of government action Carbon used in industrial processes creates viable market   [34:59] How David defines the emissions performance standard Establish fixed goal, allow industries or people to compete Reward companies based on progress toward goal Facilitates perpetual improvement in performance   [41:30] How David thinks about employing emissions performance standards to carbon removal Sector specific (i.e.: building vs. auto efficiency standards) Specific focus on ultimate goal of less carbon in atmosphere ‘No net new’ regulation to shock oil and gas industry awake   [48:23] The potential for oil and gas companies to transition to energy companies Possibility of returning to old model as integrated energy supplier Won’t match size and power of companies as exist today Long-term corporate survival depends on self-cannibalization   [56:02] David’s criticism of Republican climate efforts Entered fray to protect interests of oil and gas donors Empowers oil and gas industry as partner (doesn’t share long-term goals)   [1:01:49] David’s insight around our cognitive and emotional blind spots Conservatives + liberals both tell selves stories re: why what we’re doing is good Defend other interests under guise of furthering climate solutions Need institutions like scientific community and media to keep in check   [1:11:27] Why solving climate change will be a messy process Must rekindle social trust, many strategies can work if in it together Solving at scale and speed we need requires more than carbon tax   Connect with Ross & Christophe   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori on Patreon Nori Newsletter Email podcast@nori.com  Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   David on Twitter David on Vox Political Climate Podcast David on Political Climate William F. Buckley, Jr. Environmental Protection Agency The Clean Air Act  Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Massachusetts’ GHG Emissions and Mitigation Policy (We will add in Aldyen's economics of empire book when we can figure out what it is.) Green New Deal White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo Designing Climate Solutions: A Policy Guide for Low-Carbon Energy by Hal Harvey with Robbie Orvis and Jeffrey Rissman Japan’s Top Runner Program California’s Building Standards Code Joseph Majkut on RCC EP051 United National Global Cap-and-Trade Policy Naomi Klein Jonathan Haidt Niskanen Center

There is a misconception among the American public that conservatives don’t see climate change as an issue. And yet, when polled, a strong majority DO recognize the climate crisis as a problem worth doing something about. But in such a polarized political environment, how do we work together on bipartisan climate solutions?   Daniel Palken is a Conservative Outreach Fellow for Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL), an organization working to build support in Congress for a national bipartisan solution to climate change.  On this bonus episode of Reversing Climate Change, Daniel joins Ross to explain what drew him to work with the organization and discuss their recent Conservative Climate Lobby Day for climate advocates right of center.   Daniel introduces us to CCL’s Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, describing how the bill disincentivizes the use of fossil fuels and what differentiates it from other carbon pricing proposals. Listen in for Daniel’s insight on engaging conservatives in the climate conversation and learn how CCL’s market-driven solution seeks to unite Democrats and Republicans around its vision of a prosperous future.   Key Takeaways   [1:22] What drew Daniel to work with Citizens’ Climate Lobby Thoughtful, reasoned approach to issue he cares about Effective way to engage in politics, bipartisan group    [6:27] Citizens’ Climate Lobby’s Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act Disincentivizes use of fossil fuels (tax based on emissions) Give money back to citizens in form of carbon dividend    [13:08] How CCL’s bill compares to other carbon pricing proposals 70 sponsors, active in three congressional committees  Taxes at rate steeper than most competing legislation Other bills use money differently (e.g.: fund infrastructure)   [18:31] What we need to do to move the needle on climate legislation Create space to engage conservatives + champion their solutions Misconception that conservatives don’t see climate as issue   [23:08] The potential for a Republican vision of climate solutions Best solutions right of center (market-driven) CCL seeks to reunite Americans around prosperous vision of future   Connect with Ross   Nori Nori on Patreon Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Citizens’ Climate Lobby Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act Daniel on Twitter Who Is America? Conservative Climate Lobby Day William D. Nordhaus MARKET CHOICE Act Climate Action Rebate Act A Message from the Future with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Baker-Schultz Carbon Dividends Plan Students for Carbon Dividends on YouTube Dave Roberts on Political Climate

Prior to the end of 2019, the US government had devoted a miniscule $11.5M to direct air capture initiatives. But the tide is changing on the Hill. The Department of Energy (DOE) recently received its first ever dedicated carbon removal funding, and there are a number of bills in Congress promoting the advancement of negative-emissions technology.   Erin Burns is the Director of Policy and Ugbaad Kosar is the Senior Policy Advisor at Carbon180, a climate-focused NGO that partners with policymakers, scientists and businesses to advance solutions that transform carbon from a liability to an asset. On this episode of Carbon Removal Newsroom, Erin and Ugbaad join Ross to discuss the policy proposals involving carbon removal currently making their way through Congress.   Erin and Ugbaad walk us through the CLEAN Future Act, explaining what makes the bill important and what differentiates it from other climate legislation. They also address the House Republican climate package (which includes an extension of 45Q) and the SEA FUEL Act, a bill funding carbon capture by way of military vehicles. Listen in for insight around the current progress of the USE IT Act and learn about the potential for forthcoming carbon removal legislation—and funding—on the land side. Nori has a Patreon for its podcasts with various perks for supporters. Check it out! Key Takeaways   [1:31] Why the CLEAN Future Act is important Biggest climate bill from committee since cap-and-trade Comprehensive look at decarbonizing energy sector   [3:52] The highlights of the CLEAN Future Act Federal agencies create National Climate Goals plan Establish National Climate Bank State-led climate plans New position to integrate carbon removal in DOE research efforts New direct air capture prize program Funding for commercial demonstration of carbon capture Federal program to promote use of low carbon construction materials Looks at building codes and retrofitting Environmental justice (empower community voices, public health concerns) Improve vehicle performance standards, push for cleaner fuels   [8:12] What differentiates the CLEAN Future Act from other climate bills  Ambitious, comprehensive legislation with significant detail Overlapping ideas in other bills (carbon removal incorporated throughout)   [12:16] The increase in funding for carbon removal via appropriations First ever dedicated carbon removal funding at DOE $60M allocated for negative emissions technology Funds for basic R&D + demo support for direct air capture projects   [16:40] The House Republican climate package Sponsored by representative Schweikert of Arizona Extension for direct air capture portion of 45Q Increases value + makes tax credit permanent   [18:28] The details of the SEA FUEL Act of 2019  Military vehicles capture ambient CO2 and turn into fuel Opus 12 contract with Air Force to build aircraft carriers   [20:36] The progress around the USE IT Act Gone through Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Hearing in House brought up questions around R&D and infrastructure Influence in driving other pieces of legislation   [21:58] The potential for carbon removal policy on the land side Interest and engagement in agriculture, forestry and ocean Understand how USDA can support farmers to implement   Connect with Ross & Christophe   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori on Patreon Nori Newsletter Email podcast@nori.com  Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   CLEAN Future Act Press Release Green New Deal USE IT Act Fossil Energy Research and Development Act EFFECT Act Smith-Luján Clean Energy Standards Bill National Academies Study on Negative Emissions Technologies Energy Futures Initiative Republican Climate Plan Klaus Lackner SEA FUEL Act Opus 12 Jane Zelikova

How does immigration impact the environment? There are ideological arguments against open borders both right and left of center, and yes, the economic growth that would likely result from such a liberal policy would increase emissions—at first. But there is an environmental argument FOR allowing more and more people to immigrate to rich countries.   Dr. Bryan Caplan is a Professor of Economics at George Mason University and New York Times Bestselling author. His most recent release is a collaboration with Zach Weinersmith called Open Borders: The Science and Ethics of Immigration. On this episode of Reversing Climate Change, Bryan joins Ross and Paul to discuss the thesis of his new nonfiction graphic novel and explain his view that open borders would ultimately double the productivity of humankind.   Bryan introduces us to the value of his Ideological Turing Test and practice of public betting, discussing why he likes to hold people accountable for their views in objective, quantifiable ways. Listen in for Bryan’s insight around how open borders are likely to impact the climate, the responsibility rich countries have to climate refugees, and the best keyhole solutions to social issues around immigration and the environment.   Nori Podcasts has a Patreon! Will you support the show?   Key Takeaways   [1:04] The value of Bryan’s ideological Turing test Explain view disagree with to blind audience as believer Advances dialogue past most common objections   [4:44] Bryan’s public bet with Yoram Bauman on global warming Bet on global warming pause to continue through 2030 3:1 odds   [7:35] Why Bryan engages in public betting Hold people accountable for views in quantifiable way Requires specificity + deadline, someone who disagrees   [11:32] The thesis of Bryan’s nonfiction graphic novel Open Borders Immigration restrictions should be justified Immigrants to rich countries become vastly more productive Research indicates tens of trillions/year in economic gains   [19:20] How open borders are likely to impact the climate Pollution rises in early, middle stages of economic growth Environmental Kuznets curve (richest = relatively clean) Pollution tax much better than keeping people in poverty   [27:22] Bryan’s insight on the degrowther argument  Propose rich countries cut back consumption by 50% Give surplus to poor countries for not industrializing   [30:49] The responsibility rich countries have to climate refugees Island nations sinking because of climate change Make immigration easier BEFORE disaster strikes   [34:01] Bryan’s take on the opposition to immigration Stems from fundamental human xenophobia Easy to blame outgroups for problems, justify harm   [39:56] How US opinion on immigration has evolved since 2000 Less than 10% in favor of more immigration Increase to 30% in favor today   [42:51] The idea of keyhole solutions to social problems Conceived of by economic journalist Tim Harford Advocates for cheapest, most humane way to solve issue Solutions like pollution tax or tolls based on time of day Provides incentive to innovate (e.g.: cars that pollute less)   [48:22] How Bryan thinks about adding to the human population More to consider than pollution each person generates Contribution usually outweighs harm individual causes   Connect with Ross & Paul   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Bryan’s Website Open Borders: The Science and Ethics of Immigration by Bryan Caplan and Zach Weinersmith Bryan on EconLog Books by Bryan Yoram Bauman on Twitter The Cartoon Introduction to Climate Change by Yoram Bauman and Grady Klein The Cartoon History of the Universe by Larry Gonick Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal Hard Heads, Soft Hearts: Tough-Minded Economics for a Just Society by Alan S. Blinder Naomi Klein The Simpsons’ Open Borders Meme Tim Harford Julian Simon The Infinite Resource: The Power of Ideas on a Finite Planet by Ramez Naam

As any good developer can tell you, if you release a product you feel good about, you waited WAY TOO LONG to get said product on the market.    Last summer, Nori’s product team was spending time onboarding farmers, building up auctions and a spot market, but they didn’t have a defined launch date. And they were trying to build out the Nori marketplace in its entirety—before customers had the opportunity to use it. So, what initiated the team’s pivot to an iterative process on an accelerated timeline?   Michael Leggett is Nori’s Director of Product, Jacob Farny is the team’s Principal Product Designer, Jaycen Horton serves as the Principal Blockchain Architect, and Software Developer Richie “never writes code with bugs” Farman. On this episode of Reversing Climate Change, the Nori product team joins Ross for a product update, walking us through what they’ve been working on and how their priorities have shifted since last summer.    They describe how participating in Techstars inspired the decision to sell carbon removal for cash, driving them to think iteratively to get a product out much sooner. The team explains their greatest challenges leading up to the Lightning Sale and in the migration to the ongoing Live Sale, discussing why serialization and working on the blockchain make their job more difficult. Listen in to understand the Nori product team’s audacious goals for Q1 (and beyond) and learn how they are working to scale the sale of NRTs moving forward.   Key Takeaways   [3:10] What the product team was working on last summer Build up auctions and spot market (not clear on ONE thing) Siloed from other departments to divide and conquer   [6:29] What inspired the product team’s pivot in priorities Leaning on SMEs for shortcut to feedback Decision to just sell carbon removal for cash Simplified process, allowed to launch sooner   [10:35] How Techstars changed Nori’s direction Mashup of business development and product teams Think iteratively + do less to get product out sooner Single team urgently working toward coherent goal (Lightning Sale)   [19:44] The product team’s struggles around the Lightning Sale Collect demand without ability to deliver product Minimum version working on blockchain (not instant) No control of decentralized system, refunds tricky Serialization on centralized and decentralized system Difficult to articulate what selling, define customers   [32:46] How Nori differs from previous carbon markets Shop for project vs. get narrative after the fact Allows for microtransactions (e.g.: ride sharing) Facilitates scale for large companies   [38:05] The migration from Nori’s Lightning Sale to Live Sale  Execute at own pace with oversight to real time transactions Particular challenges around serialization and blockchain   [44:01] The product team’s priorities for development in Q1 New approach to obtaining land management history Watch right people use software, make changes as needed   [52:32] What the product team is looking forward to Audacious goals on rates of enrollment, verification Execute on learnings to grow healthy marketplace   Connect with Ross   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori on Patreon Nori Newsletter Email podcast@nori.com  Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Product Update on RCC EP070 Techstars Play Bigger: How Pirates, Dreamers, and Innovators Create and Dominate Markets by Al Ramadan, Dave Peterson, Christopher Lochhead and Kevin Maney Nori’s Carbon Removal Marketplace Microsoft’s Carbon Negative Plan COMET-Farm Granular Cropland Data Layer Climate Careers Trey Hill on RCC EP059

Do humans deserve to have an epoch named for us? On the one hand, we have irreparably changed the course of evolution. On the other hand, should things continue on their current trajectory, human civilization may not be around long enough to read as more than a blip on the fossil record. So, is Anthropocene the right name for the geologic period we’re in?    Peter Brannen is the award-winning science journalist and deep time aficionado behind The Ends of the World: Volcanic Apocalypses, Lethal Oceans, and Our Quest to Understand Earth’s Past Mass Extinctions. On this bonus episode of Reversing Climate Change, he comes back on the show to discuss his recently published articles in The Atlantic, ‘The Anthropocene is a Joke’ and ‘What Made Me Reconsider the Anthropocene.’ We discuss why deep time is such a foreign concept to the general public and Peter explains how the term Anthropocene has evolved to encompass all human activity.    Peter shares his initial argument against the Anthropocene being classified as an epoch, describing how our impact on the geologic record will present as a tiny line in the rocks and why it’s wildly optimistic to assume that we’ll persist far enough into geological time to merit the label. Listen in to understand why Peter’s point of view on the Anthropocene has shifted and learn how our actions may have initiated the mass extinction that introduces the next epoch.   Key Takeaways   [0:59] Why deep time is such a foreign concept to the general public Landscape of history infinitely longer than human history Hidden away in academic papers in language of geology   [1:40] Peter’s argument against the Anthropocene as an epoch Anthropocene used colloquially as ‘anything humans do’ Human layer = tiny line in rocks (event, not epoch) Optimistic to assume humans persist into geological time   [8:34] The biggest impact humans have had on the planet thus far Wave of extinctions follow humans for last 50K+ years Fossil fuels changing planet radically but indistinguishable on fossil record   [12:10] How Peter’s point of view on the Anthropocene has shifted Likely that humans have deflected course of evolution irreparably Our actions may have initiated mass extinction that will define new epoch   [16:21] How humans might earn our own epoch Could get to same level as previous mass extinctions in next century Anthropocene = blip on geological record if we don’t get house in order   [19:34] The Cambrian explosion vs. current technological innovation  Biological innovation caused explosion of animal life 543M years ago  Current tech reshaped world very quickly for better and worse New creative period if learn to live in simpatico with environment   Connect with Ross   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Peter’s Website Peter on Twitter Peter Brannen on RCC EP087 The Ends of the World: Volcanic Apocalypses, Lethal Oceans, and Our Quest to Understand Earth’s Past Mass Extinctions by Peter Brannen ‘The Anthropocene is a Joke’ in The Atlantic ‘What Made Me Reconsider the Anthropocene’ in The Atlantic David Grinspoon on RCC EP047

Classically, but also in response to Greta Thunberg’s address to the United Nations, a number of right-wing critics have weaponized the term ‘secular #eschatology,’ accusing climate activists of an illegitimate alarmism that mimics the Christian idea of the rapture. So, in what ways might the climate crisis be considered secular eschatology? And more broadly, what other theological questions should we be asking ourselves when it comes to climate change?   Dr. Evan Kuehn is a theologian and academic librarian at North Park University, conducting research around modern religious thought. His forthcoming book is called Troeltsch’s Eschatological Absolute.  On this bonus episode of Reversing Climate Change, Evan joins Ross to discuss his recently published article, "Is the Climate Crisis a Secular Eschatology?", introducing us to eschatology as an account of how our world ends and explaining how climate change qualifies as a secular eschatology.   Evan offers his take on how Naomi Klein, et al's work ties socioeconomic structure to the eschatological question and describes some of the anxieties we have around the eschaton in connection with climate change. Listen in for Evan’s insight on the theological questions to consider in relationship to the climate crisis, including issues of human belonging and exclusion and our moral obligation to our neighbor.   Key Takeaways   [1:20] How eschatology is defined Account of how world ends Complete story of history   [3:11] How climate change could be a secular eschatology Disappearance of islands, their cultures End of way of life in post-industrial West   [5:46] Naomi Klein’s work around climate change Chance to reshape society (Progressive left) Ties socioeconomic structure to eschatological question   [7:39] The ambiguity around immanentizing the eschaton Eschaton transcends how do things today If created by human hands, still qualify as eschaton?   [9:13] The anxieties around climate change + the eschaton Confuse ultimate with immediate (idolatry of nature) New world may mean moving beyond Christian faith   [10:31] How premillennialism differs from postmillennialism  Premillennialism = God brings cataclysmic end Postmillennialism = humans pave way to millennium   [13:04] The linear vs. cyclical perception of time Social structures condition us to linear Both help us make sense of reality   [18:51] Further study on faith traditions + climate change Environmental ethicist David Orr Willa Swenson-Lengyel’s work (hope and moral action) Scientist + theologian John Polkinghorne  Creation care   [23:21] Evan’s insight on theological ideas to explore further Human moral motivation in response to climate change Nature of humanity in relation to other species Social ramifications (belonging vs. exclusion)   Connect with Ross   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Dr. Evan Kuehn Evan’s Article on Climate Change & Secular Eschatology Atla Religion Database Left Behind Book Series The Late Great Planet Earth by Hal Lindsey The Illuminatus Trilogy This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate by Naomi Klein William F. Buckley David W. Orr Dangerous Years: Climate Change, the Long Emergency, and the Way Forward by David W. Orr Willa Swenson-Lengyel The God of Hope and the End of the World by John Polkinghorne John Polkinghorne Creation Care

Do you have strong bonds with a faith community or civic organization? How about a book club or sports league? Do you live near your parents? How well do you know your neighbors? In Why Liberalism Failed, Patrick Deneen makes the communitarian argument that liberalism’s failure lies in its success. In the pursuit of individual autonomy, we have alienated ourselves from each other and the environment.   Jeffrey Howard is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Erraticus, an online publication focused on human flourishing.  On this episode, Jeffrey joins Alexsandra and Ross to discuss the ideas in Deneen’s book and compare how communitarians and liberals see the world.   Jeffrey offers his take on the downside of liberalism’s success, describing our growing isolation and dependence on government interventions or markets—as opposed to each other. Listen in to understand the limits of communitarianism in terms of scale and learn how a communitarian might approach climate change. N.B. Ross & Jeffrey both regret not discussing the work of John Rawls with regard to contractarianism and as an avenue to criticism of communitarianism.   Key Takeaways   [1:43] How communitarians see the world Meaning comes from communities (particulars vs. universal) Comfortable with locally driven interventions   [7:54] The three different types of communities Place Memory Psychology   [10:02] The fundamentals of liberalism Non-relational beings not beholden to communities See nature as something to conquer + control   [12:47] How liberalism impacts communities Uncomfortable making demands on one another Leads to alienation, thin community bonds   [19:22] Patrick Deneen’s argument re: the loose relationships of liberalism Turn to government interventions, market means Takes intention to develop friendships in new place   [28:35] The downside of liberalism’s success Hollowed out civic and social institutions Associations temper extremes in human nature   [35:01] The consequences of liberalism for individuals Growing alienation, loneliness (discard if unproductive) Lack of emotional intelligence + general distrust   [37:39] A communitarian take on climate change Skeptical of commodification of nature Lose something when don’t know where food comes from   [43:20] Jeffrey’s solutions for brain drain in small communities Advocate for completion of hero’s journey Remote work   [51:15] Jeffrey’s argument against the romanticizing of travel Carbon footprint Can’t escape problems to ‘find yourself’   [56:21] A communitarian approach to solving climate change Need thousands of local Green New Deals  Unify to build something together vs. top-down approach   [59:31] The best critiques of communitarianism Too limiting to individual freedoms Give to person most in need (vs. person in community) Local solutions won’t scale quickly enough   Connect with Alexsandra & Ross   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Erraticus Jeffrey on Twitter Why Liberalism Failed by Patrick J. Deneen Books by Wendell Berry Front Porch Republic John Stuart Mill’s Harm Principle David Hume’s ‘Of the Original Contract’ Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville The Quest for Community: A Study in the Ethics of Order and Freedom by Robert Nisbet Francis Fukuyama Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert D. Putnam Wendell Berry’s Port William Novels & Stories How the Bible Actually Works: In Which I Explain How an Ancient, Ambiguous, and Diverse Book Leads Us to Wisdom Rather Than Answers—and Why That’s Great News by Peter Enns Wendell Berry Farming Program at Sterling College Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress by Steven Pinker Seattle Salsa Congress Joseph Campbell Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert Charlie Deist’s Green New Deal Article Blacksheep on RCC EP076 Peter Singer on Effective Altruism

Are you willing to give up coffee? Chocolate? Rum? Many of us have come to think of these products as necessities and would have a very hard time giving them up. And yet, we know that the current methods of shipping those items contribute to the carbon emissions causing climate change. So, is there a way to transport the products we’ve come to love in a way that’s sustainable, financially viable AND emission-free?   Danielle Doggett is the Executive Director of SAILCARGO, a carbon-neutral shipping company in the process of building the world’s largest emission-free cargo ship, Ceiba. The team uses high-quality wood and old-world shipbuilding techniques with the goal of transporting artisanal products from Central America to the US and Canada. In this episode, Danielle joins Alexsandra and Ross to discuss how Ceiba will be powered by wind energy and explain how it compares to traditional ships in terms of capacity, delivery speed and shipping costs.   Danielle shares the problems with the current shipping industry, including air and bioacoustics pollution, oil spills, deforestation, dangerous shipbreaking practices, and illegal dumping. Listen in for Danielle’s insight around using technology options to improve the shipping industry and learn how you can support the creation of a sustainable supply chain by owning shares in SAILCARGO!   Key Takeaways   [1:01] What Danielle’s team is building at SAILCARGO World’s largest emission-free ships Move artisanal products from Central America to US/Canada   [1:53] Danielle’s vision for SAILCARGO Provide final broken link in otherwise sustainable supply chain Bring products to world (financially + environmentally viable)   [3:20] How Ceiba will be powered Traditional sails use wind energy Backup green electric engine stores excess power in battery High-tech propellers adjust drag based on wind conditions   [5:04] How Ceiba’s size compares to other ships Clipper ships almost twice size of Ceiba Largest ships carry 22K containers, Ceiba carries up to 10   [7:27] The international team at SAILCARGO 50% of workforce from Latin America Crew from 25 nations (e.g.: Madagascar, Australia, Denmark, etc.)   [8:29] The SAILCARGO business model People invest to own shares of company 36% of estimated $4.2M secured to date   [9:59] Danielle’s path to founding SAILCARGO Learn to sail on St. Lawrence 2 (nonprofit youth training camp) Work for Fairtransport, saw ways to improve process   [12:17] Danielle’s commitment to high-quality wood Source most locally in Costa Rica where timber protected Went to Haida Gwaii for best mast materials    [13:54] What’s wrong with the current shipping industry Ships born in iron ore mines of Brazil (deforestation + mining) Bioacoustics pollution disrupts marine mammal communication Carry invasive species and cause air pollution Oil spills result of accidents at sea End of life in Bangladesh, dangerous shipbreaking work   [16:55] The problems associated with a lack of governance No regulations around fuel use or pollution Most ships run on dirty diesel fuel   [19:50] Danielle’s rebuttal to the premise of The Locavore’s Dilemma 15 of largest ships generate more pollutants than ALL cars Powered by least refined fuel, illegal dumping and burning   [28:58] How Danielle thinks about the future of shipping Tech race with multiple options (electric, solar or wind power) Change to cleaner fuel expensive but most attainable   [30:33] How the cost of shipping on Ceiba compares to other ships Traditional ships range from 1¢/ton/mile to $1.60/ton/mile Ceiba costs 20¢/ton/mile   [31:27] How Ceiba’s delivery times compare to traditional ships Slower average speed (12 knots vs. 20 knots) Make up time in ports by using own rigging to unload   [33:41] Ross and Alexsandra’s unsolicited business advice Media arm to tell story of Ceiba Luxury cruises (silent ships for whale watching)   Connect with Alexsandra & Ross   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   SAILCARGO SAILCARGO on Facebook SAILCARGO on Instagram SAILCARGO on YouTube SAILCARGO on Twitter Blacksheep on RCC EP076 Fairtransport Lynx Guimond Haida Nation North Pacific Timber Corporation International Maritime Organization COP23 Climate Summit SAILCARGO’s COP23 Presentation Shipbreaking in Bangladesh The Locavore’s Dilemma: In Praise of the 10,000-Mile Diet by Pierre Desrochers and Hiroko Shimizu

Everybody knows that the global population is out of control. And everybody is wrong, our guest argues. In fact, Darrell Bricker and John Ibbitson contend that the UN model predicting 11.2B people by the end of the century is deeply flawed. According to their research, the human population is likely to reach only 8.5B by midcentury and then begin to decline.   Darrell Bricker is the coauthor of Empty Planet: The Shock of Global Population Decline, a book exploring how a shrinking population might reshape the social, political, environmental and economic landscape.  On this episode of the Reversing Climate Change, Darrell joins Alexsandra and Ross to discuss how his understanding of population trends differs from conventional wisdom and explain why the UN numbers around global fertility rates are wrong.     Darrell shares the reasons why women are making the decision to have fewer children, exploring the impact urbanization, education, healthcare delivery and even access to telenovelas (yes, Spanish-language soap operas!) have had on birthrate. He also discusses the potential consequences of global population decline, including its effect on the natural environment and what it means for our current economic model. Listen in for Darrell’s insight on why government policies to promote childbirth don’t seem to work and learn what to consider in making your own decision to have children—or not.   Key Takeaways   [0:39] How Darrell’s understanding of population trends differs from conventional wisdom UN estimates suggest global population out of control (11.2B by end of century) More credible numbers = 8.5B by mid-century with decline after 2050   [2:56] Why the UN numbers are wrong # of children born declining more rapidly than model suggests Below UN natural state of 2.1 in many countries   [4:27] Why women are making the decision to have fewer children Growing urbanization (free labor vs. mouths to feed) Women exposed to other choices, e.g.: work, education   [6:08] The general pros and cons of a declining birthrate Less resource depletion Challenges economic model (consumerism drives growth)   [8:29] Wolfgang Lutz’s work around the decline in population Education of women leads to lower fertility rates More control over bodies, choose to have fewer children   [12:18] The impact of telenovelas on the birthrate in Brazil TV in favelas exposed women to strong female characters Women decide to stop having children sooner   [14:29] Other factors that influenced the birthrate in Brazil Massive urbanization Delivery of healthcare (availability of sterilization)   [16:45] The main criticism of Empty Planet Suggest open border to offset lack of fertility Accused of advocating political philosophy   [18:17] The generational conflicts associated with population decline  Forced to rethink what we mean by retirement and work Consider way develop/distribute wealth (cities vs. rural areas)   [22:28] The potential consequences of global population decline Positive improvement in natural environment Energy poverty in some countries Rethink capitalism, global security   [24:35] Darrell’s insight on making the decision to have children Effect on overall climate very minimal (virtually nothing) Population continues to grow because people live longer Don’t get wrapped up in externalities, look at own family   [32:26] How having children later in life impacts fertility rates Boomers had first kid in early 20’s, millennials at 33 Start family later in life = less time and fewer kids   [38:07] Government policies to promote childbirth Make it easier to take time off work, make work flexible Reduce financial penalty (e.g.: Hungary income tax)   [41:18] The complex decision women are facing all over the world Empower selves through education, less time to consider having family Financial considerations around becoming single parent vs. flying solo   Connect with Alexsandra & Ross   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Empty Planet: The Shock of Global Population Decline by Darrell Bricker and John Ibbitson 2019 UN World Population Prospects Wolfgang Lutz on the ‘Education Effect’ Brazil’s Fertility Decline The Population Bomb by Paul R. Ehrlich Hungary’s Income Tax Breaks for Families

If you want to verify carbon capture for a reforestation or forest conservation project, you’re looking at a price tag of anywhere between $100K and $400K, depending on the size of the forest. But a new company called Pachama is working to make the process much more affordable and add trust to the system, harnessing AI to measure carbon capture in forests.   Diego Saez Gil is the Cofounder and CEO of Pachama, a startup developing the technologies to bring trust, transparency and efficiency to the forest carbon market. His team leverages machine learning to accelerate the validation of carbon captured in reforestation and forest conservation projects.  On this episode of the podcast, Diego joins Alexsandra, Ross and Christophe to explain how LiDAR technology works and discuss how Pachama is using it to measure carbon capture with stunning accuracy.     Diego shares the benefits of using Pachama’s platform in terms of adding trust to the system and reducing the transaction costs associated with verifying reforestation projects in carbon markets. He also discusses the fight over development versus conservation in Brazil and describes his take on the role of corporations in reversing climate change. Listen in for insight around the need for an abundance mindset in developing climate solutions and learn how Diego thinks about carbon markets as a mechanism to align incentives on the path to reversing climate change.   Key Takeaways   [1:40] The work Diego and his team do through Pachama Build tools to measure + monitor carbon capture in forests Use data to validate offset projects in carbon markets   [3:29] How Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology works Device uses laser to create 3D image of environment Apply deep learning to measure biomass, carbon capture (< 1.5% error)   [7:08] Why we should trust that Pachama’s algorithm works Works by comparing shapes and volumes to ground truth Results consistent with traditional forester’s measurements   [9:08] The expense associated with verifying reforestation projects Must send forester to take sample, do carbon stock assessment Costs between $100K and $400K depending on size   [10:46] Pachama’s approach to onboarding new clients Go to projects using traditional protocols for verification Add trust to system and reduce transaction costs   [13:47] How we can improve the design of forestry projects in carbon markets Base contribution to buffer pool on risk profile of individual project Bodies that create standards usually open to ideas for improvement   [15:51] Pachama’s progress in its first year in business Onboarded 10 projects in US and Brazil Continue to add data, improve algorithm   [17:10] Pachama’s needs around data collection LiDAR and ground truth numbers Data lives in governments, universities and companies   [18:11] The complexity of land and development politics  Large reforestation projects up against armed illegal loggers Political narrative emboldens developers to exploit resources Carbon markets create income for people in those areas Indigenous communities should benefit most from projects   [24:06] Diego’s insight into the role of corporations in reversing climate change Responsibility to benefit society at large for long term Reduce emissions and offset what can’t in short term   [27:51] Diego’s entrepreneurial path to reversing climate change Grew up in Argentina between rainforest + Andes Took sabbatical to live with native community in Amazon Inspired by power of nature, shocked by deforestation Apply technology for scaling solutions to climate change   [30:44] How the scarcity vs. abundance mindset plays into Diego’s work Scarcity mindset created climate crisis, abundance will solve We’re all connected and must come together for challenge   [34:50] How David Grinspoon’s work influenced Diego Love big-picture view of humanity (one of many species to change planet) Attracted to optimism, potential for humans to be stewards   Connect with Alexsandra, Ross & Christophe   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Pachama Pachama on Twitter Email info@pachama.com  VERGE 19 Paris Agreement American Carbon Registry Verified Carbon Standard Climate Action Reserve The Gold Standard The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming by David Wallace-Wells GreenBiz Y Combinator Buckminster Fuller Earth in Human Hands: Shaping Our Planet’s Future by David Grinspoon David Grinspoon on RCC EP047 Carl Sagan Lynn Margulis James Lovelock A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle Eric Kornacki on RCC EP082

Most leftist political views of the climate crisis lean toward natural solutions like reforestation and regenerative ag. But if we’re serious about taking action at the necessary scale before it’s too late, Dr. Holly Jean Buck argues that we have to consider ALL available solutions, including carbon capture technology and geoengineering. She comes at the issue from the Critical Left, advocating for the thoughtful use of industrial tech to reverse climate change.   Dr. Buck is a postdoctoral research fellow at UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability and the author of After Geoengineering: Climate Tragedy, Repair and Restoration. On this episode of Reversing Climate Change, Dr. Buck joins Ross to discuss how her take on climate solutions differs from traditional left-leaning views, explaining the aspects of geoengineering that should be in the hands of the people and the risks associated with Nori’s premise of treating carbon as a commodity.   Dr. Buck weighs in on why people are skeptical of industrial solutions to climate change and why she believes state involvement is key in removing carbon at scale. Listen in for insight into the pros and cons of policy solutions to climate change and learn why the Critical Left needs to take carbon capture technology seriously.   Key Takeaways   [3:12] What inspired Dr. Buck to write After Geoengineering Present choices for removing large amounts of carbon Seat at table re: how we use tech should be deployed   [4:46] What aspects of geoengineering should be in the hands of the people Physical ownership of assets, infrastructure (including land) Financial flows Algorithms/information used to make decisions   [8:18] The risks around treating carbon as a commodity Must consider who’s producing and who’s buying Danger of minimizing other things that matter   [10:57] How Dr. Buck thinks about the buyer’s side of a carbon market Private jet for pleasure vs. wind turbine industry State involvement to allocate determine quotas   [15:26] Why people aren’t talking about radical solutions Uncanny fear of tampering with nature via nuclear power Little research on effects of solar radiation management   [19:20] Why Dr. Buck is skeptical of fossil fuel companies leading drawdown Use environmental organizations for incentives Support shareholders over environmental protection Need plan for phasing out fossil fuels worldwide   [28:08] Why people are suspicious of industrial climate solutions Allows industries that harmed people to continue Gives control of resources to unknown big actors  Fear of unintended consequences of technology   [37:54] The pros and cons policy solutions to climate change Makes VC investment in carbon removal tech possible Difficult to pass or change (market approach nimble)   [40:46] How Dr. Buck thinks about the mission of Nori See as platform vs. market, bring buyers + sellers together Would rather see government solution but Nori not threat   [45:16] A Critical Left take on Nori Opposed to treating carbon as commodity Pro open-source logic   [49:12] Dr. Buck’s insight around reasonable criticisms of her work Too optimistic to believe in responsible solar geoengineering research Discussing strategies like solar geoengineering legitimizes tactic Carbon removal enables business as usual (same old offsets) No cause for optimism that radical social reorganization possible   [51:34] Why the Critical Left should take industrial solutions seriously Moral obligation to use available tech to reduce harm Involves geological sequestration + clean energy Scale requires government to play central role in progress Closing window of opportunity to shape tech as evolves   Connect with Ross   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   VERGE 19 After Geoengineering: Climate Tragedy, Repair, and Restoration by Holly Jean Buck Reversapalooza Dr. Buck’s Article in Jacobin  Water Markets on RCC EP096 Ted Nordhaus on RCC EP098  ‘The Empty Radicalism of the Climate Apocalypse’ by Ted Nordhaus 45Q Legislation Green New Deal Jeremy Corbyn The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming by David Wallace-Wells Climate Wars: What People Will Be Killed for in the 21st Century by Harald Welzer Sunrise Movement Extinction Rebellion Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming edited by Paul Hawken Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World by Anand Giridharadas The Fable of the Bees Books by Adam Greenfield Granular Radical Markets by Eric A. Posner & E. Glen Weyl David Harvey Books by David Graeber

A great deal of talent and resources are dedicated to the development of technology that makes the lives of the privileged even easier. What if that kind of energy and investment was redirected to problems like conservation and climate change? How can we inspire more entrepreneurs to focus on the sustainability space? And what can we do to support the startups that are working to make the world a better place?   Zach Nies is the Managing Director of the Techstars Sustainability Accelerator, August Ritter serves as Program Director of The Nature Conservancy’s partnership with Techstars, and Hannah Davis is the Program Director of the Techstars Sustainability Accelerator. On this episode of Reversing Climate Change, August, Zach and Hannah join Alexsandra, Jason and Christophe to discuss the origin of The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) partnership with Techstars and share the idea behind the program—to create a community of mission-driven companies and help them achieve a year’s worth of progress in just three months.   August weighs in on what TNC and Techstars look for in a company, Hannah shares the purpose behind the Mentor Madness component of the program, and Zach addresses the role of VC money in expanding the possibilities for tech teams in the sustainability space. Listen in to understand how the Techstars experience helped the Nori team overcome its limiting beliefs and launch a product much sooner than expected!   Key Takeaways   [0:40] The premise of the Techstars accelerator Bring in 10 companies to make year of progress in 3 months Surround with investors, mentors (SMEs + business leaders) Culminates in Demo Day to pitch business value to investors   [5:34] The origin of The Nature Conservancy’s partnership with Techstars Leadership recognized disruptive power of tech, need for VC $ Plug into entrepreneurial ecosystem to further sustainability   [8:19] What inspired August’s work with the Techstars program Confronted with scale of challenges living in New Delhi Recognize that current approach won’t solve problems   [9:16] What inspired Zach’s work with the Techstars program Work with Rally Software linked business with impact What can happen when business about more than $   [11:06] What inspired Hannah’s work with the Techstars program Inspired by environmental studies class in college Recognize business as powerful way to make change   [12:16] What Techstars looks for in a company Alignment with TNC’s core conservation mission Criteria = TEAM, market progress and idea   [13:59] The community built through the Techstars program Powerful support network with shared experience Mission-driven founders = second layer of bonding   [16:40] Why Techstars incorporates Mentor Madness Rapid feedback from many different angles Match companies with 3 to 5 lead mentors   [20:04] The Nature Conservancy’s general investment themes Reversing climate change Providing food and water sustainably Protecting land and water Building healthy cities   [23:24] The panel’s hopes for the future Inspire entrepreneurs to pursue sustainability space Help companies in network scale, see possibilities Help society recognize power of nature as solution   [29:14] The tension around using VC money to address sustainability One of many tools to provide solutions Opens up possibilities in business model innovation   [33:36] The fundamental reframes Nori experienced at Techstars Get product to users + prove out model via Lightning Sale Overcome limiting beliefs with support of mentors   [38:15] The Nori team’s advice around building a startup team Shared vision, mission and values (start with WHY) Clear decision-making structure Strength in diversity   [43:04] Nori’s biggest barriers to ‘learning by doing’ Fear of unknown, uncertainty (imaginary) Creativity in achieving goals   [47:33] The high points of the Techstars experience for Nori Launch of product + hitting revenue Time spent brainstorming with team in evenings   Connect with Alexsandra, Jason & Christophe    Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Techstars The Nature Conservancy Rally Software Ryan Martens MergeLane Gregory Landua Regen Network Hannah’s Email: hannah.davis@techstars.com Play Bigger: How Pirates, Dreamers and Innovators Create and Dominate Markets by Al Ramadan, Dave Peterson, Christopher Lochhead and Kevin Maney Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek Techstars Entrepreneur’s Toolkit VERGE 19 Paul Hawken

Trees are carbon storage machines. And they are disappearing at an alarming rate. In fact, experts predict that California could lose two-thirds of its 33M acres of forest in the next 15 to 20 years due to megafire and climate-driven disease and mortality. What’s more, the 2018 fires there emitted 68B tons of carbon, the equivalent of powering the state of California for an entire year. So, what can we do to restore our forests and manage them long-term in a way that mitigates the risk of megafire?   Allison Wolff is the Founder and CEO of Vibrant Planet, a firm that leverages the power of narrative to mobilize positive social change. She has 25 years of experience in the space, and her impressive client roster includes Google, eBay, Facebook and Netflix. On this episode of Reversing Climate Change, Allison joins Ross and Christophe to discuss what sparked her interest in the megafire issue and explain why the California forests are burning—and what we can do about it.   Allison also weighs in on the thousands of jobs associated with restoring and maintaining our forests long-term and how we might employ a new carbon accounting system to fund the necessary work. Listen in for Allison’s take on why a ‘let them burn’ policy is misguided and learn how you can get involved in promoting a carbon market that would pay to bring resilience back AND mitigate fire risk in our forests.    Key Takeaways   [1:45] Allison’s path to Reversing Climate Change 25 years in brand experience at tech companies Establish sustainability, social impact initiatives Developed interest in movement building (Facebook Live at Paris climate talks) Work with Paul Hawken on Project Drawdown Study severity of megafire problem in California   [10:45] Why Allison is interested in working with Nori Need financing from carbon markets to restore forests Leverage Nori model for drawdown to motivate IFM   [12:57] Why California forests are burning Low-intensity fires recycled nutrients in heterogeneous forests for 20K years Europeans removed fire, clear cut most of West and planted mono-forests Teenage trees too close together + ground fuel carries fire to tree canopy Add high winds form desert to fuel megafire moving at speeds never seen 2018 fires in CA emitted 68B tons of carbon, impacts water system as well   [22:19] What we can do to reintroduce low-intensity fire Employ burn bosses to burn safe areas now Rally ‘sleeping allies’ to invest in process Clear out biomass with prescribed burns/by hand Cut little trees for biochar, cross-laminated timber   [28:12] Allison’s insight around the potential to restore forests Hopeful because we have model for resilience Concerns re: capital, scaling workforce quickly   [31:35] How we might pay for forest restoration Forest Resilience Bonds Surcharge for water provided by forests Carbon markets like Nori Public health funds for mental health   [36:18] The jobs associated with restoring forests Large unemployed population in rural West Thousands of jobs available but need funding   [38:09] Allison’s take on the Sierra Club no touch policy Understand idea behind let it burn policy (prevent big logging) Owe it to fellow species to bring back resilience in forests   [41:33] The potential to create a new accounting system for carbon Board feet = $10/ton, Biomass + slash waste = 10¢/ton Create market for carbon storage in trees and soil  Monetize embodied carbon in products, avoided cost of fire   [47:28] Allison’s work with the California Forest Observatory Dynamic, real-time system monitors forest health, wildfire risk AI engine combines available LiDAR + meteorological data Allows for fire mitigation and forest restoration planning   [52:58] How RCC listeners can get involved in Allison’s work Share story of forest restoration and idea of carbon market Need innovation and ideas as well as philanthropic capital   Connect with Ross & Christophe    Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Vibrant Planet Salo Sciences VERGE 19 GreenBiz eBay Giving Works Meg Whitman Google Green Facebook Sustainability Social Good at Facebook Facebook Data for Good Bill Weihl The Paris Agreement Copenhagen Climate Change Conference Earth on Facebook Paul Hawken Project Drawdown Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming edited by Paul Hawken Malcolm North Scott Stephens The Sagehen Experimental Forest The Nature Conservancy Forest Resilience Bond Blue Forest Conservation Blue Forest Pilot with Yuba County Water Agency Stanford Natural Capital Project Mental Health as an Ecosystem Service 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus by Charles C. Mann Sierra Club The Yurok Tribe Karuk Tribe CAL FIRE Planet Data European Sentinel System California Forest Observatory National Center for Atmospheric Research 

In a zero-sum game between human prosperity and saving the planet, the planet will lose every time, our guest believes. But what if we can have our cake and eat it too? What if we can grow the economy AND deal with climate change at the same time?   Ted Nordhaus is the Founder and Executive Director of The Breakthrough Institute, the world’s first ecomodernist think tank promoting technological solutions to environmental problems. He is also the author of Break Through: From the Death of Environmentalism to the Politics of Possibility. On this episode of Reversing Climate Change, Ted joins Ross and Christophe to discuss the fundamentals of ecomodernism, explaining the movement’s idea of decoupling and offering his response to the degrowther argument against it.   Ted also shares the ecomodernist take on industrial agriculture and addresses the reasons why nuclear energy has failed to gain traction. Listen in to understand what’s wrong with apocalyptic environmentalism and find out how we can move the needle on climate change without threatening the end of days.   Key Takeaways   [1:30] The fundamentals of ecomodernism More dependent we are on nature, more damage we do to it For cities, nuclear energy and intensive agriculture   [5:03] The ecomodernist idea of decoupling Grow economy + deal with climate change at same time Economic development will always win over saving planet   [8:59] Ted’s response to the degrowthers Population growth result of advances in public health and nutrition Lower resource throughput associated with each $ of economic output   [13:46] The ecomodernist take on industrial agriculture People historically leave farms to seek better life  Tied to declining fertility rates, women’s empowerment   [18:58] Ted’s insight on apocalyptic environmentalism Rises from generation of unprecedented security and affluence Romantic agrarian view disconnected from real work of farming   [25:18] The policies with the most climate benefits Clean energy investment in solar + wind Coal-to-gas transition   [28:29] How to move the needle without threatening apocalypse Make clean energy so cheap it competes for own sake Modest economic and political lift (i.e.: pricing, regulations)   [32:53] Why nuclear energy has failed to gain traction Combined failure of policy, institutions and tech State-owned plants vs. private actors   [40:44] Ted’s take on the smartest people who disagree with him Bill McKibben David Wallace-Wells   [44:54] Ted’s response to George Monbiot’s critique of ecomodernism Small farms in poor countries have marginally higher yield Women and children used as free labor   [48:51] How the Right might respond to apocalyptic climate action Idea of Avocado Politics (be careful what you wish for) Concentration camps, walls and resource wars   [51:45] Ted’s vision of a population that adapts well to 4° warming Open borders, integrated institutions and trade   Connect with Ross & Christophe    Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   The Breakthrough Institute TBI on Twitter Ted Nordhaus on Twitter Alex Trembath on Twitter Zeke Hausfather on Twitter TBI on Instagram Breakthrough Dialogues Podcast Books by Ted Nordhaus An Ecomodernist Manifesto Wendell Berry Ramez Naam ‘The Empty Radicalism of the Climate Apocalypse’ by Ted Nordhaus Bill McKibben The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming by David Wallace-Wells ‘Meet the Ecomodernists: Ignorant of History and Paradoxically Old-Fashioned’ by George Monbiot Ted’s Response to George Monbiot’s Critique Bill McKibben on RCC EP094 Nils Gilman

  “If you’re saying, ‘Let’s just stick with what we have until we can prove that anything new isn’t going to hurt us,’ then we’re stuck in this status quo that’s heading at 400 miles per hour toward six degrees of global warming—which I’m not willing to accept. There’s a real need for not blindly rushing into things, but we have to weigh that against the need to make some real changes.”   Nathanael Johnson is a Senior Writer at Grist and the author of All Natural: A Skeptic’s Quest to Discover If the Natural Approach to Diet, Childbirth, Healing and the Environment Really Keeps Us Healthier and Happier and Unseen City: The Majesty of Pigeons, the Discreet Charm of Snails & Other Wonders of the Urban Wilderness. On this episode of Reversing Climate Change, Nathanael joins Ross and Christophe to discuss how his writing challenges the status quo, asking the questions that inspire real results.   Nathanael describes the arguments for and against nuclear energy, explaining why it’s continued use may be necessary to mitigate climate change and what forces are affecting the industry’s collapse. He also addresses the controversy around GMOs, sharing why it’s difficult to define what qualifies as a GMO and how he thinks about the issue as a consumer—and a journalist. Listen in for Nathanael’s questions around soil organic carbon as a climate solution and learn how he cultivates the ability to see issues from multiple perspectives, staying open to cultural critiques of his views.   Key Takeaways   [1:00] How Nevada City shaped Nathanael Idea that we’re blind to ways progress hurts us Driven to ask questions that get real results   [6:38] The little experiences that shook Nathanael’s beliefs Friend’s parents in logging (sustainable approach) Respect for efficiencies of industrial farms in ID   [11:49] The impact of nuclear energy on climate change Top form of non-carbon energy in many countries Renewables go up and down, we control nuclear   [15:24] The forces causing the collapse of nuclear energy Local opposition to land use, delays Regulatory apparatus + market forces No pipeline to support with expertise Complex tech with layers of safety   [21:09] Why people are generally resistant to nuclear Not under our control No immediate benefit to individual Lack of transparency   [26:09] The difficulty of defining what qualifies as a GMO Nuances of what’s changed with human influence Introduction of other genes happens in nature   [30:07] Nathanael’s take on the precautionary principle Should question new things AND status quo Potential adverse impact vs. need for real change   [33:04] How Nathanael thinks about GMOs as a consumer Ag would not look much different without GMOs Less glyphosate but more herbicides in general Less BT but more insecticides in general Only big companies can jump regulatory hurdles   [38:32] Nathanael’s questions around carbon sequestration How long maintain gains? When will tail off? Wary of claims practice will solve ALL problems   [41:52] How Nori navigates the internal tension of startups Leverage podcast to learn from experts Radical transparency and collective authorship   [49:50] Nathanael’s best critics Washington Post columnist Tamar Haspel Farmer-scientists on Twitter   Connect with Ross & Christophe    Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Nathanael’s Website Nathanael on Grist Nathanael on Twitter All Natural: A Skeptic’s Quest to Discover If the Natural Approach to Diet, Childbirth, Healing and the Environment Really Keeps Us Healthier and Happier by Nathanael Johnson Unseen City: The Majesty of Pigeons, the Discreet Charm of Snails & Other Wonders of the Urban Wilderness by Nathanael Johnson IPCC DOE Risk Insurance for Nuclear Facilities Professor Leah Stokes Green New Deal ‘It’s Practically Impossible to Define GMOs’ in Grist Moral Foundations Theory The UN’s Precautionary Approach to Environmental Challenges Jeremy Kaufman on Reversing Climate Change EP049 ‘Regenerative Agriculture: World-Saving Idea or Food Marketing Ploy?’ in Grist Dr. Emma Fuller on Reversing Climate Change EP079 Granular COMET-Farm Ted Nordhaus The Breakthrough Institute Tamar Haspel

Water markets are designed to reallocate H2O in times of scarcity and promote efficient use of the resource. And if they’re managed correctly, water markets can help us protect and preserve our water supply. Given that agricultural players account for 70% of global water use, small improvements in efficiency on farms can have a very big impact. Better yet, trading water rights can provide farmers with an additional income stream. So, how do water markets work?   Richael Young is the Cofounder and CEO of Mammoth Water, the smart market platform that delivers a smarter, simpler way to track and trade water. On this episode of Reversing Climate Change, Richael joins Alexsandra and Christophe to discuss the ins and outs of water markets and explain why strong governance is crucial to their success.   Richael describes the challenges farmers face in participating in water markets and how Mammoth Water makes it easy to trade water rights. She also introduces us to the team’s TAPP H2O product, explaining how it helps farmers track their water use. Listen in for Richael’s insight around the connection between groundwater and climate change and learn how water markets, when done right, can reduce our footprint on water use!    Key Takeaways   [1:24] What inspired Richael’s interest in environmental conservation Message in church around tithing + financial stewardship Need to be good stewards of what God made as well   [2:42] The idea behind Mammoth Water Smarter, simpler way to track and trade water resources Small improvements in ag practices have large effect   [3:58] The connection between ground water and climate change Farmers use to irrigate, hedge against climate uncertainty Use more than being replenished = ground collapse   [6:24] How water markets work Arose from need to reallocate H2O in times of scarcity Protect + preserve resource, flexibility in communities   [8:30] Why governance is crucial to the success of water markets Slack permits can increase consumptive use Consider hydrological impact on surface water   [12:22] The challenges farmers face in trading water rights Difficult to find buyers/sellers and negotiate price Complicated rules govern groundwater transfers   [16:05] How Mammoth Water supports farmers Provides centralized hub for trading groundwater Fair and equitable price discovery mechanism Algorithm matches by price point, regulatory constraints   [17:43] The factors that impact the value of water Use properties such as crops grown, soil type Hydrological properties distort price (i.e.: impact on river)   [20:20] Why water markets are useful Reducing footprint on water use requires governance Mechanism to reduce water use in times of shortage   [24:12] How Mammoth’s TAPP H2O product tracks water use Water rights accounting based on photo of meter Generates report for farmer to compare with peers Insights help become more efficient and profitable Next step to tailor recommendations based on data   [32:58] What you need to know about the Ogallala Aquifer Facilitates 30% of country’s water use Bottom 2/3 in bad shape (takes centuries to recharge) Use manager aquifer decline to extend life of resource   [35:18] Richael’s approach to managing water rights First step to quantify all water rights (fair + consistent) Make sure enough for domestic, environmental needs   Connect with Alexsandra & Christophe    Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Mammoth Water Email info@mammothwater.com  Nori Lightning Sale Techstars Water Markets in Oman Public Trust Doctrine The Ogallala Aquifer

Up to 25% of the world’s carbon emissions can be offset through natural climate solutions, and the #1 channel, both domestically and internationally, is reforestation. Planting trees is obviously a huge market opportunity. But the question is, how do we pay for it?    Mike Smith and John Cleland are the managing partners of RenewWest, an environmental services company committed to replanting forests in areas burned by wildfire in the American West and financializing the practice through carbon offset markets. On this episode of Reversing Climate Change, Mike and John join Ross and Christophe to share the team’s three-phase process and explain why reforestation projects are typically disfavored in traditional carbon markets.   Mike and John describe the top challenges forests face, including climate change, disease and fire, and introduce us to the concept of assisted migration risk. Listen in to understand why a Timber Investment Management Organization, or TIMO, Fund is a better way to raise capital for reforestation than private equity and learn how RenewWest is navigating the intersection where ecology and finance meet!    Key Takeaways   [1:36] Mike’s path to reversing climate change Witness fire on 44K acres in Idaho as kid, bare soil persists RenewWest tackles connection between climate + forestry   [3:39] John’s path to reversing climate change Career in Chicago as commodities trader, launch brokerage Shift to impact investing (opportunity in carbon markets)   [9:29] What Mike & John do at RenewWest Find areas burned by wildfire Work to develop as carbon offset projects   [12:11] The RenewWest three-phase process Discovery—meet with landowner, create LOI Pre-development (includes carbon analysis) Raise capital and plant   [16:12] Why reforestation projects are disfavored in carbon markets Factor of additionality No offset until sequestration happens   [25:10] Venture capital vs. TIMO funding Reforestation doesn’t fit VC timeline, return expectations Long-term play of fund attracts institutional investors   [29:18] The top three challenges forests face Climate change, disease and fire All problems defined by water   [36:40] The obstacles reforestation is up against Carbon markets not seen as investible opportunity Requires long-term investment in green infrastructure Political divisiveness around carbon pricing   [47:44] The concept of assisted migration risk Climate change faster than natural systems adapt Same trees won’t survive (move north or uphill)   [50:57] What John & Mike would like to fix about carbon markets High transactional costs Easier to fund reforestation vs. project development   Connect with Ross & Christophe    Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   RenewWest Email msmith@renewwest.com  Nori Lightning Sale Techstars Impact Finance Center Phil Taylor on RCC EP091 Climate Action Reserve California Water Action Collaborative California Environmental Quality Act Cleantech Open Greta Thunberg & George Monbiot Video Blue Forest Conservation California Compliance Offset Program 1990 Clean Air Act Amendment Benji Backer on RCC EP074 The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert

Farmers use poetry to make decisions, leveraging their deep connection with the land and the wisdom passed down from previous generations. Academics use science to make decisions, leveraging technology to innovate in the land management space. What if we recognized the value in both decision-making processes? What if we respected the farmers’ intuition, yet supported their efforts with tools from science to promote conservation?   Hannah Birge is the Director of Water and Agriculture and Nelson Winkel is the Platte River Prairies Assistant Preserve Manager and Soil Health Specialist with The Nature Conservancy in Nebraska. On this episode of Reversing Climate Change, Hannah and Nelson join Ryan and Christophe to discuss the conservation practices farmers are adopting in the Great Plains and explain how The Nature Conservancy supports them with funding, technical support and labor.   Hannah shares her approach to communicating with farmers, discussing the language she uses to navigate differences among stakeholders, and Nelson speaks to the relationship of trust their team works to build with skeptical farmers. Listen in for insight around scaling conservation through farmer-to-farmer learning and find out how The Nature Conservancy is putting theory into practice by helping farmers reduce tillage and leverage precision nutrition management, fertigation and cover crops.   Key Takeaways   [1:18] Hannah’s path to reversing climate change Grew up working on dairy farms in rural Vermont Conceptual world of soil carbon, ecosystem management Blend academic ideas with practical on-the-ground action   [4:57] Nelson’s path to reversing climate change Grew up on small organic dairy farm in Wisconsin Large-scale restoration work on diverse cropland   [6:50] What conservation practices farmers are using No-till practices widespread Pockets of precision nutrition management + cover crops   [8:30] Hannah’s approach to communicating with farmers Ask open-ended questions and LISTEN Remove barriers to implement conservation practices   [12:25] The concept of farmer-to-farmer learning Nature Conservancy projects create built-in peer network Target middle-of-the-road farmers to be ambassadors   [13:52] How to get farmers to adopt conservation practices long term Difficult decision in light of razor-thin margins See results ‘through truck window’   [18:06] The ex-ante issue around paying farmers for conservation Only get paid for what already did, need money to start Need prototypes on working farms   [22:19] The Nature Conservancy’s role in working with stakeholders Projects to reduce tillage, incorporate fertigation, etc. Relationship management among disparate interests   [25:43] Hannah’s vision for the future of agriculture  Farmers rewarded for conservation Soil health practices on every acre Tech for irrigation efficiency, nutrition management   [27:47] Hannah’s argument against absolutes Many different pathways to achieve vision Can’t confront values with facts Creatively navigate differences (benefits to both sides)   [32:42] How The Nature Conservancy wins over skeptical farmers Develop relationship of trust Common ground (everyone wants clean water, fresh air)   [35:41] What people don’t know about farmers Incredible technical ability + brilliant economists Manage people/equipment, think on fly and plan ahead   Connect with Ryan & Christophe    Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   The Nature Conservancy in Nebraska The Land Institute Rick Clark Wendell Berry The Wizard and the Prophet: Two Remarkable Scientists and Their Dueling Visions to Shape Tomorrow’s World by Charles C. Mann Benji Backer on RCC EP074 Clay Govier

“I’m optimistic, save for the fact that climate change is the first time-limited problem that we’ve ever really run into. Dr. King would say at the end of speeches ... ‘The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. This may take a while, but we’re going to win.’ The arc of the physical universe is short, and it bends toward heat. We win soon, or we don’t win.”   Bill McKibben is the author and environmentalist credited with penning the first book on climate change written for a general audience, The End of Nature. He is also a founder of 350.org, the first global, grassroots climate change movement. Bill was awarded the 2014 Right Livelihood Prize, the 2013 Gandhi Prize and the 2013 Thomas Merton Prize, and he was named to Foreign Policy magazine’s inaugural list of the world’s 100 most important global thinkers.   Today, Bill joins Ryan and Christophe to discuss his role in the climate movement, explaining what inspired him to start 350.org and why he chose that particular number as a target. He shares his view of the fossil fuel industry’s ability to divert the debate on climate change with money and power and addresses the global economy’s continued dependence on fossil fuels. Listen in for Bill’s insight on the powerful history of nonviolent social movements and learn how we can get back to a safe CO2 level of 350 ppm.    Key Takeaways   [0:59] Bill’s role in the climate movement Wrote first book on climate change for general audience Losing fight to money and power of fossil fuel industry Started 350.org with intention to build movement   [4:59] Why Bill chose the number 350 Asked Jim Hansen to identify number for global campaign Established that climate change not problem for later   [9:50] Bill’s insight around getting back to 350 ppm No one solution enough to scale (e.g.: planting trees) Must make transition away from coal, gas and oil   [14:28] The role oil and gas companies might play in the solution Incumbents never initiate technological transition Unlikely to see selves as energy service provider   [18:15] The connection between big banks and oil and gas Dramatic increase in lending to fossil fuel industry Financial markets may be lever to pull in climate fight   [20:23] The global economy’s dependence on fossil fuels Capable of shutting off much sooner than planning Need to rapidly replace things we use fossil fuels for   [23:04] Bill’s take on the top two inventions of the 20th century Solar panels  Nonviolent protest   [28:35] The history of victory in social movements Need 4% of people engaged in fight (apathy cuts both ways) First Earth Day led to Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, etc.   [30:59] How Bill thinks about communication strategies  No one key to pitch every message Honesty as useful trait over time   [33:24] Bill’s view of the opposition to the climate movement No serious argument on basic points of climate change Fossil fuel industry diverted debate effectively   Connect with Ryan & Christophe    Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Bill’s Website 350.org Oil and Honey: The Education of an Unlikely Activist by Bill McKibben The End of Nature by Bill McKibben Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out? by Bill McKibben Prairie Festival The Land Institute The Land Institute on RCC EP062 Dr. James Hansen American Geophysical Union Dr. Hansen’s Paper on the 350 PPM Target Bill Moomaw’s Article on Forests & Climate Change Amory Lovins Bill’s Piece on Big Banks in The New Yorker Clean Air Act Clean Water Act Endangered Species Act The Paris Agreement Bill’s Piece on 2050 in Time Magazine Green New Deal Sunrise Movement

The water utility sector is a fragmented, contentious space. Rather than bringing stakeholders together for comprehensive watershed planning, utilities, municipalities and agricultural players make decisions based on their own best interests. So, how do we encourage collaboration among stakeholders in the water management space? How can we use data and mapping to help utilities, farmers and urban centers make better decisions, ultimately moving water to the right place at the right time based on the broader needs of the community?   Chris Peacock is the CEO of AQUAOSO, A Public Benefit Corporation dedicated to building a water resilient future. Chris and his team use data science and machine learning to offer meaningful insight into water data and provide advanced water risk management and mitigation tools for the agricultural economy. Farmers, brokers, appraisers, lenders and water managers use AQUAOSO tools to identify, understand, monitor and mitigate water-related risks.   Today, Chris joins Alexsandra and Christophe to discuss how he became a water entrepreneur, sharing the challenges associated with innovating in the water management space and the controversial nature of water rights. He explains how AQUAOSO is driving better efficiency in water management, describing the complexities of comprehensive watershed planning and the benefits of geographic information systems (GSI) technology. Listen in to understand the links among water, climate and carbon and learn how Chris is working to disrupt the water industry and transform the way we value H2O as a society!   Key Takeaways   [1:08] How Chris became a water entrepreneur Family business in land development led to interest in water rights Became consultant to water utilities to help understand data Started AQUAOSO to leverage data for better water management   [5:23] Chris’ insights from working on the Water Innovation Project Water utility sector very fragmented, everyone building own solution Just now changing business model to build scalable software solutions   [6:53] The controversial nature of water rights Municipalities buy farmland, move water into utility (seen as stealing) Incentivize farmers to work with utilities, move water to urban centers   [11:26] The idea behind AQUAOSO Help organizations understand financial impact of water scarcity on operations FICO-like score helps lenders understand water risk   [13:29] How AQUAOSO is driving better efficiency in the water management space Out to help build water-resilient future Make better decisions in light of extreme weather, water scarcity, etc.   [15:41] The complexities of watershed planning Fragmented decisions lead to negative impacts on one another Integrated planning brings stakeholders together for better decisions   [17:45] What water efficiency looks like Depends on context (i.e.: river, farm, municipality, building) Move water to right place at right time based on needs of broader community   [19:18] The links among water, climate and carbon Water heavy, expensive to move + takes a lot of energy Opportunity to track cost of pumping and associated carbon footprint   [21:32] Chris’ insight around the benefit of wetlands Use economic incentives to establish new and save existing Financially viable for individuals involved (land stewardship increases value)    [24:34] How AQUAOSO is designing water markets based on equity Democratization of data (e.g.: small, disadvantaged communities) Serve large institutions AND small landowners    [26:21] How geographic information systems (GSI) tech works in water management Provides visualization of how water moves around, location of infrastructure Ability to layer information (i.e.: water quality and cost)   [29:16] Chris’ experience as an entrepreneur in the water sector Difficult to figure out scalable business model Sales cycles of up to 18 months require patient capital   [30:56] How entrepreneurs should approach utilities Do NOT come in with message of disruption Meet customer where they are, enhance services provide community   [33:58] How AQUAOSO is disrupting the water industry From financial perspective (customers are banks, not utilities) Tie together financial impact of making better decisions around water   [35:30] Chris’ ultimate goal to transform the way we value water as a society Take social, environmental and capital costs into account Improve decision-making in policy, commodities and social responsibility   [37:30] What’s next for AQUAOSO Expand to Pacific Northwest + industries outside agriculture Become global water risk management platform used across industries   Connect with Alexsandra & Christophe    Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   AQUAOSO Email chris@aquaoso.com  Techstars Damned if We Don’t: Ideas for Accelerating Change Around Water edited by Christopher J. Peacock Water Innovation Project Water/Energy Nexus Hackathon FATHOM ASU Decision Theater Nature Conservancy Chris Peacock on the Water Values Podcast in 2014

We humans have a waste problem. We design things to do just one job and produce a lot of garbage as a result. Nature, on the other hand, transforms its leftovers into nutrients for the rest of the ecosystem. So, how can we create the same kind of closed-loop system? How can we take organic waste and turn it into a valuable resource?   Tony Bova and Jeff Beegle are the CEO and CSO of Mobius, a mission-driven chemical company focused on eliminating waste by leveraging industrial organic waste streams to create new materials and chemicals. Today, Tony and Jeff join Alexsandra and Christophe to discuss the idea behind Mobius and explain how they are using the lignin stripped from trees by paper companies to make biodegradable plastics for agriculture.    They define the circular carbon economy, sharing their mission to capture lost carbon and facilitate a closed-loop system. Tony and Jeff also describe what differentiates Mobius from the traditional petrochemical industry and address what barriers to adoption they face. Listen in for insight around the technologies Mobius is developing for the horticulture and nursery industry and learn how they are creating a world where there is wonder in waste!   Key Takeaways   [2:18] Tony’s path to Reversing Climate Change Learned about green chemistry as undergrad (e.g.: ibuprofen) Graduate research on turning waste into valuable materials   [5:35] Jeff’s path to Reversing Climate Change Undergrad in bioengineering, renewable energy tech project Graduate research on poop as feedstock for energy/chemicals   [8:44] The inspiration behind Mobius Paper companies strip lignin and burn or landfill Idea to use lignin to make biodegradable plastics for ag   [13:51] Why we have a ‘waste problem’ Produce 400B tons of plastic every year Take-make-waste vs. closed loop system   [15:56] The components of the circular carbon economy Technical nutrient cycle (i.e.: electronics) Bio-nutrient cycle   [18:38] The concept of ‘lost carbon’ Carbon emitted comes from few sources (e.g.: lignin, food waste) Make into something else rather than burn or landfill   [22:22] The first lignin-based technologies created at Mobius Containers for horticulture, nursery industry Plant seed tray directly in ground (return carbon to soil)   [26:09] How Mobius differs from the current petrochemical industry Traditional industry separates components of petroleum or oil Compounders make pelletized plastics for converters Mobius serves as compounder using waste vs. petroleum   [29:57] The chemistry of brewing beer Leverages concepts science and engineering Set of ingredients, matters how much and when added   [38:54] The barriers to adoption Mobius faces Cost (petroleum and natural gas cheap) Industry existed for long time Different requirements for every application   [45:02] What it means for something to be biodegradable Degrades in natural environment (bacteria, fungi eat as food) Ask where, how much and how long   [49:18] What’s next for Mobius More applications for lignin-based, biodegradable plastics (e.g.: mulch film) Grant from Kroger to turn cooking oil into specific chemicals, plastics   Connect with Alexsandra & Christophe    Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Mobius Techstars GreenBiz Circularity 20 Kroger Innovation Fund

Sarah Tuneberg thinks it’s incredibly unproductive to argue about whether a particular flood or drought was caused by climate change. The fact is, catastrophic events are happening more and more frequently, and we have to take action to mitigate the risks. So, how can we use the data available to us to promote this kind of disaster resilience?   Sarah is the Cofounder and CEO of Geospiza, a software company that helps corporations visualize, understand and take action around climate risks. Sarah has 10-plus years of experience in emergency management and public health, and she is committed to developing data-driven, evidence-based solutions to reduce risk and enhance resilience, especially for the most vulnerable. Sarah earned her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Georgia and her Master’s in Public Health from Tulane.   Today, Sarah joins Ross and Christophe to share the Geospiza origin story and discuss what inspired their pivot from serving state and local governments to large, multinational corporations. She offers an example of how a client is using Geospiza software to make strategic business decisions and describes how climate risk is changing the insurance industry as well as contract law. Sarah also addresses ongoing development in risky areas and explains who is likely to bear the brunt of climate change. Listen in for Sarah’s insight around why we don’t take action around disaster resilience and learn why she believes there is nothing natural about so-called natural disasters.   Key Takeaways   [1:04] Sarah’s path to reversing climate change Work in international emergency management Hurricane Katrina led to domestic space Climate change impacts natural hazard environment   [3:53] The Geospiza origin story Government consulting led to development of tech Apply to climate change, natural hazard risks Shift from serving government to large enterprise   [6:28] What inspired Geospiza’s pivot State and local governments fear budget cuts Value human resources over capacity building   [10:47] The argument against the repackaging of free data Federal appointees enrich selves, friends New York Times article re: One Concern   [14:00] Why Geospiza focuses on multinational corporations Governments lack organization, cohesion to change Companies trying to mitigate risks of climate change   [15:14] Why it doesn’t matter if climate change caused a specific event Catastrophic events more frequent, unpredictable Must deal with consequences (cause irrelevant)   [18:09] A case study of how clients use Geospiza to change behavior Company’s product touches Rhine twice Unpredictable flow disrupts supply chain Software enables decision-making around delivery   [20:46] The development of risky areas Affordable housing built in places vulnerable to flooding Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, Far Rockaway in NYC   [27:30] Sarah’s insight around flood insurance Only available through federal government Uninsured receive aid from FEMA   [28:38] How hail coverage is likely to change in the near future Unprecedented # of storms in Colorado (10X premiums) Coverage for homes + autos unavailable in 36 months   [32:23] How climate risk is changing the insurance industry Insurance business = large investment companies Count on future earnings from fossil fuels Laws against extraction = trillions in economic loss   [36:46] How climate change will impact contract law  Force majeure clauses eliminated (we know better)   [38:28] Why we don’t take action around disaster resilience Human nature to react to what’s in front of us Doesn’t earn LEED points (separate from sustainability)   [41:39] Our need for a moral mission to combat climate change Same sense of pride, community as 9/11 ‘Out group’ necessary to unite us, spur action   [44:02] Who is likely to bear the brunt of climate change Vulnerable populations with least resources  Communities who gain least from CO2 emissions   [45:52] Why Sarah advocates for the term ‘human disasters’ ‘Natural’ removes human responsibility Not natural to put people in path of hazards   Connect with Ross & Christophe    Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Geospiza Sarah on Twitter Sarah’s TEDx Talk The Nature Conservancy Techstars Play Bigger: How Pirates, Dreamers, and Innovators Create and Dominate Markets by Al Ramadan, Dave Peterson, Christopher Lochhead & Kevin Maney ‘This High-Tech Solution to Disaster Response May Be Too Good to Be True’ in The New York Times One Concern NOAA The Coming Storm by Michael Lewis ‘FEMA Official Arrested for Fraud Over Hurricane Maria Recovery Effort in Puerto Rico’ on CNBC Climatopolis: How Our Cities Will Thrive in the Hotter Future by Matthew E. Kahn Beaches, People, and Change: A Political Ecology of Rockaway Beach After Hurricane Sandy by Bryce B. DuBois New American Haggadah by Jonathan Safran Foer London Climate Action Week South Park Season 10 Episode 12: Go God Go

“As we fall in love with the places we depend on, it forces us … to use virtue in all of our transactions, business and otherwise. And when we start building in love and empathy and compassion and reciprocity into every transaction that we make, the world will inevitably become a more beautiful place and things like climate change will go away.”   Dr. Phil Taylor is the Cofounder and Executive Director of Mad Agriculture, a venture that aims to restore our relationship with Earth through the story, community and the practice of good agriculture. Mad Ag works on-the-ground with producers to design Regenerative Farm Plans, heal mismanaged landscapes, and help farmers and ranchers thrive—ecologically and economically. Phil is also a fellow at the University of Colorado, where he teaches The Future of Food in the Masters of the Environment Food Systems program.    Today, Phil joins Christophe and Alexsandra to explain climate change is a symptom of the deep disconnection between humans and our dependency on the Earth. He describes how Mad Agriculture was inspired by the poems of Wendell Berry, discussing the challenges the organization faces in calling for a radical reworking of the economy. Phil also offers insight into how the organization builds trust with growers and helps them break away from commodities markets. Listen in to understand how Mad Ag is catalyzing the transition to regenerative farming with a combination of capital and radical love.   Key Takeaways   [1:19] Phil’s path to reversing climate change Desire to heal broken system (selves, land and relationships) Climate change = symptom of disconnection with Earth   [3:57] What inspired Phil to study soil science Enthralled by Earth’s beauty, learn how it works Academic work not relevant to real world problems   [5:50] The origin of Mad Agriculture Inspired by Mad Farmer poems of Wendell Berry Call to radical reworking of economy   [7:15] The greatest challenges facing Mad Agriculture Global market forces drive destruction Hard to see system, takes courage to live outside   [11:43] What Mad Agriculture does Help farmers thrive with regenerative ag (ecological + financial wealth) Holistic design optimizes carbon coming into system Provide access to community, money and markets   [18:13] How farmers can break away from commodities markets Grow directly for brands Monetize ecosystem services   [21:29] How Mad Agriculture approaches growers Build trust with farmers Understand every farm very different   [25:27] Why the transition to regenerative ag is slow Difficult to break out of current system Culturally less apt to take risks   [28:23] How Phil thinks about catalyzing change Offer examples of respected farmers (e.g.: Steve Tucker) Tour diversified land, innovative practices   [31:44] Mad Agriculture’s theory of change Help people fall in love with their place Develop inherent sense of reciprocity Diversity leads to resilience (markets and climate)   [33:25] Phil’s insight around the grain revival Staple crops that enrich earth rather than deplete Rising wave of re-regionalization of rural areas   [37:42] The new agrarian culture  Hyperconscious of inescapable bond with Earth Understanding of dependence leads to affection   [39:39] What’s next for Mad Agriculture Work with Boulder County farmers transition to regenerative Bring 12,500 acres to Nori marketplace Build Perennial Fund (capital for transition to organic)   Connect with Christophe & Alexsandra   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Mad Agriculture Email brandon@madagriculture.org or philip@madagriculture.org  The Mad Farmer Poems by Wendell Berry Carbon Cycle Institute Fibershed Marin Carbon Project The Biggest Little Farm Naturally Boulder Gabe Brown SoilHealthU Regen Way Walk Propagate Ventures Steve Tucker Green Cover Seed The Land Institute Robyn O’Brien rePlant Capital Hayden Flour Mills Bluebird Grain Farms Camas Country Mill Anson Mills GreenBiz Circularity 19 Charles Eisenstein It All Turns on Affection: The Jefferson Lecture and Other Essays by Wendell Berry COMET-Farm

We live in a culture that stresses achievement and promotes the mythology of the rugged individual. And as a result, we feel increasingly isolated, viewing life as a series of transactions rather than relationships. We’ve forgotten that our actions have consequences on other people—and the planet. What if we made an effort to develop community with our neighbors and take care of each other? What if we created place-based economies to serve the needs of our own communities? Economies that work without exploiting other people or the environment?   Eric Kornacki is the President and CEO of THRIVE Partners, an organization created to provide communities with the tools to establish healthy, resilient, inclusive and vibrant economies. He is also the former Executive Director of Re:Vision, a venture that transformed one of Denver’s most marginalized neighborhoods by cultivating community food systems and developing a place-based economy. Today, Eric joins Christophe and Alexsandra to explain how a community college English class sparked his interest in the relationship between economic development and environmental degradation. He discusses his decision to invest in his own community first, rather than pursuing work in developing countries.   Eric describes Re:Vision’s work around food insecurity in southwest Denver, sharing how the community has changed through the development of a place-based economy. He also walks us through the neighborhood’s decision to create a food cooperative that keeps more than $11M in the community every year. Listen in for Eric’s insight into the connection between consciousness and climate change—and learn how THRIVE is working to create a movement that inspires other communities to implement a village economy.   Key Takeaways   [0:26] What sparked Eric’s interest in climate change Drew economic development + environmental degradation as topics for paper Inspired to create economy that works for people but doesn’t destroy planet   [3:42] Eric’s path to Reversing Climate Change Degree in economics and international development Solve problems on ground in developing countries Discovered Schumacher’s idea of village economics   [8:13] Why Eric chose to work in Denver vs. overseas Unethical to implement solutions without facing consequences Decision to invest in own community first   [10:52] Re:Vision’s work in southwest Denver Build relationships by addressing food insecurity Develop largest community food system in country (2,000 gardens) Create jobs in community with leadership opportunities   [15:38] How the community has changed through Re:Vision Transformation from fear and isolation to trust and connection Hope and possibility result of activating underused human capital   [19:39] The downside of our cultural focus on achievement See life as series of transactions rather than relationships Forget actions have consequences on other people + planet Must develop higher consciousness to solve climate change   [23:48] The framework of a place-based economy No export until needs met locally Put other’s needs before own   [25:29] How Eric found the early adopters to start Re:Vision Conversations where community already gathering (i.e.: parent groups) Move to community to demonstrate ownership   [28:35] The role of the promotoras within Re:Vision Community health workers (Central American strategy) Lived experience viewed as important, give knowledge tools needed   [29:45] How a place-based economy keeps money in the community Neighborhood losing $16M/year shopping for groceries elsewhere Create cooperative owned by community rather than chain grocery store   [32:45] How the Re:Vision coop deals with seasonality Sell vegetables in spring, summer and fall  Indoor hydroponic farm and work with other vendors in winter   [34:21] How the coop concept has expanded beyond food Nanny and community language coops have emerged Local businesses serve needs of own community   [36:19] The idea behind Eric’s new venture, THRIVE Create movement to help other communities develop place-based economies   [37:06] How Eric’s work connects to climate change Re-localize economies, plant idea of relationships + connectedness Model of resilience + self-sufficiency should global food system break down   [41:56] Eric’s challenge for Reversing Climate Change listeners Put down phone, get plugged in where live   Connect with Christophe & Alexsandra   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Re:Vision THRIVE Eric’s TEDx Talk EF Schumacher Small is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered by EF Schumacher Books by Eckhart Tolle The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson Books by Wendell Berry The Maritime Northwest Garden Guide by Carl Elliott and Rob Peterson

What’s the value in pitching your biomimicry solution to the guy selling you a wrench at Home Depot? Or explaining the overall vision for how your bioreactor will harvest microalgae to the field workers tasked with helping you build it? For the team at microTERRA, engaging the community in developing solutions is key to making important connections and leveraging the strengths of all involved to build the best possible system for removing pollutants from our waterways.   Marissa Cuevas, Mariana Elías, and Paola Constantino are the CEO, Project Manager and CTO of microTERRA, a sustainability startup building onsite water treatment systems with microalgae. The microTERA technology transforms wastewater into a sustainable protein source while cleaning the water. Today, Marissa, Mariana and Paola join Christophe and Alexsandra to share the microTERRA origin story and discuss how they are using a mix of biomimicry and technology to heal the planet.   Marissa, Mariana, and Paula explain how the microTERRA bioreactors turn the excess nitrogen and phosphorous in our waterways into fish food. They also describe their experiences in launching the microTERRA pilot in Mexico, discussing what they learned about leveraging every voice on the team to create a community of creative problem-solving. Listen in for insight around the pros and cons of sustainability policy for a biomimicry business like microTERRA and learn how they plan to scale their solution, first in Mexico and then around the globe.   Key Takeaways   [2:05] The microTERRA origin story Learn risk of nitrogen and phosphorous in waterways Connection between waste management and water Concepts of synthetic biology (use nature to heal planet)   [4:56] How Mariana got involved with microTERRA Background in biology and engineering Restore waterways, scale up with technical systems   [7:32] How Paula got involved with microTERRA Study sustainability at remote village in Netherlands Leverage community to connect with common goal   [9:24] The fundamental ideas behind microTERRA Animal manure, fertilizer = biggest water pollutant Microalgae takes excess nutrients + turn into biomass Harvest microalgae rather than letting die in water   [12:34] How the microTERRA bioreactors work  Serve as house for microalgae to live and thrive 17L capacity, installed in rows like solar panels   [13:59] The microTERRA business model Use biomimicry to create high-quality fish feed Sell to aquaculture farmers   [15:25] The microTERRA pilot adventure Build bioreactors from scratch + prove assumptions Manage materials and people (interns and farmers)   [18:07] What the microTERRA team learned from the pilot Leverage every voice, strengths of each person Engage community in solutions   [23:32] How microTERRA plans to scale their solution Enormous risk in scale (one sick microalgae infects all) Unite patch system with continuous flow  Use known materials from ag sector for hardware   [30:10] What’s next for microTERRA Build strategic partnerships, deploy tech on large scale Potential to develop feed for pork, poultry and cows   [33:41] What it’s like to be an entrepreneur in Mexico Flexible + dynamic creative problem-solving Fewer regulations to comply with Community contributes through connections Challenge to find investors, less awareness   [37:42] The pros and cons of sustainability policy Deploying microTERRA in US requires FDA approval Clean water = positive externality in absence of regs   [41:34] The difference between the lab and the pilot Train team in lab around startup timeline Create value for business vs. research   Connect with Christophe & Alexsandra   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   microTERRA Techstars Singularity University Climate-KIC Dare to Lead by Brené Brown Klaus Lackner’s Paper on Modular Infrastructure The Nature Conservancy FAO FDA Vote for Nori on Verge Jim Giles on Carbon Removal Newsroom EP023

There is more to life than money. But even the investors who believe that sentiment continues to feed the beast, putting much of their capital back into a system that thrives on consumption. What if we considered the impact of our investments as much as the returns? What if we designed our capital markets around restoration rather than extraction? What if we put Slow Money into local food systems and made soil health part of our ROI?  Woody Tasch is the founder of the Slow Money Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to catalyzing the flow of capital to local food systems, connecting investors to the places where they live. He is also the author of Inquiries into the Nature of Slow Money and SOIL: Notes Towards the Theory and Practice of Nurture Capital.  Today, Woody joins Ross and Christophe to discuss how he developed the idea of Slow Money and explore the reasons why we can’t seem to get our money out of the markets and do something radically different with it—especially foundations whose investments are out of alignment with their missions.  Woody introduces us to the concepts of innate value and shared risk, explaining how Wendell Berry’s ideas around belonging to a community inform his work on investing locally. He also covers the idea of blended value, weighing in on the non-financial aspects of sharing risk with farmers. Listen in for Woody’s distinction between agrobusiness and agriculture—and learn how Slow Money’s 0% loan program is growing a pool of capital and restoring soil health!   Key Takeaways   [1:13] Woody’s path to reversing climate change 35 years in philanthropy, angel investing Introduced to green revolution in 1979 Moved $75M into 750 small organic farms   [6:46] How Woody developed the idea of Slow Money Greatest accumulation of wealth in history Yet don’t take money out of system Need to think long-term (generationally)   [13:17] Why few foundations align their investments + mission Focus on making money to have more to give away Bought into market growth as only way to grow assets   [16:34] Why divestment campaigns don’t totally work Existing structure of foundations hard to deconstruct Lose sight of innate value and shared risk   [21:58] How Woody defines shared risk  Similar to CSA model (buy share of farm’s produce) Admit to risk and take on piece, ‘all in it together’   [24:01] Woody’s insight around blended value Continuum from giving money away to VC Explore relationship with impact continuum   [25:27] Woody’s take on the non-financial aspects of shared risk Neighbor’s barn burns down, loan money without interest Investing in community makes innate value obvious   [30:06] What keeps Americans from realizing Berry’s vision Urge to conquer, extract and exploit Lack of belonging to places we live   [36:18] The difference between agriculture and agrobusiness Farmers like Eliot Coleman = connection to land Large-scale industrial ag (45 minutes/acre/year)   [41:52] Slow Money’s SOIL 0% Loan Program in Boulder Individuals make annual donations of $250 to $50K Grows pool of capital over time + builds soil fertility   Connect with Ross & Christophe   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Slow Money Institute Email info@slowmoney.org Inquiries into the Nature of Slow Money: Investing as if Food, Farms, and Fertility Mattered by Woody Tasch SOIL: Notes Towards the Theory and Practice of Nurture Capital by Woody Tasch International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center The Unsettling of America: Culture & Agriculture by Wendell Berry Small is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered by E.F. Schumacher ‘Microplastics are Raining Down from the Sky’ in National Geographic ‘It’s Raining Plastic: Microscopic Fibers Fall from the Sky in Rocky Mountains’ in The Guardian Video Game Addiction on Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel John Elkington on Reversing Climate Change EP028 John Doerr Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation Carlo Petrini & Slow Food Jed Emerson & Blended Value Joel Salatin Four-Season Harvest: Organic Vegetables from Your Home Garden All Year Long by Eliot Coleman Eliot Coleman An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith

“It’s not over yet. We still have time to save the planet, but it is worrying that—especially going forward—where in the past a lot of our damage has been done by hunting, now we’re starting to pull these levers that are really responsible for the worst things that have happened in Earth history, these big injections of CO2. So, before we go too far down that road, because we know it leads [to mass extinction], we should consult the rocks and learn what they have to tell us.”   Peter Brannen is an award-winning science journalist with expertise in ocean science, deep time, astrobiology and the carbon cycle. Peter’s work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic and The Washington Post, among many other media outlets, and he is the author of the acclaimed The Ends of the World: Volcanic Apocalypses, Lethal Oceans, and Our Quest to Understand Earth’s Past Mass Extinctions. Today, Peter joins Ross and Christophe to walk us through the five major mass extinctions in Earth’s history, discussing what events triggered each extinction and how plant and animal life changed each time.   Peter covers the current threat to coral reefs and shares his definition of fossil fuels, explaining how past mass extinctions generated the fossil fuels we use today. Listen in for Peter’s insight around the eerie shadow of extinction that follows human migration and find out what we can learn about managing the carbon cycle from previous extinctions to avert another ‘end of times.’   Key Takeaways   [1:46] How to think about the scale of geology and deep time  Frame one footstep as century of time Walk 20 miles/day for four years to beginning of Earth’s history   [6:25] The Ordovician mass extinction (445M years ago) Underwater animal life gets off ground, reefs take off Ice age drops sea level and causes 85% of life to go extinct   [11:18] The Late Devonian mass extinction (375M years ago) Age of fish + first life appears on land Trees as mechanism of mass extinction, initiate ice age    [14:43] The End-Permian mass extinction (252M years ago) Big reptiles, animals related to mammals and reefs in oceans 96% of life wiped out by extreme volcanic eruptions   [19:50] How the Earth recovered after the End-Permian  Took 10M years to recoup, miserable time Life looks totally different in aftermath   [20:49] The ‘Permian Jr.’ mass extinction (200M years ago) Volcanic event causes breakup of Pangea Sets reign of dinosaurs in motion   [22:27] The instantaneous nature of the asteroid extinction May have taken < 20 minutes (hot as pizza oven) Less than 50K years considered fast geologically   [27:00] The current threat to the coral reefs Devastating bleaching events + acidification Tend to get wiped out in mass extinctions  Supply 25% of Earth’s biodiversity   [31:30] Peter’s definition of fossil fuels What happens when life preserved in rocks for long time Humans undo photosynthesis by releasing CO2   [32:40] What role mass extinctions play in generating fossil fuels Natural gas fracked today victim of Late Devonian Organic matter preserved at bottom of ocean   [34:36] What characterizes the current potential extinction Modern humans show up 300K years ago Eerie shadow of extinction follows where people go Foot on accelerator now but still time to avert   [41:38] Why it doesn’t matter if humans cause the rise in CO2 Geopolitical implications of immigration once tropics uninhabitable Wet bulb temperature = no way to cool off, die of overheating   [45:20] What we can learn about changing the atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gasses from previous mass extinctions Sequester CO2 in basalt rock, turn to limestone Same process cooled Earth 200M years ago   [47:08] Why Peter has cause to be optimistic Use information to energize vs. get depressed Area of opportunity for carbon removal industry   Connect with Ross & Christophe   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Peter’s Website Peter on Twitter The Ends of the World: Volcanic Apocalypses, Lethal Oceans, and Our Quest to Understand Earth’s Past Mass Extinctions by Peter Brannen Techstars Sustainability Accelerator Lee Kump National Center for Atmospheric Research The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Dr. David Goldberg on RCC EP004 ‘We Need to Capture Carbon to Fight Climate Change’ in Nature Paris Agreement

In this episode radio Personalists Nori Nori dives into the radio broadcasting industry and her journey of entrepreneurship. Nori goes into her story & gives us some ideas on how we can start broadcasting. She even explains why radio isn't dead and how we can use it to our advantage in life and business. Recommended Books : Who Moved my Cheese Get in touch with Nori Nori @ItsNoriNori on Instagram Itsnorinori.com Stay in touch with me: Follow @Aboutwinning on Instagram Follow Adrian Watkins on Facebook Like Comment & share this Podcast --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/about-winning/support

The Biblical Doctrine of Dominion engages Christians as stewards of the planet. Which faith communities embrace this message as a call to climate action? And how can we inspire more conservatives with Christian values to realize that we’re disrupting the balance the Creator intended and advocate for climate solutions?   Bob Inglis is a former Republican congressman representing South Carolina and the current Executive Director of republicEN, an EcoRight organization that supports a free market approach to climate change. Today, Bob joins Ross and Christophe to share the three-step metamorphosis that inspired his belief in climate change. He defines conservatism, discussing the link between Christianity and climate action and explaining why current conservative politics don’t reflect Christian values.   Bob weighs in on what the climate movement gets wrong when it comes to messaging and offers insight around how conservatives and progressives can come together, using climate change as a way out of the current polarization in politics. Listen in for Bob’s take on the pros and cons of voluntary offsets, cap and trade, and a carbon tax and learn why he believes America will lead the world to climate solutions!   Key Takeaways   [1:09] Bob’s path to Reversing Climate Change  Climate denier for 6 years as congressman Son urged to clean up act on environment   [2:59] Bob’s 3-step metamorphosis on climate change Wife and kids advocate for change Science education in Antarctica (evidence in ice core) Spiritual awakening at Great Barrier Reef   [9:12] How Bob defines conviction Courage to admit when wrong Grow + adapt with new information   [11:34] How Bob defines conservatism Free enterprise solutions constrained by moral system Look to answers rooted in faith and family Accountability (pay for what you take)   [19:51] What the climate movement’s messaging gets wrong  Communicates dislike and superiority Approach with respect, message of hope Solution aversion leads to rejection of science   [28:57] The link between climate action and Christianity Young believers embrace message of stewardship Dominion of service as modeled by Jesus   [34:27] How current conservative politics don’t reflect Christianity ‘Nature of God revealed in things made’ Franklin Graham comments on immigration   [40:53] Bob’s take on voluntary carbon offsets Step toward internalization of negative externalities Havoc comes from lack of responsibility  True cost in marketplace speed pace of innovation Need government to step in as honest cop Pave way for better tech, take away subsidies   [49:09] Bob’s insight on cap and trade vs. carbon tax Voted against complicated Waxman-Markey  For simple carbon tax (fee for ‘trash in sky’) Need for consistency across US    [53:46] How conservatives and progressives can collaborate Polarization sure to pass (orthodoxies fluid) Come together on climate action as model   [1:01:38] How the Green New Deal inspired conservative action Enter competition of ideas, small government footprint Bring America together to lead world to solution   Connect with Ross & Christophe   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   republicEN Join republicEN Donal Manahan Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center Dr. Scott Heron Raise Wages, Cut Carbon Act of 2009 Jack Kemp: The Bleeding-Heart Conservative Who Changed America by Morton Kondracke and Fred Barnes Edmund Burke Benji Backer on Reversing Climate Change EP074 Joel Salatin on Reversing Climate Change EP072 “Could the Ancient Jewish Practice of Shmita Be a New Tool for Sustainable Agriculture?” in Salon Young Evangelicals for Climate Action “Evangelist Franklin Graham Says Immigration ‘Not a Bible Issue.’ Bible Says He’s Wrong” in The Washington Post Waxman-Markey Bill Niskanen Center R Street Institute ClearPath Foundation Alliance for Market Solutions Green New Deal

On 20 acres of formerly eroded land in Costa Rica grows turmeric, ginger and beans. Above that is a vineyard with superfood nuts. Above that are cacao trees, and above that grow trees for lumber. Permaculture is being used to regenerate the soil and build a profitable cooperative owned by the 150 people who live and work there.   Joshua Hughes, Sara Czarniecki, and Amanda Wilson are the CEO, COO, and CMO of Blacksheep, a regenerative resource management cooperative taking direct action against landbase destruction by investing in natural capital. Today, Joshua, Sarah and Amanda join Ross and Christophe to define permaculture and explain how Blacksheep began with the intention to recover that 20 acres of eroded land—and how the business has grown since then.   Joshua, Sarah, and Amanda weigh in on the structure of Blacksheep as a cooperative, describing how they make collaborative decisions and how ownership is divided among the group. They also discuss Blacksheep’s value-add approach to market access and how they think about certified organic and regenerative labels. Listen in for the Blacksheep philosophy around voting every day with your actions and learn how you can invest in their efforts to promote permaculture and regenerative business!   Key Takeaways   [1:43] How the Blacksheep team defines permaculture  Philosophy of systems design Stacking of functions (interoperability)   [6:07] The Blacksheep origin story Joshua moved to farm in Costa Rica in 2006 Intention to recover eroded land   [12:01] Joshua’s insight around dams Serve as giant biodigester Produce methane similar to coal plant   [13:54] How the Blacksheep cooperative has grown Invested with 10 friends and family 150 people share ownership today   [15:34] Why cooperatives aren’t more common Prevalent in late 1800’s (crushed by banks) ‘People bring A game when part of things’   [18:07] How the Blacksheep team makes decisions Collaborate, trust people with expertise No formalized structure or bureaucracy   [20:53] Why the Blacksheep team is fundraising now Weave together more cooperative action Finance farmer’s needs (e.g.: processing facilities) Activate businesses that do right thing   [25:20] Blacksheep’s value-add approach to market access Processing facility to support ethical standards Build brand to sell organic products in States   [28:32] How the Blacksheep team thinks about labeling Securing USDA certified organic label Regenerative label may exclude local farmers   [30:06] Josh’s insight around accessibility to quality food 75% of world’s economy = personal relationships Need investment from people with means   [32:25] The term Banana Republic Countries didn’t have power to fight private tyranny  US + Europe dissolved jungle, exploited all energy   [34:08] The idea that nothing exists in a vacuum  Every decision impacts world as whole Not just about private homestead   [39:07] The Blacksheep elevator pitch to investors  Good forestry work, farming leads to profits Carbon negative shipping with SAILCARGO    [42:01] Blacksheep’s approach to community governance Tired of waiting for someone at top to fix Build alternative (vote every day with actions) Create democratic systems within company   [45:21] Blacksheep’s direct + indirect impact Successful business that proves model works Inspire others to take similar action Funnel institution money to regenerative business   Connect with Ross & Christophe   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Blacksheep Email hello@weareblacksheep.org  Bullock’s Permaculture Homestead Community Supported Agriculture Permaculture: A Designers’ Manual by Bill Mollison Edward Abbey John Stuart Mill Mondragon Get Up, Stand Up: Uniting Populists, Energizing the Defeated, and Battling the Corporate Elite by Bruce E. Levine Inevitable Revolutions: The United States in Central America by Walter LaFeber William Walker SAILCARGO Aspen Ideas Festival David Attenborough

When it comes to biomass, giant reed ticks all the boxes. It’s a perennial grass that grows in marginal soil. It meets renewable fuel standards and sequesters a substantial amount of carbon. Not only that, giant reed revitalizes soil and facilitates an extremely high yield. So, what are its applications? Is there any downside to using it as raw material for products or fuel?   Wendy Owens is the founder and CEO of Hexas Biomass, a producer and distributor of sustainable biomass that can supplement or replace wood in multiple applications. Wendy’s team is dedicated to using sun, water and land to benefit people and the planet through renewable resources. Today, she joins Ross to discuss the process of growing giant reed for use in products or to produce energy.    Wendy explains why giant reed does not displace food crops, describing how it takes up chemicals in the soil and facilitates carbon capture. She also addresses the trees displaced by giant reed, the concerns around bioremediation, and the risk of giant reed becoming an invasive species. Listen in for insight on how Hexas Biomass serves as an ecospecies bank and learn about their partnership with IKEA to replace a portion of the wood in its particle board with giant reed!   Key Takeaways   [0:54] Wendy’s path to reversing climate change  Experience in materials engineering and biotech Giant reed = ecologically sound plant with multiple applications   [2:13] What attracted Wendy to the giant reed Positive impact on soil and environment Least land necessary for highest biomass Sequesters substantial amount of carbon   [4:30] Why giant reed does not displace food crops Grows in marginal soil, high salt content and wastewater Revitalizes soil and gives farmers income   [5:52] The benefits of producing giant reed Take up chemicals and put nutrients into rhizome Harvest green to use in digestor to produce energy   [7:45] How Hexas Biomass serves as a producer and distributor of giant reed Ecospecies bank of ecotypes Project to replace portion of wood in IKEA particle board   [9:05] Wendy’s insight on the trees displaced by giant reed Wood from public lands (retire trees vs. cut down)   [11:08] A comparison of giant reed vs. tree yields 3K—5K tons per big tree (40-year life cycle) 2K tons per 100 acres of giant reed in single year  50X more biomass of giant reed in 80 years   [12:27] The perennial nature of giant reed Plant once and harvest multiple times (i.e.: grass in yard) Low maintenance, high yield and pest resistant   [13:47] The potential uses for giant reed Replacement for wood (furniture, flooring, energy pellets) 3X more ethanol per acre than corn   [18:11] The trend in manufacturing around finding nearby fuel sources In service of energy independence Hexas policy to grow within 60 miles of manufacturing facility   [20:38] The Hexas Biomass ecospecies bank Collections of types of giant reed used to growing in certain conditions Apply to new locations that work best (highest yield, fewest resources)   [22:44] How Hexas mitigates the risk of giant reed becoming an invasive species Create buffer zones and monitor with drones Chipped up to point where can’t grow   [27:03] How giant reed crops facilitate carbon capture Rhizome serves as energy storage facility, grow more stalks next year Don’t till soil every year (keeps carbon in ground for 20-year life cycle)   [32:02] The Hexas Biomass business model Find customer wants to use giant reed to replace wood Long-term contract with farmers not using land (rural revitalization)   [34:26] Wendy’s insight on the risks around bioremediation Depends upon application (Will pollutant remain inert?) Effort to apply to new purpose without causing harm   [38:05] What’s next for Hexas Biomass  Promote opportunity to glean more customers Pursue partnerships with timber companies   Connect with Ross & Christophe   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Hexas Biomass The Land Institute The Land Institute on RCC EP062 PGE Study on Replacing Coal with Giant Reed Using Closed-loop Biomass to Displace Coal at Portland General Electric's Boardman Power Planet Carbon Implications

Thaddeus Russell has always loved nature, and he is a fan of clean air and water. But he hates composting toilets, and he’s sick of environmentalists telling him what he should and should not do. In fact, he’s got an issue with the whole idea of sacrificing pleasure and freedom for the sake of the planet. Is there a way to address climate change without bringing morality into it? Can we reduce emissions without all the guilt and personal shaming?    Thaddeus is the creator of Renegade University, the host of the Unregistered Podcast, and the author of A Renegade History of the United States. He argues that American society has been defined not by the elites and intellectuals, but by the rebels who challenged conventions, expanded the realm of desire, and created our personal freedoms. Thaddeus is a former history and philosophy professor with a PhD from Columbia University, and his work has appeared in Newsweek, The Daily Beast, and New York Magazine, among many other publications.   Today, Thaddeus joins Ross, Christophe and Paul to explain why he takes issue with the environmental movement. He challenges the moralist approach to political problems, describing how environmentalists leverage guilt and shame individual choices—while ignoring big emitters like the US military. Thaddeus also offers an overview of the Progressive Era, discussing the historical efforts to eliminate cultural diversity in the US and sharing his take on the parallels between progressives and environmentalists. Listen in for insight on what Thad sees as the anti-immigrant roots of the top environmental organizations and learn why Thaddeus believes in Nori’s hypothesis around leveraging greed to solve climate change.   Key Takeaways   [2:22] Thaddeus’ path to reversing climate change  Grew up with radical socialist parents, loved nature + backpacking Introduced to ecological movement in college (anarcho-communist) Problem with deep ecology’s antagonism toward human beings   [10:25] The problem with a moralist approach to political problems Anti-intellectual and anti-science, no need to study issue Requires change in people’s character in order to solve   [13:23] An overview of the Progressive Era (1880’s to 1920’s) Formed by intellectuals in response to ‘immigration problem’ Opened settlement houses as assimilation factories Based on Puritan ideals (e.g.: selflessness, aversion to pleasure)   [22:04] The historical efforts to annihilate black and gay culture in the US Project of Reconstruction to eliminate slave culture (music, dance) Gay, black leaders promote assimilation to achieve equal rights   [26:26] Thaddeus’ take on how rulers think Small group wants to manage people, give control to experts Primary problem to control citizens + merge identity with society Censor and punish pleasure-seeking (e.g.: rock-and-roll music)   [35:06] The progressive concept of social engineering Conflict between rulers and people around bodies, desires Assimilation + integration essential for order, efficiency + control   [44:25] The central role of guilt in the environmental movement Moralize against greed, tell people what should/shouldn’t want Rich person’s project (Americans have resources, time for guilt) Evangelical Christian idea of living simply to be close to God   [48:02] The argument for centralized control to solve climate change Reduce emissions with massive social engineering Comparison to World War II (65M people died)   [51:52] Thaddeus’ view of climate change as a ‘phantom menace’ Useful to have abstract problem that can’t be seen Greed in all of us = unseen enemy to eradicate   [58:00] The idea that oil & gas and big ag will solve climate change Technology and deregulation revolutionized mass media Leverage greed to fix problem, make life better + cheaper   [1:05:25] Why sustainability and open borders cannot coexist Environmental organizations historically anti-immigration Finite number of people any one locality can sustain   [1:12:25] Changing systems vs. the character of people Criminal justice solved by shift in law (e.g.: legalize drugs) Environmentalism concerned with personal shaming   [1:17:44] How the military and big ag contribute to emissions US military one of top polluters, land use change = 20% Individual actions alone not enough to reduce CO2   Connect with Ross & Christophe   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Thaddeus’ Website Renegade University Unregistered Podcast Unregistered Underground A Renegade History of the United States by Thaddeus Russell Sierra Club Slavoj Zizek Murray Bookchin: The Ecology of Freedom Edward Abbey Hull House The Man in the High Castle Freedmen’s Bureau Martin Luther King, Jr. Index of Sermon Topics Andrew Sullivan Larry Kramer The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas S. Kuhn Books by James C. Scott Seeing Like a State by James C. Scott Civilization and Its Discontents by Sigmund Freud Cotton Mather ‘The Empty Radicalism of the Climate Apocalypse’ by Ted Nordhaus Dr. James E. Hansen Pol Pot Bill McKibben Naomi Klein ‘How Much Land Does a Man Need?’ by Leo Tolstoy Rupert Murdoch FCC Fairness Doctrine David Brower Kuznets Curve Environmental Defense Fund

You can only manage what you measure. And sophisticated sensors on modern tractors and combines offer growers an immense amount of environmental data. How can farmers put that data together in a meaningful way and use it to drive decision-making? Can we use that data to reward the growers who are already engaging in sustainable practices—and incentivize those who are interested in pursuing environmental stewardship?   Dr. Emma Fuller is a Lead Data Scientist with Granular, a farm management software company working to apply data science to the agriculture industry. In her role, Emma tracks consumer trends in sustainability and works with NGOs and startups to identify opportunities for Granular growers to get rewarded for their stewardship. Today, Emma joins Christophe and Michael Leggett, Director of Product at Nori, to discuss the partnership between Granular and Nori and share their pilot program’s progress to date.   Emma introduces us to Granular’s suite of farm management software and offers insight around the current trends in big ag and innovations in data collection for growers. She also addresses the way farmers think about climate change, offering insight on the best way to approach growers around adopting sustainable practices. Listen in to understand how Nori and Granular are working together to reward growers, tying financial incentives to environmental outcomes!   Key Takeaways   [2:07] Emma’s path to reversing climate change  PhD in ecology and evolutionary biology Study commercial fisheries, policy incentives Work in commercial quantity ag led to Nori   [5:29] The mission of Granular Help growers run strong businesses, steward land Software for business, agronomy + land acquisition   [7:35] Emma’s insight on the top trends in big ag Increasing consolidation Generational change Pressure from consumers (e.g.: transparency)   [9:08] Emma’s role with Granular Move from data wizard to product strategy Identify opportunities to drive value for growers   [12:05] The lack of incentive structure around sustainability Buyers request data from growers No compensation in return (i.e.: long-term contract)   [15:25] The consumer challenge around food labeling Terms used in marketing, no legal definition Arguments around regenerative ag labeling   [19:14] Innovations in data collection on farms Sensors on sophisticated tractors, combines Fine-scale satellite imagery (drones) Farm management software    [24:25] What’s driving change in big ag Consolidation (30K-acre family farms) Mechanization facilitates efficiency   [29:53] The debate around small vs. large farms Row crop margins $1 to $5 per acre Power imbalance in how market food   [34:05] How farmers think about climate change Hyper-aware of year-to-year weather conditions Communication breaks down when villainized Data gives opportunity to tell story of stewardship   [38:57] How to approach farmers about the Nori pilot Validate those already engaged in stewardship Financial incentive to change practices   [42:34] The partnership between Granular and Nori Granular offers detailed data + way to reach farmers Nori provides additional value for data collected   [47:34] The current status of the Nori pilot program Offer Granular customers opportunity to participate Improve processes around data translation   [52:28] How the Nori pilot is likely to evolve Enroll more farmers + automate data transfer Independent third-party verification adds value   Connect with Ross & Christophe   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Granular Emma on LinkedIn Dannon White Wave General Mills Regenerative Ag Guidelines Patagonia Foods Regenerative Ag Guidelines John Muir Interstellar Dr. Charles Massy on RCC EP053 The Art of Loading Brush: New Agrarian Writings by Wendell Berry Trey Hill on RCC EP059 COMET-Farm Email pilot@nori.com

While a plastic straw ban might make us feel better, does it actually reduce consumption in the long-term? Does recycling really make a difference? As we think about waste management solutions, what questions should we be asking in terms of sustainability? What can we do to be more thoughtful about our waste and consider where our trash goes when we throw it AWAY?   Lindsey Engh began her career in philanthropy, serving as the cofounder and COO of Impact Hub Seattle, a coworking space designed to support innovation and positive social impact. In early 2017, she became a cleantech consultant, sharing her expertise in waste stream and recycling economics with clients including The Riveter, Lake Union Partners and Dwehl Housing, among many others. Today, Lindsey joins Ross and Christophe to discuss the need for solid waste market development in the US—now that China is no longer accepting our trash.   Lindsey shares the challenges around sorting recyclables and valuing trash as a commodity, challenging us to ask questions about the sustainability of our current waste management processes. She also explains why WTE is NOT renewable energy and how product regulations might address end-of-life ownership. Listen in for insight on recycling in a way that truly prevents the production of virgin materials and learn what you can do to develop a closer relationship with your trash!   Key Takeaways   [1:16] Lindsey’s path to reversing climate change  Cofounder of Impact Hub Seattle Interest in affordable housing led to waste management    [4:29] The three primary problems in solid waste Creation of diverse domestic markets (need buyers) Product stewardship Individual consumer behavior change   [7:12] Why it’s difficult to value trash as a commodity Many additives = many different kinds of plastics Lack of tech required to sort (single stream recycling)   [11:47] The possibilities around requiring consumers to sort No need to sort when China was buying for energy Dual stream bins require consumer education   [14:49] The downside of recycling Only makes difference if prevents production of virgin materials No regulations around embodied carbon at end-of-life   [20:00] What we should be doing more of in the realm of trash Ask questions about sustainability + make choices based on values Think about solutions in context of local communities   [29:14] What we should start doing in the realm of trash Product regulation (end-of-life ownership) Consider pros and cons of virtuous regulation   [35:27] What we should stop doing in the realm of trash Think about waste-to-energy as renewable WTE drives down price of oil, generates more carbon   [44:07] Lindsey’s insight on the top goals for waste management Long-term: value waste, dispose meaningfully + product stewardship Create stopgap to deal with trash created in next 10 years  Create domestic markets (focus on least processing for highest yield) Recycling that prevents new products from being generated   [45:33] The idea of throwing trash ‘away’ Volatile commodity as availability of buyers changes Problematic in terms of colonizing places we don’t care about   [49:26] Lindsey’s advice for RCC listeners Consider relationship with things throw away Make sure recyclables clean + well-sorted Tour local transfer station and/or landfill   Connect with Ross & Christophe   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Follow Lindsey on Instagram Impact Hub Seattle EPA Waste Reduction Model Seattle’s Plastic Bag Ban Seattle’s Plastic Straw Ban Spokane’s WTE Facility ‘In San Francisco, Making a Living from Your Billionaire Neighbor’s Trash’ in The New York Times

So many candidates, so little time! If you’re curious what some of the Democratic contenders for president are proposing when it comes to climate change, fasten your seatbelt. From plans to reach net zero emissions by 2045 to investments in direct air capture technology, the presidential hopefuls each have an ambitious climate platform. Who has the most aggressive approach? What are some of the more unique initiatives? And how achievable are the policy proposals currently on the table?   Zoya Teirstein is a climate reporter for Grist, an environment and climate change media platform based in Seattle. Her work has been featured in Mother Jones, Salon and The Verge, among many other publications. Today, Zoya joins Alexsandra and Ross to explain why climate change has become part of the cultural zeitgeist for the first time. She walks us through several of the presidential candidates’ climate plans, covering Biden’s shifting approach, Inslee’s comprehensive policy, and Warren’s initiative to green the military.    Zoya also shares why an all-of-the-above approach is controversial, how feasible it would be to institute a carbon tax, and why there is a growing call for a separate climate debate.  Listen in for insight into where Bernie, Beto and Booker stand on climate change and learn what Mayor Pete, Michael Bennet and John Delaney are proposing in terms of climate policy.   Key Takeaways   [0:48] Zoya’s path to reversing climate change  Read story about drought in Syria in Grist Made own major writing on climate change   [2:16] Why climate change is in the cultural zeitgeist for the first time Trump administration’s war on environment Widespread youth movement frame as moral issue AOC’s introduction of Green New Deal Urgency in scientific reports (e.g.: IPCC)   [8:20] Joe Biden’s shifting approach to climate change Widespread condemnation of ‘middle of the road’ policy Shifted to net zero emissions by 2020, $5T climate plan   [12:39] Why an all-of-the-above approach is controversial Includes coal and natural gas Natural gas + fracking industry downplay methane emissions   [14:07] The growing call for a climate debate Touches all other issues Endorsed by 14 candidates   [19:53] Jay Inslee’s comprehensive climate policy WA just passed suite of clean energy bills Running as climate candidate ($9T plan) Includes international component   [24:33] Elizabeth Warren’s approach to climate change No drilling on public lands Green the military (one of biggest emitters) Invest in low carbon tech + push out to world Put Americans to work in green economy   [29:29] Bernie Sanders and Beto O’Rourke’s climate plans Sanders yet to release policy (long history as climate hawk) O’Rourke promise net zero emissions by 2050   [31:42] Cory Booker’s Environmental Justice Plan  Pro nuclear energy, boost to EPA Pay for pollution policy with companies   [32:52] Pete Buttigieg's approach to climate change Strong record as mayor of South Bend, IN Climate policy initiatives on website (supports GND)   [34:09] Michael Bennet’s climate plan Centrist candidate Farming-centric package   [35:29] John Delaney’s plan for climate change Introduce price on carbon Invest in direct air capture technology Fund by ending fossil fuel subsidies   [40:28] Zoya’s insight on the feasibility of a carbon tax Delaney’s plan = revenue neutral Eliminates 90% of emissions by 2050   [44:44] Bill Weld’s position on climate change Challenge Trump from inside Republican party Middle of the road, transition away from fossil fuels   Connect with Ross & Christophe   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Grist Zoya on Grist Zoya on Twitter “How Climate Change Worsened Violence in Syria” in Grist  Green New Deal IPCC 2018 Report on Climate Change 2018 National Climate Assessment “We Broke Down What Climate Change Will Do, Region by Region” in Grist Diamond Joe Biden in The Onion “Presidential Hopeful Biden Looking for ‘Middle Ground’ Climate Policy” in Reuters Sunrise Movement Joe Biden’s Climate Plan  Todd Tanner’s Conservation Hawks Washington Initiative 1631 Jay Inslee’s Climate Plan Paris Agreement Elizabeth Warren’s Plan to Green the Military The Water Will Come: Rising Seas, Sinking Cities, and the Remaking of the Civilized World by Jeff Goodell “How Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Green New Deal is Being Built” in Grist Justice Democrats Oil Change USA No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge Cory Booker’s Environmental Justice Plan Nathaneal Johnson on Grist “Mayor Pete: 2020’s Stealth Climate Candidate” in Grist Pete Buttigieg’s Climate Policy Michael Bennet’s Climate Policy John Delaney’s Plan for Climate Change Andrew Yang on Carbon Removal Newsroom The Daily Podcast Chernobyl on HBO

We emit 37 gigatons of CO2 every year. If we turned our agricultural waste alone into biochar, we could bring that number down by one or two gigatons. If we poured our roads with biochar and started turning waste streams like seaweed and municipal waste into biochar as well, we could get that number up to 50 or 60 gigatons of stored carbon annually. And that kind of net gain would get us back down to a safe level of 350 ppm of atmospheric CO2—in time scales of decades. Albert Bates is the author of several books on climate solutions, including Burn: Using Fire to Cool the Earth and The Biochar Solution. He is also a former environmental rights lawyer, mushroom farmer, brick mason and horse trainer. Albert cofounded the Global Ecovillage Network in 1995 and continues to serve as the organization’s representative in UN climate talks. He is also an advocate for the preservation of indigenous cultures and a leader in the movement to drawdown carbon with biochar. Today, Albert joins Christophe and Alexsandra to share his unique path from the courtroom to the ecovillage, describing how he came to study terra preta soils and get involved in the biochar movement. He discusses the pore structure of charcoal in the rich soil of the Amazon and explains why biochar remains in the soil for thousands of years. Listen in for Albert’s insight around the waste streams that could serve as biochar source material and learn about the ecovillages and cities that serve as proof of concept for using biochar to draw carbon out of our atmosphere and oceans!   Key Takeaways   [2:47] Albert’s path to reversing climate change  Attorney in Tennessee environmental justice case Won by proving climate change real + quit law Active in Global Ecovillage Network Interest in Brazil’s terra preta soils Integrate biochar into Ecovillage Movement    [9:05] The pore structure of charcoal in Amazonian soil Fractal (pits on walls of pores) Large surface area populated with biodiversity   [14:39] Why biochar remains in soil for thousands of years Very high temperatures change bond structure Chases off all other gases, carbon hardens into itself Difficult for microbes to digest (recalcitrant carbon)   [18:30] Examples of potential sources of biochar in waste Dead limbs from harvesting fruits Slash + sawdust from lumbering Old pallets/furniture scraps from mill Crop waste   [20:36] Problematic waste streams that could source biochar  Seaweed contaminating coast in the Caribbean Municipal sewage causing eutrophication of waterways   [22:42] The idea that not all biochar is created equal Designer chars w/ different qualities fit certain purposes Carbon cascade could generate a sequence of products   [25:40] How scaling the Ecovillage Model might influence biochar production Microenterprise hubs produce a range of carbon drawdown products Same basic process (pull carbon out of atmosphere and oceans)   [28:05] The roadblocks to harnessing waste streams for biochar Cost vs. price dilemma (can’t compete with fertilizer) Proof of concept realized through Ecovillage Network   [36:05] How Stockholm serves as a proof of concept for cities  Biochar used to rejuvenate trees, clean air, and water Reduce flooding + lock up carbon to meet Paris goals   [39:02] How listeners can learn more about biochar Experiment with making yourself, add to compost International Biochar Initiative + US Biochar Initiative   [43:27] Albert’s insight on the unique uses of biochar Charquila and charcolate Mud + biochar = bricks   Connect with Ross & Christophe   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Collision Tech Conference International Biochar Initiative US Biochar Initiative Biochar 2019 in Fort Collins IBI Webinar Series Albert Bates Burn: Using Fire to Cool the Earth by Albert Bates and Kathleen Draper Mushroom People Global Ecovillage Network The Farm Wim Sombroek’s Research The Biochar Solution: Carbon Farming and Climate Change by Albert Bates The Paris Agreement: The Best Chance We Have to Save the One Planet We’ve Got by Albert Bates Ecosystem Restoration Camps The EmerGENcies Programme

“Carbon policy writ large … has not gone far enough to drive industrial players to change how they do business. In the interim, until policy catches up, or if the global sentiment gets to a point where there is a carbon tax around the world, the onus is on the entrepreneur to make a business case for today.”  Apoorv Sinha is the Founder and CEO of Carbon Upcycling Technologies (CUT), a Canadian cleantech startup that is turning CO2 waste into a profitable commodity. CUT’s proprietary technology manufactures CO2-enriched nanomaterials, improving the performance and value of concrete, polymers and adhesives, and energy storage products. CUT is a finalist for the Carbon XPRIZE, and Apoorv has been honored as a Clean 50 Emerging Leader.  Today, Apoorv joins Christophe and Alexsandra to introduce the concept of upcycling and explain the company’s intention to use today’s pollution to create the materials of tomorrow. He describes CUT’s manhole solution as well as its innovation in the realm of cement and plastics. Apoorv also shares his take on how policymakers can best facilitate innovation and scale in the climate solutions space. Listen in for Apoorv’s insight around accurate life cycle carbon accounting and find out why he believes it’s up to entrepreneurs to make the business case for climate solutions!   Key Takeaways   [1:55] Apoorv’s path to reversing climate change  Around oil & gas industry whole life Start company with ‘two 60-year-olds in oil patch’   [4:05] The idea behind Carbon Upcycling Technology Use today’s pollution to create materials of tomorrow Most efficient engines today still < 40% efficient   [7:52] How Apoorv applies the concept of upcycling Fix carbon emissions into solid product Use in plastics, concrete and improve performance   [10:52] Carbon Upcycling’s industrial tech business model Reactor in NW Calgary captures 100 kg CO2/day License tech to large operators or serve as vendor   [12:34] The CUT pilot project with the Carbon Conversion Center  Partnership with construction company to replace concrete Potential reduction of emissions up to 20% (for every yd3)   [16:05] How policymakers can enable entrepreneurs Focus 10% of spending on solutions with carbon benefit Drive innovation and scale in climate solutions space   [19:20] Carbon Upcycling’s role in the climate tech space Systemic approach to meaningful reduction of emissions Capture 6K of coal fire power plant’s 20K tons of CO2/day   [26:45] The Carbon Upcycling manhole solution Corrosion barrier surface treatment for manhole covers Tanks storing oil + grease from fast food last longer Practical advantages = cost-effective, sets quickly   [30:17] Other products Carbon Upcycling is considering  Concrete itself (replace cement with SCMs) Plastic internal car parts   [34:43] Apoorv’s insight on life cycle carbon accounting Consider net benefit vs. potential harm Understand key assumptions of model Use off-peak power as carbon-free electricity source Opportunity to create standardizations   [41:52] The necessity of shifting assumptions with context Reassess as scale solutions, cross boundaries Can’t solve problem with same thinking   Connect with Ross, Alexsandra, & Christophe   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   Carbon Upcycling Technologies Carbon Upcycling on Twitter Collision Tech Conference Catherine McKenna Alberta Carbon Conversion Technology Centre Christiana Figueres The Paris Agreement Rocky Mountain Institute Amory Lovins Plug and Play Tech Center in Stuttgart The Buckminster Fuller Institute Bloomberg NEF Alexsandra’s Interview with Philipe Fonta Origin Energy Carbon Engineering Meredith Adler at Student Energy The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell Kyoto Protocol Clean Development Mechanism Carbon XPRIZE

In the past 10 years, forest fires ravaged an average of 7M acres annually in the US. (This is up from 2.6M acres per year in the 10-year period from 1982 to 1992.) The current method of reforestation involves people with shovels, carrying 50-pound bags of one- to two-year-old trees up 60° slopes. But what if we didn’t have to wait for greenhouses to grow seedlings? What if we could plant the right biological mix of seeds as soon as the fire cools? And what if we could do it all with drones?   Grant Canary is the CEO and Matthew Aghai serves as the Director of Biological Research and Development at DroneSeed, a precision forestry startup using drone swarms to plant, protect and monitor seed growth. The company serves timber companies, government agencies and nonprofit organizations, and the DroneSeed team is currently working with three of the largest foresters in the US, managing 1,000-plus acres.    Today, Grant and Matthew join Ross and Christophe to share the DroneSeed value proposition, explaining the benefits of using their approach to reforest burnt land. They discuss the advantages of planting seeds over seedlings in terms of simplifying the supply chain and saving carbon. Grant and Matthew also offer insight into how they’re working with the FAA to navigate regulations and serve as a data source for the agency. Listen in for insight around leveraging reforestation to sequester carbon on a large scale and learn the ins and outs of DroneSeed’s ground-breaking, tech-driven planting system!   Key Takeaways   [0:38] Grant’s path to reversing climate change  Mission to make dent in carbon emissions Several bad ideas prior to DroneSeed   [4:41] Matthew’s path to reversing climate change Wildlife degree + work in habitat restoration Recognize need to amp up scale with tech   [6:33] The DroneSeed value proposition Serve timber companies, nonprofits and government agencies Plant seeds, protect + monitor growth with drone swarms   [8:45] How reforestation is done at present People with shovels, bags of 1- to 2-year-old trees (50 lbs.) Navigate 40° to 60° slopes, caloric burn of 2 marathons/day   [10:56] What’s causing the recent surge in forest fires  Management practices (need funding for thinning) Climate change    [17:38] The benefit of using drones to reforest burnt land Drop genetic material as soon as fire cools Don’t have to wait for seedlings, fight invasive species   [18:47] How DroneSeed promotes seed variety Focus on native plants, biological complexity Balance landowner objectives with polyculture   [21:18] The advantage of planting seeds vs. seedlings Simplify supply chain (remove greenhouse) Don’t risk having too few, too many trees    [27:22] The DroneSeed team’s precision system  Identify optimal location for seed (multispectral imagery) Plant puck where won’t get eaten or dry out Use drone swarms, operate like NASCAR pit crew    [34:35] How DroneSeed is working with the FAA Precedent-setting waivers re: small unmanned aircraft rule Live demos + pioneering skills tests with inspectors Serve as data source, effective communication   [40:36] The argument for using reforestation to sequester carbon Best method in terms of surface area issue Source of cashflow for industries ($13/acre < CA price floor)   Connect with Ross & Christophe   Nori Nori on Facebook  Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Nori Newsletter Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes Carbon Removal Newsroom   Resources   DroneSeed Techstars Weyerhaeuser Boise Cascade The Nature Conservancy Federal Aviation Administration Vestas Wind Energy US Green Building Council Federal Statute 107 Sierra Pacific Colville Tribes

If you’re asked to picture an environmentalist or climate activist, what do you see? Is it a white guy with a beard who wears a Patagonia fleece and rides his bike to work? Whether you agree with the policy or not, one of the benefits of the Green New Deal lies in the fact that it ‘builds a bigger tent.’ By addressing the twin pressures of climate change and income inequality, the proposed legislation opens the conversation about climate to a wider audience—one that includes everyone from the rural population in traditionally red states to people living on the south side of Chicago. Rhiana Gunn-Wright is the Policy Director at New Consensus and one of the architects behind the Green New Deal. Before New Consensus, Rhiana was the Policy Director for Dr. Abdul El-Sayed’s 2018 gubernatorial campaign in Michigan. She has also worked as the policy analyst for the Detroit Health Department and served as a policy intern for former First Lady Michelle Obama. Rhiana earned her BA in African American and Women’s Studies at Yale and her master’s in Comparative Social Policy from Oxford. Today, Rhiana joins Ross, Christophe, and Ramez to share a high-level overview of the Green New Deal, explaining how it leverages an economic mobilization framework to tackle climate change and income inequality. She describes how public response to the bill has surprised her, discussing the criticisms she finds useful and some of the writers offering constructive analysis. Listen in for Rhiana’s insight around aspects of the Green New Deal with the potential for bipartisan support and learn how the policy might include new groups in the conversation around climate change—and help the US lead on a global scale!   Resources  New Consensus Green New Deal Institute for Women’s Policy Research Dr. Abdul El-Sayed California Consumer Privacy Act Senator Markey Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the Green New Deal Green New Deal Articles in Jacobin Ramez’s Article on the Green New Deal Jerry Taylor’s Open Letter to Green New Dealers Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger Rhiana on The Ezra Klein Show Bullshit Jobs: A Theory by David Graeber The Paris Agreement Carbon Removal Newsroom Review RCC on iTunes   Connect with Ross & Christophe  Nori Nori on Facebook Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes   Key Takeaways  [1:25] Rhiana’s path to reversing climate change Raised by mom and grandmother on south side of Chicago African American/Women’s Studies at Yale, Rhodes Scholar Joined gubernatorial campaign for Abdul El-Sayed in MI Approached by New Consensus to write Green New Deal [10:03] A high-level overview of the Green New Deal Tackle climate change + income inequality Leverage economic mobilization framework [11:57] The definition of economic mobilization Country throw full might behind problem Solve by investing in industries, private sector Government plays active role in shaping markets [12:52] Why the timing is right for the Green New Deal Rising levels of income inequality Need to bring down global emissions 50% by 2030 [16:23] What has surprised Rhiana about the response to the Green New Deal Public reaction, both positive and negative (protests) Senator Markey as cosponsor of bill  [19:45] Rhiana’s insight around state action on climate change Impressed by innovative policy models, use of resources Green New Deal provides framework + financial support [22:16] The aspects of the Green New Deal with bipartisan potential High-paying jobs, investment in rural + deindustrialized areas People control electricity, public-private partnerships [25:51] The criticisms of the Green New Deal Rhiana finds useful Land use + energy-efficient public housing Productivity/prosperity without growth [30:04] The best places to read criticisms of the Green New Deal Jacobin Magazine, Niskanan Center Ramez Naam’s article in TechCrunch [32:39] Rhiana’s take on the criticism around labor without value No shortage of work to be done People move where productive work available [38:17] What the Green New Deal can do on a global scale US lead world in tech (cheap, easily exported) Signal take seriously, reinvigorate global commitment Influence trade policy

A significant amount of carbon has been stored in Arctic permafrost for tens of thousands of years. And unless we take radical steps to restore the ecosystem that we destroyed there, the permafrost will melt and release 1400 GT of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. This dwarfs the amount humans generate annually and would accelerate climate change on an exponential scale. So, what can we do to reestablish the grasslands and reintroduce the animals that used to dominate the region? And what do we do if the wildlife that supported the ecosystem have since gone extinct? Can we use ancient DNA to create hybrid elephant-mammoths with the potential to thrive there?  Nikita Zimov is the Director of Pleistocene Park, a project in northern Siberia using wild grazing animals to reestablish climate-stabilizing grasslands in the region. The initiative began in 1988, and to date, the 20 km^2 is home to 8 major herbivore species. George Church is a Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School and pioneer in the realm of genome sequencing. Through his work with Revive & Restore, George and his team are working to de-extinct the genes of the woolly mammoth to save the Asian elephant from extinction and populate Pleistocene Park. Today, George and Nikita join Ross and Christophe to share the vision for Pleistocene Park and the ground-breaking work in genome editing that supports the reintroduction of megafauna to the region. Nikita explains why restoring grasslands to the Arctic is crucial in mitigating climate change, and George discusses his work to make elephants compatible with warm and cold temperatures. They also cover the ethical questions regarding genome editing and the worst-case scenarios around restoring the grassland ecosystem in Siberia. Listen in to understand the potential to scale and perhaps replicate Pleistocene Park around the globe and learn how to support George and Nikita’s work to prevent the degradation of permafrost and reverse climate change!   Connect with Ross & Christophe  Nori Nori on Facebook Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes   Resources Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warmingedited by Paul Hawken Woolly: The True Story of the Quest to Revive One of History’s Most Iconic Extinct Creaturesby Ben Mezrich Pleistocene Park Pleistocene Park on Facebook Pleistocene Park Foundation Revive & Restore Woolly Mammoth Revival on Revive & Restore Carbon Removal Newsroom Review RCC on iTunes   Key Takeaways [1:31] George’s path to reversing climate change Fascinated with mammoths as kid (1964 World’s Fair) Apply next generation sequencing to ancient DNA Multiple edits to elephant genome, cope w/ new needs  [3:40] The definition of genome sequencing Ability to read and write DNA Synthesize or edit to hybrid of ancient + modern species [4:59] Nikita’s path to reversing climate change Father’s idea to restore grassland in Arctic Took over family business [5:43] The vision for Pleistocene Park Grasses need animals to compete with shrubs, trees Bring animals back and mitigate climate change [8:35] Why grassland is valuable to the Arctic Current sparse vegetation can’t store much CO2 Restored soil could store 100kg of carbon/m2 Prevent degradation of permafrost [14:29] Why Pleistocene Park needs megafauna Trample snow in winter to protect permafrost Support grass in competing w/ other vegetation [16:50] George’s work to edit the elephant genome Done necessary # of edits in pigs, human cells Nuclear transfer to African elephant eggs or grow embryo in lab Resistant to herpes, compatible w/ warm + cold temperatures [19:40] The ethical questions associated with genome editing Impact on modern species Ability to reverse changes [21:30] The groundbreaking nature of George’s work First time organism depends on functioning of de-extinct genes Develop cold-resistant elephants (‘elemmoths’) [22:27] George’s take on what could go wrong Permafrost melts, release 1400 GT on CO2+ methane Cold-resistant elephants fail to breed well [24:35] The opportunities around genome editing with other animals George’s focus to support endangered species (vs. extinct) High-quality DNA available from passenger pigeons, aurochs [26:50] Nikita’s plans to scale Pleistocene Park Relatively easy to extend 10X (no competing financial interest) Need to replicate in Alaska, Canada for meaningful impact [29:25] The Russian government’s position on climate change Land for Pleistocene Park given tax-free Shift to accept idea that climate change real [31:38] The potential for unforeseen consequences at Pleistocene Park Worst-case scenario to do nothing Greatest concern = working quickly enough Trees doomed anyway if permafrost thaws Ecosystem big enough for migration [37:47] What’s next for George Communicate possibility of reversal through film of Woolly Experiments on ground + in lab [38:53] What’s next for Nikita Introduce new animals, extend territory of park Increase # of herbivores + introduce predators

Mass-produced clothing generates 37 tons of CO2 for every ton of fast fashion, making it the second dirtiest industry in the world. But there is a better way. A way to produce clothes locally with natural fibers grown in regenerative ways. A way that is at least carbon neutral, if not carbon beneficial. And that method of hyperlocal textile manufacturing is facilitated by fibersheds. Becky Porlier is the cofounder of the Upper Canada Fibreshed, a nonprofit dedicated to building a regional fiber system centered around local fibers, local dyes and local labor. An affiliate of the international Fibershed network, Becky and her team seek to nourish bioregional textile communities of producers and consumers who value soil health, sustainable agriculture, and the health of the biosphere.  Today, Becky joins Ross, Christophe and guest host Lorraine Smith to explain the fundamentals of a fibershed, discussing how they serve as a climate solution. She shares her approach to engaging farmers and shepherds and describes how big brands might get involved in the fibershed movement. Becky also offers insight around the negative aspects of fast fashion in terms of poor working conditions and environmental destruction. Listen in to understand how consumer demand could affect change in the fashion industry and learn how you can be a part of the fibershed community!   Resources Upper Canada Fibreshed Lorraine Smith's website Living Soils Symposium Regeneration Canada The Montreal Protocol Alice Waters Rebecca Burgess’ Blog Fibershed Peggy Sue Collection Kevin Carson Jacquard Loom The Rana Plaza Disaster Michelle Holliday Carbon Removal Newsroom Review RCC on iTunes   Connect with Ross & Christophe  Nori Nori on Facebook Nori on Twitter Nori on Medium Nori on YouTube Nori on GitHub Email hello@nori.com Nori White Paper Subscribe on iTunes   Key Takeaways  [2:03] How Montreal is a leader in the climate solutions space Beacon of progressive business practices Home of Regeneration Canada, Living Soils Symposium [5:02] Becky’s path to reversing climate change Outdoor kid with environmental leanings Interest in food sovereignty during master’s studies Inspired by Alice Waters+ Rebecca Burgess [6:40] The fundamentals of a fibershed Geography (way to think about resource base) Labor, materials + skills necessary for clothing/textiles  [7:48] How fibersheds serve as climate solutions Fast fashion = highly intensive carbon footprint (37 tons of CO2per ton) Fibershed garments either carbon neutral or carbon beneficial  [11:17] Becky’s approach to engaging farmers and shepherds Focus on reconnecting dislocated community Frame as improving soil vs. carbon farming [12:48] How to get big brands involved in the fibershed movement Support small prototypes (i.e.: Peggy Sue Collection) Fibersheds need mill, automation to scale [16:39] How regional systems would impact uniformity Natural dyes available vary by region (e.g.: plants, tree bark) Distinct differences among hyper-regionalized clothing  [22:08] What makes fibersheds incredible carbon sinks Leverage processes that enhance soil Produced with renewable resources Textiles have multiple uses, go beyond clothing [26:41] The parallels between technology and textiles Root of both words = weaving things together Jacquard weavingcreates patterns with binary system [30:04] What fibersheds can learn from other industries Make systems more efficient Update supply chain  [31:29] The negative aspects of fast fashion Work in horrendous conditions (e.g.: Rana Plaza disaster) Environmentally destructive [35:52] The fastest way to facilitate change in the fashion industry Starts with consumer demand Conscious of where clothes grown and sewn [37:26] How did natural fiber lose in the marketplace Petroleum-based materials cheaper