Climate Confident

Tom Raftery
Climate Confident

Climate Confident is your go-to podcast for the latest in climate innovation and sustainable solutions. Hosted by Tom Raftery, this weekly series explores the cutting-edge strategies and success stories driving our global journey toward a cooler planet. Every Wednesday at 7 AM CET, Tom engages with senior industry executives, climate scientists, and sustainability pioneers to uncover actionable insights and transformative approaches to reducing emissions and revitalising our environment. Whether you're a business leader, policy maker, or simply passionate about climate action, Climate Confident provides the inspiration and knowledge you need to make a real difference. Subscribe now to stay informed, inspired, and ready to contribute to a sustainable future. Let's turn every episode into a step closer to a greener, more resilient world.

  1. How Regenerative Agriculture Unlocks Climate, Nature, and Food System Wins

    HACE 16 H

    How Regenerative Agriculture Unlocks Climate, Nature, and Food System Wins

    Send me a message In this episode of Climate Confident, I sat down with Kanika Chandaria, Climate Lead at Agreena, to explore one of the most overlooked yet high-impact climate solutions: soil. We talked about why regenerative agriculture is gaining traction, not just as a nature-based solution, but as a scalable, economically viable climate strategy. Kanika broke down how soil has the potential to sequester 2–5 gigatonnes of CO₂ annually, making it a key lever for companies aiming to meet net zero targets. We also got into the challenges: from the financial barriers facing farmers to the complexity of MRV (measurement, reporting, and verification) for soil carbon. Kanika explained how Agreena combines satellite imagery, AI, and selective soil sampling to deliver robust data at scale, data that’s now being used not just for carbon markets, but to inform sustainable loans and supply chain initiatives. We examined the growing role of the private sector in climate action, especially as policy delays continue in the EU and US. And we discussed the importance of interoperability, why regenerative farming solutions need to work across carbon markets, food systems, and financial products. If you’re a business leader thinking seriously about decarbonisation, soil carbon may be the high-impact tool you’ve been missing. 🎧 Listen now and find out why soil is emerging as the next frontier in climate strategy. Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show Podcast supporters I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one. Contact If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. Credits Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

    42 min
  2. The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty: Why Climate Policy Must Tackle Supply, Not Just Demand

    9 JUL

    The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty: Why Climate Policy Must Tackle Supply, Not Just Demand

    Send me a message Most climate policies focus on cutting emissions. But what if the real issue is what’s being left off the table, fossil fuel production itself? In this week’s episode of Climate Confident, I speak with Tzeporah Berman, Chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, about why global climate goals are doomed if we keep expanding fossil fuel supply while trying to cut demand. Tzeporah explains how the Paris Agreement never once mentions the words “oil,” “gas,” or “coal”, despite 86% of emissions coming directly from them. She lays out the case for a global treaty to phase out fossil fuel production, how countries like Colombia are already stepping up, and why we need a just transition framework that includes debt relief and international cooperation. We discuss: Why fossil fuel expansion continues despite climate pledgesThe $7 trillion in annual subsidies distorting energy marketsThe role of Global South nations and equity in the energy transitionHow “net zero” has been weaponised as a delay tacticAnd why renewables alone won’t solve the crisis unless we stop digging the hole deeperThis is a frank look at what it really takes to deliver on climate targets, and why we can’t keep ignoring the supply side of the problem. 🔗 Learn more at fossilfueltreaty.org 🎧 Listen and subscribe at climateconfidentpodcast.com #climatepolicy #fossilfuels #justtransition #energytransition #climateconfident #carbonemissions #netzero #sustainability #supplysideclimatepolicy Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show Podcast supporters I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one. Contact If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. Credits Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

    51 min
  3. The Climate Cost of the Internet—and What Ad Tech Is Doing About It

    2 JUL

    The Climate Cost of the Internet—and What Ad Tech Is Doing About It

    Send me a message Most people don’t think about carbon emissions when they think about the internet—let alone digital advertising. But here’s the kicker: the ad tech ecosystem is responsible for roughly the same emissions as the global aviation sector. Yes, really. In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I spoke with Frank Maguire, SVP of Product Marketing & Sustainability at Equativ (formerly Sharethrough), about the often-overlooked climate impact of digital ads. We broke down how every impression, bid, and page refresh contributes to a complex, energy-intensive infrastructure—and what’s actually being done to clean it up. Frank shared how programmatic advertising works, why the auction-based model generates such high emissions, and what’s being done to make ad delivery more efficient. We explored GreenPMPs (Private Marketplaces) that strip out high-emission inventory while improving performance, the role of AI in optimising and complicating emissions, and why industry collaboration is key. We also discussed how regulation like the EU’s CSRD is pushing companies to measure and act on their digital carbon footprint—and why that matters for brands, platforms, and consumers alike. If you’ve ever wondered how something as invisible as online ads can have a tangible climate impact—or how business can respond—this episode unpacks it all. Listen now to learn how the ad tech world is confronting its emissions problem, and what it means for sustainability in digital infrastructure. Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show Podcast supporters I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one. Contact If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. Credits Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

    50 min
  4. How to Decarbonise Industry Without Breaking the Grid (or the Bank)

    25 JUN

    How to Decarbonise Industry Without Breaking the Grid (or the Bank)

    Send me a message In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I sat down with Stuart Thompson, President of ABB Electrification Service, to unpack one of the most overlooked but critical fronts in the climate transition: industrial decarbonisation. Industry accounts for around a quarter of global energy-related carbon emissions, and much of that stems from outdated infrastructure, unreliable grids, and a historic reliance on cheap fossil fuels. Stuart leads a $1.4 billion division with 5,000 engineers working across 50 countries to modernise that very infrastructure, and in this conversation, he shared exactly what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change. We explored: Why energy security, cost, and carbon goals often pull in different directionsHow modernising old assets can cut both emissions and costs - without ripping everything outWhy battery storage “as-a-service” is taking off, especially when paired with AI for energy optimisationThe role of the circular economy in electrification, from recycling components to extending asset lifeWhat’s holding companies back (hint: underinvestment and inertia), and how ABB is helping them move fasterIf you’re a business leader navigating energy volatility, emissions targets, and infrastructure risk, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at how to align climate goals with operational needs. Listen now to hear why electrification isn’t just about new tech  - it’s about rethinking ownership models, resilience, and risk. Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show Podcast supporters I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one. Contact If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. Credits Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

    45 min

  5. 18 JUN

    Short Break, Big Plans - Back Next Week with More Climate Confidence

    Send me a message Hi folks, Tom Raftery here. Just dropping into your feed to let you know there’s no new Climate Confident episode this week - I’m taking a short break to recharge and get ready for some brilliant conversations I’ve got lined up in the coming weeks. But don’t worry, the podcast will be back next Wednesday at 7am CEST, as always, with another inspiring story of climate action and innovation. In the meantime, if you’re missing your climate fix, remember there’s a massive back catalogue of over 220 episodes to explore, from cutting-edge carbon removal tech to climate policy deep dives, it’s all there and ready for you to binge. And if you’ve been getting value from the show, consider supporting the podcast. For as little as €3 or $3 a month, you can help keep Climate Confident independent. You’ll find the link to become a supporter below. Thanks so much for listening — and I’ll see you next week! 👉 Explore past episodes: https://www.climateconfidentpodcast.com 👉 Support the podcast: Support Climate Confident Support the show Podcast supporters I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one. Contact If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. Credits Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

    2 min
  6. The Future of Sustainable Data Centres: Grid Stability, Digital Twins and AI

    11 JUN

    The Future of Sustainable Data Centres: Grid Stability, Digital Twins and AI

    Send me a message In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I sit down with Ciaran Flanagan, who leads Siemens’ Global Data Centre business, to unpack the evolving role of data centres in our energy and climate systems. We dig into the data centre’s journey from a “sausage machine” of power-hungry servers to a potential hero in grid stability and renewable energy adoption. Ciaran shares how data centres in Ireland, despite consuming up to 20% of national electricity, are driving economic growth and pioneering greener practices. We explore why digital twins are more than a buzzword, enabling smarter design and cutting resource waste. Ciaran also explains how AI’s explosive demand pressures the grid while offering real-time energy optimisations to make data centres more sustainable. Key highlights: The role of data centres as catalysts for renewable energy growthHow digital twin technology can cut construction emissions and energy useAI’s double-edged impact on data centre sustainabilityThe regulatory shift pushing data centre operators to report and reduce emissionsWe also touch on the often-overlooked economic benefits of data centres, from direct jobs to the broader tech ecosystem. The report I referred to in the podcast is available here. Listen in to learn how the data centre industry is pivoting from climate problem to climate solution. Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show Podcast supporters I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one. Contact If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. Credits Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

    46 min
  7. What Will Your Climate Legacy Be? Lessons from Sangeeta Waldron

    4 JUN

    What Will Your Climate Legacy Be? Lessons from Sangeeta Waldron

    Send me a message In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I sit down with Sangeeta Waldron, a communications professional and author of What Will Your Legacy Be?, to explore how our personal choices and narratives shape the climate fight. We cover a lot of ground. Sangeeta shares how her time in the Himalayas revealed the harsh realities of climate change and sparked her lifelong commitment. We also dig into how indigenous knowledge can fill crucial gaps in scientific data, and how personal actions and systemic change go hand in hand. A standout point for me was Sangeeta’s insistence that our climate legacy starts much earlier than we think – as soon as we’re old enough to make informed decisions. She also challenges us to rethink the role of media in the climate debate, exposing the risks of misinformation and greenwashing. Another highlight? The idea that hope and optimism, not just grief, can drive climate action. I found this especially relevant in a world flooded with doomsday narratives. We wrap up with a powerful reminder: even small daily actions can add up. As Sangeeta puts it, reconnecting with nature - even briefly - is a simple but potent step. Tune in to hear how storytelling, personal responsibility and collective will can move the needle on climate. And let me know your thoughts, are you seeing the same challenges and solutions in your corner of the climate conversation? Connect with Sangeeta on: LinkedInBlueskyInstagramThreads Support the show Podcast supporters I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one. Contact If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. Credits Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

    38 min
  8. Inside the AI Lab Taking on Climate Misinformation

    28 MAY

    Inside the AI Lab Taking on Climate Misinformation

    Send me a message In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I’m joined by Angel Hsu, associate professor at UNC Chapel Hill and founder of the Data-Driven EnviroLab. We dive deep into how AI can be used to combat climate misinformation and bring real accountability to climate pledges. Angel and her team have built two domain-specific AI tools, ChatNetZero and ChatNDC, designed to help policymakers, researchers, and business leaders navigate the chaos of climate targets, national climate plans, and net zero claims. Unlike generic chatbots, which often hallucinate facts or pull from questionable sources, these tools are trained on verified, climate-specific datasets and come with built-in safeguards against misinformation. We also unpack why generic AI tools like ChatGPT fall short in this space, how climate policy is lagging behind AI innovation, and what it’ll take to close that gap. Angel shares insights from her work with the Net Zero Tracker, the IPCC, and her current NSF-backed initiative to boost AI integrity in climate mitigation. If you’re in policy, sustainability, or just trying to make sense of what’s greenwashing and what’s not, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Listen now to learn: Why domain-specific AI beats generic models in climate accuracyHow ChatNetZero flags weak net zero targetsWhat policymakers can do today to use AI responsiblyWhy transparency in data, and in AI, is non-negotiableFor more, about Angel, and her team's work, visit https://datadrivenlab.org/ Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show Podcast supporters I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one. Contact If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. Credits Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

    48 min
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Información

Climate Confident is your go-to podcast for the latest in climate innovation and sustainable solutions. Hosted by Tom Raftery, this weekly series explores the cutting-edge strategies and success stories driving our global journey toward a cooler planet. Every Wednesday at 7 AM CET, Tom engages with senior industry executives, climate scientists, and sustainability pioneers to uncover actionable insights and transformative approaches to reducing emissions and revitalising our environment. Whether you're a business leader, policy maker, or simply passionate about climate action, Climate Confident provides the inspiration and knowledge you need to make a real difference. Subscribe now to stay informed, inspired, and ready to contribute to a sustainable future. Let's turn every episode into a step closer to a greener, more resilient world.

Ficha técnica

  • Creado por
    Tom Raftery
  • Años en activo
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodios
    229
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Derechos de autor
    © 2025 Climate Confident
  • Sitio web del podcast
    Climate Confident

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