36 episodes
Energy Switch Energy Switch
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- Science
Energy and climate are intertwined, two of the most important topics in the world today. Yet listeners know very little about them. This podcast aims to change that. Energy Switch brings together two renowned experts from government, NGOs, academia, and industry, with differing perspectives on important energy and climate topics.
These lively discussions are moderated by renowned energy scientist and communicator Dr. Scott Tinker. The podcast is produced, written, and directed by Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker Harry Lynch.
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EU Energy and Climate Policy, Part 1
Europe is currently facing an energy crisis that has instigated a 'war mentality' toward energy use and climate action, accelerating the implementation of new energy projects across the continent. In this episode, Jonathan Elkind, Senior Research Scholar at Columbia's Center on Global Energy Policy, and Dr. Carlos Batlle, Visiting Scientist at the MIT Energy Initiative, delve into the implications of these rapid changes. They discuss what this shift means for Europe's future, its environmental policies, and its relationships with international allies.
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EU Energy and Climate Policy, Part 2
In this continuation of the discussion on Europe’s energy crisis, Dr. Carlos Batlle and Jonathan Elkind explore how the crisis has catalyzed cooperation among EU member states and the central governing body, while reinforcing the drive towards expanding wind and solar energy solutions. Despite this momentum, there remains a debate over pursuing a technologically neutral approach to decarbonization. This episode delves into these dynamics, discussing their implications for Europe’s energy strategy and climate goals.
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Critical Minerals for Energy
Critical minerals and rare earth elements are pivotal for the advancement of new energy technologies, yet their supply is predominantly controlled by China, posing significant challenges and risks for global energy security. This episode features Dr. Nedal Nassar, Chief of the Materials Intelligence Research at the US Geological Survey, and Dr. Adam Simon, Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan. They delve into the complexities of global supply and demand, the geopolitical implications, and the prospects of developing new mineral mines in the US to ensure a more secure and stable supply chain.
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Solar Panel Recycling
Millions of solar panels are approaching the end of their life cycles, but current recycling methods are costly and underdeveloped, leading many panels to end up in landfills or in temporary storage. This episode features Dr. Serasu Duran, Assistant Professor at the Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary, and Dr. Garvin Heath, Distinguished Member of the Research Staff at the National Energy Laboratory. They discuss the urgent need to develop an effective and sustainable solar panel recycling system to manage this growing issue.
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Electric Cars - Pros and Cons, Part 1
Electric cars offer speed, efficiency, and zero local emissions, marking them as a significant shift in automotive technology. However, their high costs and the controversial sourcing of metals for their batteries present notable challenges. This episode features Dr. David Rapson, Economic Policy Advisor for the Federal Reserve Bank and Professor of Economics at the University of California, alongside Dr. Beia Spiller, Director of the Transportation Program at Resources for the Future. They delve into the advantages and drawbacks of electric vehicles, examining the economic and environmental impacts of this burgeoning technology.
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Electric Cars - Pros and Cons, Part 2
Continuing the discussion from Part 1, this episode further explores the complexities surrounding electric vehicles (EVs). Dr. Beia Spiller, Director of the Transportation Program at Resources for the Future, and Dr. David Rapson, Economic Policy Advisor for the Federal Reserve and Professor of Economics at UC Davis, delve into the effects of subsidies and mandates. While subsidies have boosted EV popularity, they predominantly benefit wealthier individuals, possibly leading to unintended consequences. The conversation also covers the need for more affordable EVs, even at the expense of lower range, to enhance accessibility for a broader audience.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/energy-switch/support