Bionic Planet: Reversing Climate Change by Restoring Nature Steve Zwick

Support Bionic Planet: https://www.patreon.com/bionicplanet
Books referenced in this episode:
"The Discovery of Global Warming" by Spencer Weart (Hypertext version): https://history.aip.org/climate/index.htm
"Lavoisier in the Year One" by Madison Smartt Bell: https://wwnorton.com/books/Lavoisier-in-the-Year-One/
"The Life and Letters of Joseph Black, M. D." by William Ramsay (Hypertext version): https://archive.org/details/lifelettersofjos00ramsrich/page/n5/mode/2up 
 
In this episode of Bionic Planet, we delve into the history of the science underpinning Nature-based Climate Solutions (NbCS), beginning in the 1620s, in the Flemish village of Vilvoorde.
The episode kicks off with the story of Jan Baptist van Helmont, a physician who conducted an experiment planting a five-pound baby willow tree in a 200-pound pot of soil, launching a sequence of events that solved the riddle of where trees come from, accelerated the Industrial Revolution that propelled us to our current state of ecological overshoot, and planted the seeds of our eventual salvation.  
The narrative then takes us through the evolution of scientific thought, from the ancient Greek philosophers to the alchemists of the Middle Ages, and eventually to the pioneers of modern chemistry like Joseph Black and Antoine Lavoisier. We explore the concepts of phlogiston, fixed air, and the discovery of oxygen, shedding light on the gradual unraveling of the mysteries of the natural world.
The episode also highlights the contributions of individuals like Joseph Priestley and Jan Ingenhousz, who made key observations about the role of plants in purifying air and the process of photosynthesis. These discoveries laid the foundation for our understanding of how plants breathe in carbon dioxide and release oxygen, shaping our knowledge of the interconnectedness of ecosystems.
The episode wraps up with a brief segue into the concept of latent heat, as elucidated by Joseph Black, and its pivotal role in the development of steam engines. This technological advancement sparked the Industrial Revolution, which delivered previously unimaginable wealth to the world but pushed our planet to the brink of ecological collapse. 
As the host, I aim to provide a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the historical milestones that have shaped our understanding of climate and biodiversity finance. By unraveling the untold story of the voluntary carbon market, I seek to dispel myths, challenge simplistic narratives, and foster a deeper appreciation for the complexities of environmental science.
Join me on this enlightening journey through the annals of scientific discovery, as we uncover the threads that connect past breakthroughs to present-day challenges and solutions. Together, we can gain a deeper insight into the intricate web of relationships that sustain life on our bionic planet. Thank you for tuning in to Bionic Planet, where we explore the past to illuminate the path forward.

This episoed of Bionic Planet is technically an episode of Andrew Greely’s podcast, Smarter Markets, where I appeared as a guest to discuss my new vertical "The Tribes of the Climate Realm."
It’s not a series but a vertical, where episodes will drop intermittently over the remainder of the year and probably for years to come. 
If you're sharing or referencing the show, please reference the original at https://www.smartermarketspod.com/carbon-frontiers-2024-episode-10-steve-zwick/
The discussion revolves around the historical context of the first generation of REDD projects and the media criticism they have encountered. Steve Zwick emphasizes the importance of understanding the different ideological factions within the climate community and the need to communicate the history and tribes within this realm to combat misinformation and cherry-picking.
Throughout the episode, Steve Zwick provides insights into the development of methodologies, the role of verification and validation bodies (VVBs), and the criticisms faced by projects like Cordillera Azul. He highlights the need for balanced evaluations and constructive critiques to drive progress in the voluntary carbon markets.
The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by journalists and market participants in accurately covering and communicating the complexities of carbon markets. Steve Zwick emphasizes the importance of thorough research, understanding uncertainty, and questioning preconceptions to provide accurate and insightful coverage of projects and methodologies.
Overall, the episode serves as a deep dive into the intricacies of voluntary carbon markets, shedding light on the evolution of methodologies, the role of VVBs, and the need for balanced and informed reporting in this complex and evolving landscape.

Timestamps
Introduction to the Podcast Episode: 00:00:00-00:00:10
Discussion on the New Vertical "The Tribes of the Climate Realm": 00:00:10-00:00:31
Introduction to Smarter Markets Podcast: 00:00:42-00:00:52
Exploring the Crisis of Information or Trust: 00:00:52-00:01:03
Sponsorship Message by Base Carbon: 00:01:03-00:01:14
Introduction to Carbon Frontiers 2024: 00:01:22-00:01:33
Guest Introduction - Steve Zwick: 00:01:34-00:01:44
Discussion on REDD Projects and Media Criticism: 00:01:44-00:01:55
Questioning the Focus on First Generation REDD+ Projects: 00:01:55-00:02:05
Exploring the Ideological Factions in the Climate Realm: 00:02:05-00:02:16
Importance of Understanding the History of Markets: 00:02:16-00:02:26
Benefits and Critiques of First Generation REDD+ Projects: 00:02:26-00:02:37
Discussion on Baselines in REDD+ Projects: 00:02:37-00:02:47
Criticism of Baselines and Media Misinterpretation: 00:02:47-00:02:57
Challenges in Estimating Baselines: 00:02:57-00:03:04
Critique of REDD+ Baselines and Media Interpretation: 00:03:04-00:03:14
Discussion on Verification and Validation Bodies (VVBs): 00:03:15-00:03:25
Role of VVBs in Auditing REDD+ Projects: 00:03:25-00:03:36
Addressing Weaknesses in VVBs: 00:03:36-00:03:46
Lessons from Credit Rating Agencies: 00:03:46-00:03:56
Addressing Issues with VVBs: 00:03:56-00:04:07
Evaluation of REDD+ Projects and Baselines: 00:04:07-00:04:18
Discussion on Cordillera Azul Project Criticism: 00:04:18-00:04:28
Critique of Cordillera Azul Project: 00:04:28-00:04:38
Analysis of Media Criticism on Cordillera Azul: 00:04:38-00:04:47
Evaluation of Project Achievements: 00:04:47-00:04:57
Exploring Misinterpretations in Project Critiques: 00:04:57-00:05:07
Discussion on Nikkei Asia's Critique: 00:05:07-00:05:17
Importance of Balanced Reporting: 00:05:17-00:05:27
Guidelines for Journalists Covering Climate Markets: 00:05:27-00:05:37

Quotes
"We have to keep developing new methodologies, but we can't assume the old ones are bad... the old methodologies were much better than people give them credit for." - 00

In this episode of Bionic Planet, we delve into the inspiring journey of Marco Cerezo, the director of Fundaeco, a conservation NGO based in Guatemala. Marco shares his lifelong dedication to nature conservation, sustainable community development, and the fight against climate change. He recounts his early experiences studying development economics and the pivotal moment in 1989 when he learned about climate change from NASA geophysicists, which fueled his passion for conservation.
Marco discusses the challenges faced by Fundaeco in its early days, relying on small grants and volunteers to support their conservation efforts. As the organization grew, they realized the limitations of traditional funding sources and turned to carbon finance as a sustainable solution. Through the creation of a REDD+ project in Caribbean Guatemala, Fundaeco engaged over 700 forest owners and 1,000 forest parcels to protect over 55,000 hectares of forest.
The episode highlights the meticulous process of securing free, prior, and informed consent from communities, educating them about carbon, and designing a transparent benefit-sharing mechanism. Marco emphasizes the importance of building trust with communities and ensuring that they directly benefit from the carbon revenues generated by the project.
Furthermore, Marco explains the methodology used to establish the baseline for the project, utilizing national forest cover maps and regional deforestation rates. He reflects on the long-term impact of REDD+ projects, with a time horizon of 30 years, providing financial sustainability and institutional strength to conservation efforts.
As the episode concludes, Marco underscores the critical role of REDD+ in biodiversity conservation and community development, urging for continuous improvement in standards and transparency. He envisions a future where local conservation NGOs and communities are empowered with carbon knowledge to mobilize capital at the scale needed to protect tropical rainforests.
Listeners are encouraged to support the production of more episodes by becoming patrons of Bionic Planet and leaving five-star reviews to help amplify the message of conservation and climate action. The episode closes with a call to unite in the collective effort to address the climate challenge and safeguard our planet for future generations.

Timestamps
Introduction to the Episode: 00:00:00-00:01:02
Transition to Carbon Finance: 00:01:02-00:02:37
Challenges of Implementing Carbon Finance: 00:02:37-00:03:21
Overview of the Project in Guatemala: 00:03:21-00:04:54
Discussion on Climate Change and Anthropocene: 00:04:54-00:05:26
Interview Introduction with Marco Cerezo: 00:05:26-00:06:06
Marco Cerezo's Early Conservation Work: 00:06:06-00:09:15
Funding Challenges and Transition to Carbon Finance: 00:09:15-00:11:36
Importance of Sustainable Landscapes: 00:11:36-00:13:46
Agroforestry and Sustainable Farming Practices: 00:13:46-00:14:53
Implementation of Carbon Finance in Guatemala: 00:15:05-00:17:39
Establishing Carbon Benefit and Methodologies: 00:17:39-00:19:52
Community Engagement and Benefit Sharing: 00:20:03-00:27:42
Long-Term Sustainability and Time Horizon: 00:34:26-00:35:39
Baseline Establishment and Methodologies: 00:36:01-00:37:46
Closing Remarks and Call to Action: 00:38:02-00:38:55

In episode 104 of Bionic Planet, I delve into the intricacies of carbon finance with my guest, David Antonioli. We explore the concept of transformational finance, where carbon payments are used to catalyze sustainable practices that can eventually stand on their own. We discuss the limitations of the current additionality tool, which focuses on individual project assessments, and the need for a more holistic approach to drive long-term sector-wide transitions.
David Antonioli, with his extensive experience in climate change and carbon markets, shares insights on the need for a paradigm shift in carbon finance. He emphasizes the importance of designing the system to address what happens when carbon finance ends and the necessity of building a foundation for the future of sustainable practices.
We touch upon real-world examples, such as projects in Paraguay shifting from cattle ranching to sustainable timber harvesting, to illustrate the challenges of individual project assessments and the potential for sector-wide transformations. We discuss the need for thoughtful simplifications in research and understanding market dynamics to identify positive tipping points that can lead to sustainable transitions.
Furthermore, we highlight the positive list approach adopted by organizations like the Climate Action Reserve and the California Resources Board, which use standardized methods to define additional activities upfront. This approach streamlines the process and sets a clear path for achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Overall, the episode delves into the complexities of carbon finance, the importance of explicit transformational strategies, and the potential for sector-wide transitions to drive sustainable practices in the future.

Timestamps
00:00:00 - Introduction to Transformational Finance
00:05:30 - Challenges in Carbon Accounting
00:10:39 - Critique of Additionality Concept
00:14:39 - Importance of Holistic Understanding
00:17:27 - Need for Interlocking Solutions
00:20:36 - Overhauling Local Economies
00:23:15 - Implicit vs. Explicit Transformation
00:27:06 - Addressing Entrenched Interests
00:33:43 - Proposal for Sector-Wide Transformation
00:38:02 - Limitations of Current Additionality Tools
00:42:24 - Focus on Sector-Wide Transformation
00:45:06 - Procedures for Overhauling Local Economies

Quotes
"We know that the enemy is carbon, and we know its ugly face. We should put a big fat price on it, and of course, add to that, drop the subsidies." - 00:00:20
"Everything else is a bonus, a positive externality that critics of carbon finance choose to ignore." - 00:01:42
"We're missing the forest for the trees." - 00:14:15
"We're so focused on every single little branch that we've lost what the bigger opportunity is." - 00:44:22
"We're so in the weeds of the detail." - 00:44:32
"We're so focused on every single little branch that we've lost what the bigger opportunity is." - 00:44:22
"We're so in the weeds of the detail." - 00:44:32
"We're so focused on every single little branch that we've lost what the bigger opportunity is." - 00:44:22
"We're so in the weeds of the detail." - 00:44:32
"We're so focused on every single little branch that we've lost what the bigger opportunity is." - 00:44:22

In Episode 103 of Bionic Planet, titled "Purists, Pragmatists, and the Science-Based Targets Initiative," we delve into the complex world of emission reduction targets and the challenges companies face to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The episode explores the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTI), a program designed to assist companies in setting emission reduction targets aligned to achieve net zero emissions.
The episode begins by highlighting the significant increase in companies committing to SBTI since January 2023, with many not submitting their plans until January 2025. We learn about the distinction between purists and pragmatists in the climate realm. Purists advocate for the complete elimination of fossil fuels in value chains, while pragmatists emphasize the use of offsets to achieve emission reductions.
Guest speaker Jen Jenkins, Chief Science Officer at Rubicon Carbon, provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by companies in reducing emissions and the balance between pragmatism and purity. Jenkins discusses the importance of understanding a company's value chain, the complexities of emission reduction strategies, and the role of offsets in achieving carbon neutrality.
The episode delves into the debate surrounding the use of offsets in emission reduction strategies, focusing on the conflicting perspectives of purists and pragmatists. Jenkins emphasizes the need for flexibility and practicality in climate action, highlighting the importance of using the available tools to address the climate crisis effectively.
As the discussion unfolds, the episode touches on the need for clear guidelines and standards in emission reduction efforts, the role of the voluntary carbon market in conservation efforts, and the challenges of balancing purity with practicality in climate action. Jenkins and the host explore the complexities of achieving net zero emissions and the importance of finding a middle ground between purist ideals and pragmatic solutions.
The episode concludes with a call to action for companies to engage in emission reduction efforts, highlighting the significance of the voluntary carbon market in driving climate action. Jenkins' insights shed light on the complexities of emission reduction strategies and the importance of practical approaches in addressing the climate crisis.
Join us in exploring the dynamic landscape of emission reduction targets, the role of offsets in climate action, and the ongoing debate between purists and pragmatists in pursuing a sustainable future on Bionic Planet.

Timestamps
Introduction to SBTI: 00:00:09-00:00:19
Interface Carpets Case Study: 00:00:23-00:00:33
Dependence on Fossil Fuels: 00:01:22-00:01:32
Global Emission Reduction Targets: 00:01:43-00:02:04
Pragmatic Approach to Emission Reduction: 00:02:24-00:02:34
Scope 3 Emissions and SBTI Controversy: 00:02:45-00:03:07
Purists vs. Pragmatists: 00:03:36-00:03:48
Jen Jenkins Background and Role: 00:05:52-00:06:03
Transition to Private Sector: 00:07:39-00:07:50
Jenkins Equations and Carbon Stock Estimation: 00:09:56-00:10:07
Net Zero vs. Carbon Neutral: 00:11:23-00:11:34
Challenges in Emission Reduction Planning: 00:13:38-00:13:49
Renewable Energy Options: 00:16:47-00:16:57
Customized Emission Reduction Plan: 00:17:39-00:17:50
Carbon Neutrality by 2030: 00:18:18-00:18:28
Carbon Neutral vs. Net Zero: 00:32:18-00:32:29
Purity vs. Pragmatism in Climate Action: 00:36:24-00:36:34
Role of Voluntary Carbon Market: 00:38:33-00:38:43

Quotes
"The purist approach would say, no, no, I need to hold everybody's feet to the fire and ensure that no matter how much it costs, ensure that these companies sort of suss out every single source of fossil fuel in their value chain and obliterate it immediately." - (00:03:48-00:03:58)
"But we can restore it, make it better, greener, more resilient, more sustainable. But how? Technology? Geoengineering? Are w

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Robert Gilmore Pontius, Jr., a geography professor at Clark University specializing in geographic information science. Dr. Pontius shared his expertise in computer simulation models of deforestation and the impact of land change on humans.
Dr. Pontius discussed his journey into the field of geography, highlighting his passion for mathematics and maps. He emphasized the importance of simplicity in modeling and the need to eliminate distractions to focus on the essence of the problem.
The conversation delved into the complexities of land change modeling, addressing the challenges of uncertainty and the balance between simplicity and complexity in predictive models. Dr. Pontius emphasized the importance of transparency in modeling and the need to acknowledge and learn from mistakes in scientific research.
The discussion also touched on the evolution of methodologies in land change modeling, with Dr. Pontius advocating for a continuous learning process and adaptation based on new scientific insights. He highlighted the importance of open communication and collaboration in maximizing learning and addressing challenges in the field.
Overall, the episode provided valuable insights into the world of geographic information science, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement, transparency, and open dialogue in scientific research and modeling practices. Dr. Pontius's expertise and passion for the subject shone through, making for an engaging and enlightening conversation.
 
"I do this because I enjoy it. And I feel completely comfortable with saying that, because if you don't enjoy it, you're not going to dedicate time to it." - 00:04:52-00:05:02
"What good scientists do, they learn from their mistakes, and they admit them, and they say what their motivation was at the time, and then they clarify it and present something better." - 00:12:49-00:13:00
"I wanted to give an example to the research community because I see variation even among professors in their motivations." - 00:13:00-00:13:12
"We're not in the business of trying to say that we've solved all the problems. That's not what good scientists do." - 00:14:51-00:15:01
"I'm not willing to take on a student unless that student is willing to tell me when they think I'm wrong." - 00:29:23-00:29:33
"Mathematicians are always trying to eliminate distractions, get to the essence of something, and make it as simple and transparent as possible." - 00:48:07-00:48:17
"It's trivial to choose to look at something in such detail that it's impossible to predict accurately. Easy to do." - 00:50:07-00:50:18
"If we're doing the same thing we were doing 30 years ago, it means either 30 years ago we were so brilliant that we knew everything, or if we're doing the same thing we were doing 30 years ago, that means we haven't learned anything in 30 years." - 00:55:18-00:55:28
"Learning is not guaranteed. Just look around the world today. I mean, things can go backward." - 00:55:29-00:55:39
"Is capitalism or communism good or bad? It depends how it's implemented. Is religion good or bad? It depends how it's implemented." - 00:56:55-00:57:05