Earthlings 2.0 Podcast

Lisa Ann Pinkerton
  • 4.8 (16)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Earthlings 2.0 Podcast

The Earthlings Podcast takes a look at the big issues facing humanity in the early 21st century and our relationship to our environment, technology, and each other. Each episode, award-winning journalist, and former NPR reporter Lisa Ann Pinkerton hosts experts, scientists, and leaders working to solve the world’s biggest challenges. Together, they cover wide-ranging topics including environmental solutions, emerging technologies, what the future might look like, and more. Support us on Patreon and receive exclusive content and benefits.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    #84: Closing the Loop with Plastic Waste with Enzyme Recycling

    Hello Earthlings! This week on Earthlings 2.0, we explore an exciting breakthrough in recycling with Emmanuel Ladent, CEO of Carbios, a French biotech company that’s revolutionizing how we handle plastic waste. As the world grapples with plastic pollution, Carbios has developed a game-changing enzymatic process that breaks down PET plastics and textiles to their base components, allowing for high-quality recycling without losing material integrity. Emmanuel explains how this biological solution is different from traditional methods and how it could provide a truly circular solution to the plastics and textile industries, paving the way for sustainable, waste-free production. We also discuss how Carbios is helping the fashion industry transition from linear to circular, addressing the challenge of microplastics and waste in apparel. Through partnerships with global brands like L'Oréal, Nestlé, and PepsiCo, Carbios is making strides in creating closed-loop systems for plastic and textile waste, ensuring that materials are recycled back into products of the same quality as new ones. Emmanuel highlights how this technology could have a profound impact on reducing CO2 emissions and promoting sustainability in various industries. Key Points: Enzymatic Recycling Technology: Carbios uses a natural enzyme optimized to break down PET plastics and textiles into their basic components in just a few hours, offering a faster and more sustainable alternative to chemical recycling methods.High-Quality, Circular Recycling: Unlike traditional methods, Carbios’ process ensures that recycled materials are of the same quality as virgin plastic, creating a closed-loop system where plastics and textiles can be recycled repeatedly without losing quality.Sustainability and CO2 Reduction: The enzymatic process requires lower energy consumption compared to traditional recycling and offers a significant 90% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to virgin plastic production, making it a sustainable solution.Broad Industry Impact: Carbios is working with leading brands in cosmetics, food, and apparel to implement its technology, helping industries transition to a circular economy by recycling polyester and PET waste into high-quality, reusable materials. Voices on The Show: Emmanuel Ladent, CEO of CarbiosLinkedInLisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: Lisa Ann PinkertonX - Lisa Ann Pinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications Women in Cleantech and Sustainability Web Resources:Carbios LinkedIn 🚀 Calling all Earthlings…   Visit our website for more...

    25 min

  2. NOV 12

    #83: Capturing Carbon with Direct Air Capture

    Hello Earthlings! Today, we're diving into a pioneering approach to carbon capture with direct air capture (DAC), a technology that pulls CO₂ directly from the atmosphere. While DAC alone can’t reverse climate change, it could be instrumental in maintaining critical temperature limits if it scales up efficiently. Host Lisa Ann Pinkerton interviews Anca Timofte, CEO and co-founder of Holocene, whose innovative, low-energy DAC method has secured a $10 million contract with Google. Anca explains how Holocene’s process leverages chemical reactions to trap CO₂ at low temperatures, maximizing efficiency and minimizing energy use. With plans for commercial-scale plants in the early 2030s, Anca envisions DAC as a crucial component in global carbon reduction efforts.  Restoring Our Faith in Humanity this week is the inspiring story of Mr. Trash Wheel, a solar and hydro-powered trash interceptor transforming Baltimore's waterways. This quirky, googly-eyed invention reminds us that every action counts in the fight for a sustainable future. Key Points Direct Air Capture (DAC) Technology: Anca Timofte, CEO and co-founder of Holocene, discusses how DAC can remove CO₂ directly from the atmosphere. This technology isn’t a total solution to climate change but could play a crucial role in reducing atmospheric carbon if scaled effectively.Path to Commercialization: Holocene is preparing to scale its DAC technology with a commercial plant expected in the early 2030s. Anca outlines the stages of development, from pilot to demonstration plants, aiming for a meaningful impact on carbon capture capacity.Economic and Policy Drivers: The episode covers how financial tools, like the 45Q tax credit and government programs, such as DAC hubs, are supporting the growth of the carbon capture industry. These incentives aim to make DAC more viable and attract broader industry investment.Carbon Capture’s Broader Impact: Beyond simply removing carbon, DAC could make CO₂ a marketable commodity. This potential new market could incentivize further CO₂ removal, showcasing DAC as a tool for both environmental and economic impact. Voices on The Show: Anca Timofte, CEO and co-founder of HoloceneLinkedIn Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: Lisa Ann PinkertonX - Lisa Ann Pinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications Women in Cleantech and Sustainability Web Resources:Holocene Linkedin 🚀 Calling all Earthlings…   Visit our website for more episodes! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our a...

    33 min

  3. NOV 5

    #82: A ‘Fitbit’ Monitor for Battery Safety

    Greetings Earthlings! This week on Earthlings 2.0, we explore the world of battery safety and renewable energy with Dr. Kai-Philipp Kairies, CEO and Co-founder of ACCURE Battery Intelligence GmbH, a leader in battery monitoring and safety. As the world moves toward cleaner energy and electric mobility, batteries play a central role, but with them come risks that need careful management. KP shares insights into why traditional battery management systems (BMS) are limited and how ACCURE’s advanced, predictive battery analytics platform is closing the gap by detecting battery issues before they lead to costly and dangerous failures. We also explore the larger picture of renewable energy's future, and how the need for efficient, safe, and scalable energy storage solutions is growing rapidly. KP provides fascinating examples, including the story of how their management system flagged a critical issue for an energy storage system operator on day one, allowing the operator to shut down a compromised battery before any incidents occurred, showcasing the technology's capability to prevent failures and enhance safety. This shows how renewable energy is becoming the pragmatic choice, even in traditionally fossil-fuel-dependent regions, signaling a broader shift in the energy landscape. Key Points Enhanced Battery Safety through Cloud-Based Intelligence: While traditional battery management systems are limited to basic safety, ACCURE’s predictive battery analytics platform goes further by detecting patterns and outliers across millions of cells, providing more advanced and predictive safety monitoring.Proactive Fleet Safety and Management: ACCURE’s technology is already helping transit fleets in cities like New York and Berlin identify and replace faulty batteries before they cause disruptions, demonstrating how data-driven monitoring is boosting reliability and safety for electric bus systems.Rising Demand for Renewable Storage Solutions: As AI and tech industries drive up electricity demand, storage solutions like batteries will be essential to harness and stabilize renewable energy, especially solar. KP underscores that pairing solar with storage can create cost-effective, firm power sources needed to meet growing demands. Voices on The Show: Dr. Kai-Philipp Kairies, CEO and Co-founder of ACCURE Battery Intelligence GmbHLinkedIn: Dr. Kai-Philipp Kairies Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: Lisa Ann PinkertonX - Lisa Ann Pinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications Women in Cleantech and Sustainability Web Resources:https://www.accure.net/ 🚀 Calling all Earthlings…   Visit our website for more episodes! Are you new to

    26 min

  4. OCT 30

    #81: How Slowing Ocean Currents are Rewriting Climate Predictions

    Hello Earthlings! 🌊 This week on Earthlings 2.0, we dive into the deep blue with Professor Matthew England, an expert in ocean and climate dynamics. Our warming oceans are doing a lot of heavy lifting for us, absorbing over 90% of trapped heat from greenhouse gasses. But there’s a cost, and we're already seeing a 30% slowdown in the critical Atlantic overturning circulation—a shift climate scientists once thought would take another 100 years! Together, we explore how this slowdown affects everything, from extreme weather patterns to coral reefs and fisheries. Professor England explains the complex and pressing implications of ocean acidification, sea level rise, and the future of our climate systems. Yet, he ends on a hopeful note, predicting a tipping point in global energy transition, away from fossil fuels, that could shift humanity onto a path toward a more sustainable future. Key Points Accelerated Ocean Circulation Slowdown: The Atlantic overturning circulation has already slowed by 30%, a shift scientists initially predicted would happen closer to the end of the century. This slowdown has significant impacts on global climate, contributing to extreme weather and heat retention in tropical oceans.Warming Oceans and Increased Storm Intensity: Our oceans absorb more than 90% of the excess heat from greenhouse gasses, intensifying storms and contributing to the rapid escalation of hurricanes, with categories intensifying quickly.Ocean Acidification and Marine Life Stress: Oceans are acidifying due to increased CO₂ absorption, which weakens the shells of marine life and disrupts ecosystems, notably causing frequent coral bleaching events.Disruptions to Global Weather Patterns: Slower ocean circulation is shifting weather patterns, affecting rainfall distribution and altering agricultural suitability worldwide. This may lead to unpredictable food production areas and extreme weather where it’s least expected. Voices on The Show: Professor Matthew England, Professor of Ocean and Climate Dynamics at the University of New South Wales Center for Marine Science and InnovationUNSW Profile  Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: Lisa Ann PinkertonX - Lisa Ann Pinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications Women in Cleantech and Sustainability Web Resources:NOAA - Climate Change and Hurricanes 🚀 Calling all Earthlings…   Visit our website for more episodes! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks...

    37 min

  5. OCT 22

    #80: Helping Farmlands Underground: The Advancement Of Soil Carbon Measuring

    Hello Earthlings! This week, we're exploring the critical role of soil carbon measurement in combating climate change with Tom Sadan, Senior Business Development Consultant at Agricarbon, a company pioneering the field of soil carbon measurement and restoration. By utilizing advanced robotics, Agricarbon conducts large-scale soil carbon audits that support regenerative farming and carbon sequestration efforts. Soil, often called a "hidden hero" in the fight against climate change, is a massive carbon sink capable of sequestering billions of tons of CO2. However, its benefits remain elusive, buried below ground, making accurate measurement and verification a challenge—until now. In this conversation, Tom highlights the growing financial incentives, with carbon credits that could be reach up to $100 per tonne, making regenerative farming a profitable option. Key Points Scalable Soil Carbon Measurement: How Agricarbon's streamlined lab process is transforming soil testing efficiency, enabling farmers to adopt regenerative practices faster.Financial Incentives for Farmers: Exploring the growing profitability of carbon credits, now reaching up to $100 per tonne, and how it motivates farmers to sequester more carbon.Regenerative Agriculture's Climate Role: How soil, as a key carbon sink, is emerging as a natural solution to climate change, often outperforming engineered alternatives like direct air capture.Carbon Markets on the Rise: The expanding ecosystem of carbon credits and how farmers can capitalize on increasing demand to boost revenue while improving soil health. Voices on The Show: Tom Sadan, Senior Business Development Consultant at AgricarbonLinkedIn  Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: Lisa Ann PinkertonX - Lisa Ann Pinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications Women in Cleantech and Sustainability Web Resources:https://www.agricarbon.co.uk/ 🚀 Calling all Earthlings…   Visit our website for more episodes! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page. Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news:  Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on a...

    34 min

  6. OCT 15

    #79: Bridging Political Divides on Climate Change

    Hello Earthlings! This week, we journey into the world of clean energy advocacy and climate policy with Julia Pyper, co-host of the Political Climate podcast and Vice President of Public Affairs at Grid Leap. Together with host Lisa Ann Pinkerton, they delve into the growing bipartisan support for clean energy and the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Julia shares how framing climate issues as local concerns, like job creation and economic benefits, is shifting voter perspectives across the political spectrum. We also discuss how policies, like transmission reform and energy infrastructure, are evolving to support the clean energy transition. Whether it's large-scale manufacturing or local community benefits, this episode explores the tangible ways that clean energy is impacting lives today. Key Points Bipartisan Climate Action: How clean energy is gaining support from both Republicans and Democrats, transforming political landscapes.The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA): Exploring the long-term impacts and challenges in sustaining this landmark legislation.Localizing Climate Issues: How focusing on local job growth and economic benefits can drive action on clean energy.Transmission Reform: The ongoing battle to upgrade U.S. energy infrastructure and the importance of permitting reform in clean energy projects. Voices on The Show: Julia Pyper, Vice President of Public Affairs at Good Leap and Co-Host of The Political Climate PodcastLinkedin Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: Lisa Ann PinkertonX - Lisa Ann Pinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications Women in Cleantech and Sustainability Web Resources:Political Climate PodcastPolitical Climate DNC dispatches: DNC dispatches: It’s the climate economy, stupid!DNC dispatches: Navigating America’s skyrocketing energyPolitical Climate RNC dispatches: RNC dispatches: The GOP’s nascent climate pivotRNC dispatches: The fate of the IRAEarthlings 2.0 Podcast Episodes Mentioned: a href="https://earthlingspodcast.com/episodes/s4e13-virtual-power-plants/" rel="noopener...

    47 min

  7. OCT 8

    #78: Drone Constellation for Critical Infrastructure

    Hello Earthlings! For this week’s episode, we take a deeper look into a fascinating new realm of Earth observation, not from outer space but from the "low sky." We are joined by Keith Miao, the CEO of Birdstop, a company pioneering the use of autonomous drones to monitor critical infrastructure. These drones operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) at low altitudes, providing high-detail monitoring at scale. This technology has immense potential to enhance how we monitor power grids, telecom networks, and even respond to natural disasters like wildfires and hurricanes. We explore how Birdstop's constellation of drones delivers the best of both worlds: the comprehensive coverage of satellite imagery and the fine detail you'd expect from on-the-ground inspections. Keith shares his journey from working at Google on real-time decision-making models to launching Birdstop, along with insights on the future of drone-based infrastructure monitoring. Key Points Low Sky Observation: How Birdstop’s drone-based solution fills the gap between satellite and ground-level inspections by offering detailed, scalable data.Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS): Unlocking the potential of drones to operate remotely without the need for human operators on-site.Critical Infrastructure: How Birdstop helps monitor power grids, telecom networks, ports, and airports, allowing companies to remotely assess and address issues before they become larger problems. Voices on The Show: Keith Miao, CEO of BirdstopLinkedin Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: Lisa Ann PinkertonX - Lisa Ann Pinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications Women in Cleantech and Sustainability Web Resources:https://www.birdstop.io/ 🚀 Calling all Earthlings…   Visit our website for more episodes! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page. Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news:  Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on oura href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086533328643" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    24 min

  8. OCT 1

    #77: The Scope of Agriculture’s Future

    Hello Earthlings! For this week’s episode, we dive deep into the evolving world of agriculture and agritech with Venky Ramachandran, the visionary behind Agribusiness Matters. Joining us from Hyderabad, India, Venky shares insights on the transformative technologies shaping food production systems amidst climate change and market volatility. His firm and popular newsletter provide a global snapshot of agritech’s digital transformation and its impact on farmers worldwide. We explore key topics, including the differences in technological adoption on a global scale, the role of mechanization in addressing labor shortages, and the ongoing debate between optimizing nature versus understanding its complexity.  This week, our faith in humanity is renewed by the remarkable leadership of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal, and former Chairman of the Railway Board Vinod Kumar Yadav. Together, they spearheaded the electrification of nearly all of India's railways, delivering this transformative project on time. This monumental achievement not only significantly reduces the railway's carbon footprint but also serves as a global model for sustainable infrastructure. Key Points Shifting to Economies of Scope: Venky discusses the importance of moving from large-scale monoculture to diversified farming, where farmers grow a variety of crops and are compensated based on quality, fostering resilience in food systems.Farmers' Adaptation and Decision-Making: Farmers are clear about their needs from technology and adapt to new innovations each season, despite challenges like labor shortages and market volatility. They focus on practical solutions with a clear value proposition.Agriculture's Role in a Changing World: With the rise of climate change and shifting economic paradigms, there is a growing re-evaluation of agriculture's role, including a potential reversal of the long-held belief that fewer farmers are needed as economies grow. Voices on The Show: Venky Ramachandran, Agritech Analyst, Consultant and Researcher at Agribusiness Matters Linkedin  Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: Lisa Ann PinkertonX - Lisa Ann Pinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications Women in Cleantech and Sustainability Web Resources:https://www.agribizmatters.com/ 🚀 Calling all Earthlings…   Visit our website for more episodes! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can...

    38 min
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4.8
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

The Earthlings Podcast takes a look at the big issues facing humanity in the early 21st century and our relationship to our environment, technology, and each other. Each episode, award-winning journalist, and former NPR reporter Lisa Ann Pinkerton hosts experts, scientists, and leaders working to solve the world’s biggest challenges. Together, they cover wide-ranging topics including environmental solutions, emerging technologies, what the future might look like, and more. Support us on Patreon and receive exclusive content and benefits.

Information

  • Creator
    Lisa Ann Pinkerton
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021
  • Show Website
    Earthlings 2.0 Podcast

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