Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations

Richard Delevan
  • 4.3 (4)
  • NEWS COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

A show about climate and climate tech: the intersection of technology and capital, people and politics, that will shape the future, and whether you'd want to live in it. Host Richard Delevan is normally trapped in the UK, but with a global view - featuring guests from VC/PE, startups, scaleups, corporates, media, and beyond. Subscribe at wickedproblems.earth for an ad-free version, our newsletter, and member-only goodies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 24/7/365 Dispatchable Solar Is Real. w/ EMBER's Kostantsa Rangelova & Dave Jones

    SEP 25

    24/7/365 Dispatchable Solar Is Real. w/ EMBER's Kostantsa Rangelova & Dave Jones

    For full show notes, bonus content, and ad-free listening, check out wickedproblems.earth In this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delevan welcomes Dave Jones and Kostantsa Rangelova from the energy think tank, EMBER. They've spent the past year spreading the good news about the impressive advancements in solar and battery technology, particularly focusing on global trends and potential game-changers in regions such as Africa and Mexico. Despite solar only contributing to 6.6% of Mexico’s electricity, EMBER simulations indicate it could rise to 90% with optimal efficiency. In some spots like Muscat, Las Vegas, or Mexico City, almost all their power, day and night, can now be generated from just solar + battery. The discussion covers the rapid progress and cost reductions in battery technology, the promising shift towards 24/7 solar power, the surge of solar adoption in Africa, and the significant untapped potential in Mexico. The episode highlights the transformative impact of solar and battery technologies on global energy landscapes and emphasizes the urgent need for effective policies to accelerate this transition. 00:00 Introduction to Mexico's Solar Potential 00:00 Global Governance Breakdown 00:36 Welcome to Wicked Problems 00:39 Introducing the Guests: Dave Jones and Constanza Rva 01:05 The Rise of Solar and Battery Technology 01:33 24/7 Solar Power: A Game Changer 01:54 Advancements in Battery Technology 02:51 Economic Competitiveness of Solar and Battery 04:38 Challenges and Innovations in Battery Production 08:17 Global Adoption and Market Dynamics 15:20 Grid vs. Battery: The Trade-Offs 21:05 Solar and Battery in Different Climates 24:27 Implications for Policy and Future Outlook 26:09 Evolution of Battery Storage 27:29 Africa's Solar Boom 27:59 Chinese Solar Exports to Africa 28:52 Utility Scale Solar in Africa 37:50 Challenges and Opportunities in Mexico's Solar Sector 47:26 Global Solar Trends and Future Outlook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min
  2. Laudato Sì at 10, Pope Leo & COP30, w Dr Lorna Gold

    SEP 19

    Laudato Sì at 10, Pope Leo & COP30, w Dr Lorna Gold

    Get bonus content at wickedproblems.earth  Dr. Lorna Gold is the executive director of the Laudato Sì Movement, which was inspired by the late Pope Francis’ 2015 letter. That document, considered pretty radical for the leader of the Catholic Church to issue at the time, was credited by former Irish president Mary Robinson and others with influencing the Paris Agreement - and you can hear echoes of it as recently as the advisory opinion issued this summer by the International Court of Justice.  On its 10th anniversary, Francis’ successor Pope Leo will lead the Raising Hope Conference, 1-3 October in Rome - but also available via livestream - talking about the relevance of its ideas for the situation we’re in now. More than a “Catholic” thing, it will feature people as diverse as Brazil’s climate minister Marina Silva (in the runup to COP30), climate scientist Dr.  Katharine Hayhoe, Bill McKibben, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tuvalu climate minister Dr Maina Talia, Bianca Pitt of SHE Changes Climate, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty president Kumi Naidoo, and more. Somehow, Lorna was able to take a break from organising the event to speak to us.  Lorna earned a PhD in economic geography from Glasgow University and author of Climate Generation: Awakening to our Childrens’ Future. It’s a great chat and we think you’ll enjoy it. In This Conversation01:22 Introduction to Dr. Lorna Gold  02:21 Personal Tragedy and Resilience  05:29 Hope vs. Optimism  09:17 Relevance of Laudato Si'  13:01 International Court of Justice Ruling  15:21 Economic Systems and Climate Action  21:51 Pope Francis, Pope Leo and COP 30  22:31 Upcoming Conference and Call to Action  24:25 Personal Reflection on Climate Impact  27:56 Discussing Future Conversations  28:40 Mother's Role in Climate Action  29:39 Women of Faith for Climate Justice  31:37 The Raging Grannies and Activism  33:12 The Sharing Economy and Climate Generation  34:42 Sufficiency and Economic Inequality  41:17 The Role of Storytelling in Climate Education  44:34 Hope and Action in Climate Movements  47:31 Pope or Nope Quiz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    53 min
  3. How Apocalypse Makes Authoritarians, w Hanna E. Morris

    SEP 12

    How Apocalypse Makes Authoritarians, w Hanna E. Morris

    Get full ad-free episodes, full show notes, bonus material, and more at wickedproblems.earth In this episode of 'Wicked Problems,' host Richard Delevan speaks with Dr. Hannah E. Morris, Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and author of 'Apocalyptic Authoritarianism.' They discuss the use of apocalyptic language in politics, the resurgence of Cold War-era narratives, and how these tropes are being weaponized to block climate action and shore up existing power structures. The conversation delves into the intersections of media, politics, and climate crisis, featuring insights on the impact of journalism on these global issues. ‌ 00:00 Trump's Apocalyptic Obsession 01:19 Introduction to Wicked Problems 01:32 Guest Introduction: Dr. Hannah E. Morris 01:57 Weaponizing Apocalyptic Language 02:45 Defining Apocalyptic Authoritarianism 03:06 Trump's Influence and Climate Movement 05:13 Nostalgia and Climate Journalism 06:30 The Green New Deal and Media Narratives 11:47 Challenges in Climate Journalism 24:28 Covering Climate Now Initiative 30:02 Senator Eric Schmidt's Speech Analysis 32:59 Nationalism and American Identity 34:27 Fascist Ideologies and Historical Context 37:26 Media's Role in Shaping Nationalism 39:30 Climate Change and Political Narratives 47:26 Global Perspectives on Climate Journalism 51:37 Apocalyptic Imagery in Modern Politics 54:09 Influences and Future Directions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 1m
  4. EXCLUSIVE: Climate Heat Killed More People Than Murder in European City over 50 Years - Study

    SEP 10

    EXCLUSIVE: Climate Heat Killed More People Than Murder in European City over 50 Years - Study

    Get all the bonus material, show notes and more - and go ad-free - at wickedproblems.earth! Unraveling the Impact of Climate Change on Zurich: Analyzing 50 Years of Data | Wicked Problems In this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delevan explores a groundbreaking study from researchers at Oxford Smith School's Sustainable Law Program and beyond. Joined by Dr. Rupert Stuart-Smith, Deputy Director and Senior Research Fellow, they dive into the first-of-its-kind research examining climate change's impact on heat-related mortality in Zurich from 1969 to 2018. Discover how attribution science links global warming to nearly 1700 deaths in Zurich, the role of adaptation measures, and the growing importance of climate attribution in legal contexts. This sobering analysis offers a stark look at the real human costs of climate change and the urgent need for action. 00:00 Introduction: Zurich and Climate Change 00:31 Welcome to Wicked Problems 00:35 The Impact of Climate Change on Zurich 01:34 Introducing Dr. Rupert Stuart Smith 02:11 Study Findings: Heat-Related Mortality in Zurich 02:25 Methodology and Data Analysis 05:33 Surprising Results and Implications 14:16 Adaptation Measures and Their Effectiveness 16:31 Legal and Political Implications 18:22 The Role of Attribution Science in Courts 23:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Also find us now at Patreon to support our work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    26 min
  5. Tipping Points. They're not all bad. w/Steve Smith of Exeter's Global Systems Institute

    AUG 11

    Tipping Points. They're not all bad. w/Steve Smith of Exeter's Global Systems Institute

    Bonus content and show notes at wickedproblems.earth Understanding Climate Tipping Points With Stephen Smith | Wicked Problems Climate Tech Conversations In this episode of Wicked Problems Climate Tech Conversations, host Richard Delevan dives into the pivotal and pressing subject of climate tipping points with guest Stephen Smith. They discuss the warnings from the recent Global Tipping Points Conference in Exeter, where nearly 200 scientists urged immediate action to prevent irreversible climate changes. The conversation explores both negative and positive climate tipping points, the challenges policymakers face in addressing them, and the importance of storytelling in climate advocacy. Stephen Smith also highlights the potential of renewable energy and the steps needed to accelerate the global transition to a low-carbon economy. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the critical actions required to address the climate crisis and the hopeful pathways forward. 00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks 00:26 Urgent Climate Crisis Call 01:29 Understanding Tipping Points 03:44 Negative Tipping Points 04:18 Positive Tipping Points 05:12 Policy Makers and Tipping Points 06:02 Interruption and Resumption 07:03 Immediate Action Required 11:20 Real-World Example: Tuvalu 14:16 Challenges in Policy Making 17:21 Positive Social Tipping Points 18:54 Renewable Energy Revolution 22:12 Barriers to Change 27:54 Accelerating Positive Change 35:10 Hope and Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min
  6. Does Broken Britain Crave Chaos? w/Ed Hodgson, More in Common

    AUG 2

    Does Broken Britain Crave Chaos? w/Ed Hodgson, More in Common

    Will Nigel Farage's Reform party succeed in demonising climate action? Or will adaptation change the conversation? Are the Tories cooked? And does Gaza create an opening big enough for Jeremy Corbyn's new party to cut into Labour support? Richard Delevan talks to More in Common's Ed Hodgson about Shattered Britain, how Britain's "Tribes" will shape the future - and why you need to understand them if effective climate communicators are going to win. Get all the bonus content and ad-free listening at wickedproblems.earth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min
  7. Climate Science is now International Law

    JUL 30

    Climate Science is now International Law

    Get other content and the newsletter at wickedproblems.earth. Climate Justice: ICJ's Historic Ruling and Its Global Impact In this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delavan is joined by Professor Elizabeth Holland from Brown University to discuss a historic advisory opinion handed down by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ruling, initiated by Pacific Island students, declares climate science as a binding element under customary international law, obligating states to take stronger climate action. Elizabeth shares insights from her role as a science negotiator for Palau and the significance of the court's ruling for vulnerable nations and future generations. This episode also features voices from those who played pivotal roles in making this judgment a reality, emphasizing the binding nature of climate obligations and the need for continuous global cooperation. 00:00 Introduction: Climate Science as Law 00:16 The Court's Advisory Opinion 00:54 Human Impact and Cultural Struggles 01:14 End of Impunity and Legal Obligations 02:03 Interview with Professor Elizabeth Holland 02:43 Reactions to the ICJ Ruling 05:22 The Role of Small Island States 05:50 Challenges in Climate Negotiations 08:01 Legal Frameworks and Obligations 09:43 Implications for the United States 12:33 Personal Reflections and Contributions 14:34 Celebrating the Youth Movement 18:17 Art and Culture in Climate Advocacy 21:21 Generational Promises and Songs 26:38 Conclusion and Call to Action Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  8. Climate is a National Security Issue w/Rear Admiral Neil Morisetti

    JUL 27

    Climate is a National Security Issue w/Rear Admiral Neil Morisetti

    For full show notes, bonus content, and ad-free experience go to wickedproblems.earth! The Intersection of Climate Change and National Security with Rear Admiral Neil: A Deep Dive In this episode of 'Wicked Problems,' host Richard Delevan speaks with Rear Admiral Neil, former Royal Navy officer and current Professor of Climate and Resource Security at UCL, about the growing recognition that climate change is a strategic challenge impacting national security. They discuss the expanded definition of national security to include climate adaptation, various international and interdisciplinary efforts to mitigate climate impact, and how the military is adapting its strategies. The conversation covers past and present policies, the importance of societal involvement, and the role of technological advancements. Rear Admiral Neil emphasizes the need for strategic, long-term solutions, cooperation across sectors, and raises concerns about the potential for a significant crisis to wake global leadership from complacency. 00:00 Introduction to Climate Change and Security 00:26 Guest Introduction: Rear Admiral Neil 00:57 National Security and Climate Change 02:06 Impact of Climate Change on Society 03:49 Military's Role and Adaptation 04:44 Evolving Conversations on Climate Policy 09:48 Technological Innovations in the Military 19:02 International Cooperation and Policy 24:49 Challenges and Future Prospects 31:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

A show about climate and climate tech: the intersection of technology and capital, people and politics, that will shape the future, and whether you'd want to live in it. Host Richard Delevan is normally trapped in the UK, but with a global view - featuring guests from VC/PE, startups, scaleups, corporates, media, and beyond. Subscribe at wickedproblems.earth for an ad-free version, our newsletter, and member-only goodies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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