Fighting Climate Change With Carbon Removal - A Chat With Patch CEO Brennan Spellacy

In this special episode of the Climate Confident podcast, generously sponsored by Siemens, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rahul Chillar, the head of Building X at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. Rahul, with his impressive track record of 55 patents and over two decades in the building industry, shared invaluable insights into how buildings can be the linchpin in our quest for a more sustainable future.

We delved into the findings of Siemens' Infrastructure Transition Monitor Report, which underscores the crucial role buildings play in global energy consumption and sustainability efforts. With buildings accounting for a staggering 40% of the world's energy use, Rahul's discussion on the transformative power of digitalisation in making buildings more efficient, sustainable, and, crucially, more profitable, couldn't be timelier.

Rahul illuminated the path forward with Siemens' Building X, emphasising its capacity to foster sustainable, autonomous, and profitable building operations. His pragmatic approach to the adoption of smart solutions, amidst budget constraints and regulatory landscapes, was particularly enlightening.

Join us as we explore the critical intersection of sustainability and technology in the built environment and uncover how Siemens is paving the way for a future where buildings not only contribute positively to our planet but also enhance our quality of life.

For those intrigued by the prospect of transforming our living spaces for the better, this episode is a must-listen. Your thoughts and insights are always welcome, so do reach out on LinkedIn or explore more on Siemens Building X. Here's to changing the way we live, one building at a time.

Don't forget to check out the video version of this podcast at https://youtu.be/IbgJHe2ieeI

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• Hal Good
• Jerry Sweeney
• Andreas Werner
• Devaang Bhatt
• Stephen Carroll
• Marcel Roquette
• 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

In this week’s episode of the Climate Confident Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lie Shi, CEO of AM Batteries, to explore their groundbreaking approach to lithium battery production. Our conversation shed light on a revolutionary solvent-free method for creating lithium battery electrodes, a significant step forward in making the battery manufacturing process cleaner and more energy-efficient.

Lie detailed how AM Batteries' technology addresses the paradox of producing clean energy through environmentally burdensome processes, by eliminating the use of toxic solvents and significantly reducing energy consumption and space requirements. We also touched upon the potential implications of this technology on the battery industry and the broader push towards sustainability.

Additionally, we delved into the global landscape of renewable energy investment, touching on initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act and the bipartisan infrastructure law, and their role in shaping the future of green technology. Lie’s insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the battery manufacturing sector, from regulatory hurdles to the need for skilled engineers, provided a comprehensive overview of the industry's current state and future prospects.

Join us as we navigate these critical discussions, aiming to demystify the complexities of sustainable technology and its pivotal role in our collective journey towards a greener future. Your feedback and questions are always welcome, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Listen, learn, and let us know your thoughts on this vital conversation for our planet's future.

And don't forget to check out the video version of this episode on YouTube

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• Hal Good
• Jerry Sweeney
• Andreas Werner
• Devaang Bhatt
• Stephen Carroll
• Marcel Roquette
• 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

In this week's episode of the Climate Confident Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kedar Karkare, the co-founder of Karma Wallet. Kedar's ambition to blend financial growth with positive global change is not only ambitious but deeply inspiring. Karma Wallet, offers a transparent and ethical financial system designed to empower consumers. By understanding and influencing the societal and environmental impact of their spending, users can wield their wallet as a force for good.

Kedar's journey from a scientist with a PhD in evolutionary biology to an innovator seeking to redefine our financial interactions is a testament to his belief in the power of individual actions. The backbone of Karma Wallet is its robust data platform, meticulously aggregating data from diverse sources to evaluate companies based on their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. The introduction of their debit card, which not only facilitates ethical spending but also rewards consumers, is a game-changer.

What struck me most was the holistic approach Karma Wallet adopts, recognising the nuanced nature of corporate impact beyond mere environmental factors. This episode not only sheds light on the potential for financial products to drive positive change but also challenges us to reconsider our daily financial decisions.

Kedar's insights into consumer behaviour, the critical role of data in combating greenwashing, and the envisioned future of Karma Wallet are invaluable. For anyone looking to align their spending with their values and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world, this conversation is a must-listen.

Tune in to explore how Karma Wallet is paving the way for a future where every transaction contributes to a better planet. Your wallet has more power than you think – let's use it to shape the world we want to live in.

Don't forget to check out the video version of this episode on YouTube.

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• Hal Good
• Jerry Sweeney
• Andreas Werner
• Devaang Bhatt
• Stephen Carroll
• Marcel Roquette
• 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

In this episode of the Climate Confident Podcast, I’m joined by Michael Sheldrick, co-founder of Global Citizen. Michael shares his journey from grassroots activism in Australia to spearheading a global movement that champions systemic solutions to poverty and climate change. His approach as a policy entrepreneur, prioritising actionable and strategic advocacy, underscores the episode's core message: significant, lasting change requires more than just temporary fixes.

We delve into the mechanics behind Global Citizen's success in mobilising millions for change, focusing on the importance of setting clear, measurable goals and engaging with policymakers in a meaningful way. Michael also discusses his new book, "From Ideas to Impact," offering insights into influencing and implementing policy in a divided world. This book acts as a playbook for those looking to make a difference beyond just awareness, providing practical steps towards achieving impactful policy changes.

Towards the end, Michael directs listeners to further resources and ways to engage with the issues discussed.

Michael's Links:
Website: www.michaelsheldrick.com
Substack: michaelsheldrick.substack.com
Twitter: @micksheldrick
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sheldrick-30364051
Instagram: @micksheldrick

This episode is a fascinating exploration into how targeted, informed action can drive the policy changes necessary to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues. It’s a call to listeners to think strategically about advocacy and the role of policy entrepreneurship in achieving global improvements.

Don't forget to check out the video version of this episode on YouTube.

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• Hal Good
• Jerry Sweeney
• Andreas Werner
• Devaang Bhatt
• Stephen Carroll
• Marcel Roquette
• 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

In this week's episode of the Climate Confident Podcast, I had the pleasure of conversing with Matthew Boulton, Director of Solar, Storage and Private Wire at EDF Renewables UK and Ireland. We delved into renewable energy innovation, spotlighting the  projects EDF Renewables is spearheading across the UK. From the groundbreaking Oxford Project to the ambitious Longfield Solar and Battery initiative, Matthew shed light on how these ventures are pivotal in propelling the UK towards its net-zero targets.

We explored the intricate mechanics behind connecting renewable energy sources directly to the transmission network, a leap forward in enhancing Oxford's journey to net-zero. The discussion further ventured into the Longfield project's unique position in the UK's renewable landscape, highlighting its potential to significantly contribute to the nation's green energy supply.

Matthew's insights into the replication potential of these models across other cities and sectors, including data centres and electric vehicle charging, were particularly thought-provoking. Moreover, addressing public concerns, from visual impact to food security, Matthew provided compelling arguments on how renewable projects can harmonise with local environments and communities.

As we confront the pressing timeline towards net-zero, the innovations and strategic approaches discussed in this episode underscore the urgency and feasibility of scaling up renewable energy solutions.

Join us for this episode of Climate Confident as we delve into the future of renewables with EDF Renewables UK, illuminating the path to a sustainable, low-carbon future. And don't forget to check out the video version of this episode at https://youtu.be/dgNkGm_RacY

Don't forget to subscribe and share your thoughts on how we can collectively accelerate the transition to renewable energy. Your engagement is crucial in driving forward the conversation on sustainability and climate action.

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• Hal Good
• Jerry Sweeney
• Andreas Werner
• Devaang Bhatt
• Stephen Carroll
• Marcel Roquette
• 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

In the latest episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Davide Ceper, CEO of Varda. We delved deep into the innovative solutions Varda is bringing to the agriculture sector. Here’s a quick overview of our enlightening discussion:

Davide shed light on Varda's pivotal projects - Field ID and SoilHive. Field ID is a groundbreaking approach to standardising agricultural field identification, making data sharing more efficient and enhancing transparency in the farming sector. On the other hand, SoilHive aims to revolutionise soil health data accessibility, focusing on aiding farmers in adopting sustainable practices.

We also explored the significant environmental impact of agriculture, contributing to a considerable portion of global greenhouse gas emissions. Davide emphasised the need for collaborative efforts in data sharing and transparency to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

Furthermore, we discussed the implications of COP 28 on agriculture, where Davide highlighted the sector's newfound recognition in global environmental discussions and the need for actionable, long-term strategies.

Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation, which is not only a deep dive into agricultural tech but also a look at the broader implications for environmental sustainability. Tune in for an episode that's as informative as it is thought-provoking!

For more updates and insights, check out Varda’s innovative tools at fieldid.varda.ag and app.soilhive.ag.

Keep listening, keep learning, and let's stay climate confident! And don't forget to check out the video version of this episode at https://youtu.be/jQp66zP_bBM

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• Hal Good
• Jerry Sweeney
• Andreas Werner
• Devaang Bhatt
• Stephen Carroll
• Marcel Roquette
• 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

In this episode of the Climate Confident Podcast, I had the privilege of conversing with Tim Weiss, CEO of Optera, delving into the world of corporate carbon footprint management. Tim's journey, rooted in environmental policy and economics, has led him to spearhead initiatives in renewable energy in Southern Africa and the Navajo Nation.

Our discussion centred on Optera's innovative approach to helping organisations understand and reduce their carbon emissions. Tim emphasised the significance of engaging with supply chains, a crucial aspect often overlooked in carbon footprint management. He illustrated how Optera's data-driven methods enable companies to delve beyond surface-level measures, like solar panels, to truly scrutinise their product manufacturing, distribution, and usage impacts.

One of the most striking insights from Tim was the need for collaboration in achieving sustainability goals. He underscored the importance of forming strategic partnerships with suppliers, moving beyond mere compliance towards collective action for decarbonisation. This cooperative approach is not just beneficial for the environment but also integral for business resilience in a rapidly evolving low-carbon economy.

Tim's optimistic yet realistic vision for the future of corporate sustainability was another highlight. He predicts an era where greenwashing becomes challenging, and corporate emission reporting is sophisticated, driving rapid decarbonisation and aligning with long-term business strategies.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of corporate strategy and sustainability. It’s a deep dive into the complexities and opportunities that lie in the path to a low-carbon future.

Don't forget to check out the video version of this podcast on YouTube, and let's continue to drive meaningful change in our global fight against climate change.

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• Hal Good
• Jerry Sweeney
• Andreas Werner
• Devaang Bhatt
• Stephen Carroll
• Marcel Roquette
• 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

In today's episode of Climate Confident, I hosted Chris Larsen from DynaPower, a beacon of the clean energy movement. Chris unravelled the fascinating world of power electronics, spotlighting DynaPower's role in seamlessly integrating large-scale renewable energy projects with the grid.

Delving deeper, we discussed the monumental Inflation Reduction Act's influence on clean energy deployment, a game-changer that's fuelling investor confidence and project viability across the US.

A highlight was exploring the burgeoning realm of green hydrogen. Despite the scepticism, Chris presented a compelling case for its potential, particularly in industrial applications. We were privy to ground-breaking projects like Utah's green hydrogen plant, which promises a revolution in energy storage and a greener future.

Chris's passion shone through as he spoke of the cultural dynamism at DynaPower, a place where innovation is not just embraced but celebrated. His insights were a testament to the power of consumer demand in driving sustainable practices up the supply chain.

Tune in for a session rich in expertise and brimming with optimism for a sustainable future, powered by the unsung heroes of the energy industry.

Don't forget to check out the video version of this episode at https://youtu.be/5NSKQJw0HD0

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• Hal Good
• Jerry Sweeney
• Andreas Werner
• Devaang Bhatt
• Stephen Carroll
• Marcel Roquette
• 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

In the latest episode of Climate Confident, I have an insightful conversation with Taco Engelaar, Senior Vice President at Neara, about the critical role of digitalisation in the energy sector. Taco highlights how Neara's software creates digital twins of electricity grids, allowing for more efficient management and capacity analysis.

We delve into the complexities of expanding grid infrastructure to support the increasing influx of renewable energy sources. Taco offers a detailed analysis of how digital modelling can enhance existing grid capabilities, potentially doubling capacity without the need for physical expansion—a significant step towards meeting our net-zero targets.

The discussion also covers the potential of interconnected and smart grids to improve energy distribution and address the intermittency challenges of renewable sources. Taco shares practical examples of how Neara's technology is being used to predict and manage grid performance under various environmental stressors, such as storms and floods.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between technology and sustainability, and how strategic digitalisation within the grid infrastructure is pivotal to achieving a resilient and sustainable energy future.

And don't forget to check out the video version of this episode on YouTube

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• Hal Good
• Jerry Sweeney
• Andreas Werner
• Devaang Bhatt
• Stephen Carroll
• Marcel Roquette
• 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

As we kick off a new year (Happy New Year everyone), I wanted to take a few minutes to say thanks to everyone, mention some of last year's highlights, and look ahead to the year to come.

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• Hal Good
• Jerry Sweeney
• Andreas Werner
• Devaang Bhatt
• Stephen Carroll
• Marcel Roquette
• 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