Come to wickedproblems.earth to get these ad-free and all the show notes with links! In this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delevan discusses the outcomes and challenges of COP29 in Baku. Special guests, Tom Raftery from the Climate Confident podcast and Tim McDonnell from Semafor, join Richard for in-depth conversations about climate finance, fossil fuel discussions, adaptation needs, and the potential impacts of recent geopolitical events, including the reelection of Trump. Listen in...
Nov 21, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 21
Go ad-free at wickedproblems.earth! <irony>Well it’s been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon. 1 </irony> Hope you’re enjoying Trumpocalypse Day 8. How are you getting by? Had such a great night 2 catching up with The Heat and the Fury author Peter Schwartzstein early this week that this episode is even more delayed than I thought it’d be. Before a stop on his UK book tour we buttonholed him for a sidebar earlier this week at the top of the show. For our main event I sat down with Pittsfiel...
Nov 14, 2024•40 min•Season 3Ep. 20
In this episode of Wicked Problems: Climate Tech Conversations, host Richard Delavan discusses the implications of Trump's presidential election win on US and global climate policy, specifically focusing on the upcoming COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The episode explores potential rollbacks of the Inflation Reduction Act's EV tax credits and the US's possible withdrawal from international climate treaties. Richard talks to Semafor Net Zero editor Tim McDonnell about the unpredictability of Trump's ...
Nov 11, 2024•32 min•Season 3Ep. 19
It’s been a long night. But I thought worth turning this morning’s note into a bit more of a rough and ready talk. If you want the full thing with all the notes : In Defeat: Defiance RICHARD DELEVAN · 11:22 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Nov 06, 2024•19 min•Season 3Ep. 18
With COP29 in a few days, all eyes turn to Baku, a city with a complex relationship to fossil fuels, where 125 years ago, nearly half the world’s oil was produced. Today, Azerbaijan finds itself hosting the world’s largest climate summit, a moment that exposes both the country's potential as a climate leader and the contradictions of its role as a petrostate. In this episode of Wicked Problems – Climate Tech Conversations , I sat down with Ruth Townend, Senior Research Fellow in Climate Diplomac...
Nov 01, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 17
For this haunted Wicked Problems – Climate Tech Conversations , Richard Delevan is joined by celebrated author Manda Scott , known for historical fiction, thrilling plots, and a gift for exploring deep-seated mythologies that shape human struggles. In this Halloween/Samhain episode, Scott takes us through her latest novel, Any Human Power , a genre-bending work that interweaves climate, technology, politics, and mythology to probe our existential crises. Halloween, or Samhain in Celtic tradition...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 16
In this comprehensive episode of 'Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations,' host Richard Delevan talks with various experts, including Adam Bell from Stonehaven UK and Chris Slater, CEO of Oka. They explore significant shifts in UK energy policies, the role of carbon markets and their pivotal moment in a shift from voluntary towards compliance, and innovative investment strategies in climate projects. The episode underscores the dynamic interplay between government intervention and market f...
Oct 24, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Host Richard Delevan is joined by Loes van Dijk, founder of Climate Court , to delve into the latest updates in climate litigation worldwide. This episode covers pivotal cases, such as the major complaint against BlackRock in France for misleading sustainability claims, lawsuits over misleading environmental impact ads, historic youth climate activism in Ontario, and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's renewed legal battle against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Additionally, it explores global legal ba...
Oct 21, 2024•27 min•Season 3Ep. 14
Here’s the second half of our series on Texas. If you missed the first one, it might be handy to go back listen first. If you’d like to receive these episodes ahead of others and help grow this platform with unique angles on climate and climate tech, now is a great time to become a material supporter. Until November 5, get an annual membership at a 20% discount. Regardless of any election outcome, independent media is crucial to understanding the world as it is—not as someone wants you to believ...
Oct 18, 2024•35 min•Season 3Ep. 13
If Texas, oil and gas capital of America, doesn’t come to mind as a climate tech and clean energy hub, you need to get right. Thankfully we’re here for you. Texas has been a magnet for European climate tech startups and scaleups looking to set up shop in the US. Not just for decent music and food, but because (despite Elon Musk’s relocation there) it’s putting innovation on steroids. With the US election looming in less than three weeks, if you’re feeling glum about the prospects for continued p...
Oct 17, 2024•49 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Rupert Read, co-director of the Climate Majority Project and Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at University of East Anglia. We mentioned his role in amplifying a piece by Jonathan Leake in the Telegraph, which quoted IPCC jefe Jim Skea, and the headline of which piece said he was calling time of death on the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to 1.5C. Skea actually said, "1.5°C is slipping away"— a phrase he notes is usually associated with moment when a person is slipping away from life. ...
Oct 17, 2024•35 min•Season 3Ep. 11
In this special post- New York Climate Week episode, we dive deep into the takeaways from one of the most significant global gatherings on climate action. Joined by two thought leaders in the climate tech space— Colin Mahoney , communications strategist and founder at Mahoney Communications , and Ted Dillon , COO at Clean Energy Ventures —we reflect on how the week unfolded and what it means for the future of climate innovation and policy. Key Highlights: New York Climate Week 2024 Vibe: Ted and...
Oct 16, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 10
In this episode, host Richard Delevan dives into the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton and why it’s time for North Carolina to sue Big Oil for damages. Joined by Richard Wiles from the Center for Climate Integrity, we explore how oil majors fueled the climate crisis and intensified storms like Helene. We argue that to win in court—and in public opinion—North Carolina must shift the narrative, hold Big Oil accountable, and move beyond cautious rhetoric around 1.5°C - which we discuss with...
Oct 12, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 3Ep. 9
In this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delevan interviews author Stephen Markley about his book 'The Deluge,' which explores the impacts of the climate crisis on society and politics through a narrative spanning 30 years. The conversation delves into Markley's experiences and challenges while writing the novel, including its eerie real-world parallels and feedback loops in human behavior driven by climate change. They discuss how Markley uses literary fiction to depict complex human re...
Oct 03, 2024•49 min•Season 3Ep. 8
In this episode of Wicked Problems, a guest contributor - chief demon Screwtape - praises Senator JD Vance's climate responses in a recent vice-presidential debate, Screwtape elaborates on how Vance used emotional appeals, subtle racism, and misdirection to deflect from critical issues. 00:00 Introduction to Wicked Problems 00:08 Climate Change in the Vice-Presidential Debate 00:44 JD Vance's Response and Misdirection 01:32 Screwtape's Analysis of Misdirection 02:26 Emotional Appeal as a Shield ...
Oct 02, 2024•12 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Tim McDonnell of Semafor discusses the shifting dynamics of climate and energy policy in both the US and the UK. As political leaders struggle to balance energy security, climate action, and public perception, they explore the "green hush" happening in campaign messaging—why politicians are avoiding direct references to climate change and how this could impact both policy and public engagement. The Green Hushing Phenomenon: "Green hushing" has emerged as a tactic in political campaigns, with pol...
Oct 01, 2024•44 min•Season 3Ep. 6
This episode of 'Wicked Problems,' hosted by Richard Delavan, delves into the catastrophic potential impacts of climate change, particularly focusing on the possible shutdown of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and its global repercussions. Featuring insights from Dr. Anatol Lieven from the Quincy Institute, the discussion explores the tangible risks posed by climate tipping points, such as radical shifts in weather patterns, economic hardship, and political instability. Th...
Sep 30, 2024•41 min•Season 3Ep. 5
In this two-part episode, host Richard Delevan digs in on critical minerals with Jeremy Wrathall, the founder and CEO of Cornish Lithium. As the UK and other nations navigate their climate goals, we explore how companies like Cornish Lithium are developing sustainable, domestic sources of lithium and other critical minerals essential for the green energy transition. With the recent Labour Party conference and discussions around industrial strategy, this conversation couldn't be more timely. And ...
Sep 26, 2024•57 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Our first UK party conference, in Liverpool. Can the UK reclaim leadership in climate technology, sustainability, and innovation? Our guests included: * Andrew Pakes , MP for Peterborough * Christian Hernandez , Founder, 2150.vc * Buffy Price , Co-founder and CEO, Carbon Re * Orla Shields , CEO and Founder, Kamma * Anna Bazely , Head of Government and Regulatory Affairs, Enoda * Paul McNamee , Director and Founder, Labour Climate and Environment Forum (LCEF) Key Discussion Points: * The Role of ...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Host Richard Delevan interviews author Peter Schwartzstein, whose experiences give him a unique authority to explore how difficult it is to cover “climate security” from the front lines. Climate and Violence Many associate climate-related violence with regions like Syria. Schwartzstein explains that while climate change didn’t directly cause the Syrian civil war, it played a critical role in weakening the societal fabric. Severe droughts exacerbated poverty and rural migration, fostering instabi...
Sep 24, 2024•53 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Simon Sharpe and host Richard Delevan unpack key themes from Five Times Faster , focusing on the central question: why are we moving so slowly, and how can we accelerate decarbonisation? Sharpe shares how his time as a climate diplomat—particularly during the UK’s presidency of COP26—crystallized his understanding that we need to think faster and act faster if we are to keep the 1.5-degree target within reach. It’s not just about hitting the right targets, but about focusing on actions that matt...
Sep 19, 2024•54 min•Season 3Ep. 1
UK Government's Bold Climate Goals: Renewable Energy and Policy Review In this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delavan discusses British energy policy and climate strategy with notable guests Adam Bell, Director of Policy at Stonehaven UK, and Trevor Hutchings, CEO of the Renewable Energy Association (REA). They explore the UK government's ambitious plans for ramping up renewable energy, infrastructure investments, and the strategic choices surrounding emerging technology and planning r...
Jul 30, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 47
Navigating Sustainability in Travel and Politics In this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delevan discusses the intersection of politics, travel, and sustainability. Delayed by recent significant events, the episode reflects on potential political shifts with Kamala Harris possibly picking a new VP nominee and the implications of such a move. Richard interviews Justin Reid from TripAdvisor about sustainable travel trends and consumer behavior, discussing the balance between enjoying trav...
Jul 22, 2024•38 min•Season 2Ep. 46
Attempted Assassination at Trump Rally: A Reporter’s Eyewitness Account This video script details a harrowing recount of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania. The narrative follows Greg Walton, a foreign correspondent for Agence France-Presse, providing a firsthand account of the chaotic and tragic event. Walton describes the moment shots were fired, the crowd's reaction, and the subsequent confusion and blame directed toward the media. The scri...
Jul 15, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 45
Subscribe at wickedproblems.earth to get us ad-free! In this episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations, host Richard Delevan sits down with Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, to delve into the transformative potential and current challenges of solar power in Europe. The conversation spans the explosive growth of solar installations, the strategic goals of SolarPower Europe, and the imperative need for a flexibility revolution in energy systems. Solar Power Growth and ...
Jul 15, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 44
Guests: Adam Bell , Director of Policy at Stonehaven Megan Kenyon , Policy Correspondent at The New Statesman Sugandha Srivastav , British Academy Fellow and Lecturer in Environmental Economics at the Smith School, Oxford University One week after Labour’s sweeping victory, we ask three of the smartest observers of UK climate and climate tech policy about early moves like the hiring of Chris Stark, the removal of the offshore wind ban, and picking a fight with NIMBYs - some of whom may turn out ...
Jul 12, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 2Ep. 43
As Running Tide folds and Microsoft and Google scramble to figure out how to make up for rising emissions from AI and data centres, what’s next for the carbon removals market? Recovering lawyer John Lin and Dr. Amber Janda, co-founders of Tau Carbon, join us to discuss. They discuss their journey from academics and different career paths to establishing a company focused on carbon removal using innovative biomass storage solutions. The conversation explores the inspiration behind their venture, ...
Jul 10, 2024•48 min•Season 2Ep. 42
For an ad-free version, sign up at wickedproblems.earth In this Election Night special, we delve into the UK's political landscape surrounding the recent general election and its implications for climate action. The discussion highlights David Cameron's earlier attempts to position the Conservative Party as leaders in climate action, the feasibility of the UK's 2050 net zero emissions target, and Labour's policy proposals including GB Energy and potential carbon taxes. Featuring perspectives on ...
Jul 05, 2024•1 hr 59 min•Season 2Ep. 41
In this episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations, host Richard Delevan discusses global climate litigation trends with Kate Higham, Policy Fellow at the Grantham Institute and head of the Climate Laws of the World Project. Get Global trends in climate change litigation: 2024 snapshot - Grantham Institute. They explore the efficacy and future of climate litigation against governments and corporations, the justice concerns between the Global North and South, and potential legislativ...
Jul 03, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 40
In today's episode we have two insightful interviews that explore the frontiers of clean energy and the political landscapes shaping its future. Sign up for our UK election night livestream on 4th July at 9pm UK time with a great panel including Sarah Mackintosh, Rupert Read, Prashant Rao, Ben Cooke and more. Part 1: Hal Hodson, Americas Editor of The Economist Hal Hodson discusses his recent deep dive into solar energy, exploring the rapid advancements and exponential growth in the sector. He e...
Jul 01, 2024•45 min•Season 2Ep. 39
