93: David A. Kirsch: Inside the Future of Electric and Hydrogen Cars
Dr. David Kirsch discusses the history and future of EVs on “A Climate Change.” Early EVs lost to gasoline cars due to preferences and infrastructure. Renewed interest in the 60s-70s faced hurdles. Today, EVs are mainstream, with a focus on infrastructure, hydrogen, and efficient policies.
92: Revolutionizing EVs: Steve Fambro’s Journey with Aptera’s Solar-Powered Vision
Matt Matern interviews Steve Fambro about Aptera’s EV innovation, highlighting solar charging and aerodynamics with their all-solar car!
91: A Nuclear Fusion Breakthrough with NIF’s Bruno Van Wonterghem
Matt Matern chats with Bruno Van Wonterghem from LLNL. Bruno discusses his journey in laser science and NIF’s recent fusion ignition breakthrough. This milestone is vital for national security and clean energy. He highlights the need for ongoing improvements, funding, and global collaboration for fusion energy.
90: Seth Godin: Tackling Climate Change with The Carbon Almanac
Matt Matern interviews Seth Godin on The Carbon Almanac, a collaborative climate guide. Godin emphasizes systemic changes over individual actions, critiquing the “carbon footprint” concept.
89: How Adam Wright’s Vespene Energy Tackles Methane Emissions with Microgrids
Matt Matern interviews Adam Wright, CEO of Vespene Energy, which reduces methane emissions from small landfills using self-sustaining microgrids. These convert landfill gas to electricity for data processing. Projects aim to cut U.S. landfill methane by 22%.
88: Osprey Orielle Lake Discusses WECAN’s Impact at COP27 & Climate Action
Osprey Orielle Lake of WECAN emphasizes the vital role of women in addressing climate change and discusses COP27’s advancements, including the new loss and damage fund.
87: Carmageddon with Author Daniel Knowles
Join Matt Matern in his discussion with Daniel Knowles, Midwest correspondent for the Economist and author of “Carmegeddon: How Cars Make Life Worse and What to Do About It”.
86: The World Bank’s Environmental Framework: Insights from Kyle Ash
Kyle Ash from BIC discusses promoting transparency in development finance with Matt Matern. Ash highlights the World Bank’s slow shift towards climate-friendly projects and the need for sustainable, accountable development. He advocates for direct air capture (DAC) over current CCS practices.
85: Tony Salas on Shared-X and Boosting Smallholder Farmers’ Productivity
Matt Matern interviews Dr. Tony Salas, CEO of Shared-X. Dr. Salas discusses impact investing, regenerative agriculture, and supporting smallholder farmers. He calls for genuine ESG investments and collaboration to scale impact farming and combat climate change.
84: Lee Frelich Explores Forest Ecology: Fires, Wind Storms, & Climate Change
Dr. Lee Frelich discusses his journey in ecology, the impact of earthworms on Minnesota forests, and the feasibility of planting a trillion trees with Matt Matern. He emphasizes reducing CO2 emissions and improving forest management to combat climate change and preserve Minnesota’s biomes.
83: Jordan Ramer on Revolutionizing EV Charging Infrastructure with EV Connect
Jordan Ramer, CEO of EV Connect, discusses improving EV charging infrastructure. He highlights the need for more stations, partnerships, and government incentives. Ramer envisions decentralized fueling and significant industry growth with an exceptional user experience.
82: Kate Williams Discusses 1% For The Planet’s Global Environmental Efforts
Matt Matern and Kate Williams, CEO of 1% For The Planet, discuss their mission for businesses to donate 1% of sales to environmental causes. With $435M certified in 20 years and 5,500 members, she highlights Patagonia’s purpose trust and the Planet Impact Fund for climate impact.
81: Kathleen Merrigan and Mauro Guillen on Sustainable Food Systems
Matt speaks with Kathleen Merrigan and Mauro Guillen. They discuss the importance of organic agriculture, behavioral changes, and the role of businesses in combating climate change. They stress the need for faster adaptation and clearer regulations.
80: U.S. Department of Energy’s Patrick Gilman on Decarbonizing the Grid
Matt Matern talks with DOE’s Patrick Gilman about wind energy, its role in decarbonizing the grid by 2035, and integrating hydrogen for storage. Key goals: 30GW offshore wind by 2030, 15GW floating wind by 2035. Focus on community benefits and environmental impacts.
79: Solar Advances with Garrett Nilsen: DOE’s Vision for the Future
Matt Matern interviews Garrett Nilsen, Deputy Director of the DOE Solar Energy Technologies Office. They discuss ambitious solar goals, new tech like perovskites, integrating solar with the grid, and agrivoltaics. Garrett emphasizes immediate solar investment and DOE’s role in innovation and cost reduction.
78: Andy Marsh: Steering Plug Power to a Hydrogen-Fueled Future
Matt talks with Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh about evolving from Bell Labs to leading a green hydrogen revolution.
77: Jigar Shah’s Vision for a Greener Energy Sector
Jigar Shah, Director of the DOE’s Loan Programs Office, discusses financing clean energy projects, hydrogen storage, small modular reactors, and virtual power plants. He emphasizes reducing investment risks and the need for a diverse energy mix to ensure resilience and sustainability.
76: From EPA to Forward Party: Christine Todd Whitman’s Political Journey
Governor Christie Todd Whitman speaks with Matt Matern about the Forward Party, promoting democracy, open primaries, and ranked-choice voting. She reflects on her time at the EPA, advocating for a diverse energy mix and competent government workers. Join the Forward Party for practical solutions!
75: Jay Famiglietti Discusses Agriculture’s Role in California’s Water Crisis
Matt Matern interviews Jay Famiglietti about California’s worsening water crisis, emphasizing prolonged dry periods and excessive agricultural use. Jay calls for efficient practices, a national water strategy, and better industry water accounting. Urgent action is needed.
74b: From Sea Ice to Glaciers: Reflective Technology’s Impact
Matt Matern discusses glacier melt solutions with Dr. Leslie Field, Dr. Soumitra Das, and Dr. Subarna Bhattacharyya. They highlight Dr. Field’s reflective material, climate modeling, and a November climate concert to raise awareness and funds. Global cooperation is essential.
74: Michelle Moore on “Rural Renaissance” and Clean Energy Solutions
Matt Matern interviews Michelle Moore about “Rural Renaissance.” Moore, CEO of Groundswell, discusses community solar, energy efficiency, and local engagement in clean energy. She highlights local heroes and stresses the importance of local actions for climate goals.
73: Bill Nussey: Clean Energy Entrepreneur & Author of “Freeing Energy”
Matt Matern interviews Bill Nussey, author of “Freeing Energy.” Bill discusses the disruptive potential of small-scale solar systems, the need to reduce regulatory barriers, and the economic benefits of rooftop solar, envisioning millions of new jobs.
72: Mark Z. Jacobson: Pioneering a Renewable Future, One City at a Time
Matt Matern speaks with Dr. Mark Jacobson about renewable energy and climate policy. Jacobson advocates for 100% renewables by 2051, critiques nuclear power, and champions CO2 control and green technologies for a sustainable future.
71: Mike Barnard Discusses HVDC and The Future of Electric Grids
Michael Barnard of The Future Is Electric discusses his journey from tech to climate solutions. He emphasizes wind, solar, and storage over nuclear power, highlights HVDC’s potential for electricity transmission, and critiques hydrogen’s inefficiencies, advocating for battery advancements.