Climate Confident - Practical Climate Solutions That Cut Emissions

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Microgrids and Climate Resilience: A Practical Path to Cleaner Energy Jan 22, 2025

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In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I’m joined by Angelo Campus, the CEO and co-founder of BoxPower, to explore the transformative potential of microgrids in building resilient and sustainable energy systems.

Angelo shares his journey from growing up at the edge of the grid in rural Northern California to founding a company that develops microgrids powered by solar, batteries, and backup generators. These systems are delivering power to underserved communities, disaster-stricken regions, and rural areas where traditional grid infrastructure is too costly or unreliable.

We delve into the surprising shift that brought BoxPower’s solutions back to the US, where ageing grid infrastructure and rising wildfire risks have utilities rethinking their approach to energy delivery. Angelo explains how microgrids can replace end-of-line infrastructure, reduce wildfire risks, and cut costs for utilities—all while increasing renewable energy use.

Key takeaways from the conversation include:

The economic tipping point where microgrids become more cost-effective than traditional distribution systems.
The role of microgrids in improving energy access for tribal communities and disaster relief efforts.
Why current battery technologies, though promising, still require complementary solutions like backup generators in certain climates.
How utility collaboration and regulatory reform are essential to scaling distributed energy solutions.

Angelo also provides a frank critique of clean tech investment trends, calling for more focus on infrastructure innovation over pure software solutions. His pragmatism about integrating existing technologies to combat climate change is refreshing.

Tune in to hear how microgrids could redefine our approach to energy in a rapidly warming world.

Links and Resources:

Visit BoxPower for more on their microgrid solutions.
Connect with Angelo on LinkedIn or follow BoxPower on social media.
Don’t forget to follow this podcast and leave a review!

Let me know what you think of this episode—get in touch via LinkedIn or email at tomraftery@outlook.com.

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Why Flexibility, Not Generation, Is the Real Energy Bottleneck Jan 15, 2025

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In this week's episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I’m joined by Anders Lindberg, President of Wärtsilä Energy, to unpack the complexities of the global energy transition. Wärtsilä has a wealth of insight into how we can move towards a 100% renewable energy future—without breaking the bank.

Anders and I dive into the often-overlooked need for flexibility in energy systems. While solar and wind energy have become cheaper and more widespread, integrating them effectively into existing grids is far from straightforward. Anders explains how Wärtsilä’s grid-balancing engines and battery storage solutions can work together to stabilise energy supply, preventing curtailment and ensuring renewables deliver maximum impact.

We explore why relying solely on renewables and battery storage leads to significantly higher costs, using Chile as a case study where a more balanced system could save $17 billion in investment. Anders also tackles the future of green hydrogen, acknowledging its promise while stressing it won’t scale up meaningfully until 2035 or later. In the meantime, he makes the case for natural gas as a transitional fuel, with Wärtsilä’s engines already primed to run on sustainable fuels when they become viable.

Key takeaways from this episode:

Flexibility is critical: Balancing technologies like batteries and flexible engine power plants are essential for integrating renewables efficiently.
Curtailment hurts progress: Inflexible grids force renewables offline, undermining their financial viability and prolonging fossil fuel reliance.
Future-proof investments: Wärtsilä’s hydrogen-ready engines ensure today’s investments won’t become stranded assets tomorrow.
Policy matters: Anders highlights how regulatory environments, like Texas' nodal pricing and the Texas Energy Fund, can either accelerate or hinder the energy transition.

If you’re interested in how we can accelerate decarbonisation while maintaining energy security and controlling costs, this conversation offers plenty to consider.

For more on Wärtsilä’s work in shaping the future of energy, check out their website [insert link], or connect with Anders Lindberg on LinkedIn.

Thanks for tuning in—let’s stay climate confident!

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The Climate Benefits of Regenerative Farming: Insights from McCain Foods Jan 08, 2025

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In this episode of Climate Confident, I sit down with Charlie Angelakos, Global VP of External Affairs and Sustainability at McCain Foods, to delve into the company’s ambitious goal of achieving 100% regenerative agriculture by 2030. With a direct relationship with 3,500 farmers globally and a commitment to farming in harmony with nature, McCain is tackling the twin challenges of climate resilience and sustainable food production.

Charlie provides a detailed breakdown of regenerative agriculture as McCain defines it—focusing on improving soil health, reducing emissions, and minimising reliance on synthetic inputs. He shares insights from their Farms of the Future initiative, where McCain tests and refines regenerative practices to share successes (and failures) with their farmer partners. Early results are encouraging, with emissions down 30% and fertiliser use reduced by 17% at their New Brunswick farm.

One key takeaway is the importance of partnerships. McCain collaborates closely with farmers, providing training, financial incentives, and long-term contracts to support the transition to regenerative methods. Charlie also highlights the role of broader collaboration across the food industry to standardise metrics and reduce pressure on farmers.

We also touch on educating consumers about the benefits of regenerative agriculture. From launching interactive tools to engaging advertising campaigns, McCain is making strides in closing the awareness gap.

Tune in to hear why regenerative agriculture isn’t just about climate—it’s about building a resilient, sustainable food system that works for both farmers and the planet.

Find links to McCain's sustainability initiatives, including their Hot Potato podcast here.

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The 2024 Climate Year in Review: What Worked and What’s Next Dec 25, 2024

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This year-end episode of Climate Confident takes a deep dive into the most impactful insights from 2024. With 47 episodes of inspiring conversations, we explore the technological breakthroughs, systemic strategies, and collaborative efforts shaping climate action.

Highlights include Dragonfly Energy’s game-changing battery tech, Neara’s grid optimisation solutions, and regenerative agriculture practices from eAgrinom. We also discuss collaborative initiatives like the Dairy Methane Action Alliance and the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, showing the power of working together for real impact.

From innovative tools like Karma Wallet to storytelling-driven approaches by EcoAthletes, we see how individuals are driving change. On the policy front, the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act has been pivotal, while sovereign wealth funds and carbon-backed currencies hint at the future of climate finance.

As we head into 2025, I challenge you: What role will you play in the climate comeback? Every action matters. Join me in January for more insights as we continue building a sustainable future.

Enjoy the holidays, and let’s keep the momentum going!

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🎤 Looking for a keynote speaker on climate, energy, AI, or sustainability?

I help executive audiences understand the technologies, trends, and decisions shaping the low-carbon transition.

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If you’d like to suggest future guests, challenge ideas from the show, or share climate reports and solutions worth discussing, join us at r/ClimateConfident

Making Carbon Accounting Can Be as Trustworthy as Financial Reporting – SAP’s Green Ledger Dec 18, 2024

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In this special episode of Climate Confident, I sit down with Stephan Müller from SAP to explore a major development in sustainability and finance – the newly launched SAP Green Ledger. Stephan, a finance expert at SAP, explains how this tool applies the same rigorous accounting principles used in finance to carbon emissions, offering companies a new level of transparency and trust in their sustainability reporting.

We discuss why CFOs are increasingly being seen as "Chief Value Officers", balancing financial performance with sustainability outcomes. Stephan makes a strong case that trustworthy carbon data isn’t just about compliance with regulations like CSRD or ISSB – it’s also a competitive advantage. More accurate, auditable data can help identify carbon hotspots, guide investments, and ultimately reduce emissions more effectively.

Key takeaways include:

Why sustainability reporting is landing on the CFO’s desk and how it's reshaping finance teams.
How carbon budgets can be integrated into a company’s operations, alongside financial budgets, to target emissions reduction where it matters most.
The role of solutions like SAP's Green Ledger in ensuring traceable and auditable carbon data – critical for avoiding accusations of greenwashing.

We also touch on the broader implications of accurate carbon accounting, from attracting investment to reducing recruitment costs, as employees increasingly seek out purpose-driven employers.

If you’re a finance leader, sustainability officer, or just curious about the future of carbon reporting, this episode will give you a clear sense of where it’s all headed.

For more on SAP’s Green Ledger, check out sap.com/greenledger. As always, you can find me on LinkedIn to share your thoughts – is carbon accounting the next big thing for finance?

Listen now and stay climate confident. 🌍

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🎤 Looking for a keynote speaker on climate, energy, AI, or sustainability?

I help executive audiences understand the technologies, trends, and decisions shaping the low-carbon transition.

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If you’d like to suggest future guests, challenge ideas from the show, or share climate reports and solutions worth discussing, join us at r/ClimateConfident

Climate Action in Agriculture: Insights from the Dairy Methane Action Alliance Dec 11, 2024

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In this episode of the Climate Confident Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Katie Anderson, Senior Director at the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). Katie leads efforts to drive climate action in the food and agriculture supply chain, making her an incredible resource on a topic we need to tackle urgently: methane emissions in agriculture.

Methane, a potent but short-lived greenhouse gas, is responsible for a significant portion of agricultural emissions. Katie explains why addressing methane is not only crucial for curbing global warming but also an opportunity to improve resilience in the food system. We dive into the critical role of the dairy industry, which accounts for a significant share of methane emissions, and explore actionable solutions such as improved herd management, better manure management techniques, and innovative feed additives like Bovair.

Katie also shares insights into the Dairy Methane Action Alliance, a coalition of major food and agriculture companies—including Nestlé, Danone, and General Mills—working together to measure, manage, and reduce methane emissions across their supply chains. We discuss how these companies collaborate to address barriers like financing and farmer engagement while sending a strong demand signal for low-emission practices.

Key takeaways include the need for globally scalable, yet locally tailored, approaches to methane reduction and the critical importance of farmer-to-farmer learning. We also chat about exciting innovations like methane-reducing cattle feed and genetic advancements to breed lower-emission livestock.

If you're curious about how cutting-edge solutions and collective action are shaping a more sustainable agricultural future, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

For more, visit business.edf.org/DMAA or connect with Katie on LinkedIn.

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🎤 Looking for a keynote speaker on climate, energy, AI, or sustainability?

I help executive audiences understand the technologies, trends, and decisions shaping the low-carbon transition.

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If you’d like to suggest future guests, challenge ideas from the show, or share climate reports and solutions worth discussing, join us at r/ClimateConfident

The Future of Marine Electrification: How Batteries Are Powering the Maritime Industry Dec 04, 2024

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In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Chris Kruger, founder of AYK Energy, a leader in marine battery innovation. Together, we delved into the exciting yet challenging world of maritime electrification and the technologies driving its growth.

Chris shared insights into the evolution of marine batteries, from their humble beginnings powering communications systems to today's sophisticated propulsion applications. We discussed why lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries are emerging as the preferred choice for safety and cost-effectiveness, even as legacy technologies like NMC continue to dominate in some corners of the sector.

A key takeaway was the potential of containerised battery solutions, which could revolutionise short-sea shipping by offering flexibility and scalability. Chris drew parallels between these modular systems and the old stagecoach model—simply swap in fresh batteries, and you’re ready to go. It’s a clever way to overcome range limitations while easing infrastructure challenges.

We also explored the comparative merits of green fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia versus batteries. While hydrogen holds promise for long-distance voyages, Chris highlighted batteries’ superior efficiency and practicality for short-sea routes. He also shed light on the role of hybrid systems as a stepping stone toward full electrification.

Looking to the future, Chris explained how advances like solid-state batteries could transform marine electrification entirely, potentially enabling transoceanic voyages. It’s a bit further off, but the trajectory is promising.

Finally, we touched on the broader decarbonisation landscape and how companies like AYK Energy are making sustainable solutions affordable and accessible by leveraging economies of scale in manufacturing.

Whether you’re an industry insider or just curious about maritime innovation, this episode offers a grounded and thoughtful look at the technologies shaping a greener future for shipping.

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🎤 Looking for a keynote speaker on climate, energy, AI, or sustainability?

I help executive audiences understand the technologies, trends, and decisions shaping the low-carbon transition.

Download my Speaker Pack: https://tinyurl.com/spkrpck

If you’d like to suggest future guests, challenge ideas from the show, or share climate reports and solutions worth discussing, join us at r/ClimateConfident

The Truth About Net Zero Targets: Insights from John Lang Nov 27, 2024

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In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I’m joined by John Lang, Project Lead at the Net Zero Tracker and a leading figure in the fight for transparency and accountability in climate action. Together, we explore the complexities behind net zero commitments and unpack what’s needed to transform promises into meaningful results.

John explains the work of the Net Zero Tracker, which monitors over 4,000 entities worldwide—including countries, companies, cities, and regions—on their progress (or lack thereof) towards achieving net zero. He sheds light on a troubling reality: while ambition is on the rise, integrity is still lagging behind. Shockingly, only 1 in 20 entities meet the minimum procedural requirements for credible net zero targets.

We also delve into the role of subnational governments—regions and cities—in driving climate action, particularly in the face of national inaction. John outlines how aligning local and national policies (what he calls "vertical governance") and fostering ambition loops can accelerate progress.

A key takeaway from this episode is the persistent confusion around net zero standards, which allows some entities to hide behind weak targets. John stresses the urgent need for standardisation and convergence, which could close the gaps in accountability.

Finally, we discuss practical ways individuals can make a difference, from talking about climate change to pushing for systemic change, whether through politics or their personal spheres of influence.

This conversation is a compelling reminder of the challenges we face, but also the power of collective action in moving the needle on climate goals.

Have a listen, and let’s keep this vital conversation going!

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🎤 Looking for a keynote speaker on climate, energy, AI, or sustainability?

I help executive audiences understand the technologies, trends, and decisions shaping the low-carbon transition.

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If you’d like to suggest future guests, challenge ideas from the show, or share climate reports and solutions worth discussing, join us at r/ClimateConfident

Trillions at Stake: Sovereign Wealth Funds and the Climate Transition Nov 20, 2024

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In this episode of the Climate Confident Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr Ana Nacvalovaite, a research fellow at the University of Oxford’s Kellogg College Centre for Mutual and Co-Owned Business. Ana brought a wealth of insight into a fascinating and complex topic: the role of sovereign wealth funds in advancing sustainability, tackling climate change, and driving equitable global development.

We started with the basics—what sovereign wealth funds are and why they matter. Think of them as government-managed investment funds, often backed by surplus revenues from resources like oil, which aim to secure economic stability for future generations. But, as Ana explains, their influence extends well beyond national borders. With trillions of dollars under management, these funds are increasingly pivotal in shaping ESG (environmental, social, and governance) strategies and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

We explored how sovereign wealth funds from countries like Norway, the UAE, and China are pivoting towards green technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure. Ana also shared why transparency varies so much between funds and how geopolitical strategies can limit what the public—and sometimes even stakeholders—can access.

Of course, we didn’t shy away from the challenges. Greenwashing, the lack of global standards, and the delicate balance between profitability and sustainability were all on the table. Ana explained how sovereign wealth funds can be both a force for good and a source of contention in developing countries, particularly in regions with weaker regulatory frameworks.

By the end of our conversation, one thing was clear: sovereign wealth funds are not just passive players in global finance; they’re active architects of a sustainable future. Whether it’s mitigating climate risks or funding net-zero technologies, their potential is enormous, but so too are the responsibilities that come with managing such immense capital.

For anyone interested in sustainability, global finance, or the interplay between economics and climate action, this episode offers a wealth of insights. Have a listen and let me know what you think!

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🎤 Looking for a keynote speaker on climate, energy, AI, or sustainability?

I help executive audiences understand the technologies, trends, and decisions shaping the low-carbon transition.

Download my Speaker Pack: https://tinyurl.com/spkrpck

If you’d like to suggest future guests, challenge ideas from the show, or share climate reports and solutions worth discussing, join us at r/ClimateConfident

Why Humanitarian Aid Now Depends on Energy Strategy Nov 13, 2024

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In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I chat with David Nicholson, Mercy Corps' Chief Climate Officer, about their impactful work at the intersection of climate resilience, energy access, and humanitarian action. Mercy Corps operates across 42 countries, tackling critical issues around food and water security, governance, and economic opportunity—all with a climate focus.
David explains why energy access, often overlooked in climate adaptation, is vital for vulnerable communities. We dive into the power of renewable microgrids and solar-powered solutions that enable cold storage and water pumping, helping farmers preserve produce and communities manage water resources in increasingly extreme climates. David shares insights into projects like a solar mini-grid in an Ethiopian displacement camp, which is providing electricity and boosting economic resilience for 18,000 people.
We also discuss the challenges of driving energy solutions in fragile regions, from funding obstacles to the perceived risks that discourage private investment. David advocates for a ‘just energy transition’ to address these barriers, one that not only prioritises decarbonisation but includes the world’s most climate-impacted communities.
If you're keen to learn about the critical role of energy access in climate adaptation, the emerging clean energy solutions for vulnerable areas, and how organisations like Mercy Corps are shaping a more resilient future, tune in to this episode. You won’t want to miss this insight into climate justice at the frontline.

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🎤 Looking for a keynote speaker on climate, energy, AI, or sustainability?

I help executive audiences understand the technologies, trends, and decisions shaping the low-carbon transition.

Download my Speaker Pack: https://tinyurl.com/spkrpck

If you’d like to suggest future guests, challenge ideas from the show, or share climate reports and solutions worth discussing, join us at r/ClimateConfident