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Energy Switch — Earth Sciences
Energy Switch

Energy and climate are intertwined, two of the most important topics in the world today. Yet listeners know very little about them. This podcast aims to change that. Energy Switch brings together two renowned experts from government, NGOs, academia, and industry, with differing perspectives on important energy and climate topics.These lively discussions are moderated by renowned energy scientist and communicator Dr. Scott Tinker. The podcast is produced, written, and directed by Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker Harry Lynch.

Copyright: © Energy Switch

Latest Episodes:

EU Energy and Climate Policy, Part 1 May 06, 2024

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Europe is currently facing an energy crisis that has instigated a 'war mentality' toward energy use and climate action, accelerating the implementation of new energy projects across the continent. In this episode, Jonathan Elkind, Senior Research Scholar at Columbia's Center on Global Energy Policy, and Dr. Carlos Batlle, Visiting Scientist at the MIT Energy Initiative, delve into the implications of these rapid changes. They discuss what this shift means for Europe's future, its environmental policies, and its relationships with international allies.

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EU Energy and Climate Policy, Part 2 May 05, 2024

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In this continuation of the discussion on Europe’s energy crisis, Dr. Carlos Batlle and Jonathan Elkind explore how the crisis has catalyzed cooperation among EU member states and the central governing body, while reinforcing the drive towards expanding wind and solar energy solutions. Despite this momentum, there remains a debate over pursuing a technologically neutral approach to decarbonization. This episode delves into these dynamics, discussing their implications for Europe’s energy strategy and climate goals.

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Critical Minerals for Energy May 04, 2024

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Critical minerals and rare earth elements are pivotal for the advancement of new energy technologies, yet their supply is predominantly controlled by China, posing significant challenges and risks for global energy security. This episode features Dr. Nedal Nassar, Chief of the Materials Intelligence Research at the US Geological Survey, and Dr. Adam Simon, Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan. They delve into the complexities of global supply and demand, the geopolitical implications, and the prospects of developing new mineral mines in the US to ensure a more secure and stable supply chain.

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Solar Panel Recycling May 03, 2024

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Millions of solar panels are approaching the end of their life cycles, but current recycling methods are costly and underdeveloped, leading many panels to end up in landfills or in temporary storage. This episode features Dr. Serasu Duran, Assistant Professor at the Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary, and Dr. Garvin Heath, Distinguished Member of the Research Staff at the National Energy Laboratory. They discuss the urgent need to develop an effective and sustainable solar panel recycling system to manage this growing issue.

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Electric Cars - Pros and Cons, Part 1 May 02, 2024

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Electric cars offer speed, efficiency, and zero local emissions, marking them as a significant shift in automotive technology. However, their high costs and the controversial sourcing of metals for their batteries present notable challenges. This episode features Dr. David Rapson, Economic Policy Advisor for the Federal Reserve Bank and Professor of Economics at the University of California, alongside Dr. Beia Spiller, Director of the Transportation Program at Resources for the Future. They delve into the advantages and drawbacks of electric vehicles, examining the economic and environmental impacts of this burgeoning technology.

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Electric Cars - Pros and Cons, Part 2 May 01, 2024

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Continuing the discussion from Part 1, this episode further explores the complexities surrounding electric vehicles (EVs). Dr. Beia Spiller, Director of the Transportation Program at Resources for the Future, and Dr. David Rapson, Economic Policy Advisor for the Federal Reserve and Professor of Economics at UC Davis, delve into the effects of subsidies and mandates. While subsidies have boosted EV popularity, they predominantly benefit wealthier individuals, possibly leading to unintended consequences. The conversation also covers the need for more affordable EVs, even at the expense of lower range, to enhance accessibility for a broader audience.

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What's New in Geothermal? Apr 30, 2024

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Geothermal energy, a vast resource found everywhere beneath the surface, offers sustainable solutions for heating homes, generating electricity, and potentially powering industrial processes. In this episode, Lauren Boyd, Acting Director of Geothermal Technologies at the DOE, and Carlos Araque, Co-founder and CEO of Quaise Energy, explore the latest advancements and potential of geothermal energy. They discuss how the depth and location influence the temperature and accessibility of geothermal resources, and the innovative technologies being developed to harness this energy source more effectively.

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Students on the Future of Energy Apr 29, 2024

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Explore the future of energy through the eyes of two promising students deeply engaged in advanced energy studies. Shadya Taleb, a graduate research assistant specializing in carbon capture and storage at the Bureau of Economic Geology, and Grace Stanke, a nuclear engineering student and Miss America 2023, share their insights on a range of topics including nuclear power, carbon capture and storage, and energy sources like solar and wind, battery technology, energy reliability, and climate change. This episode provides a fresh perspective on the challenges and innovations that could shape the energy landscape of tomorrow.

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China's Energy and Climate Policies, Part 1 Apr 28, 2024

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China's position as the world's largest energy producer and consumer, along with its status as the top exporter of solar technology and a leader in nuclear energy, places its energy and climate policies at the forefront of global concerns. This episode features Dr. David Sandalow, Founder & Director of Columbia's US-China program, and Dr. Wei Peng, Assistant Professor at Princeton University. They discuss the impact of China's actions on global CO2 emissions and explore the implications of its policies for international climate strategies.

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China's Energy and Climate Policies, Part 2 Apr 27, 2024

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In this continuation of the discussion on China's energy and climate policies, Dr. Wei Peng and Dr. David Sandalow delve deeper into China's commitment to reducing the use of coal plants despite ongoing construction. They discuss China's strategies for managing local air pollution, achieving peak CO2 emissions, and reaching net-zero goals while prioritizing energy security. The episode examines the feasibility and implications of these ambitious plans.

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Carbon Capture and Storage Apr 26, 2024

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Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) offers a promising solution to mitigate carbon emissions by sequestering them underground. However, the technology faces significant challenges in capturing, transporting, and storing CO2, as well as determining financial responsibility. This episode features Dr. Sallie Greenberg, formerly with the Illinois State Geological Survey, and Dr. Julio Friedmann, Chief Scientist at Carbon Direct, discussing the operational aspects, current projects, and the future potential of CCS technologies.

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Nuclear Waste Apr 25, 2024

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The US stands unique in having permanent storage solutions for low and intermediate-level nuclear waste but lacks a comprehensive plan for high-level waste—a challenge faced by many countries with nuclear power plants. In this episode, Dr. Kathryn Huff, Assistant Secretary at the Office of Nuclear Energy in the DOE, and Dr. Allison Macfarlane, former Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, discuss the complexities and potential solutions for managing high-level nuclear waste.

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How Do We Power the Developing World? Apr 24, 2024

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Providing modern energy services to the developing world is a monumental challenge, as 80% of the global population resides in these regions yet uses only 20% of the world's energy. This episode features a discussion between Ashvin Dayal from The Rockefeller Foundation and Robert Stoner, Deputy Director at the MIT Energy Initiative, on how to potentially double global energy production to meet this demand. They explore strategies for increasing energy access affordably while minimizing environmental impacts.

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The Energy-Water Nexus Apr 23, 2024

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Energy and water are intricately connected, each vital for the effective functioning of the other. This episode explores how municipal water systems and agricultural irrigation consume vast amounts of energy, while energy production itself requires significant volumes of water. Afreen Siddiqi, research scientist at MIT, and Newsha Ajami, Chief Development Officer for Research at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, discuss strategies to reduce consumption in both sectors to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

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Is Net Zero by 2050 Possible? Apr 22, 2024

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Across the globe, numerous countries, states, and corporations have committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This episode features Dr. Melissa Lott, Senior Director of Research at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA, and Terry Keeley, Managing Director at BlackRock, discussing the extensive technologies, policies, and financial investments required to meet this ambitious target. They evaluate the feasibility of reaching net zero by 2050 and consider whether a more realistic goal might be necessary.

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Batteries for Cars and Grids, Part 1 Apr 21, 2024

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Advancements in battery technology have propelled electric vehicles into the mainstream, offering consumers viable alternatives to traditional cars. In this episode, Shirley Meng, Chief Scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, and Lynden Archer, Dean of Engineering at Cornell University, explore the potential for these technologies to similarly transform the electric grid. They discuss the current state of battery innovation and its capacity to enhance grid reliability and efficiency.

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Batteries for Cars and Grids, Part 2 Apr 20, 2024

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Building on the previous discussion of battery technology's impact on vehicles and the grid, this episode dives deeper into the innovation behind battery materials. Lynden Archer, Dean of Engineering at Cornell University, and Shirley Meng, Chief Scientist at Argonne National Laboratory and Professor of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago, explore potential new materials that could make batteries more affordable, safer, and less impactful on the environment. They discuss the implications these advancements could have for the future of energy storage and mobility.

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Energy Impacts on Land Apr 19, 2024

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Energy infrastructure, from extraction sites to transmission lines, occupies and alters vast tracts of land. In this episode, Mark Mills, Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, and Gurcan Gulen, Principal at G2 Energy Insights, discuss the extensive impacts of energy development on land. They explore how various energy processes require drilling and mining, and consider the footprint of energy transportation systems. The conversation also delves into strategies to minimize these impacts while meeting energy needs.

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Could Artificial Intelligence Change Energy? Apr 18, 2024

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Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) hold transformative potential for the energy sector, promising enhanced efficiency and improved forecasting of electricity resources. In this episode, Pamela Isom, Director of the Artificial Intelligence and Technology Office for the US Department of Energy, and Anima Anandkumar, Director of Machine Learning Research at NVIDIA, evaluate the current capabilities of AI and ML in energy. They discuss whether the existing algorithms and computing power are sufficient to fulfill these promising advancements.

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Environmental Impacts of Energy on Air Apr 17, 2024

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While CO2 emissions often dominate discussions on the environmental impacts of energy, particulate air pollution presents a more immediate concern. Burning coal, wood, diesel, and animal dung leads to millions of premature deaths annually. In this episode, Angel Hsu from the University of North Carolina and Amod Pokhrel, a health sciences researcher at UC Berkeley, delve into the issues of air pollution. They explore innovative ideas and strategies to mitigate these harmful effects and improve air quality globally.

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The Good News About Climate Change Apr 16, 2024

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Recent IPCC reports show less warming than predicted a decade ago. Emission growth is slowing, but has not yet plateaued, and while climate scientists say we’re not on track to meet Paris climate goals, the news is better than we often hear. Roger Pielke, Environmental Studies Professor at UC Boulder, and Daniel Cohan, Environmental Engineering Professor at Rice, discuss.

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Understanding the Electric Grid, Part 1 Apr 15, 2024

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The electric grid, and all its attached generators and transformers, has been called the largest machine in the world. In part 1, we’ll discuss how it powers our lives and the modern world, and as our electricity demands grow, how it could better meet them in the future. ERCOT CEO, Brad Jones, and Southern California Edison CEO, Steven Powell, discuss.

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Understanding the Electric Grid, Part 2 Apr 14, 2024

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As we continue our exploration of the electric grid, we delve into its pivotal role in powering cities, industries, homes, and increasingly, our vehicles. In this episode, Southern California Edison CEO, Steven Powell, and ERCOT CEO, Brad Jones, discuss the necessity of expanding and enhancing national electric systems. They consider the challenges of increasing electricity supply while aiming for lower carbon emissions, striving for grids that are more extensive, reliable, and affordable with minimal environmental impact.

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Could LNG Change Global Energy? Apr 13, 2024

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Liquefying natural gas and distributing it globally could equalize access to gas at a universal market price, potentially boosting industry and aiding developing nations in shifting away from coal. However, concerns about the high costs of LNG import terminals and the potential increase in emissions pose significant challenges. In this episode, Octávio Simões, CEO of Tellurian, and Jake Schmidt, Senior Climate Director at NRDC, explore the complexities and potential impacts of expanding the global LNG trade.

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Does the US Need a Thriving Oil and Gas Industry? Apr 12, 2024

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The oil and gas industry is a cornerstone of the US economy, supporting 10 million jobs and contributing billions of dollars annually. However, concerns about CO2 emissions and declining returns are driving investors away. In this episode, Dr. David Victor, Professor of Innovation and Public Policy at UC San Diego, and Matt Gallagher, former CEO of Parsley Energy, debate whether a system based on low carbon energies could replicate the economic and employment benefits currently provided by oil and gas.

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Policies to Reduce CO2 Emissions Apr 11, 2024

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As carbon-based fuels continue to dominate global energy consumption, reducing emissions is both a financial and temporal challenge. In this episode, Dr. Billy Pizer, Vice President of Research and Policy Engagement at Resources for the Future, and Sasha Mackler, Executive Director of the Bipartisan Policy Center, delve into potential solutions. They discuss the pros and cons of a carbon tax and the impact of encouraging carbon-reducing technologies on emission reductions.

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How Can We Make Energy More Sustainable? Apr 10, 2024

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Exploring the multifaceted approach to sustainable energy, this episode dives into three critical areas: environmental equilibrium, societal enrichment, and economic viability. Dr. Bridget Scanlon, Senior Research Scientist at the Bureau of Economic Geology, and Sean O’Donnell, Partner at Quantum Energy, discuss whether various energy resources can align with these sustainability criteria and what it means for the future of energy.

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Is It Time for More Nuclear Power? Part 1 Apr 09, 2024

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As debates intensify about meeting climate goals, proponents argue that expanding nuclear power and embracing new nuclear technologies is essential, while opponents cite cost and time constraints as significant hurdles. In this episode, Dr. Arjun Makhijani, President of the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research, and Michael Shellenberger, a best-selling author, discuss the role of nuclear power in decarbonizing the electricity sector and the challenges and opportunities it presents.

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Is It Time for More Nuclear Power? Part 2 Apr 08, 2024

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The conversation on nuclear power continues as Dr. Arjun Makhijani, President of the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research, and Michael Shellenberger, a best-selling author, delve deeper into its role in achieving decarbonization targets. They discuss the lengthy timeline required to permit and construct each nuclear plant, compared to the faster deployment of alternative technologies. The episode explores whether expanding nuclear power is a viable option for decarbonizing the electricity sector both in the US and globally.

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New Geopolitics of Energy Apr 07, 2024

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The world of energy is evolving. While many experts believe coal, oil, and natural gas will continue to dominate as the largest global energy sources, solar and wind are becoming more affordable, spurring their growth worldwide. In this episode, Secretary Ernie Moniz, the 13th United States Secretary of Energy, and Dr. Dan Yergin, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, discuss the new geopolitics of energy, exploring how these dynamics are shaping our global energy landscape.

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Investing in Our Energy Future Apr 06, 2024

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Transitioning the developed world toward lower-carbon energies and ensuring the developing world has sufficient energy are significant, and sometimes conflicting, challenges. Both transitions will require trillions of dollars. In this episode, Deborah Byers, Partner and Americas Industry Leader at EY, and Ken Medlock, Senior Director of the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University, explore where this funding will come from and how it will be utilized.

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Could Hydrogen Be Our Energy Future? Apr 05, 2024

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Countries are increasingly looking to hydrogen as a solution to reduce CO2 emissions. However, for hydrogen to compete effectively, costs must decrease and technological and manufacturing developments need to advance. In this episode, Dr. Julio Friedmann, Senior Research Scholar at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, and Dr. Steve Hamburg, Chief Scientist at the Environmental Defense Fund, discuss the future of hydrogen as an energy source and its potential to revolutionize the global energy sector.

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Will Solar and Wind Power Our Future? Part 1 Apr 04, 2024

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Solar and wind energy are now among the cheapest new power sources in many countries, yet they contribute only 4% of global electricity. Scaling them up 25-fold poses a major challenge, but they offer a carbon-free alternative. In this episode, Robert Bryce, best-selling author, and Leia Guccione, Managing Director of Carbon Free Electricity at RMI, discuss the potential for wind and solar to power the world and the obstacles ahead.

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Will Solar and Wind Power Our Future? Part 2 Apr 03, 2024

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Solar and wind provide carbon-free power, but can they scale up to meet global demands? While they enjoy favorable public opinion now, concerns over the materials, mining, and land use needed for expansion could shift perspectives. In this episode, Leia Guccione, Managing Director of Carbon Free Electricity at RMI, and Robert Bryce, best-selling author, continue their discussion on whether solar and wind can one day power the world.

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What's the Future of Natural Gas? Apr 02, 2024

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Hydraulic fracturing has revolutionized the energy sector, making gas abundant and affordable. This has led to a shift from coal to gas in power production, resulting in lower, but not zero, carbon emissions. In this episode, Dr. Naomi Boness, Managing Director of the Natural Gas Initiative at Stanford University, and Rachel Fakhry, Analyst for the Climate & Clean Air programs at the National Resources Defense Council, explore the implications of this shift for our energy sector and the environment.

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How Should We Respond to Climate Change? Apr 01, 2024

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Climate change is making an impact on everyday lives. In this episode, Dr. Steve Koonin, a former U.S. Secretary of Science, and Dr. Michael Greenstone, Director of the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago, delve into the intensifying risks our communities face due to global warming. From record-breaking temperatures and melting ice to frequent coastal flooding, learn how these changes are reshaping our world and what it means for our future.

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